| Imperial | |
|---|---|
| |
| Manufacturer | Duncan |
| Release date | 1954 |
| Shape | Imperial |
| Color | Various |
| Weight | 51.7 grams |
| Dimensions | Diameter: 57.33mm Width: 34.24mm |
| Material | Plastic |
| Bearing size | Fixed metal axle |
| Response system | Starburst |
The Imperial is one of Duncan's two most iconic and best-selling yo-yos, alongside the Butterfly. It was first released in 1954, and has been a true classic since its introduction, and it is still in production to this day. It was even licensed for the Hyper Yo-Yo line in 1997 as the Hyper Imperial (Japanese: ハイパーインペリアル). The Imperial is a plastic looping yo-yo with a fixed metal axle, starburst response, and a narrow string gap. Its shape is based on the older wooden Tournament 77 model.
Even though it is kids' stuff compared to more modern loopers such as the Yomega Raider, the YoYoFactory Loop 1080 and even Duncan's own Hornet, it had seen plenty of use back in the day by even the professionals, especially the legendary Barney Akers.
Gallery
Trivia
- A solid yellow Imperial was the first yo-yo in space, on April 12th, 1985. This was a part of a series of scientific experiments called, "Toys in Space", where different toys were tested in outer space to see how they are affected by weightlessness. Originally, a Tom Kuhn No Jive 3-in-1 was going to be the first yo-yo in space, but because it was made of wood, it did not meet NASA's safety requirements.
External Link
- Duncan Imperial (Return Top, Canadian version) at the Museum of Yo-Yo History
- Duncan Imperial (1971) at the Museum of Yo-Yo History
- Duncan Glow Imperial (1971) at the Museum of Yo-Yo History
- Duncan Imperial (1994) at the Museum of Yo-Yo History
- Duncan Imperial (No. 400, black/gray/white swirl finish) at the Museum of Yo-Yo History
- Duncan Imperial (No. 400, red) at the Museum of Yo-Yo History
- Duncan Glow Imperial (No. 3057) at the Museum of Yo-Yo History