Benchmark Series 2013

Benchmark Series 2013

First released: December 2013
Current status: Retired

Description

We have been thinking about two ideas recently:

1. Releasing a Side Effect yo-yo with a really low price; continuing our tradition to strive to provide the best value possible for you.
2. The idea that yo-yo design has sort of become crystallized into standard shapes.

We have taken these two ideas and decided to turn them into a line of yo-yos that reflect our take on the standards. A benchmark if you will. We are releasing the whole line at the same time and each year we may refresh the line based on what is going on in the industry.

What we've come up with for 2013 are the V,O (organic), and H shapes.

Next, we have decided that all three yo-yos will share the same diameter, width, gap and weight. All three look completely different but share the same basic specs which is an interesting experiment in the weight distribution. If you play them all one after the next it becomes clear that weight distribution plays a huge role in how a yo-yo feels and plays. Everyone already knew this, but now you can directly experience it.

All that aside, these are three solid performing Side Effect yo-yos that are extremely affordable at $60 each in solid colors. In order to get the price that low we've taken advantage of the shared specs which allow us to combine the cnc programming, and cut our usual tooling costs and production steps by two thirds. The yo-yos are clean in design in that there are few, if any, non-functional styling elements which reduces the machining time, setup time, and tool wear. Also, the yo-yos will not have any laser engraving. Finally they will all share the same packaging which saves money on art and stickers.

What isn't compromised to save money is the quality and the performance and where they are made. These are three competition grade Side Effect yo-yos made to the same quality standards as our more expensive models. These yo-yos are meant to be played.

Specifications

  • Base Weight: 63 grams
  • Shipping Weight: 66.20 grams (with aluminium Spike Side Effects)
  • Width: 42 mm
  • Diameter: 56 mm
  • Stock Response: One Drop Flow Groove
  • Gap Width: 4.34 mm
  • Bearing Size: Large (C) stainless steel (One Drop 10 Ball Bearing)
  • Alloy: 6061 Aluminum
  • Finish: Pyramatte (tm)
  • Axle System: Side Effect (tm)