Okay, by the time we are all done, I am hoping André can put this altogether. Anyway…this thread is a work in progress. I am at school right now, so I will finish it when I get home
Table Of Contents:
i: Introduction
ii: Tutorials/tricks
iii: Support
General YoYo Play
i: Styles of play
ii: 1a Definition and Questions
iii: 2a Definition and Questions
iv: 3a Definition and Questions
v: 4a Definition and Questions
vi: 5a Definition and Questions
vii: Videos:
YoYos:
i: Buying Guide ( See DocRobots)
ii: Recommended YoYo’s (Advanced)
iii: Maintenance
iv: Modding
String:
i: Basics of YoYo String
ii: What to look for in a String
iii: Which string is for me?
iv: G-String and other hand made strings
v: How to choose/Buy
1: Introduction:
The yoyo is much more then a toy. It is a wonderful sport, and a competitive one as well. You will find yourself learning extravagant tricks, meeting amazing people, and having a good time. Remember, here at YoYoExpert, we believe to “Keep the Simple Amazing.”
2: Tutorials/Tricks:
While yoyoing, it is obvious that you need to learn tricks. All over the internet there are several recources upon where you may learn tricks. The most common of these places is right here! Check out the learn section of YoYoExpert.com, in order to learn from Beginner-Expert tricks: http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/
Similar to the YoYoExpert site, check out mastermagic! Also created by André Boulay: http://mastermagic.net/Tricks.html
Another great place to learn from is Gerard Amento. You can check out his youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/theorganizerteachs or his website: http://www.grawrd.com/
Also, if you can’t find the trick you are looking for on these sites, you can go on Youtube.com, and type in the trick you are looking for:
EX: hurl around yoyo trick
In conclusion, if you wish to request a tutorial, send me a Personal Message, and I can make a tutorial for you (So long as I know the trick ;)) You can check out my current tutorials at: http://www.youtube.com/user/coolerthenu458
3: Support:
Have a question? Need an answer? Or do you just want to talk/learn about the sport. Visit the several yoyo forums on the web! Check out:
http://www.yoyonation.com/talk/index.php
http://theyo.com/yoyo/index.php
http://www.extremespin.org/forum/
There are several other forums out there, but these are the most visited. Also, if you wish to contact a professional about your problem, either Personal Message YoYoExpert (who is actually André Boulay) or use the contact form among the index.
General YoYo Play:
1: Styles of Play:
There are actually 5 main styles of yoyo play. 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, and 5a. At competitions, they hold divisions competing in these divisions. For more information about what they looks like, see the video at the end of this segment.
[size=12pt]
[font=Monotype Corsiva ]2. 1a Definition and Questions:
YoYoWiki.org defines 1a as: String tricks with a single yo-yo. The yo-yo tends to be unresponsive (at advanced levels of play) to allow complicated string tricks to be performed.
This is the most general and competitive of all of the styles. It has the most concepts, and here at YoYoExpert.com, most of the videos are built to give you a string foundation of 1a. See buying guide for which yoyos to use for 1a. Also see the video at the bottom for 1a.
3. 2a Definition and Questions:
YoYoWiki.org defines 2a as: A style based on the use of two looping yo-yos, one in each hand. High-level AA play consists of various series of continuous regenerations, such as loops, hops, moons, punches, stalls, etc. Also performed are hundreds of different forms of around-the-worlds and other circular motions with the yo-yo. While combining loops and continuous circles, wraps can be done. Another growing part of AA (also possible in AAA) is based on the tangler trick, where the strings of the yo-yo cross, spin around the “knot”, and are then uncrossed.
2a is also taught here at YoYoExpert. It is a challenging style of play, but still very fun. Also see the video at the bottom for 2a.
4. 3a Definitions and Questions:
YoYoWiki.org defines 3a as: String (aka Long Spin) tricks with two yo-yos. Popularized and pioneered by Mark McBride, the first modern Triple A trick appeared in Fiend Magazine and was called Velvet Rolls. The different mounts are referred to as houses (e.g. “Kink House”).
3a is not as popular, but is still competed in. Also a very fun, and difficult style.
5. 4a Definitions and Questions:
YoYoWiki.org defines 4a as: Where the yo-yo is not attached to the string, but the string is tied to the finger.
This is a very fun style of play, and difficult as well. Unlike all of the other styles of play, the yoyo isnt even connected to the yoyo, which allows a whole new level of tricks!
6. 5a Definitions and Questions:
YoYoWiki.org defines 5a as: Where a weight (typically a casino die or small ball) is attached to the end of the yo-yo string that would otherwise be attached to the finger. The yo-yo itself is attached to the string in the normal manner. Developed in 1999 by Steve Brown, freehand is considered to be the fastest-growing style of yo-yo play, as well as one of the most exciting to watch, due mainly to the wide diversity of styles from one 5A player to the next.
It is true how widespread 5a has become. It is among the most competed styles, and by far, one of the funnest.
7. Videos:
Here is a video showing all of the 5 styles of play:
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/002-basic-five-styles.html
Here are some videos of each style of play. Most of these are my personal favorites:
1a: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7dIWqmZG9g&feature=channel_page
2a: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yDdjFWpGv4
3a: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BczOeH9PwEI
4a: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl6MvxtbvlQ
5a: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSD8QUVjb_s
Buying Guide:
First timer? Learning to throw? Can you already throw, and are just working on tricks? Are you advanced and ready for the next step? Or are you an expert, and just want to see the choices for you? Check this out!
First Thrower:
There are several good yoyos out there. First of all, you will want to learn how to get a good throw, and sleeper. This yoyo is right for you. It can give you god control of the yoyo, and will teach you how to throw: http://yoyonation.com/product.php?productid=16165&cat=0&page=1
I have a good throw - What next?
At this point, there are several good yoyos out there for you. Most people will recommend the YoYoJam Plastic yoyos, and that is a great start for you! Here they are:
The YoYoJam Kickside: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/kickside/
The YoYoJam Lyn Fury: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/lyn-fury/
The YoYoJam Journey: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/journey/
And possibly the best choice, and one of the best beginner yoyos of all time, and one heck of an advanced player as well, The YoYoFacory Velocity: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyofactory/velocity/
I am more advanced, and I feel I need something more:
In this case, there are several yoyos for you. If you want an upgrade, YoYoJam Bi-Metals are for you! Check out some of the great yoyos here:
First, the very popular YoYoJam Dark Magic: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/dark-magic/
Next, the YoYoJam Hitman: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/hitman/
Up after that, a good precedent to the Speedmaker, the YoYoJam Speeder!: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/speeder/
A great yoyo designed by Johnnie Delvalle, the YoYoJam X-Convict: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/x-convict/
Like small yoyos? Try the YoYoJam Mini-Motu: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/mini-motu/
However, there is also a variety of high-quality plastic yoyos NOTE these plastic yoyos will require a bind return to get it back to your hand, as do the Bi-Metal YoYoJams after time.
The YoYoFactory Plastic Grind Machine: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyofactory/grind-machine/
The YoYoJam Legacy: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/legacy/
These yoyos are really all you need. You may want a metal, and that is okay, but these yoyos can preform the same tricks.
Remember, a metal yoyo won’t make you a better player. Still, if you want to buy them, look below:
Well, I want to look into buying metals. What now?
Well, there are several good all-metal YoYo Manufacturers out there. I feel it is out of my duty to pick the yoyos for you, so I will simply name some good yoyo companies that make great all-metal yoyos.
YoYoJam
Caribou Lodge YoYoWorks (CLYW)
YoYoFactory
One-Drop
H-Spin
Iloveyoyos
Anti-To
There are several more, but those are the main companies that spring to mind.
Strings, Lube, and Bearings
Don’t forget - You will always need string. Usually, there are many different varieties of string. You will first notice about the string is the material. In most occasions, cotton will be a horrible choice for you because it breaks easily and doesn’t last as long. We recommend you use either 100% Polyester Strings, or 50% Cotton and 50% Polyester string. They last longer, and are better for doing the new style of complex string tricks shown here at YoYoExpert. If you want to buy string, check here: Note Right now YoYoExpert doesn’t have 100 packs of string, and they only have 5 packs. Don’t worry - over time, they will have 100 packs of string.
Lube is not as needed, but is a good edition to have. If you want professional YoYo Lube, try some YoYoJam lube. If you want less response on your yoyo, use Thin Lube, however if you want more response, use Thick Lube.
Thin Lube: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/thin-lube/
Thick Lube: http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/thick-lube/
Here is a video to show you how to apply luberication to your yoyo bearing: http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/410-maintenance-lube.html
You are all set to make your first purchase!
Maintenance:
For a full set of help for maintaining your yoyos, look at these videos, available in the Maintenance part of the learn section:
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/400-maintenance-overview.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/401-maintenance-yo-yo-types.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/402-maintenance-clutch-mechanism.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/403-maintenance-fixed-axles.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/404-maintenance-transaxles.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/405-maintenance-ball-bearing.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/406-maintenance-response-types.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/407-maintenance-ball-bearing-types.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/408-maintenance-adjusting-gaps.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/409-maintenance-spacers.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/410-maintenance-lube.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/411-maintenance-cleaning-a-bearing.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/412-maintenance-yo-yo-string.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/413-maintenance-over-tightening.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/414-maintenance-loose-axle-fix.html
http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/415-maintenance-yo-yo-caps.html
Also, for instructions for how to clean your ball bearing, look here:
This is the most general forms of maintenance.
Modding:
For an extensive guide to modding, look here: (NOTE: This was not written by me)
http://www.yoyonation.com/talk/index.php/topic,13899.0.html
A short preview of the text in the link:
[i]Surfacing:
Modding the surface of the yo-yo is to help the yo-yo grind better on your finger or in your and things like that. Types of surfacing include…
-Satin Finish
-Beadblasting
-Anodizing
-Soda blasting(That one’s kinda new to me)
-Powder coating
-And others…
[/i]
In order to view the guide in its entirety, click on the link posted 
String:
Basics of yoyo String:
[i]Basic Facts:
Slick 6 is thinner than slick 8, while type 10 is the thinnest.
Type 9 is in between 6 and 10 as far as thinnest.
Slick 6 is 3x2 strands.
Slick 8 is 4x2 strands.
Type 10 is 2x5 strands.
Type 9 is 3x3 strands.
[/i]
What to look for in a String
This actually varies from player to player. What kind of yoyo player are you - In other words, what is your style? Do you like to do a lot of slack tricks or do you prefer lacerations and suicide? Or instead of those flashy tricks, are you more interested in technical tricks? These things mostly determine which kind of string you want.
What string is for me?
As stated before, depends on your style. Now, if you are a beginner, there are several basic choices for you. I highly suggest starting out with 100% Polyester yoyo string, or Slick 6 (50% Cotton and 50% Polyester string.)
