DECO

Which half of this yo-yo is the body, and which is the cap? On a typical hollow-body yo-yo, the inner half holds the axle, bearing, and response, while the outer half attaches like a lid to shape the look and adjust the weight. At Design Lab’s DECO reverses that hierarchy. The large outer surface you see is the main body, and the inner piece, the one that should have been the body, now functions as the cap.

It isn’t a simple flip, though. The inner piece still touches the bearing and response, and the outer piece still shapes the yo-yo’s appearance, so both are primary and both are secondary. Take it apart and you’re left with a question that has no clear answer. The most intricate structure is also tucked where it can never be seen from outside: a double rim hidden inside that you’ll never lay eyes on unless you disassemble the yo-yo. It’s always working once you throw it, creating a soft, floating feel. Despite being full-size at 56.5mm, DECO doesn’t feel heavy in motion.

DECO came out of a collaboration with A-RT, HSPIN, and Caribou Lodge, and it’s made for players who like their yo-yos with a bit of design philosophy built in. Throw it, take it apart, and decide for yourself which half is which.