ANTiFRAGILE

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From YoYoFriends: Introducing the yoyofriends ANTiFRAGILE. Our flagship titanium model built for both performance and collection. This project first started with the all stainless steel SlipStream. We really like the aesthetic and the way the yoyo performs. Material use wise we are theorizing on using grade 5 titanium on our own design. This makes the perfect storm for us to propose a project using grade 5 titanium based on the SlipStream. At 45.5mm, SlipStream is a full size yoyo, however it is not quite wide enough for modern tricks. The first thing we tweaked on the design is the width. We opted for around 49mm so the yoyo is wide enough for modern tricks and not too wide that it shuns the non competitive players. On top of the increased width, we want to keep the look of the slipstream. We decided to keep the short 6mm axle and the same center cup design. With all things decided, we made our first prototype. The prototype achieved our goal of a wider slipstream. The yoyo is aesthetically pleasing and undoubtedly titanium. It has a distinct ring to it with a flick or a string hit. We then tested the yoyo extensively for performance and feel at the 2025 US National yoyo contest. The yoyo feels powerful and stable. The acceleration however is very slow compared to our traditional high performing yoyos. We tested against the newly released Armageddon and the difference is night and day. Armageddon is much faster while being heavier, larger and wider. We also found that people are not a big fan of the 6mm axle as it is easier to misplace and more prone to threading. One of our prototypes had vibes aftermultiple twists to open and close the yoyo. To fix this yoyo, we need to tackle 2 design changes. First is to add weight around the center axis for acceleration. Second goal is to change the center cup design so the axle length can be increased to 8mm. We then utilized the same center cup design as the Armageddon. The convex parabola has just enough room to fit a 8mm axle. There were 2 small issues with this idea. First, the yoyo will look too similar to Armageddon itself. Second, we think this will add too much center weight as titanium is much denser than aluminum. We then decided the best way to go is to use a protruding center cup just like the overclock and Tachyon series. This ensures the design can fit a 8mm axle. This design also adds weight directly above the center axis. Adding acceleration with minimal stability and power loss. The prototype design 2 is here and before we go and make it. We want to make a quality of life change. The original cad had the outer edge of the raised bump too sharp. Even though this does not affect performance, it does improve aesthetic and feel of the yoyo. The prototype 2 arrived and it played very well. We found it now has a significant amount of acceleration and speed. The yoyo now cuts through the air, just like Slipstream. The final touch is to add a tiny bit of weight for better horizontal capabilities. Everyone finally approved the final design and it's off to production. The special material we used is crystalized grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V). This titanium is made by using a special process of heat treatment bringing the temperature up to 1200 celsius. The result is a minor hardness bump and a beautiful pattern that runs throughout the material. (Picture of crystallized grade 5 titanium rods) This material creates a unique frosted crystalline pattern, so each yoyo is slightly different visually. Under lighting, it reveals a subtle "ice-crack" effect. Giving the yoyo a signature look. The name ANTiFRAGILE was chosen because of the letters Ti in the name. Now the yoyo has its durability upgraded with the 8mm axle and is made by grade 5 crystalized titanium, the word definitely aligns with the final product. We also got inspired because this is a song/album name bythe popular group, LE SSERAFIM. We hope you enjoy ANTiFRAGILE. Our new flagship titanium yoyo made for performance and collection. A yoyo blends performance, aesthetic and collectability into one. Specs:Diameter: 56.47 mmWidth: 48.9 mmWeight: 66.16 ± 0.5gMaterial: Ice Crystal Titanium TC4Gap: 4.56mmBearing: NSK Bearing Note: this is an unresponsive yoyo that requires a bind return Show more