Yo-Yos look easy to use, but require tremendous skill to master. I contacted the masters, Duncan Toys Company, to learn more about this tricky toy…

Dear Yo-Yoers:

The Yo-Yo is a lot like New York. It’s one of the few things intentionally named twice. I’m fascinated by the Yo-Yo and was hoping you would answer some questions about them, so here goes…

How many known tricks are there for Yo-Yos and what are some of the craziest ones named?

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever heard anyone do with a Yo-Yo (legal or illegal)?

How many concussions are caused every year by flying Yo-Yos?

Duncan Yo-Yos are great!!!! Do you ever mail out free samples to people who write telling you how great your Yo-Yos are?

I’m allergic to real dogs, but thankfully I can walk my Duncan dog. I don’t travel much, but I’ve been around the world with my Duncan. I don’t know what it is about Duncan Yo-Yos, but you sure have me wrapped around my finger. I’m looking forward to your reply, no strings attached. Am I on a roll, or what?

I’m not a Yo-Yo, just a big fan of them!

The Duncan Toys Company responded by sending:

A very cool Duncan ProFire Yo-Yo, a Duncan decal, a replacement string, instructions for Replacing Broken Strings and a one-sheet called, “Getting Your Duncan Yo-Yo Ready.”

Final Thoughts: Some companies don’t mix business with pleasure. Duncan stuck strictly with pleasure. There was no letter included, just the bubble mailer of fun stuff. It would have been interesting to learn the answers to my questions. However, if there was one question I would want answered above all, it would be the one they responded to by sending the free sample. While many companies do things with strings attached, the only two Duncan included were for a Yo-Yo. So in this case, Duncan definitely delivered!

Receiving a Yo-Yo not only brought a smile to my face, it made me even more curious about Yo-Yos. So I set out to find the answers to some of my own questions. Here’s what I found:

• Museum of Yo-Yo History (spinning through the ages): They claim to be, “The most comprehensive archive of yo-yo images, historical memorabilia, and information in the world.”
• YoYoExpert.com: In the Learn section, you’ll find many “Tricks of the Trade,” including video demonstrations.
• How Yo-Yos Work: HowStuffWorks shares how and much more.
• The Yo-Yo Has Had Ups and Downs, But It’s Far From End of Its String: A Wall Street Journal article covering the dangers that come with the territory.
• Doctor of Yo-Yos: A fun video piece from CBS News about a dermatologist recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most yo-yos in the world.

There is also tons of terrific information on the Duncan Yo-Yo website, including the History of the Yo-Yo dating back to 500 BC. If you’re in the market for a Yo-Yo, give Duncan a spin. Although, if you want to see whether a business is going to respond or just string you along when you contact them, one way to find out is to Write The Company.