This page explains how to use the Upgrade Kit, which converts select beginner models into bind-return yo-yos.
Compatible models: One Star, Arrow, Hubstack, DV888, and more.
Step 1: Master the Prerequisite Trick — “Throw & Catch”
Before upgrading, make sure you can throw a solid Sleeper for at least 10 seconds. Focus on throwing with power and catching cleanly — master the basics of “Throw & Catch” first.
Ideally, aim to be able to do the Elevator before moving on.
Step 2: Replace the Bearing
Swap out the narrow bearing that comes pre-installed for a wider (full-sized) bearing!
Replace this narrow bearing with a wider one!
If the bearing is too tight to remove by hand, refer to the page below.
With the wider bearing installed, the yo-yo may still return with a strong tug, but it is now set up for bind returns. Spin time will also increase dramatically — several times longer than before.
Start challenging yourself to bind with this new setup!
Even if it feels impossible at first — try at least 10 times! You’ll gradually start to feel like you’re getting it.
Once you succeed, try practicing tricks that benefit from a longer spin time!
If binding still feels too difficult, you can swap the bearing back to the narrow one so the yo-yo returns with a tug. Use that setup to practice your throw and the beginner tricks on the page below, and once you feel more confident, switch to the wider bearing and try binding again!
Tricks like Brain Twister are much easier to learn after you’ve mastered the bind — we strongly recommend getting your bind down before moving on to those tricks.
Step 3: Replace the Pads
At this point, your yo-yo is not yet in its “full bind setup” — it still has more potential waiting to be unlocked.
Once you’re comfortable with binding, try replacing the pads as well!
At this stage, one of the pads is likely protruding slightly above the groove.
In this state, binds are easy to land, but when attempting more advanced tricks, the protruding pad can catch the string and slow down the spin.
By switching both pads to thinner ones, your yo-yo can perform at its full potential as a true bind yo-yo.
If you’ve gotten to the point where you can bind confidently, go ahead and replace the pads too!
※ If you’ve been practicing this whole time, both pads should be worn down a little. Go ahead and replace the thinner pad at the same time.
Note: If the yo-yo won’t return (or is hard to return) after replacing the pads
Up until now, you were practicing with a yo-yo that returned more easily, so even light binds were enough. If you find that it’s harder to return now, focus on performing a firm, solid bind.
Point 1: Start the bind with both hands at roughly the same height.
→ Starting the bind with your dominant hand higher than the other weakens the catch. Try to begin the bind with both hands at the same level.
If it still won’t return, try starting with your dominant hand slightly higher instead.
Point 2: Pinch the string.
→ Use the fingers of your non-dominant hand to firmly pinch the string as you perform the bind!
You’re Now a Bind Master!
Once you’ve reached this point, you can use a bind yo-yo with full confidence!
Mastering the bind opens up dozens — even hundreds — of new tricks to learn.
Keep pushing forward and take on even more advanced challenges!
In today’s yo-yo scene, virtually all yo-yos designed for string tricks are built to be used with a bind return.
Master the bind and unlock the full potential of high-performance yo-yos!