The 2012 release of the RD-1 was the third time the RD-1 went back into production only three years after the second production run. This third version again featured a number of design changes distinguishing it from the 2003 and 2009 releases.
The 2012 model is closer in design to the original in many ways. The shape of the halves is closer to the smooth organic shape of the initial release and not as boxy at the 2009 version. The 2012 version is unique in that the inner bevel of the half is cut at almost a right angle instead of the chamfered finish of the previous releases. The 2012 release is the lightest of the three at 49g, 5 to 6 grams lighter than its predecessors. The paint quality is not as smooth as the 2003 releases but not as thin as the 2009.
The design of the yo-yo also received some changes. The 2012 design has identical halves again keeping the design of the original front from 2003 with only the year being updated. The 2012 RD-1 came in the standard plastic and cardboard BC/Tom Kuhn box.
The shape of the 2012 RD-1 is a welcome return to the shape of 2003 original but the loss of weight affects the play of this model.
