Enigma (Production Run) by ILOVEYOYO

Reviewed by Chris Rhoads

1/12/10

Introduction

No, you are not experiencing déjà vu. It is very rare that I get to write a review for both the prototype and final release of a product, but that is exactly what is going on today. Back in October I brought you the review of the prototype Enigma and today I am following up that review with the final production release. Normally I would just update the current review but the Enigma has gone through enough of a change between the prototype and production run that I think it warrants a brand new review. Many will recall that I was pretty fond of the prototype Enigma, lets see if the changes to the production run have a positive or negative impact my enthusiasm for ILOVEYOYO’s first foray into the world of H-Shape yo-yos.

Specs

• Diameter: 54.10mm
• Width: 40.90mm
• Weight: 67.00g
• Response: Hot Red SILYYcone
• Bearing: ILYY KMK 6×13x5mm

Construction

First thing that has to be said about this yo-yo… CANDY BLAST IS BACK!!! Yes, ILYY has broken their one-year hiatus from Candy Blast and brought it back for the Enigma. While I am a big fan of the new Candodized finish, the Candy Blast on this yo-yo feels like a welcome visit from an old friend. It catches the light brilliantly, even in the overcast photos in this review. It also has a great feel in the hand. The one problem with a smooth finish on a yo-yo, no matter the company, is that they tend to get a little sticky to the touch after extended use. A decently blasted finish just stays silky smooth even after several hours of play.  ILYY has taken precautions to make sure this excellent finish does not have the adverse string wear effects that plagues every bead blast finish. They masked off part of the catch area leading into the response, giving a smooth area of contact with the string.

The H-Shape of the Enigma is perfectly executed. The concave, curvy inner walls that flow into the gap are wide enough that the yo-yo perfectly straddles even my bulbous fingers during a grind. The rest of the yo-yo is equally well thought out. The cups are sufficiently deep coupled with a well-executed IRG making for great thumb grinds. Finally, gone is the gloomy titanium color used in several of ILYY’s previous releases. In its place is a stunning shade of royal blue (or as my wife calls it, University of Kentucky blue).

Weight

One of the sticking points for the original prototype Enigma was the weight. It weighed in at a hefty 71 grams. While it played lighter than what was on paper, people would still perceive the heavy weight as a major negative. The bonus of the prototypes bulk was that it was very stable on the string, something that does not usually accompany an H-Shaped yo-yo. The production run Enigma weighs in at a svelte 67 grams and the difference is dramatic. It is fast on the string, a little floaty in the air, and still maintains the tremendous spin times of the proto. On the down side, the reduction in weight did mean a slight sacrifice in stability. I found that it did tilt a little more than the prototype and was a little less forgiving on a bad through. That being said I would take the trade off any day.

Response and Bearing

The response is perfectly applied red hot sILYYcone giving tight binds that everyone has come to know and love from ILOVEYOYO. It also lasts forever, which is a good thing because once you have to replace it you are stuck with boring clear flowable.

The bearing is ILYY’s standard metric KMK 6x13x5 bearing that comes deshielded, lightly lubed, with more than adequate spin times.

Playability

In my opinion, this is still one of the smoothest yo-yos that ILYY as produced. Added to the smoothness are fast reaction times to movement changes and an overall nimbleness on the string. It is still pretty forgiving on a bad throw but less so than the heavier sibling. You will get tilt if you throw it wrong. This is not a big deal for most since pretty much all the players I know tend not to go out of their way to mess up a throw. The production run Enigma still maintains its suicide machine status. With such little contact between the inner walls and the string, there is really nothing to close the loop prematurely. Great for whatever suicide floats your boat. With this yo-yo I set my personal record of 7 GT suicides in a row. I know it does not sound like much but I am proud of it. As for grinds, did you miss the part above when I said that Candy Blast is back? This is a phenomenal grinder; thumb, finger, palm, it does not matter.

Final Thoughts

In the prototype review I said that the proto should have been on store shelves. Well, I am big enough to admit when I am wrong and happy to do so in this instance. The reduction in weight and the addition of the Candy Blast finish puts this high on the list of THE yo-yos to get from ILOVEYOYO.