Friday 28 June 2013

Asia Pacific Yo-Yo Championships 2013 Special Editions

Have you seen TWO of the AP 2013 Special Editions yo-yos that were announced recently? We are incredibly excited for these two models. BUT, the special editions do not end here.

The release date for all AP 2013 Special Edition yo-yos is the 12th of July. They are all made in very limited quantities, so get them on Day 1 so that you won't be left disappointed.

Any guesses what the other S.E. yo-yos will be?


AP 2013 edition One Drop X CLYW Summit (Brown with Pink Splash)


AP 2013 edition sOMEThING SUPERFLY Remix (Silver with Pink Splash)
(Photo credits to sOMEThING by YoyoAddict)


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Wednesday 26 June 2013

Yo-Yo Setup of the Month: SPYY El Ranchero

Almost halfway through the year already and what better way to celebrate mid-year than to showcase one of the yo-yo worlds finest, most unique and best looking yo-yos around. Having said that, not only does this yo-yo look so good, it plays stellar as well.

Presenting to you, the SPYY El Ranchero!


El Ranchero

When SPYY first came out with the Pistolero, it garnered rave reviews and special mentions were for the uniqueness of how the yo-yo was designed. With intricate designs on the rims of the yo-yo and 'bullet-shooter' holes on the sides of the yo-yo, it was truly a work of art. However, as time went by, and player tastes changed, the Pistolero did not fit with the modern, high-speed performance competition-grade yo-yo that players needed.

However, SPYY had something in the works, and the El Ranchero was exactly that. A modern remake of the beloved Pistolero, the El Ranchero combines the aesthetics of the Pistolero with updated specifications of the modern, competition-grade yo-yo.


SPYY, hailing from Canada, is one of the most well known, independent yo-yo manufacturers in recent times. With an awesome sponsored team to their name, SPYY not only has spectacular players, they produce superb yo-yos. This is evident in the El Ranchero. Another unique point about SPYY is that their yo-yos don't just look different, they feel and play different as well.


Looking into the gap view of the El Ranchero, we can see that it is heavily rim-weighted with that outstanding 'H-shaped' profile. Being 'H-shaped', the El Ranchero is able to pull of long spin-times, and is incredibly balanced. The rounded inner portion of the yo-yo halves allows strings to fall comfortably into the gap without the yo-yo losing any spin time.


What we absolutely love about modern day yo-yos is that they play great straight out of the package. The El Ranchero is no exception. The yo-yo that we are throwing is the exact same one that came in package. The only thing we changed is that we chose to use 1.5 Poly/Nylon Kitty Strings instead of 100% Polyster Strings. This 1.5 Poly/Nylon strings is a collaboration between Kitty Strings and IrPads.

The Pads used are regular white CBC Silicone Pads.

The Bearing used is a regular, clean, C size bearing.


We just cannot get over how awesome this yo-yo looks. Taking a closer look at the 'bullet-shooter' holes on the yo-yo halves, we can see that it looks just like the cylinder of a gun where the bullets are loaded into. The concept of this was taken from the original Pistolero. Being made to look like a traditional, western guy, the El Ranchero takes all these qualities from the Pistolero and improves on them.


Moving on to the rims of the El Ranchero, the intricate engravings makes this yo-yo stand out in any collection. Such a delight to look at!


Now, for our string choice. Kitty Strings all come untied. This means that the finger loop is not pre-tied, and players will need to tied their own loops before being able to use the string. The benefit of having strings come this way is that players will be able to adjust the string to their height and length before using it, ensuring that the string is exactly to their liking. Do not mistaken the 2 ends of the string though. The end with the knot is to be used to tie the finger loop, and the other end goes onto the yo-yo.


Remember to tie a dead-knot on the finger loop end of the string before using the string.


The El Ranchero spins long and fast. With the weight pushed out towards the rims, the El Ranchero is truly a delight, not just to look at, but to play as well. If you want your collection of yo-yos to stand out, this is definitely a must!


Just to recap on our yo-yo setup of the month, here goes.

El Ranchero

1) SPYY El Ranchero
2) CBC White Silicone Pads
3) 1.5 Nylon/Polyester Kitty Strings
4) Large (Size C) Bearing

Before we go, we will be leaving you with a video done by Alexis JV of SPYY of what the El Ranchero is capable of. Enjoy!


Once again, do let us know YOUR Yo-Yo Setup of the Month. Drop us a comment below, leave us a message on our Facebook Page with the title - My Yo-Yo Setup of the Month, or tag your setup with a picture on our Instagram Page, with #spinworkx #yoyoofthemonth. 

Till next time, 
Super Squirrel out!
~

Friday 21 June 2013

Spinworkx First Mount #10 - Houdini Mount


Remember how to pull off a Double or Nothing from First Mount #7? Well, the Houdini Mount is exactly like the Double or Nothing, but the only difference is that instead of having the yo-yo go around your left index finger (assuming you are right handed), it is supposed to go around your left thumb first, before landing on your left index.

The reason why the Houdini Mount is named that, is due to the nature of the mount. It kinda looks like a Double or Nothing. However, if the viewer doesn't look carefully, he/she would assume you are pulling off a Double or Nothing. But when you just drop the string off your left thumb, it'll be just like how Houdini magically unravels himself and escapes out of his entanglement.

Viola!

Now, here is how you pull off the Houdini Mount.

Firstly, throw a straight and long spinning Breakaway.

Once the yo-yo has been thrown, let the yo-yo string hit the bottom of your non-throwing THUMB (not index finger) and let it continue swinging around and have it go over your throwing-hand index finger. 

At this point in time, one good tip to take note of is to keep all your fingers, EXCEPT your index fingers of both hands, tucked in at all times. If any other fingers are sticking out when performing this trick, the string may catch on any other finger and prevent you from performing the Houdini Mount.

Now, with the yo-yo in motion and swinging from your non-throw hand to your throwing hand, let the yo-yo string rest on the top of your throw-hand index finger and then allow it to continue around back to your non-throw hand index finger before landing the yo-yo onto the front string, just like the Trapeze.

Once the yo-yo has landed onto the string, bring your hands slightly closer together so that the yo-yo can sit on the string comfortably without dropping off.

When the yo-yo has landed and is comfortably on the string, you have successfully completed the Houdini Mount. Show it off, or pretend that it is a Double or Nothing, and drop the string off your thumb to amaze and astound all your friends.

A few pointers to take note of when learning the Houdini Mount:
1) Tuck all your fingers in after the string has gone around your thumb so that the string does not get caught in any other fingers.
2) Always try to aim the yo-yo to land on the string you want it to land on. Don't just go through the motion of swinging the yo-yo around and around and 'hope' that it lands on the right string.

The Houdini Mount is the very first step of the advanced string trick, Kamikaze. If you are looking to push yourself after mastering the Houdini Mount, try out the Kamikaze trick. It is super fun and a very impressive trick to show off.

That is all we have for #10 of the Spinworkx First Mount Project.
If you have any questions or feedback, drop us a note here, or shout out to us at our Facebook page.
You can also show us your Houdini Mount by tagging us on our Instagram Page, with @spinworkxsg #firstmount. 

Till the next installment,
Keep Spinning!~

Wednesday 19 June 2013

Asia Pacific Yo-Yo Championships 2013 (Mid-June Update)


The Asia Pacific Yo-Yo Championships 2013 is around the corner and we have gotten amazing competitor and participant response this year. We are very excited to see how the competition goes down and here, we have a few updates and little tidbits about the event. Read it here first!

Event Location
Bugis+ is the location for AP 2013 this year, conveniently located close to the city centre of Singapore. Just a short walk away from Orchard Road and City Hall, Bugis+ is a youthful and bustling mall that is sure to have jam-packed audiences throughout AP.

Event Sponsors (Confirmed)
Spingear (1A Division Sponsor)
sOMEThING (2A Division Sponsor)
Magicyoyo (3A Division Sponsor)
C3yoyodesign (4A Division Sponsor)
Duncan (5A Division Sponsor)
Alvron Mediaworks (Sponsor)
Diamont Noir (Sponsor)
Dif-e-yo (Sponsor)
Go Pro (Sponsor)
Lakerol (Sponsor)
Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice Restaurant (Sponsor)
YoYoFactory (Sponsor)
YoYoJam (Sponsor)
Yoyorecreation (Sponsor)
YoyoStoreRewind (Sponsor)
Blksens (Co-sponsor)
CLYW (Co-sponsor)
TheGioiYoyo (Co-sponsor)

Competitor List (as of 17 June)


Seeded Players / National Champions (Registered)
Benson Fok (1A - Hong Kong)
Liu Man Ki (2A - Hong Kong)
Ko Kwan Ho (5A - Hong Kong)
Muriyanto Ahmad Saputra (1A - Indonesia)
Osshe Louis (4A - Indonesia)
Morrison Batubara (5A - Indonesia)
Hiroyuki Suzuki (1A - Japan)
Shunsuke Kawakami (2A - Japan)
Jeon Ji Hwan (4A - Korea)
Muhd. Shakeel (1A - Malaysia)
Hassan Marialis (3A - Malaysia)
Ewin Ee (4A - Malaysia)
Kyle Capiral (2A - Philippines)
Hiro Koba (3A - Philippines)
Sean Perez (4A - Philippines)
Bryan Jardin (5A - Philippines)
Thawhir Iqbal (3A - Singapore)
Iskandar Shah (5A - Singapore)
Pornpinit Sanprasert (2A - Thailand)
Lumpop Sriudomkajorn (4A - Thailand)
Lumpop Sriudomkajorn (5A - Thailand)
Van Dinh Sang (1A - Vietnam)
Nguyen Hoang Tuan (2A - Vietnam)

Judges
Roy Teo (Singapore)
Edward Ng (Brunei)
Jeyo (China)
Luo Jianbin (China)
Ken Wong (Hong Kong)
Hironori Mii (Japan)
Dimi (Malaysia)
Raymond Thian (Malaysia)
Hiro Koba (Philippines)
Chatchawan (Thailand)

Exclusive AP Items
We have planned for 4-5 exclusive AP edition yo-yos to be available at the competition. These yo-yos will be slowly revealed as the date for the competition draws closer. However, trust us, you will want to save up some money to get these! They're HOT and they're awesome!

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Spotlight Player: Brian Low


Brian is really good at yo-yo tricks, teaching kids, discussing about life, the universe and everything, and is exceptionally good at making funny faces! He is another up-and-coming Spinner from Singapore, and specialises in Single Hand tricks. After SYYC 2012, Brian has officially been promoted to the Pro Division and will be going up against some of the best in the World at the up-coming AP and  Singapore Competitions. Being one of the 5 finalists at the recent sOMEThING World Singapore, keep an eye out for Brian as he dazzles you with his fancy and unique 1A tricks.

Name: Brian Low

D.O.B.: 28 July 1990

Country: Singapore

Handed: Right

Style of play: 1A

Number of years Spinning: 3 years

Sponsor: N/A

Favorite yo-yo: CLYW Chief, Top Yo Earth, Hspin NvX

Other Hobbies: Video Production, Video gaming & Drawing

Favorite color: Black

Favorite Spinners: Zach Gormley, Jensen Kimmitt, Jason Cheow

Why yo-yos?
"It helps to relieve stress, it's unique, and you can do it anytime, anywhere!"

Here are some of Brian's favorite tricks:


Friday 7 June 2013

Spinworkx First Mount #9 - Inverse Sidestyle 1.5 Mount


So you have mastered the Sidestyle 1.5 Mount from First Mount #8 have you? Well, then the Inverse Sidestyle 1.5 Mount will not be too difficult for you.

The most common trick that you will see the Inverse Sidestyle 1.5 Mount is the Kwijibo. The Inverse Sidestyle 1.5 Mount is a good transition from the Trapeze to the Sidestyle 1.5 Mount, and many players use this transition in their long string trick combos.

The trick may not look easy, but trust us when we say that with a little bit of practice, you will be hitting this Mount even with your eyes closed.

Here is how you perform the Inverse Sidestyle 1.5 Mount.

First, throw a solid, straight Breakaway and allow the yo-yo to swing around your non-throw hand index finger.

When it is coming around your index finger, do not land the yo-yo onto the string like a Trapeze, but allow the string to continue swinging around and land on the top of your throw hand index finger, just like a Double or Nothing.

Here is where the trick differs from the Sidestyle 1.5 Mount. Once the string lands on your throw hand index finger, instead of allowing the yo-yo to swing around your index finger, let the yo-yo swing onto the outer string as you cross your right arm over your left arm. 

Once the yo-yo has landed onto the outer string, with your arms crossed, you would have landed the Inverse Sidestyle 1.5 Mount successfully.

A few pointers to take note of when learning the Inverse Sidestyle 1.5 Mount:
1) Always tuck in all the fingers of both hands that are not being used to perform the Mount. (In this case, all your fingers except both index fingers)
2) Allow the momentum of the Breakaway to carry/swing the yo-yo around your index fingers and onto the string leading up to the Mount.
3) Before attempting to do this trick fast, practice it slowly and get a good feel of how the Mount looks like and what you need to do to get into the Mount correctly.
4) Remember to aim the yo-yo to hit the string you want it to go to and not to just shoot the yo-yo and hope it ends up on the string.

Once you are comfortable with the Inverse Sidestyle 1.5 Mount and Sidestyle 1.5 Mount, we would encourage you to try the trick called Kwijibo, and impress all your friends.

And that wraps up #9 of the Spinworkx First Mount Project.
If you have any questions or feedback, drop us a note here, or leave us a message on our Facebook Page.

Till next time,
Keep Spinning!~

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Spinworkx Around the World: Malaysia

If you were wondering when we will be featuring our neighbors from across the causeway, look and wait no further!

Our trip to Malaysia this time included 2 different places rolled into 1. First, we went to check out the fabulous Legoland theme park in Johor Bahru before heading over to Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysian Nationals, and to check out the YoYoSkeel Pro Store and 28DC.

If you are in KL, and wanna pick up yo-yos, do drop by either of those stores and hang with them. The respective owners, Shakeel and Raymond, are friendly, kind and will definitely show you a thing or 2 about yo-yos.

If you aren't too sure about Legoland and whether you should check it out, we feel that you absolutely must! The rides are fun, the lego around the park is just too cool and it was a super fun time for all when we were there.

Malaysia is one of the places we travel to each and every year, and if you have not been there, time to start planning a trip! Check out our photos of Malaysia below.










Malaysia was super fun as always. MNYC 2013 was great and the standard of yo-yo play is constantly improving over there. Do drop by Malaysia at least once in your lifetime, and we guarantee that you will not regret it.

Speaking of countries, the Asia Pacific Yo-Yo Championships is just around the corner. Can't wait to see all our friends from Asia and the Pacific region once again!

 
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