The Flying Panda was Duncan's new off string ball bearing take-apart yo-yo from 2003. It has over-molded rubber wings for a soft catch and good return. Excellent for both on and off string play. The side cap on this version is the Panda about ready to be shot out of a cannon. Came with extra string. This Duncan model was primarily intended for Off String tricks (aka 4A play).
Why a panda? The panda on the yo-yo is named Frank. Frank the Panda. When Steve Brown, the creator of the yo, was a kid, his parents wouldn't buy him the Evel Knieval toys, so he dressed up one of his little brother's stuffed pandas with a crash helmet and a cape that he scavenged off other toys, and then painted it to look like Evel.
This model and packaging in this exhibit is the original 2003 release of the Flying Panda. Later models of the Flying Panda included one of three yo-yo trick CDs in the packaging. Some models also included extra spacers to alter the yo-yo's string gap.
The Flying Panda uses a size A ball bearing axle and Duncan "Friction Stickers" for the response.