|
 |
| Smashing YoYo Co. Pip |
| Exhibit #4137 |
 |
|
| Type | Production |
| Shape | Modified |
| Axle | Bearing |
| Finish | Anodized |
| Color | Green |
| Packaging | Boxed |
| Construction | Multi-piece aluminum |
| Response | CBC Slim Pad |
| Diameter | 54.5mm |
| Width | 30.8mm |
| Weight | 67.5gm |
| Condition | Mint |
| Number Produced | 65 |
| Date | 2017 |
| Owner | Rick Brough |
| Compare |  |
|
|
The slimline Pip was a collaboration effort between the short-lived Smashing YoYos based out of the United Kingdom and someone named "John" from Ramshackle Throw Design, also of Great Britain.
From smashingyoyos.co.uk:
"When John from Ramshackle first showed me the Pip design, I knew it was something he had to get made. Money is tight for a fledgling college student so he couldn't afford it, but one of the aims of Smashing (I really should get that written down) is to support people doing cool stuff in the yoyo community so together, we put our money where our mouths are. We knew it wasn't going to be easy, or cheap project because with all the angles and curves, it's not an easy yoyo to create, especially from a technical standpoint. Regardless of the difficulty, we got it done and we hit the nail on the head. The Pip is the perfect training yo-yo. At only 30 millimeters wide and the width that is there is unforgiving to say the least, it requires incredible accuracy to land tricks on. After a lot of testing and revisions, we ended up with something incredible, even if it might not look like it at first glance. A great mix of performance, nice feel and with plenty of challenge thrown in for good measure."
Ramshackle designed the Pip and showed it to Jordan Blofeld of Smashing YoYos for critique and feedback. Apparently the folks a Smashing YoYos decided they had to make it a reality.
'The only way to get a Pip was to pre-order it directly from the Smashing YoYos website. We did not place the order for the full production and we won't. We will make as many as your order. If we don't meet the minimum goal of 20, we'll cancel the whole thing and refund your money. We might make a small batch for stores if they ask though that's not very likely.'
They eventually had enough pre-orders that they no longer need a minimum. 'Yes that's right! We've checked the books and we're able to proceed with the Pip without hitting the original minimum goal! That means your Pip order is 100% guaranteed to happen. There's no reason to wait anymore, get one while you can!'
UPGRADING OUR PACKAGING
Since the start, I’ve struggled to find a reliable source of boxes that I could call uniquely ours. The Poppet boxes looked great but were a pain to store and ship and a good friend did an amazing job on the Monocle boxes but we never really had the capital to invest in many of the things I wanted us to have. Now we’ve had a couple of successful runs and a very successful collab project we have a little more in the kitty to spend on our packaging. Here, for example, is what you’ll see when you get your Pip and all other yoyos for the foreseeable future.
All of the bows are hand tied by me. I wanted a way to show you that I took care over packaging every single yoyo that leaves my home. They may not be perfect bows all the time, but I did it by hand and I tried my best.
The boxes are distinctly ours. Textured white background with red print on a removable lid. The card is coated in white paper with a swirl effect and a slight sheen to make them look and feel just lovely and represent us and our brand. I agonized over this decision because I knew it’d be something we’d carry with us for as long as we’ll be making yoyos.
Once you get inside the box, you’ll see this card. It has all the information you need to get in touch and a thank you message for your support.
Once you’ve removed the card, you’ll see the yoyo wrapped up nice and warm in tissue, surrounded by foam. We’ll carry on including stickers and badges. The Pip will have the responsive bearing and axle in a bag with a Kitty String. Everything you need to get going.
It’s been a long journey. The team spent a lot of time assuring me I was making good decisions along the way (a lot of time) because I was very worried something might not work or would go wrong. Every moment was worth it though. It’s come together to really express how much I value everyone who supports us. Thank you, all of you, for giving us the chance to make all this real.
Feel free to let me know what you think either here through our contact form or through our various social media accounts. I welcome your feedback and suggestions.
THE PIPS ARE IN
The Pips are in and I have to say, they’re looking as good as I’d ever dreamed. We got a stroke of luck and I was able to get them done quicker than expected. There were a couple changes from the prototype. Most of the people who tried the prototype noted the spike in the cup should be a bit sharper to aid matador style tricks and we noticed some galling on the bearing seat so we fixed those issues. The blast is also a little more aggressive this time around to make your grinds last that much longer. Finally, we shortened the bearing seat so it’d accept a slim bearing for responsive play.
We’re not done yet though. They’re in and they’re fantastic but there’s still work to be done. We have some goodies to put in the box like stickers, badges and parts for responsive play. This is likely to take another 2 or 3 weeks to arrive but we’ll let you know when they do. Then I’ll start the process of boxing them up and make sure they all go out on the same day. They shouldn’t take too long to arrive once they’ve been shipped. Those that paid for Royal mail Shipping will get a free upgrade to our new courier.
The last announcement for this release is that we have a few left over to sell after all the original orders have theirs (for an increased price, of course) and these amazing YoYo Village special editions will be made available through YoYo Village only (also for an increased price). So don’t worry if you missed out, you’ll get another chance to snag a Pip!
So are you happy with your colour choice? We can’t change it but I’d like to know how you think your colour came out. Drop me a message and let me know, either way.
ABOUT SMASHING YOYO COMPANY
I'm Jordan Blofeld, owner of Smashing YoYo Company. After a long stint as a yoyo reviewer that went fairly welll, I've decided to try my hand at making yoyos. I've played thousands of yoyos. New, old, expensive, cheap, you name it, I've played it so I think you'll agree when I say I know what makes a great [yo-yo]. So welcome to the site, have a gander at my yo-yos, I'm sure you'll love them."
* * * * *
The prototype Pip was black anodized. The released Pips were anodized in blue, clear (silver), green, red, purple; a special version of half blue/half yellow was made for yoyovillage webstore in Britain.
Some complained that the string gap was too narrow to make string catches, even for a slimline yo-yo. Jordan's response was, "Which is perfect because that's the point. The point is to challenge yourself. It's not a performance yo-yo, it's a training yo-yo. It could have been 1000 different things, but this is the thing we wanted."
The Pip was a "one and done" release. Smashing YoYo never reissued the model.
The Pip was the third yo-yo released from Smashing YoYo. The Poppet and Spectacle were their first and second release, respectively.
Recipe
Diameter: 54.5mm
Width: 30.8mm
Weigh: 67.5gm
Material: 6061 aluminum
Response: 19mm slim pads
Production: 65 pieces total (all colors)
Price: £80 (about $100 US at the time of pre-orders)
Pre-orders opened December 2016 and closed February 27, 2017. | |
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
