UNPRLD in 2024

Why does UNPRLD exist?

The 3 big questions for me, is “why,” “how,” and “what.” Simply put, why does UNPRLD exist, how do I put that into action, and what do I create to justify the why? The what and how is simple enough, I make yoyos, and I sell them. So now, why?

I remember designing my first yoyo in 2013 December. It’s been just over 10 years since I’ve made my first yoyo, and my designs have served different purposes since then. It started off with me not being happy with any of the yoyos I was playing with. I wanted something wider, but not crazy wide, but it wasn’t available. It was never meant to be something I was supposed to mass produce for the general market, I made 75 so I could have a small run and say I did something.

I made 4 different versions of the yoyo to see how different forms of the same shape would change. I had started off with a simple 7075 yoyo, then made an outer rim bimetal, inner rim bimetal (used to shrink fit them with vodka and dry ice) and a titanium one. I remember having to hand machine down the bearing seat on the titanium yoyo because I had messed up the design on that one. That was all so much fun, and the “why” of yoyo making was different back then. I just wanted to make my own yoyo and use my own, cause I liked it.

Somehow, 10 years later, I ended up sponsoring a handful of people that represent the best of what the yoyo community has to offer. These people are not only great at yoyoing, but are some of the kindest and smartest people I could ever meet anywhere. I guess over time, the “why” of why I make yoyos has changed too. I no longer make yoyos for myself, and make yoyos for other people now. I’ve made 14 yoyos as signatures for people. To make a signature, I have to balance what they want out of a yoyo with not only what I see fit as the “UNPRLD” look, but also something that can sell. It seems simple enough, but it’s actually quite tricky.

There are so many people on the team that deserve signature yoyos, and it’s about time we make it happen. I also have a lot of ideas, along with something I want to call the “Atelier Special Series.” To do this, I have worked out some ways to make it possible:

We will make more models, but smaller batches. This is to ensure that everyone that deserves and wants a signature yoyo gets one. I want to make sure that the members that want signatures can get one without having to worry about needing to sell out huge quantities.

Yoyos will be cheaper. I have worked out a contract to produce the yoyos at a cheaper price, without compromising quality. I’ve gone through many factories at this point, including having made some yoyos myself, but I think I’ve finally found a place that can allow me to rest at ease knowing the quality will be good. The current forecasted pricing will be 100 for bimetals, and 45 for monometals, starting with Nate Dailey’s signature. Please note that some yoyos could be more or less expensive because of manufacturing cost, but the goal is to keep the majority of yoyos back at the 100 and 45 dollar benchmark pricing.

We will do some direct sales. Part of why I make yoyos is to make sure that these players can make it out to contests. Obviously, I don’t have complete data as to how much each brand gives to others, but I’d like to think I allocate a good chunk towards player royalties. This helps them to continue going to contests and allow the community to meet them as well. They really are special people and I’m lucky to have met them, anyone who’s met someone on the team can attest to that. To support their royalties, I’m allocating a very small part of the runs to be sold directly. I ask that you still continue to support your favorite retailers, but to also support us as well.

I’m really looking forward to the different models of yoyos we’re going to be releasing this year. I can think of 6 off the top of my head that make me want to get up and yoyo right now. I hope that you’ll join me in evolving the “why” of UNPRLD as well.