After exploring performance-oriented design aspects with the Numen we took a step back and thought about what we love most about yoyos and which elements capture the essence of fun.
Out came the Alpha.
Slightly undersized at 53mm, it is a quick and snappy player. The smaller diameter combined with the massive outer stainless steel rings enables Alpha to perform like a full size yoyo without the compromise of kickback during throws and binds. It is an agile player with higher RPM while still retaining powerful spin. We carefully tweaked inertia to land in this goldy-locks zone.
The overall shape inherits the best elements of other ILYYs:
The Numen’s gap profile unlocks monstrous fingergrinds and gets out of the way during horizontal tricks. At a modern 45 mm width paired with its wide catch-zone, Alpha takes care of those difficult to hit (horizontal) tricks. The 4.5 mm gap takes in all string layers tech tricks bring to the table.
In addition, it allows for Numen’s fingerspin-hungy convex inner cup design guaranteeing flawless fingerspins at any time. The beautiful rounded-off central spike adds crucial milimeters to the overall axle length yet does not pose any danger of hurting the player.
Structural integrity was also considered and the upped AL-wall thickness of the Numen was incorporated into the design. Deformation from floor-hits is reduced, Alpha will retain its smoothness longer.
Alpha features blasted and electroplated stainless steel rims for great spintimes and grinds. The slick surface effectively works against spin loss during accidental touches.
The ring-body-intersection again features our rounded-off design for a more aesthetic impression.
We modified the profile to improve on rejection tricks giving the string a distinct edge segment to snap over.
The inner cup extends beneath the entire ring and finds its conclusion in an IRG lip allowing for amazing thumbgrinds. The steel ring sits on a wide base further strengthening the overall integrity.
The Alpha is our take on a Jaqueline-of-all-trades yoyo. It can do it all, but in a fun and motivating way.
Versions
Batch | D | W | M | Response | Bearing | Finish | Color | Limitation | Release |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Run #1 | 53 | 45 | 63.5 | 14x19x1.2 | C | Soda Blast | Inferno (Red/Yellow) | 25 | 10.2024 |