Our method
Fun, stimulates creativity and develops motor skills. The yo-yo is that kind of toy and for centuries has entertained children all over the world, from Greece to China, from Brazil to the Philippines. Over the years the yo-yo has changed and evolved. And if you are looking for a model, the Wellness Guide is here to help you in your search.
Contents
Summary
- The yo-yo is one of the oldest toys on the planet, with records of its existence going back 2,500 years.
- They can be made of various materials such as wood, plastic and steel.
- There are traditional, automatic models and others focused on those who practice more advanced maneuvers.
The best Yo-Yo: Our Picks
Buying Guide
What is the origin of the yo-yo?
At the end of the Middle Ages, in the last years of the 17th century, the yo-yo started to be successful in Europe, especially in England and France. According to historical accounts, the toy was used by the nobility to relax, leaving the day to day tasks a little aside.
Reports say that Napoleon Bonaparte's troops used to have fun with yo-yos before going into battle. The modern yo-yo originated in the Philippines, where it is still a very popular toy. This model was brought to the United States by Filipino Pedro Flores in 1928, already with the name yo-yo, which in the native language was translated as "come, come". Already the following year, with the popularization of the toy on U.S. soil, Flores sold his factory to the yo-yo entrepreneur Donald F. Duncan Sr., who started making the toy on a large scale, spreading worldwide.
How does the yo-yo work?
During the descent, the energy, previously potential, is converted to kinetic energy. With the yo-yo reaching the end of the string, it suffers a force upward and remains spinning at the same point for a few seconds, having at that moment only rotational kinetic energy and, due to inertia, tends to remain spinning until it is pulled back. When it is pulled and the toy goes up the string, it starts to contain kinetic energy of translation, which decreases until it returns to potential energy of translation until it finally reaches the owner's hands.
How to play with the yo-yo?
One of the most well-known - and basic - yo-yo tricks is the sleeper trick. To perform it, hold the toy with the palm of your hand upwards, as we have just taught you. Bring your hand to shoulder height and bend your arm. Throw it downwards, slowly turning the palm of your hand downwards, letting the yo-yo stand still for a while. After that make a slight movement with your finger up, holding the yo-yo. The intention is to keep the toy spinning at the end of the string as long as possible. Focus on strength and speed, but try to keep your hand and wrist stable. And when you want to bring the yo-yo back up, simply rotate your palm downwards and give it a tug upwards.
What material is the yo-yo made of?
| Model | Features |
|---|---|
| Imperial Yo-yo | Circular classic format, good for spinning maneuvers, in which the yo-yo returns to his hand as he performs turns and circles with the cord |
| Butterfly Yo-yo | Larger on the outside, smaller on the inside. Recommended for maneuvers with the cord in which the player uses it to make braided webs and complex |
| Yo-yo separate from the cord / rope | It may have similar format to the imperial and the butterfly, with the difference that its cord is separated. Used by competitive and advanced players |
| Automatic yo-yo | Can stay at the end of the string turning and returns to your hand alone. Not recommended if you want to make your own manoeuvres |
Is yo-yoing recommended for all ages?
Buying Criteria: what you need to consider before buying a yo-yo
Something unclear or in doubt? No problem. We will answer any unanswered questions below based on the points raised.
Given these points, we will now explain them individually in the next few lines of the article. Continue with us.
Theme
Themed yo-yos are quite common and help to please the kids. As usual, there are several theme options, ranging from superhero like Spiderman, through children's shows like Miraculous: The Adventures of Ladybug, to video games like Resident Evil and Street Fighter.
Collectibles
Yo-yo may be a mere toy for kids, but there are collectors who take yo-yoing quite seriously. For them, there are special collectible options, many limited edition, even with numbered pieces. Very popular, especially in the 1990s, Coca-Cola yo-yos, for example, are quite expensive today. They can be found on internet auction sites. Some of them go for more than GBP£ 300.
Colours and accessories
There is a wide range of colours in yo-yo models, especially because the intention is to please and draw the attention of children, who love bright and flashy colors. You will find golden yo-yos with glitter, red, multiple colours, and so on. There are also accessories that can accompany the yo-yos, as a place to store the toy, lights, sounds, among other mechanisms.
Material
The type of material can be decisive when buying. As already mentioned, today the yo-yo has various materials, from wood to steel, which tend to be more durable. The material with which the yo-yo is made can change the weight of the product, as well as add a differentiated design. For example, some handcrafted wooden models may be more attractive. Still, nothing prevents you from finding a decent and efficient plastic one for the proposed use.
(Featured Image Source: Disclosure / Yomega / Amazon)
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