Spinworkx Best of 2013

Once again, we have ushered in a new year and we say farewell to 2013. With that, we take a look back at the most popular throws of 2013. These are the yo-yos and accessories that players just had to add to their collection and the various things Spinners needed for maintenance, competitions and everything to do with Spinning.

Without further ado, here are the items that are the Best of 2013.

Most popular Beginner Plastic Yo-Yo

#1 - YoYoFactory FAST 201

#2 - YoYoFactory One

#3 - YoYoFactory Velocity 2012

Most popular Advanced Plastic Yo-Yo

#1 - C3yoyodesign Speedaholic

#2 - YoYoFactory Grind Machine

#3 - YoYoFactory OneStar

Most popular Hybrid Yo-Yo

#1 - YoYoJam Dark Magic 2

#2 - YoYoFactory Protostar

Most popular Affordable Metal Yo-Yo

#1 - YoYoFactory DV888

#2 - YoYoFactory Shutter

#3 - sOMEThING FIRMY

Most popular High-end Metal Yo-Yo

#1 - One Drop X CLYW Summit

#2 - C3yoyodesign Mo-vitation

#3 - Duncan Barracuda

Most popular 2A Yo-Yo

#1 - YoYoJoker Vortex

#2 - YoYoFactory Loop 1080

Most popular 4A Yo-Yo

#1 - yoyorecreation Aeronaut

#2 - Duncan Hayabusa

Most popular Yo-Yo Strings

#1 - Kitty Strings (Normal)

#2 - 100% Poly Strings (Green)

Most popular Yo-Yo Accessory

#1 - Duncan Gloves

#2 - YoYoJam Thin Lube

#3 - YoYoFactory Multi Tool

Most popular Yo-Yo Bearing

#1 - Konkave Bearing (Large)

#2 - Centre Trac Bearing (Large)

Most popular Yo-Yo Response Pads

#1 - yoyorecreation Silicone Pads

#2 - Central Bearing Co. Silicone Pads

#3 - Duncan SG Stickers

Back in 2012, we knew that there was going to be many new releases in 2013 and from our 'Best of' list, we can clearly see that there are quite a number of 2013 yo-yos that made it to the top of the list. Throws like the Vortex, Summit, Speedaholic, etc are great yo-yos and definitely belong in any true Spinner's collection.

Despite seeing a number of new models featured, there still are some from the 'Best of 2012' list that has not been beaten (and will be really tough to beat). The YoYoFactory FAST 201 is still going strong as the best beginner yo-yo. Furthermore, the Large Konkave bearing is still the #1 choice for Spinners to use, both during competitions and for casual play.

Before signing off, the Spinworkx store at Orchard Central and our webstore still have most of these yo-yos and products available. So if you feel like you are missing out on something, there is still time to pick it/them up!

Till our 'Best of 2014' list, keep Spinning!

Spinners promoted to Pro 2013

With SYYC 2013 recently over, we have determined the Spinners that are moving on to Pro for the 2013/2014 contest season.

After looking and tallying the results, only one name managed to make it through to the Pro division, and it is none other than …

Ian Loh

Ian has only been playing for about 2 years, and has improved tremendously since we first saw him spinning. At the recent SYYC, we did expect Ian to do well in his favored 1A division. Little did we know that Ian had a big surprise in store for all of us. Not only did Ian do well in the 1A division, taking home the Gold medal, he continued to excel in each and every division, taking the Gold for 2A, 4A and 5A, every division possible!

We were able to have a little chat with Ian and here is what he had to say about his promotion to Pro.

Spinworkx Crew: Hi Ian, congrats on the multiple Spinner division titles, and being the only Spinner this year to be promoted to the Pro division. How do you feel about winning every Spinner division possible?

Ian Loh: I felt very happy that all my hardwork paid off because I had practiced a lot before SYYC. Although I do play all the divisions from time to time, I feel that perhaps I should concentrate on stick to just 1 or 2 divisions.

Spinworkx Crew: So leading up to SYYC, how long did you practice each day?

Ian Loh: Well, I started practicing a month before SYYC for my 1 minute freestyles. I practice about 2 hours a day proper, but at times I would just fool around with tricks and do random Lacerations and Combos.

Spinworkx Crew: But that is for your 1A tricks right? What about for 2A, 4A and 5A?

Ian Loh: For my 2A/3A and 4A 1 minute freestyles, i practiced a week before SYYC for about an hour each day. But for my 5A, i practiced 2 weeks before for about half an hour each day only.

Spinworkx Crew: With all the practice, were you confident in doing well for all 4 divisions?

Ian Loh: I was actually expecting a 2nd or 3rd place finish for 1A because of the strong competition and competitors. Players like Lester and Kendrick were definitely tough to beat. I did feel more confident for the other divisions though.

Spinworkx Crew: That's great! So now are you looking forward to the Pro Division and going up against the seasoned Pro players?

Ian Loh: I'm pretty excited for the up-coming EST in September, but I don't expect to get a high placing for both 2A/3A and 5A, but I will try my best!

Spinworkx Crew: Lastly, do you have any tips or advice for current Spinners?

Ian Loh: If you want to be the best, you need to practice A LOT and don't give up! Whenever you need help or advice with combos that you are stuck on, ask the guys hanging at Spinworkx and they will definitely help you out. Never give up and continue spinning! :)

Spinworkx Crew: That is great advice! All the best for the 2013/2014 contest season, Ian. Once again, congrats on making it to the Pro division, and go give the 'big boys' a run for their money!

Spinworkx would like to congratulate Ian Loh on his recent performance, and being promoted to Pro, at the Singapore Yo-Yo Championships 2013 and Asia Pacific Yo-Yo Championships 2013. Well done, Ian!

Format for SYYC Spinner Division promotion to Pro Division (2013 onwards)

In the past, there were a few loop-holes with the promotion criteria for Spinners to Pro for all YYAS competitions in Singapore (SYYC, WCC & EST). For 2013, we are further narrowing the promotion criteria for Spinners to Pro, and have come up with a triple criteria for promotion. After speaking with the Spinners about this, we are implementing this new promotion for 2013/2014.

**Do note that the following criterion for promotion to Pro Division will only take place at the Singapore Yo-Yo Championships (SYYC) only.
 
The 3 Criterias to meet are as follows:
1) Only the top 10% of players from each division gets promoted. If the division has less than 10 competitors, there will be no promotions.

2) These top % of players must have a score of 75 or higher to be promoted.

3) If a division has less than 10 competitors, and the same competitor has won 2 back-to-back Spinner Champion titles in the same division (1st place in 2013 & 1st place in 2014), he/she will be eligible to become Pro. **Note that for this, the back-to-back champion must also have a score of 75 or higher for both Champion winning Spinner Freestyles.

Remember that for SYYC, although there are still Spinners and Pros, if the Spinners do well enough and 'beat out' some Pros for the 3 minute Finals Freestyle slots, then they get their chance to do and showcase their 3 minute freestyle against the rest of the Pros.

Here are some examples of various situations and how the promotion will work.

Scenario 1
A division has 15 players and the1st place has a score of 95 and 2nd place has a score of 82 and 3rd place has a score of 76. Although the 2nd & 3rd place competitors have met Criteria 2 of a score of 75 or higher, only 10% of players from each division gets promoted. Hence only the 1st place gets promoted.

Scenario 2
A division has 5 players and the 1st place has a score of 100 and 2nd place has a score of 59. Although the 1st place competitor has met Criteria 2 of a score of 75 or higher, only 10% of players from each division gets promoted. As the division only has 5 players, there will be no promotions to Pro UNLESS this same person has won Spinner in the same division last year as well.

Bonus
If a Spinner is able to qualify for the 3min finals at the World Yo-Yo Contest, or the Asia Pacific Yo-Yo Championships, he/she will be promoted to Pro.

Go for GOLD Spinners and do not give up! Take the time, practice and perfect your tricks/routine, and before you know it, you will be challenging the Pros for the National Champion title!