Thread: Duncan Metal Drifter: A "First Impression" Review

Hello everyobody!

Back with another "Budget Metal" review. As you all know, the Metal Drifter came out to Toys R Us stores several weeks ago. I couldn't fight the temptation and wound up picking one up as it looks much like a Metal Zero but smaller. Granted I still have yet to try these "High End" yo-yos as I'm a firm believer that it's the player, not the yo. Plus, I would be just as good on an $80 yo as I would on even my $3 Mosquito tuned up. So here goes.

The MD is basically a metal version of the plastic Duncan Drifter...which is a smaller version of the FHZ. So really, the MD is a scaled down version of the Metal Zero with some improvements such as a replaceable axle and nut hidden under the post caps.

Size-wize, I don't have the exact numbers but I think the diameter is around 54mm. I'm sure you all saw the stats when Duncan posted it a couple months ago. Sizing it up to my Maverick as it's similar, it is a tad larger. It is also significantly wider, more of a deeper bowl shape on each side. This actually makes landing trapezes even easier. Its smaller size also makes it a little more zippy in the air when flinging it around in a barrel roll or whatever.

Out of the package, this thing is far too responsive. I just messed with it anyway and got beat up in the process. I got smacked several times doing ferris wheel dismounts and it wasn't so pleasant. No fear though. I have not even cleaned the bearing yet, I just threw on some poly string and used the gold spacers that came with my FH 2 and it was immediately fully unresponsive. Binds are spot on, no slipping out whatsoever. I've only been throwing this since yesterday for little bits at a time. So it's not fully worked in yet I don't think.

Also, the pads are recessed much like the 2010 FH 2. Not sure if it's deep enough though to hold any silicone but works fine with the Duncan pads now.

Looks-wise, it looks great. I have not seen the other 2 color options as all the store had in stock was the silver/black which I'm fine with. Blue looks nice and if you're one for yellow, that doesn't look too bad either. Online, I saw that it came with a red skull weight which I wasn't too thrilled with. Mine actually came with a metallic grey colored weight which I think is a little more appropriate.

The silver is shiny brushed finish with what looks like painted black on the insides. It's smooth to the touch but is not as slippery as the Maverick so don't expect to grind. But the trade off is the width for landing on the string easier.

As mentioned, the post caps can unscrew, showing the bolt or nut underneath. When the yo-yo is unscrewed both the nut and bolt have a lot of play with the caps on so putting it back together may be a challange. I stuffed some foil under one of the caps to keep the bolt from sliding around and not reaching the nut. Typically, with any of the plastics, a rubber plug was inserted into the bolt hole to keep it from sliding back and forth. Also, if you strip your bolt, you can easily replace it. Also seeing this, I'm sure you can put stacks on the hubs.

So was it worth the $20? I'd say that it is totally worth it. Check your local TRU as they have just received them. I'm glad these budget high end yo's are making it to the stores making it a little more accessible to everyone and can hopefully popularize yo-yoing once again!

Nice review. I have been loving my Metal Drifter w/ a clean bearing and one silicone sticker in there. When I played it responsive, it was tug responsive, but was smooth, as in it didn't interrupt a Brain Twister combo.

I bought one of these solely to get the red skull counterweight

but not a bad throw otherwise.. I cleaned the bearing and put in one silicone sticker and its reasonably unresponsive now.. I still prefer my FHZs though, for sure

nice review, been lookin' at pickin' up this yo yo.

mgodinez

crescent moon...

Great review I consider mine my main throw I love it to death. I siliconed mine and it stays pretty well (Black Permatex (not flowable) ) Its so amazing without stickers, after the silicone was "cut in" its perfectly un responsive and I have learned a few new tricks because of having this "bind return" throw, such as Boingy Boingy , Matrix and Kwijibo. It really feels like i'm on a whole other level now and I love it. Once again great review.