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How to Choose the Best Yoyo for Your Playstyle

20.02.2026 On 20.02.2026

Choosing the right yoyo can completely change your experience. If you’re just starting out or leveling up your trick list, understanding the difference between responsive and unresponsive yoyos is essential to knowing how to choose the best yoyo for you.

So let’s break it down and help you pick the best yoyo for your playstyle.

What Is a Responsive Yoyo?

A responsive yoyo returns to your hand with a simple tug. When it’s spinning at the end of the string, you gently pull up and should automatically come right back.

Why Choose a Responsive Yoyo?

Responsive yoyos are ideal for:

Beginners learning their first tricks
Kids and casual players
Looping tricks (2A style)
Players who want easy, automatic returns

What Is an Unresponsive Yoyo?

An unresponsive yoyo does not return with a tug. Instead, you must perform a move called a Bind to bring it back to your hand. This design allows for much longer spin times and advanced trick combinations.

Why Choose an Unresponsive Yoyo?

Unresponsive yoyos are built for:

Advanced string tricks (1A style)
Competition-level play
Long trick combinations
Horizontal tricks
Godspeed fast style combos

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Responsive	Unresponsive
Returns with Tug	Yes	No
Spin Time	Short	Long
Trick Level	Beginner/Intermediate	Intermediate/Advanced

How to Choose the Best Yoyo for You

The answer depends on your goals. Here’s how to decide:

1. Are You Just Starting?

Start responsive.

Our recommendations:

YoYoFactory Spinstar – The ultimate beginner yoyo. Easy, durable, and ready to play immediately.
YoYoFactory ONE – Modern feel with smooth play for beginners.

Once you can throw a strong sleeper consistently, you’re ready to level up.

2. Do You Want to Learn DNA?

Responsive yoyos are the easiest to learn the DNA yoyo Trick.

Our reccomendations:

YoYoFactory Arrow – Beginner-friendly, but upgradeable for more advanced tricks later.
Unresponsive DNA? Try the DNA yoyo for the ultimate fingerspin yoyo made specifically for the trick.

3. Ready to Upgrade to Advanced Tricks?

Go unresponsive.

If you’re watching competition freestyles and thinking, “I want to do that,” you’ll need an unresponsive yoyo.

Our reccomendations:

Love the DNA trick & fingerspins?
→ YoYoFactory Bullseye
Fast, high-energy combos?
→ YoYoFactory Godspeed

This is where performance begins.

4. Want to Try a Different Style?

Yoyo isn’t just one way to play.

Into looping (2A)? You’ll need a responsive looping yoyo.
→ YoYoFactory Loop 720 or YoYoFactory Loop 360
Curious about offstring (4A)?
→ YoYoFactory Flight

Different style. Different challenge. Whole new skill set.