Intro

Description

A long long time ago (December 2008), in a yo-yo community not so far away, we released our 3rd yo-yo and it was called the M1.  M1 meant “metal for everyone”. At that time, high-end yo-yos were rare, runs were small, prices were high and almost none of it was made in China.

As the new kids on the block, we looked at this situation of scarcity, and decided we would make a high-end yo-yo that was affordable and available.  Solid colors retailed for $60, many people were able to obtain their first metal yo-yo, and One Drop Yo-Yos had landed. There was some controversy because we had shaken up the market, but from that point forward, “budget metal” became a standard offering in the industry and eventually this lead to other brands moving their production overseas in pursuit of lower and lower prices and higher and higher availability.

Now, 12 years later, we are the only company of volume producing in North America.  Furthermore, we have always produced our yo-yos in our factory. This is our jam, we have stuck to our convictions, and we are a unique offering.  Thank you to everyone who supports us - it’s because of you that we are still here. It’s not easy competing against China.

We know we will never be able to get our price as low as our outsourcing competitors, but we are always striving to get close while maintaining the high quality that we are well known for. In the spirit of the M1, the Intro is our next “Metal for Everyone” but I think the phrase needs updating:  “Made in Eugene, Oregon, USA Metal for Everyone” is more accurate. Starting at $44 for solid colors, we want to have the most affordable model possible to INTROduce people to our brand and quality. Obviously, our current supporters might love it as well (especially those who first discovered us through the M1).    It’s great value for everyone with a little bit of nostalgia thrown in.  

Taking inspiration from the M1, the diameter nudges toward the pocket friendly side of things at 54mm.  Of course that is 4mm bigger than the M1, but still on the smaller side of things by today’s standards. The curves are simple and clean and the flat hub has two circles of ornamentation paying homage to the round nut axle system that most M1s had.  It’s a solid performer, pocket and wallet friendly, and made in the USA.