| Wheels | |
|---|---|
| |
| Manufacturer | Duncan |
| Release date | Mid- or Late 1970s |
| Shape | Butterfly |
| Color | Various |
| Weight | 63.7 grams |
| Dimensions | Diameter: 57.13mm Width: 36.94mm |
| Material | Plastic |
| Bearing size | Fixed metal axle |
| Response system | Starburst |
The Wheels is a Butterfly-shaped plastic yo-yo with a fixed metal axle, produced by Duncan. As the name implies, the yo-yo is themed after automobile wheels, and came with different side cap designs. For a fixed axle yo-yo, it spun for a reasonable amount of time, thanks to its heavy weight coupled with the tire shape which made the yo-yo somewhat rim-weighted, and also the axle being precision-coated with Reslon, not unlike the more obscure World Class.
Originally, the side caps of the yo-yo were entirely painted with a chrome finish, while the "tire" part around the wheel was painted black except for the text written around the "tire". By the 1990's, they did away with the chrome painting and just used the color of the plastic, whether it's white, red, or metallic gray, and either painted the "tire" black, or just printed the text around the tire in black or chrome, and sometimes they also painted the "hubcap" black as well.
During the 1980s, Japanese toy manufacturer Tsukuda Original made and distributed their own iteration of the "Wheels" in Japan. It was also licensed for Bandai's Hyper Yo-Yo range in 1997 as the Hyper Wheels (Japanese: ハイパーホイールズ), though that version was made by Duncan.
The Wheels, particularly the older versions, was also popular for modding, especially with a mod in which the yo-yo is equipped with a metal ball bearing. This was also said to have inspired the legendary Freehand. There also existed a fan-made aluminum version of the Wheels in the 1990s, and it was a highly sought-after item due to its exceptional performance. The yo-yo was originally made of polycarbonate, and the current versions are made of ABS.
Notable Cosmetic Variants[]
- Fire Wheels - Released in Europe in the 1980's. Unlike the regular Wheels, which has a body that's always molded in black plastic, the Hyper Wheels came in different plastic body colors to choose from, and had a different logo.
- Neon Wheels - A very rare Wheels variant with a body that's molded in clear glittered plastic.
2016[]
| Wheels (2016) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Manufacturer | Duncan |
| Release date | Summer 2016 |
| Shape | Butterfly |
| Color | Black with Gray Caps Black with Red Caps Black with Blue Caps |
| Weight | 49.6 grams |
| Dimensions | Diameter: 55.93mm Width: 36.68mm |
| Material | Plastic |
| Bearing size | Plastic transaxle sleeve |
| Response system | Starburst |
In 2016, Duncan released a new, redesigned version of the Wheels yo-yo. Compared to the older versions, it has a more modern touch. Instead of a Reslon-coated fixed axle, it features a plastic transaxle sleeve as large as a C-bearing. It also boasts a take-apart design, and a pair of bearing seats, so that the user could swap in a C-bearing for even longer spinning. Like the original, however, the side caps come in different designs and colors.
Official Description[]
Original[]
Duncan Yo-yo Leaflet (1981)[]
A winner.
Black and chrome yo-yos design in 4 popular "mag-wheel" styles. Their butterfly profile has been developed for longer spin, better balance, and for performing those "Duncan" string tricks.
Duncan Hyper Wheels (1997)[]
Type B - String Play Type
Its weight of about 62 grams makes longer sleep times possible. Tire-shaped, suitable for string play (tricks that use the string, such as "Trapeze"). Diameter about 57mm. Weight about 62 grams.
Duncan Hyper Wheels (1998)[]
Type B - String Play Type
Its weight of 62 grams makes it possible to sleep longer. Tire-shaped, suitable for string play. Diameter about 57mm. Weight about 62 grams.
Infinite Illusions 1999 Spring/Summer Catalog[]
A plastic butterfly yo-yo with a steel axle, this yo-yo is heavier, giving it longer spins.
2016 Version[]
Duncan Catalog (2016)[]
In 2016, Duncan is taking the Classic Wheels design and giving it an upgrade in style and play. The 2016 Wheels will spin much longer with the transaxle design advancement. More spin times lead to more tricks! In addition, all four of the assorted hubcap designs have been enhanced to better represent the latest in racing and design trends. One of the best beginner yo-yos available!
Photos[]
Original[]
2016[]
