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The Best Yoyos for Intermediate Players: The Next Step

20.11.2025 On 24.04.2025

The Best Yoyos for Intermediate Players Cover

What are the best yoyos for intermediate players? For those who’ve mastered the basic tricks with responsive (automatic) yoyos and are ready to take their yoyoing to the next level, choosing the right yoyo can be overwhelming. Intermediate and advanced yoyo tricks need an unresponsive yoyo that has great balance, control, and stability to perform more complex and long trick combinations.

YoYoFactory-Europe offers a great range of yoyos suited to players looking to elevate their game to the next level. But which should you choose? Let’s explore some of the best yoyos for intermediate players, based on its capabilities and price point, as well as essential accessories to ensure you’re fully equipped for success.

Unresponsive Yoyos

Once you’re ready to move on from beginner tricks, unresponsive yoyos are the next level in your yoyo journey. These yoyos are used by majority of yoyo players and are a key component of modern yoyoing today. These yoyo require a trick called Bind to return to your hand. Here are our recommendations for the best yoyos for intermediate players.

1. YoYoFactory Shutter

Shutter is one of YoYoFactory’s most popular yoyos for years. Designed by multiple World Champion Gentry Stein, Shutter has earned its reputation as a go-to competition ready yoyo for both intermediate and competitive players alike. The Shutter provides the perfect balance of stability, speed, and control, making it an ideal next step after mastering basic tricks.

2. YoYoFactory Bullseye

For players looking for DNA trick capabilities, Bullseye is an excellent choice. Considering its low price and long lasting fingerspin abilities, Bullseye is an ideal choice for intermediate play.

3. YoYoFactory Axolotl Metal

If you’re looking to step seamlessly transition from beginner tricks to more complex string tricks, Axolotl Metal is the perfect choice. It is the same shape as Axolotl and Arrow, our most popular starter yoyos, yet has an aluminum body. This allows you to experience a familiar shape for when you began yoyoing yet the yoyo is now longer spinning.

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Yoyo Axolotl Metal – Suitable for Advanced and Fingerspin Tricks

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Yoyo Axolotl Metal – Suitable for Advanced and Fingerspin Tricks

Yoyo Shutter - Gentry Stein Pro Signature Yoyo

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Yoyo Shutter – Gentry Stein Pro Signature Yoyo

Essential Accessories for Intermediate Players

To get the most out of your yoyoing experience, certain accessories are a must for intermediate players. These accessories can help to maintain the performance and longevity of your yoyo.

1. Yoyo String

Extra yoyo string on hand is a must. Depending on how long you play yoyo each day, you may need to replace your yoyo string every hour. YoYoFactory String is made from high-quality polyester that provides durability and consistency, reducing wear during high-speed combos and other intermediate style yoyo tricks.

2. Long Spin Oil

Proper maintenance of your yoyo’s ball bearing is essential for smooth spins and longevity. YoYoFactory Long Spin Oil helps keep the ball bearing well-lubricated, reducing friction and maintaining a long-lasting, smooth spin.

3. Ball Bearings and Pads

Replacement of ball bearings and silicone pads are crucial for to keep your yoyo performing at its best. YoYoFactory’s Center Trac C Ball Bearing is fantastic for unresponsive play. And having spare ball bearings on hand can be extremely useful.

Over time, pads within the yoyo may wear down. We recommend this article which explains everything you need to know about Response Pads Guide. However, we recommend Red Pads for intermediate players as it gives you the best response immediately once these are switches in.