In fall 2006, HSPIN was first to show pictures of a metal H-profile yoyo. A yoyo, with clearly concave wing profiles, as opposed to the classical elliptic/convex design that had been used for decades. After three successful releases of ENVY series yoyos, we have produced another revolutionary design, the BEYOND ENVY. This design is exclusively influenced by ChrisK, who was also behind the design of the PYRO, Good&Evil and HandQuake series yoyos.
Spring 2006
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I came up with the idea of creating an H-profile yoyo by trying to do something radically different, but useful. The wing shape of the ENVY yoyos followed a different path than other yoyos, and rather than remaining on an elliptic curve like most classic metal yoyos at the time, the first ENVY profile looked like two mirrored "S" shapes on top of eachother. With the very first ENVY prototype, there were undercut rims on the gap side.
CLICK here for a profile comparison first ENVY and PYRO
Fall 2006
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The first version of the ENVY had its weight too much apart (distance left half from right half), and the yoyo sported the characteristic "oscillation". This is the problem for any yoyo that is designed too wide. To correct this, I moved the weight rims closer together, and also filled the undercut area under the rim. When I posted the pictures online of a metal H-profile yoyo, the feedback was tremendous. Someone commented "HSPIN could probably release any shape at this point, and people would love it." I saw it as a huge compliment, however, as popular as the ENVY was, it also provoced quite a few others. The first batch of 600 pieces sold out within a few weeks after Christmas 2007.
Winter 2007
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The ENVY divided the community into those who loved it, and those who didn't. Just by doing that, it was hugely successful for me and branded the H-profile concept.
The overall weight of the yoyo oriented itself still on the likes of the PYRO, and was above 72g. Some competitive players saw that as the main reason why they would not choose the ENVY on stage. So weight had to be reduced. By making the weight rims more narrow (eroding material from the gap side), the weigh was reduced dramatically to 64g. To emphasize this design change, the second generation ENVY was called ENVY64. This second run was extremely on stage, and among others, it helped the 2007 Russian National Champion to win his title.
Winter 2009
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At this point, the development trail of the ENVY yoyos breaks off. I was working on a SECOND CUT (successor of the CUT) and as the shape solidified, a discussion with the HSPIN NETWORK pointed out that this was was more a continuation of the ENVY concept rather than the CUT. And with this, the purpose of this yoyo changed, and the NVx was born. The NVx is has softer wing shapes, and houses the new Axle&Response System 2.0 with slimmer friction pads.
Spring 2011
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A bit more than a year later, Spencer Berry and I discussed insights from Worlds 2010. One of the dominating themes and most encouraging pieces of feedback I was ever given came from Spencer in the form of the statement "Chris, people want you to continue to do weird yoyos."
This statement resulted in quite a few changes over the weeks to come. First, the separation of the HSPIN and the CORE SERIES brands was articulated further. HSPIN would pick up its reputation of high quality, unusual, extravagant "like no other" yoyos made in Switzerland. Under the CORE SERIES, the company would produce lower cost player yoyos, largely influenced by the preferences of members of the HSPIN NETWORK.
Also, when I found myself on a conference call with part of my brain not fully occupied, I sketched a new yoyo, as it came to my mind. A continuation of the ENVY, picking up the train of thoughts right after the very first yoyo released: Extreme H-Profile, gap-side undercut rims, slim design... but modernized to the max: Large 13mm bearing, deep siliconable recesses and a 4mm gap. Few people have tried the BEYOND ENVY during EYYC 2011, and many of the best players in Europe lifted an eyebrow when throwing it. This is epic.
A small run of no more than may be 100 pieces will be produced not before August 2011.
Thanks,
ChrisK
