The Ultimate Australian Guide to Yo-Yos: History, Beginner Tricks: The Best Duncan Yo-Yos to Buy

If you grew up in Australia, chances are a yo-yo lived in your school bag at some point.

It might have been neon.
It probably tangled.
And it definitely smacked the ground a few times.

Well guess what? The yo-yo is back - smoother, longer spinning, and way more impressive than you remember.

At Adventure Awaits, we stock the legendary Duncan Yo-Yo range - the brand that helped turn yo-yoing into a global obsession. Whether you’re buying for a nostalgic adult, a curious kid, or someone ready to master viral tricks, this guide covers everything you need to know.

👉 Shop Duncan Yo-Yos here:
https://www.adventureawaits.com.au/collections/duncan-yo-yos

Let’s dive in.

Quick Answers to Australia’s Most-Searched Yo-Yo Questions

What’s the best beginner yo-yo?

Start with a responsive yo-yo. It returns to your hand with a simple tug.

Our top beginner picks:

Duncan Butterfly
Duncan Imperial

Both are affordable, easy to learn with, and perfect for first throws.

Responsive vs Unresponsive Yo-Yo - What’s the Difference?

This is the most important choice you’ll make.

Responsive Yo-Yo

Returns with a tug
Best for beginners
Great for classic tricks like Walk the Dog

Unresponsive Yo-Yo

Spins much longer
Requires a “bind” trick to return
Designed for advanced string combos and modern tricks like DNA

If you’re brand new, always start responsive. Once you’ve mastered strong sleepers and control, upgrade.

What String Length Should I Use?

Classic rule:

Measure from the floor to your belly button.
Tie your loop there. Trim the excess.

This one tip alone makes learning easier and prevents floor-bashing.

What’s the Best Yo-Yo String?

For beginners and looping:

Cotton or 50/50 blends

For modern unresponsive play:

100% polyester

Replace strings when:

They look fuzzy
They feel rough
They won’t hold tension

Why Won’t My Yo-Yo Come Back?

Common reasons:

If it’s unresponsive → You must bind.

If it’s meant to be responsive:

String is worn or dirty
String tension is off
Bearing needs correct lube
Wrong setup for the trick you’re trying

We break fixes down further below.

Is There a Yo-Yo Scene in Australia?

Absolutely.

Australia hosts the Australian National Yo-Yo Championships (ANYC), aligned with international rules. The 2025 event ran at Balmain Town Hall in Sydney.

Yo-yo culture is very much alive here.

A Quick History of the Yo-Yo (So You Sound Smart While You Spin)

Modern yo-yo popularity exploded thanks to Pedro Flores, who began manufacturing yo-yos in California in 1928.

Then came Donald F. Duncan Sr., who acquired the business and built Duncan into a household name through clever marketing and contests.

Fun facts:

In 1965, a court ruled that “yo-yo” was a generic term, not exclusive to Duncan.
June 6 is celebrated as National Yo-Yo Day (Duncan’s birthday).
The Imperial shape defined looping play.
The Butterfly shape (1958) revolutionised string tricks.

The Butterfly design is still one of the best beginner shapes today.

Yo-Yo Types & Shapes Explained

Responsive vs Unresponsive (Your Biggest Decision)

Start responsive. Upgrade later.

Responsive models:

Easier to control
Ideal for beginners
Perfect for classic tricks

Unresponsive models:

Spin longer
Wider catch gap
Designed for advanced combos
Require learning the bind return

If you can throw a strong Sleeper for 10+ seconds, you’re ready to experiment.

Yo-Yo Shapes That Matter

Imperial Shape

Narrow gap
Great for looping
Classic style
Example: Duncan Imperial

Butterfly Shape

Wide, flared shape
Bigger catch zone
Easier for string tricks
Example: Duncan Butterfly

Clutch / Brain Style

Auto-return mechanism
Spins freely then snaps back
Perfect for absolute beginners

The Adventure Awaits Duncan Buyer’s Guide

We stock genuine Duncan Yo-Yos and ship Australia-wide daily from Numurkah, Victoria.

Free shipping on orders over $99.

Here’s what we recommend:

Duncan Butterfly

Perfect first string-trick yo-yo. Wide shape makes learning easier. Budget-friendly.

Duncan Imperial

Classic looping model. Narrow and simple. A nostalgic favourite.

Duncan First Yo-Yo

Designed specifically for beginners learning control.

Duncan Spin Drifter

Creative 3-in-1 play. A bit different and super fun.

Duncan Brain Game Set

Auto-return clutch model. Ideal for younger players building confidence.

👉 Shop the full Duncan range here:
https://www.adventureawaits.com.au/collections/duncan-yo-yos

How to Start Playing a Yo-Yo (Simple Setup Guide)

1. Set Your String Length

Floor to belly button. Tie. Trim.

This reduces frustration instantly.

2. Master the Sleeper

The Sleeper is everything.

Throw straight down.
Let it spin.
Don’t panic.
Let it sleep for 10 seconds.

All tricks build from here.

3. Clear Your Space

Before Around the World, make sure:

No people behind you
No breakable lights
No pets nearby

Trust us on this one.

The 7 Beginner Yo-Yo Tricks to Learn First

Sleeper
Walk the Dog
Rock the Baby
Around the World
Forward Pass
Breakaway
Bind (for unresponsive players)

Once you’ve nailed these, you’re ready to explore bigger tricks like DNA.

Troubleshooting Common Yo-Yo Problems

It Won’t Come Back

If unresponsive → Learn the bind.

If responsive:

Replace string
Check string tension
Add thick lube for more response

It Comes Back Too Fast

Clean bearing
Use thin lube
Reduce string tension

Avoid harsh solvents on plastic yo-yos.

What Age Is a Yo-Yo Suitable For?

Most beginner yo-yos are suitable for 6+.

Always supervise younger children and ensure age-appropriate products.

Why Duncan Yo-Yos?

Because Duncan created:

The Imperial
The Butterfly
The mass yo-yo movement

They are:

Durable
Affordable
Perfect for beginners
Still used worldwide

And we stock the colours and models that move fastest.

Why Buy Your Yo-Yo from Adventure Awaits?

We are:

A real regional Aussie store in Numurkah, VIC
Shipping daily Australia-wide
Passionate about classic toys that get kids off screens
Stocking genuine Duncan products

Plus we’re here if you get stuck.

Ready to Throw?

Whether you’re reliving schoolyard memories or introducing your kids to their first yo-yo, there’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering the spin.

Start simple.
Throw strong.
Practise often.

👉 Shop Duncan Butterfly, Imperial and more here:
https://www.adventureawaits.com.au/collections/duncan-yo-yos

Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $99.