There is no single best yo-yo for every player. The age and related skill levels affect the choice tremendously. There are many manufacturers, and many styles of yo-yos made. Since this question is most often asked by a beginner, here is a listing of a few good beginner yo-yos from different manufacturers.

• Yomega Brain: Yo-Yo with a clutch that will help a beginner learn the basic throwdown and sleeper. The clutch mechanism automatically returns the yo-yo to the hand when the spin of the yo-yo slows. Great for learning initially but can often be quickly outgrown.
• Yomega Raider: A classic shape with ball bearing and high friction for consistent returns.
• Duncan Proyo: A basic plastic yo-yo with a wooden axle. Great for very young kids.
• Duncan FreeHand^®: A wide bodied yo-yo featuring a ball bearing and Friction Stickers^® for easy response.
• Spintastics Manta Ray/Technic. A basic flared gap yo-yo with a wooden axle. Great for very young kids.
• YoYoFactory Fast 201: A fully adjustable ball-bearing yo-yo that can be set up for a beginner or intermediate player.
• YoYoFactory Velocity: a dial adjustable ball bearing yo-yo that allows the player to infinitely adjust the responsiveness of the yo-yo.

Sometimes this question is asked about all yo-yos in general, but again, there is no BEST yo-yo for any skill level. It is a matter of preference and taste. Buy a few, start playing, and you will determine for yourself which is the best.

Friction Sticker® and Freehand® are registered trademarks of Duncan yo-yos.