https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/470/31464180980_91d9e4febd.jpgUntitled by wcyoyospirit, on Flickr

December 8th marked the 10th anniversary of the launch of the much hyped and sought after Peak, also marking the launch of what is now one of the largest and most influential yoyo companies in the community, CLYW, or also known as Caribou Lodge Yoyo Works. To just explain some of the history, CLYW was a company started by Chris Mikulin and Paul Wallace. Their favorite yoyos were the Yoyofactory Fast 401k and the Yoyojam Hitman, and their goal was to create a yoyo that had a bit of both in it. The result of that was the CLYW Peak. The Peak proved to be a very well selling yoyo, and has gone through a total of 3 runs, each a little different from their predecessor, and has left a very long, lasting legacy on the community. Being the 10th anniversary, fans of CLYW wanted something special, and were ecstatic when it was announced there would be a Peak 2. Chris was very rushed with this project, with the right design only coming to him earlier this month. The Peak 2 was machined and anodized and sold only 3 weeks after. With the hype and expectations surrounding this yoyo due to it’s predecessor’s fame, will the Peak 2 be worthy of being a homage to the Peak? Also, if you wish to read more on the history of the Peak and the early years of CLYW, the thread can be found here. (RIP Ben :(, maybe you’re playing with a Peak 2 somewhere out there.)

Comparison With A 2nd Run Peak

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/468/31799284336_e6254b6185.jpgPeaks by wcyoyospirit, on Flickr

https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5554/31464070500_3707f080fe.jpgPeaks by wcyoyospirit, on Flickr

Peak (2nd Run) (Nabbed from Highspeedyoyo)

Diameter: 54.60mm

Width: 42.50mm

Gap: 4.17mm

Weight: 67.30 grams

Bearing: C-Size

Response: Flowable Silicone

Axle: 8-32" by 3/4"

Peak 2 (Measured)

Diameter: 54.60mm

Width: 42.70mm

Gap: 4.30 mm

Weight: 64.50 grams

Bearing: C size

Response: Snow Tires

Axle: M4x0.7mm by 10mm

I will just be explaining the construction differences between the two in this section. In the next section, I will be talking about how the Peak 2 plays. In terms of construction, there are a few very obvious differences that can be seen just by looking at them side by side. The first difference is now there is a step near the response area on the Peak 2. This step is the most modern addition to the yoyo, it allows for the yoyo to keep it’s organic shape, but removes the high wall the Peak has. The major advantage to this is now the yoyo is less prone to changing planes during usage, and because there is less area for the string to rub against, the Peak 2 is less likely to lose spin during tricks which require multiple layers of string. The 2nd difference is the Peak 2 no longer has a thumb grind lip, which I am slightly salty about. (Put it back!) In all seriousness, I trust that Chris knows what he is doing and that there is a reason to remove the lip. The third difference is the size of the “donut” in the cup. I’m not sure if there is any reason for this besides for aesthetics. Other differences include the axle size and the weight. The axle size is now shorter and uses a metric size instead of US sizing. The Peak 2 is actually produced in China by a very reputable machinist, and because only the US uses inches for thread size, the Peak 2 now uses a metric sized axle. The weight is now lighter at 64.5 grams. I’m not sure if I can classify this as a difference, as I was told the Peak 2 was based on the original first run 28s Peak, which had a lighter weight.

Performance

https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/284/31464070340_8e186fe47b.jpgPeaks by wcyoyospirit, on Flickr

On the first few throws of the Peak 2, I was a little taken back by how light it felt. The Peak 2 moves with very little effort through tricks, and doesn’t have as much of a presence on the string as the second run Peak did. I find this to be a nice change, and it is very enjoyable to have a yoyo that takes so little effort to move. It almost feels like the yoyo is guiding you through the tricks, not the other way around. If I had to compare the Peak 2 to another yoyo other than the Peak, it would be the CLYW Canvas. People have often considered the CLYW Canvas to be the successor of the Peak after all. Like in the Canvas, the extra step in the profile improves the performance indescribably. Where the Peak died fairly quickly on faster or longer combos. the Peak 2 is able to handle all of them with ease. Multiple layers are no problem either, and there is not nearly as much tilting as the predecessor, and can even handle horizontal combos. In short, the Peak 2 is much more modern than the Peak. The finish on the Peak 2 is also extremely soft and grinds amazingly, much softer than the old CLYW blast. While the Peak was never intended to be a yoyo used in competitions, I feel the Peak 2 can easily be used on stage, while still being a very fun and relaxing yoyo.

Response and Bearing

https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/487/31720545101_8c8b706f6e.jpgPeaks by wcyoyospirit, on Flickr

The Peak 2 uses the same sized bearing as the predecessor, but is a much higher quality one. I personally love CLYW’s pixel bearings. They are very smooth, long lasting and (important to some) very quiet. The pixel bearing is a very nice addition to the Peak 2. The response used now is CLYW’s signature snow tires, which are meant to mimic the feel of silicone. The response pads sit slightly below the outer wall, preventing snagging and ensuring a very smooth playing experience. The yoyo has absolutely no vibe at all, a very nice change from the older Peaks.

Final Thoughts

https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/643/31027205283_dbbdecafd8.jpgPeaks by wcyoyospirit, on Flickr

The release of the Peak 2 saw many positive notes, but also some negative ones. Complaints were the Peak 2 plays fairly subpar, not enough was packed into the first release, made in China, etc. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but if you allow them to cloud your vision, you will be missing out on a great yoyo. In the past few years, I had thought CLYW had moved completely away from making fun, relaxing throws and was just focused on making competition worth yoyos. I am glad to say they are still able to make a yoyo that is more suited for the casual thrower. The Peak 2 in every essence, is a Peak’s successor. The feeling is there, and the nostalgia is there. The Peak 2 captures every part of the Peak that was loved, and adds to it a modern twist, making the Peak 2 better in every way. So the answer is yes, I believe the Peak 2 does live up to the Peak’s legacy. Chris could have just reproduced the original Peak, and it would have sold in minutes, but I am glad he decided to take a new route and redesign the Peak entirely for the anniversary run. So goodies or not, I am very much enjoying this yoyo. And if you’re sad that you missed out on the first run, the next runs are going to be even better! I heard the legendary Levi might be playing a part