The YoYoFactory eight8eight (or 888) is a flared gap yo-yo originally released on May 5th, 2007. The eighth release in the "Project Red Alert" series, it has the free-spinning hubstacks of the G5 but a more traditional rounded profile. The 888 is YoYoFactory's best-selling metal yo-yo of all time, and has been redesigned and refined in various production runs over the years, in addition to a plethora of special edition runs. In most versions, the 888 is a large bearing yo-yo with recessed silicone (or silicone pads) response.
One special run of the yo-yo was fitted with a smaller (A sized) bearing, high walls, and silicone pad response, designed for 5A players.
The second run of the Aqua Blue edition is as heavy as 68 grams, with a slightly slimmer width and more concave body.
Editions[]
Prototype[]
Prototype 888s were not colored. They were given to team members and as a replacement for people who had returned broken Grind Machine 2 yo-yos.
2007 releases[]
The first release was aqua blue (most with white hubstacks, some with black).
Other versions released this year were:
- ocho8ocho: Red and green, sold at contests on Cinco de Mayo and in Mexico
- Europe edition: Blue and yellow
- Asia edition: Red and yellow
- Spingear edition: Silver and magenta
- Allyoyo.com: Pink, limited to 40 yo-yos, given to Allyoyo team members and sold at Allyoyo events
- Augie Fash signature model: Orange with checkerboard pattern, A-bearing
- YoyoPeople edition: Orange and green with laser engravings inspired by John Higby
- John Higby signature model: Blue and magenta with Mr. Yodel cartoons
- Steve Brown signature model: Black, red, and violet
2008 releases[]
In 2008 the 888 gained a harder and more durable aluminum alloy, and clear hubstacks.
Other editions:
- Contest Team edition: Blue and silver
- 2008 Deep red edition: '08 888 in deep red with clear hubstacks
- 2008 Aqua edition: '08 888 in light blue
- 2008 Jason Lee edition: '08 888 in red with Jason Lee inspired laser engravings and a small bearing
- 2008 888w edition: '08 888 with the walls and bearing seat cut down to move the weight more to the outside and increase stability
2009 releases[]
In 2009, the 888 became slightly heavier than previous editions, polished on the sides and walled.
Other editions:
- 2009 Aqua edition: '09 888 that is anodized blue and is one gram lighter and one millimeter smaller in diameter
- 2009 Starry night edition: '09 888 with stars laser engraved onto the black or blue yo-yo
- Steve Brown signature model: Black with Steve's body tattoo pictures, small bearing for 5A play
- Limited Release (MAR): Red
- Stealth 888: Black hardcoated anodized, with one white logo
- Shadow 888: Black hardcoated anodized, black logos
2010 releases[]
The 2010 edition is known as the 888x. It features no closed nubs, CBC Large Slim pad response, and is made in China (this causes the yo-yo to sell for about $20 less). It comes in aqua, blue, red, purple, black, and raw silver.
2011 releases[]
2011 version of the 888x utilizes a lower edge and heavier body.