+YoYoHead Unless it's like the Lambda or something where you might end up waiting a long ass time to find out, only to realize it's been an hour and you're probably still dreaming. Maybe. Gotta spin it again.
Yeh I wouldn't say it is a children toy. That would basically make knife beads woman stuff. (Because they would only be decorations). They are made for older people, so I think your explanation is really fitting!
I love the honesty of this video. Its like riding a Vespa scooter...tons of fun until you get caught on one. I don't care if its machined barbie dolls, the work and precision machining that goes into them is what makes it cool to me.
+EKIM1428 I agree. It's the idea that someone can take a child's toy that most people may have found ausing in their childhood and turning it into something elegant, beautiful, and scientific.
It's now 2022 and spin tops have come a long way. Now collecting older Rich's tops from when this video was made are rare and expensive. I have many many tops today. Excellent video Jim.
+TheBackyardScientist *goes overboard and makes one big enough to interfere with Earth's rotation* *another ice age begins* *mankind becomes extinct* thanks backyardscientist
Hey all, this is Rich from BilletSPIN. First off, thank you Jim for the AMAZING video. I remember the thoughts I had running through my head when I first saw precision tops and then saw grown men buying them and then spinning them. I still can't tell you what it is about them but man they are addicting. Great for passing time. Anyways, I just wanted to chime in. It was great reading through the comments and I understand where a lot of them are coming from. My advice, try one. Get a cheaper precision top to try it out. If you don't like it, sell it. They seem to hold their value pretty well. I can tell you this, since I have started spinning tops I grew 2", all my gray hair is gone, lost 20 lbs and my wife can't keep her hands off me. Thank you spinning tops! Hey if y'all got some questions let me know and have yourself an amazing Christmas! -Rich-
25 minutes ago I had never heard of this sort of thing and I'd never heard of your channel. Thanks, now I have to go spend a couple hundred bucks on a damn top. have my sub, sir.
When I first started watching this video I was thinking wow this is stupid, then I thought wow that's way too expensive, and then I thought wow this guy is insane, and then you started spinning the top on the mirror. And I thought wow I want them all!
Your point on pulling the focus away from our phones and keeping it on the friends/family around us makes these all the more worthy of their attention.
The fact that people are dismissive to this demonstrates what is happening in our society. This is a way to keep yourself off of your cellphones, tablets, etc... as these are ways to collect your data, your browsing history, your contacts. It is also a fun way to kill time, start simple fellowship conversations, and as a simple way to meditate. A way to disconnect from the digital world.
There's something very peaceful, orderly and beautiful about watching a beautifully engineered spinning top....a hobby that makes a lot of sense to me in a crazy world!!! A hobby like this goes a long way to keeping you from going insane...any good psychiatrist would agree with this point.
Funny how a dude who is into knives that cost thousands of dollars has the balls to look askance at someone into toys. A multiple thousand dollar knife is nothing if not a toy. Whay FUNCTIONAL advantage could possibly justify the cost of a $2000 knife?
Funny how I describe that over and over and over, and even dedicated two entire videos to that (Frequently Asked Questions ) and yet people still don't comprehend. If you don't get it by now, you never will.
+Jim Skelton I tripped across your channel. I am reacting to the content of this video. I repeat, any suggestion that a knife that cost thousands of dollars is anything but a toy (as compared to say a properly sharpened carbon steel combat knife or a well hoped chef's knife for the purpose) is ridiculous. Have at it, if that's what makes you happy, I really mean that. But I just find it funny that someone who advocates for the engineering of items far beyond their usefulness as the tool they are (because it's your hobby) has the sack to even come close to denigrating the same thing in someone else's hobby or chosen object of interest. I guess it's good that you got a window into that other interest.
+Douglas Williams I don't think you paid any attention to this video. I wasn't busting anyone's balls for liking tops, I was speaking from both sides in this video and clarifying that tops aren't for kids and that there is more to appreciate about them. If I felt they were stupid, I wouldn't own about $20k worth of them.
+Jim Skelton actually you evolved on the point. You said your self that you started off basically saying you were wondering what was wrong with grown people playing with kids toys and had your eyes opened. That's why I said I guess it's good you got a glimpse into the reasons why.
Great video Jim! Rich's tops are insane. 13:40 "If we could make everything in the life to this degree of precision, can you imagine how incredible the world would be?" One of the best quotes I've heard you say. That's my goal buddy!
This video teaches a great lesson: Whatever weird hobby you find yourself into, there are a community of people equally or even more into it than you and willing to drop grands on it.
When I was young I disassembled an old C-casette player and took the spinning wheel out of it. It turned out to be *the best* spinning top I ever had. The axle was round from both ends and with little force I could adjust the position. I put some tape on the other end of the axle to have better grip. After adjusting the axle positin perfectly I timed the spin. My record was 15 minutes. So all in all: practically free high quality spinning top that could exceed 10min mark easily.
I don't get this. They are really neat, and i appreciate such impressive precision machining, but I don't quite "get" it. I just don't want to carry a top anywhere.
I totally get this. High-level craftsmanship and performance is a beautiful thing. Don't think of it as a children's toy, think of it as an engineering challenge for the marriage of beauty and performance. The simplicity of the task is almost what makes it beautiful - make an object that spins for a VERY long time. Lots of the things that I would lump into the same category have similar simple goals. Make an object that cuts, an object that writes, and object that tells you the time. There are rich assholes who will spend $100,000 on a watch that essentially performs worse than a $20 quartz watch from Walmart...but I get the desire for such items.
the tops have been my things for a while, I get a knife every few months, but I buy a top almost everyday! they are so much fun and badass! I dig that everyone is getting into them now
they are pretty cool and very nicely made. I can see using them almost as a meditation tool for when your in the office on a rough day. give it a quick spin, listen to the steady unchanging sound and be mesmerized and relax kind of like you said with a camp fire. now if they weren't so expensive.
These are genuinely hypnotising and amazing! The craftsmanship is just perfect on every one, and it's clear the creators really have a passion for their trade. I'm really interested in getting one or two good tops, what would you say is a good value manufacturer for a poor 18yr old? :p thanks and keep up the good work Jim!
They do serve a purpose. He described it in the video, a way to relax and kill time. That's enough of a purpose for someone to carry it with them on a daily basis.
My Grandfather used to carve them for me while I watched out of whatever wood was available. I'm not 4 anymore but what he carved me would be priceless to me today A grown ass Man, I miss him very much.
There is something calming and focusing in something in simple as this. Maybe it makes us think of things in a lot simpler sense. And yes, it is a piece of art.
I have been thinking about making a spinning top for awhile its good to know I'm not crazy to be 53 years old and enjoy something ment for a kid is interesting to build and watch and try and improve the next one made. Thanks for sharing.. Guy
I'm a 68 year old kid that gets it. I can Not afford these high $$$$ works of art though, but I do appreciate the machining. My dad was a machinist. I was a gunsmith for about 30 years. I just bought a stainless steel top for 4.99. I got 4 minutes plus spinning it on a mirror. I spun it on the bottom of a plastic container sitting on my desktop and noticed the sound! It sounded like an airplane flying over! Just fun stuff for old kids.
Awesome! As a retired machinist, I can totally appreciate the Art that these are. They are Beautiful Pieces of Craftsmanship from fellow machinists. Excellent Work Guys! Thank You Jim for reviewing them!
thanks to you, I purchased a Prometheus Lambda, a Billetspin Trident, and a JL Lawson Standard II! Can't wait for them to arrive! thank you for introducing me to these!
i actually made my own a week or 2 ago out of copper and brass. saw a few pictures of them thought well i can make that (it spins for 4-5 mins on a flat surface) but i did not see the why. until i made it its amazing how entertaining it is to just spin it on the desk throughout the day.
I am disabled vet that is 50% disabled without the ability to actually have gainful employment. So I get to live on $836 a month. I get what is being said here. I understand that if a man who is into precise engineering can spend a couple of hundred dollars on such a refined top. If I had disposable income I might treat myself to grown man toys. We men are children at heart. But there are times that it would make me think maybe this money would be better spent on something that benefits more of humanity. But!!! all work and no play makes Jim, me, and any other man a dull tool. These little enjoyments that just takes a second of your time to pull it out of your desk, and or pocket and set it to spinning could actually be cheaper that a fucking therapist. If popping bubble wrap helps you get through the day you will be paying more per year than what one precision top could cost. I get it. I just wish I could afford one. It's not crazy it's zen it respect to a creator of such perfection of engineering. You might only spend big money on one. That one might be something you never leave home without, and when you set it to spinning it might be a time when you might just need to be taken away from reality for a few minutes.
FreakWithGun Wow than I must be blessed. I just fought a war and lost a leg. So my little pension must be a gravy train. Don't get me wrong, I live in a class C recreational Vehicle and have hot and cold running water as long as I pay the propane bill. I have real meat twice a month, the rest of the time it's beans and whatever is the cheapest vegetables or not. Bread is second hand or third. My heating is nothing more than several blankets that I purchased from the salvation Army. But all and all I have it better than most people on this planet. So I don't bitch much. Just wish I could have a job that gives me some pride. self esteem is ego and I have given up that dream. I just wish I could afford a cheap handgun and one bullet. But Obama is making sure that won't happen.
+Keith Cleghorn keep it up brother. No man or woman who has served our country should have to live sparingly. Hope everything gets better and thank you for your service
+Keith Cleghorn I hope you do find a job that helps you out and supports your needs better. I'll be praying for what it's worth keep your chin up and I do thank you for the awful things that happened and happened to you. you're a GREAT man for that, and don't ever let anyone take that from you, because if so, you gave it to them. is there no workforce commission to help you out?
+Keith Cleghorn Please don't consider it as "wasted" money because money is not used up when it's used for purchase. This money just changes hands. Do you know what I mean? The person who bought the 400 dollar spin top didn't spend this money on feeding starving orphans - true, BUT the person who _sold_ the spinning top might give it to the orphans. Or maybe that machinist will use this money to buy something else and that third person will give to orphans. And so on and so on. As long as it stays in your country (USA in this case) there's a big chance eventually this money will come to you in this lifetime or at least to your children/family.
Years ago we used to make these and spin them up with an air die grinder, then let them battle. Last one in the arena and still spinning won. Smooth ones spun for a longer time (less air friction) but ones with cuts in the perimeter would toss others out better.
this is what happend when you have too much money, there is no way in thinking that a knife or a Toy cost so much, its like a solid gold neck chain just for showing off
+Patriot 03 here you are again with your dumb comment. a smartphone offers free entertainment, apps do not cost 200usd a pop. Stop it already with your flawed logic dude....
+Seán O'Nilbud My life is anything but meaningless. Sorry, but I work my ass off to make a good income, if you don't... maybe you should work harder. I'm so tired of comments like this.
Awwww, is someone doing something that they enjoy, and can easily afford that you don't understand? I'm sorry it hurt your little feelings-box. It's good that you took the time to let us know that you disapprove, thanks!
Oh My! That was a little bit vitriolic. You got 'triggered', i believe that's the phrase you people are using now. I expressed my opinion, you had to make it personal. Feelings not hurt. I don't give a fuck to be honest. Every day carry? $200 knife, a good torch no problem but you don't need this on your person. Do you? They are great by the look of it extremely well engineered and nice to own but it serves no purpose in my 'pocket' and as the saying goes 'A fool and his money are soon parted'. Considering your response you obviously only want positive comments to make you feel better maybe to make up for the fact that Mummy didn't hug you or you didn't do well or were picked on at school, either way get over yourself.
holy god almighty i got thru 3:01, the dentist would have been preferable. I already know all this guy needs is his voice and a mirror and he will never be lonely...omg!!!!
but it serves no purpose... edc is supposed to be practical and useful in certain situations. a knife, a flashlight, a pocket screwdriver, a multitool, a lighter, a good quality pen, a compass, etc... these are just collectible little things. whats the point of an edc gadget if it just adds a little more bulk and weight to my pocket/pack for no added practicality or benefit? Also, do people actually spend so much time waiting around conveniently flat surfaces that carrying one of these things is worth it in any real way?
This guy is doing it right, I like to see a guy who is obviously by his stated hobbies doing rather well for himself, finding joy & satisfaction the creative human genius where he happens to find it and not just where he was looking for it. besides, when i was a kid I more likely to be playin with a good stick as anything else, this is good for kids to do- gets them using their imagination, gets them outside in something like nature, even teaches them a bit about seeing a free thing for how it can be good and make them want to take care of it....
It is 1:20 AM on a Sunday and I am in my underwear and a tshirt watching a grown man talk about his 300 dollar tops, what the hell am I doing with my life? All jokes aside that one with the triangles is so badass looking!
I'll be totally honest. . . I can't justify spending 22 minutes on learning about a top. and skipping through the video feels like I'm missing stuff. Thank you for taking the time and effort to produce an, apparently, informative video, even though I won't watch it.
Jim, yep there's a kid in all of us, a few years ago I got into high end yoyo's same thing. You just kind of get fascinated with the extreme workmanship and precision not to mention the fun factor and the different aspects of each one. I wound up getting around 20 or so and nice storage case. I break them out once in a while. Jez, now I going to have to check these tops out too. Great video
Stellar craftsmanship, well worth the price imo, I've spent alot more for less and these will last forever. That Kraken is mesmerizing to watch when the wagon wheel effect kicks in, I wish someone would do a well lit vid of tops showing that effect from spin up to landing.
goddamnit.. now I have the sudden urge to get myself such a piece of mastercraft. no matter what others say, even if you love your job a little relaxation and distraction is essential to solving problems.
During my childhood, we used bigger tops. We'd wrap then with shoe lace and sling then onto the ground... usually betting money on our tops to see whose will outlast. I guess you can call it a battle since the two tops will collide against each other etc.
Tops aren't just for children. They are used to help induce meditation and help with concentration. Plus they are just down right awesome. I love the detail and the work that goes into these. I haven't personally got one yet but its something to consider.
good to have one so u can know if you're in a dream or awake.
nice inception reference
+YoYoHead Just don't carry the Lambda model. :-p
+TheJaymanshoobro More than enough time to pluck that nugget out of deep subconscious mind.
+YoYoHead Unless it's like the Lambda or something where you might end up waiting a long ass time to find out, only to realize it's been an hour and you're probably still dreaming. Maybe. Gotta spin it again.
nice ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
It's a little piece of engineering art you can carry around with you.
Yeh I wouldn't say it is a children toy. That would basically make knife beads woman stuff. (Because they would only be decorations). They are made for older people, so I think your explanation is really fitting!
+ViolentKisses87 wow beautiful and intelligent youre a catch.
Max Power Thank you?
+ViolentKisses87 you're welcome? Lol
Max Power It's not that I don't I appreciate the sentiment but what in my prior comment indicated intelligence of note?
Takes a rather mature man to admit he laughs at farts and other immature things.
this vid was my intro to tops, and I'm liking them alot.
I love the honesty of this video. Its like riding a Vespa scooter...tons of fun until you get caught on one. I don't care if its machined barbie dolls, the work and precision machining that goes into them is what makes it cool to me.
Excellent analogy lol
+EKIM1428 I agree. It's the idea that someone can take a child's toy that most people may have found ausing in their childhood and turning it into something elegant, beautiful, and scientific.
+EKIM1428 This comment connected to me on a spiritual level for some reason
How much do you think Jim got paid to sell you these things?
+EKIM1428 machined barby dolls, im pretty sure that will become popular soon
Ok, got my blades, my light, my permission slip from mom, my top, my juice box...
Lol
lmao to damn funny
Don't forget the beyblades
It's now 2022 and spin tops have come a long way. Now collecting older Rich's tops from when this video was made are rare and expensive. I have many many tops today. Excellent video Jim.
I want to make a huge one from lead and see how long that sucker spins for
+TheBackyardScientist please do.
Remember, first time that sucker impacts it will lose its balance. Assuming it had any to begin with.
+Do M balance? Where were going we don't need balance. Just a huge amount of inertia!
*****
lol...
+TheBackyardScientist
*goes overboard and makes one big enough to interfere with Earth's rotation*
*another ice age begins*
*mankind becomes extinct*
thanks backyardscientist
Hey all, this is Rich from BilletSPIN. First off, thank you Jim for the AMAZING video. I remember the thoughts I had running through my head when I first saw precision tops and then saw grown men buying them and then spinning them. I still can't tell you what it is about them but man they are addicting. Great for passing time. Anyways, I just wanted to chime in. It was great reading through the comments and I understand where a lot of them are coming from. My advice, try one. Get a cheaper precision top to try it out. If you don't like it, sell it. They seem to hold their value pretty well. I can tell you this, since I have started spinning tops I grew 2", all my gray hair is gone, lost 20 lbs and my wife can't keep her hands off me. Thank you spinning tops! Hey if y'all got some questions let me know and have yourself an amazing Christmas! -Rich-
I'd personally never spend the money on something like this but Jesus from a craftsman standpoint these are beautiful.
my brother is a machinist, and i have one he made. his is really simple but when they are made well they really become awesome.
25 minutes ago I had never heard of this sort of thing and I'd never heard of your channel. Thanks, now I have to go spend a couple hundred bucks on a damn top. have my sub, sir.
At first I thought you were crazy but now I totally understand the appeal of the tops. The craftsmanship and work is beautiful
When I first started watching this video I was thinking wow this is stupid, then I thought wow that's way too expensive, and then I thought wow this guy is insane, and then you started spinning the top on the mirror. And I thought wow I want them all!
Balance and durability are paramount with these. They're expressive of the makers skill and attention to detail.
Can you imagine sitting across from the 'spinning top family' in a restaurant?
+gnamp LMAO I thought the same thing
Better than seeing a family all on their phones
+gnamp Yes, and it'd be pretty cool.
James Foster ok
kidmosey too busy topping to tip
Your point on pulling the focus away from our phones and keeping it on the friends/family around us makes these all the more worthy of their attention.
Never go topless again
Now, I have to have one. I can't live without a top, that twenty minutes ago, I had no idea existed. Thank you Jim, for this profound enlightenment.
The fact that people are dismissive to this demonstrates what is happening in our society.
This is a way to keep yourself off of your cellphones, tablets, etc... as these are ways to collect your data, your browsing history, your contacts.
It is also a fun way to kill time, start simple fellowship conversations, and as a simple way to meditate. A way to disconnect from the digital world.
+William Claypoole I'm with you, William. The meditation aspect is often overlooked.
+William Claypoole Books are better and much cheaper, not to mention you learn more than just playing with these dumb toys.
Quick! Grab your tinfoil hats!
The fact that people are willing to drop $200+ on these says a lot about our society as well.
There's something very peaceful, orderly and beautiful about watching a beautifully engineered spinning top....a hobby that makes a lot of sense to me in a crazy world!!! A hobby like this goes a long way to keeping you from going insane...any good psychiatrist would agree with this point.
Funny how a dude who is into knives that cost thousands of dollars has the balls to look askance at someone into toys. A multiple thousand dollar knife is nothing if not a toy. Whay FUNCTIONAL advantage could possibly justify the cost of a $2000 knife?
Funny how I describe that over and over and over, and even dedicated two entire videos to that (Frequently Asked Questions ) and yet people still don't comprehend. If you don't get it by now, you never will.
+Jim Skelton I tripped across your channel. I am reacting to the content of this video. I repeat, any suggestion that a knife that cost thousands of dollars is anything but a toy (as compared to say a properly sharpened carbon steel combat knife or a well hoped chef's knife for the purpose) is ridiculous. Have at it, if that's what makes you happy, I really mean that. But I just find it funny that someone who advocates for the engineering of items far beyond their usefulness as the tool they are (because it's your hobby) has the sack to even come close to denigrating the same thing in someone else's hobby or chosen object of interest. I guess it's good that you got a window into that other interest.
+Douglas Williams I don't think you paid any attention to this video. I wasn't busting anyone's balls for liking tops, I was speaking from both sides in this video and clarifying that tops aren't for kids and that there is more to appreciate about them. If I felt they were stupid, I wouldn't own about $20k worth of them.
+Jim Skelton actually you evolved on the point. You said your self that you started off basically saying you were wondering what was wrong with grown people playing with kids toys and had your eyes opened. That's why I said I guess it's good you got a glimpse into the reasons why.
Exactly, knife are toys.
Nothing wrong with appreciating beautiful materials, fine precision craft and, for a moment; the spin of the energy that seems infinite.
tactical driedels...
CHANNUKA IS OVER.
+Morgan Garrett Lmmfao!
+Morgan Garrett
"I made it out of blasting clay"
it takes a month to play dradles
+Morgan Garrett Ya they could add miniature Jewish military fighting blades to one, now that i would love to see LOL
blades? i just want it four sided so that when it comes to rest one of 4 letters shows. Gimmel, nun, hey or shin.
Great video Jim! Rich's tops are insane.
13:40 "If we could make everything in the life to this degree of precision, can you imagine how incredible the world would be?" One of the best quotes I've heard you say. That's my goal buddy!
Thank You my friend! And yes, Rich's stuff is crazy.
Makes more sense than spending 10-X more on a sparkling rock.
I got into making wooden tops. I made 8 for all the kids in my family. After I started making them I looked for videos and now I have some more ideas.
unless im misunderstanding why does it matter if its a toy or not -- getting defensive if someone calls your expensive top a toy reeks of insecurity
"hey man i like your to-" "ITS A COOL COLLECTIBLE EDC GEAR POCKET TOP"
majestic waluigi ikr
majestic waluigi
Yeah, you're misunderstanding something.
This video teaches a great lesson: Whatever weird hobby you find yourself into, there are a community of people equally or even more into it than you and willing to drop grands on it.
The EDC top, for your impromptu "beyblade" office competitions. XD
my thoughts exactly...now I need one...
let it rip!
When I was young I disassembled an old C-casette player and took the spinning wheel out of it. It turned out to be *the best* spinning top I ever had. The axle was round from both ends and with little force I could adjust the position. I put some tape on the other end of the axle to have better grip. After adjusting the axle positin perfectly I timed the spin. My record was 15 minutes.
So all in all: practically free high quality spinning top that could exceed 10min mark easily.
I don't get this. They are really neat, and i appreciate such impressive precision machining, but I don't quite "get" it. I just don't want to carry a top anywhere.
I totally get this. High-level craftsmanship and performance is a beautiful thing. Don't think of it as a children's toy, think of it as an engineering challenge for the marriage of beauty and performance.
The simplicity of the task is almost what makes it beautiful - make an object that spins for a VERY long time. Lots of the things that I would lump into the same category have similar simple goals. Make an object that cuts, an object that writes, and object that tells you the time. There are rich assholes who will spend $100,000 on a watch that essentially performs worse than a $20 quartz watch from Walmart...but I get the desire for such items.
I just saw a couple of kraken tops sell for $500
Being a machinist I can appreciate them
the tops have been my things for a while, I get a knife every few months, but I buy a top almost everyday! they are so much fun and badass! I dig that everyone is getting into them now
congratulations you are officially an adult man. I am surprised how much you are bothered being grown up.
they are pretty cool and very nicely made. I can see using them almost as a meditation tool for when your in the office on a rough day. give it a quick spin, listen to the steady unchanging sound and be mesmerized and relax kind of like you said with a camp fire. now if they weren't so expensive.
+Cope3am There are plenty out there that cost far less that will give you the same basic effect. Check out the ForeverSpin tops and the Spinny Do.
These are genuinely hypnotising and amazing! The craftsmanship is just perfect on every one, and it's clear the creators really have a passion for their trade. I'm really interested in getting one or two good tops, what would you say is a good value manufacturer for a poor 18yr old? :p thanks and keep up the good work Jim!
In Amazon cheetop
This seemed ridiculous at first during the beginning of the video but now they seem to intrigue me. I want one!
if you can afford these there's nothing wrong with them or carrying them everyday but if they don't serve a purpose then obviously they're not gear.
They do serve a purpose. He described it in the video, a way to relax and kill time. That's enough of a purpose for someone to carry it with them on a daily basis.
I dont see why people are hating so much.
this is art combined with precise engineering
I can see people with OCD loving this.
I like making them out of lego and testing them :p
My Grandfather used to carve them for me while I watched out of whatever wood was available.
I'm not 4 anymore but what he carved me would be priceless to me today
A grown ass Man, I miss him very much.
more useful than a $5000+ knife in a case...
I wouldn't know about that. I carry all of my knives :-)
+Alec V can't cut stuff with a top :) even a 5k knife can cut stuff :)
+naihanchin Kempo I'm saying that to some people besides you and Jim, that's it's more fun and useful and not just eye candy
BIKES BLADES/GUN'S lol they all can be made to ..5$ knives on the other hand ..they can barely get through a box without needing to be resharpened
I'm laughing at the thought of being at a restaurant and seeing a whole family just mesmerized by their spinning tops.
never be ashamed of what you like dude.
There is something calming and focusing in something in simple as this. Maybe it makes us think of things in a lot simpler sense. And yes, it is a piece of art.
I just bought a Lambda SOLID Brass Ruby. Thanks for making me spin money on a toy. LOl
I have been thinking about making a spinning top for awhile its good to know I'm not crazy to be 53 years old and enjoy something ment for a kid is interesting to build and watch and try and improve the next one made. Thanks for sharing.. Guy
I'll just turn one myself.... To the lathe!
I'm a 68 year old kid that gets it. I can Not afford these high $$$$ works of art though, but I do appreciate the machining. My dad was a machinist. I was a gunsmith for about 30 years. I just bought a stainless steel top for 4.99. I got 4 minutes plus spinning it on a mirror. I spun it on the bottom of a plastic container sitting on my desktop and noticed the sound! It sounded like an airplane flying over! Just fun stuff for old kids.
pretty simple, its art - people collect art
Awesome! As a retired machinist, I can totally appreciate the Art that these are. They are Beautiful Pieces of Craftsmanship from fellow machinists. Excellent Work Guys! Thank You Jim for reviewing them!
A childs PLAY THING
This is hardly child-like, it's a cool hobby... I find that simple spinning relaxing... constant
for 2 straight minutes you were saying nothing apart "this is a toy, I am a man". Try geting your point across faster
thanks to you, I purchased a Prometheus Lambda, a Billetspin Trident, and a JL Lawson Standard II! Can't wait for them to arrive! thank you for introducing me to these!
Great, now my competition in Rich's group is gonna triple lol.
I like the relaxingness of the top and it seems it is good for the mind and therfore servival etc...
Oh gawd I hate you! I just found out about hand spinners and stumbled upon your video... now I want tops! HAHAHA!
i actually made my own a week or 2 ago out of copper and brass. saw a few pictures of them thought well i can make that (it spins for 4-5 mins on a flat surface) but i did not see the why. until i made it its amazing how entertaining it is to just spin it on the desk throughout the day.
I am disabled vet that is 50% disabled without the ability to actually have gainful employment. So I get to live on $836 a month. I get what is being said here. I understand that if a man who is into precise engineering can spend a couple of hundred dollars on such a refined top. If I had disposable income I might treat myself to grown man toys. We men are children at heart. But there are times that it would make me think maybe this money would be better spent on something that benefits more of humanity. But!!! all work and no play makes Jim, me, and any other man a dull tool. These little enjoyments that just takes a second of your time to pull it out of your desk, and or pocket and set it to spinning could actually be cheaper that a fucking therapist. If popping bubble wrap helps you get through the day you will be paying more per year than what one precision top could cost. I get it. I just wish I could afford one. It's not crazy it's zen it respect to a creator of such perfection of engineering. You might only spend big money on one. That one might be something you never leave home without, and when you set it to spinning it might be a time when you might just need to be taken away from reality for a few minutes.
+Keith Cleghorn
*$836* is what pensioners get here a year
FreakWithGun Wow than I must be blessed. I just fought a war and lost a leg. So my little pension must be a gravy train. Don't get me wrong, I live in a class C recreational Vehicle and have hot and cold running water as long as I pay the propane bill. I have real meat twice a month, the rest of the time it's beans and whatever is the cheapest vegetables or not. Bread is second hand or third. My heating is nothing more than several blankets that I purchased from the salvation Army. But all and all I have it better than most people on this planet. So I don't bitch much. Just wish I could have a job that gives me some pride. self esteem is ego and I have given up that dream. I just wish I could afford a cheap handgun and one bullet. But Obama is making sure that won't happen.
+Keith Cleghorn keep it up brother. No man or woman who has served our country should have to live sparingly. Hope everything gets better and thank you for your service
+Keith Cleghorn I hope you do find a job that helps you out and supports your needs better. I'll be praying for what it's worth keep your chin up and I do thank you for the awful things that happened and happened to you. you're a GREAT man for that, and don't ever let anyone take that from you, because if so, you gave it to them. is there no workforce commission to help you out?
+Keith Cleghorn Please don't consider it as "wasted" money because money is not used up when it's used for purchase. This money just changes hands. Do you know what I mean?
The person who bought the 400 dollar spin top didn't spend this money on feeding starving orphans - true, BUT the person who _sold_ the spinning top might give it to the orphans. Or maybe that machinist will use this money to buy something else and that third person will give to orphans. And so on and so on. As long as it stays in your country (USA in this case) there's a big chance eventually this money will come to you in this lifetime or at least to your children/family.
yea i can see interest in these because of the work that goes into them. pretty cool
how is this an edc?
who needs a goddamn toy every day?
lol wake up bro
for morale
They look interesting that's for sure. I probably won't be picking any up though. Thanks for sharing!
Stick to beyblades u could buya lot more tops an the can be changed up an battle each other
let it rip!
blades are legit
Years ago we used to make these and spin them up with an air die grinder, then let them battle. Last one in the arena and still spinning won. Smooth ones spun for a longer time (less air friction) but ones with cuts in the perimeter would toss others out better.
this is what happend when you have too much money, there is no way in thinking that a knife or a Toy cost so much, its like a solid gold neck chain just for showing off
onomo1111 ua-cam.com/video/JvFF8xs03Uo/v-deo.html
I like the patterns that are induced by these. More expensive than I'm willing to dive, but it's mostly the visual effect.
Spinning tops as a way of self expression? ahaha Dude, c'mon.
+Balh _ Better addiction than a smartphone.
+Patriot 03 here you are again with your dumb comment. a smartphone offers free entertainment, apps do not cost 200usd a pop. Stop it already with your flawed logic dude....
You pay for your phone to COMMUNICATE you fucking moron. Go play with your top, you fucking man child.
Michel Linschoten Most people use their phones, to contribute to their stupidity and waste of time.
Now we agree on something
I never knew I wanted spinning tops until now
If you think spending $5,000 on a knife makes sense then this is a perfect symbol of your expensive, meaningless life.
+Seán O'Nilbud My life is anything but meaningless. Sorry, but I work my ass off to make a good income, if you don't... maybe you should work harder. I'm so tired of comments like this.
the Detailing... the machining.. the craftmanship. is. Superb
Damn dude you must have a pretty big income.
Those are not just toys, those are works of art.
$150-$200 a piece, sounds like a Tax for stupid people.
Awwww, is someone doing something that they enjoy, and can easily afford that you don't understand? I'm sorry it hurt your little feelings-box. It's good that you took the time to let us know that you disapprove, thanks!
Oh My! That was a little bit vitriolic. You got 'triggered', i believe that's the phrase you people are using now. I expressed my opinion, you had to make it personal. Feelings not hurt. I don't give a fuck to be honest. Every day carry? $200 knife, a good torch no problem but you don't need this on your person. Do you? They are great by the look of it extremely well engineered and nice to own but it serves no purpose in my 'pocket' and as the saying goes 'A fool and his money are soon parted'. Considering your response you obviously only want positive comments to make you feel better maybe to make up for the fact that Mummy didn't hug you or you didn't do well or were picked on at school, either way get over yourself.
Theres an old saying, it's easy to hate what you can't have. Also judging by your grammar getting a proper education was "stupid people tax" also.
I think they are idiot awards.
theone 111777 I'm sure you should get an "idiot award" considering that you dont even have a space between the words "theone" in your yt name
I completely understand this hobby from an outside perspective, as I use high-end modern yoyos, which can also branch out to prices similar to tops.
just over priced toys
+Ryan McMahon Chill. It's a top.
holy god almighty i got thru 3:01, the dentist would have been preferable. I already know all this guy needs is his voice and a mirror and he will never be lonely...omg!!!!
but it serves no purpose... edc is supposed to be practical and useful in certain situations. a knife, a flashlight, a pocket screwdriver, a multitool, a lighter, a good quality pen, a compass, etc... these are just collectible little things. whats the point of an edc gadget if it just adds a little more bulk and weight to my pocket/pack for no added practicality or benefit? Also, do people actually spend so much time waiting around conveniently flat surfaces that carrying one of these things is worth it in any real way?
I could see me buying a really nice one as a great desktop distraction. Thanks for a new addiction.
100 dollars for one spinning top.
Ok, we all know how to spot idiots now.
That was a staple toy when I was growing up in the early 80s, great to see a new generation. Nice video mate.
This guy is doing it right, I like to see a guy who is obviously by his stated hobbies doing rather well for himself, finding joy & satisfaction the creative human genius where he happens to find it and not just where he was looking for it.
besides, when i was a kid I more likely to be playin with a good stick as anything else, this is good for kids to do- gets them using their imagination, gets them outside in something like nature, even teaches them a bit about seeing a free thing for how it can be good and make them want to take care of it....
These are awesome! I have a machined aluminium "tippy top" on my desk at work to play with. I totally get the fascination.
It is 1:20 AM on a Sunday and I am in my underwear and a tshirt watching a grown man talk about his 300 dollar tops, what the hell am I doing with my life?
All jokes aside that one with the triangles is so badass looking!
I'll be totally honest. . . I can't justify spending 22 minutes on learning about a top. and skipping through the video feels like I'm missing stuff. Thank you for taking the time and effort to produce an, apparently, informative video, even though I won't watch it.
Jim, yep there's a kid in all of us, a few years ago I got into high end yoyo's same thing. You just kind of get fascinated with the extreme workmanship and precision not to mention the fun factor and the different aspects of each one.
I wound up getting around 20 or so and nice storage case. I break them out once in a while.
Jez, now I going to have to check these tops out too.
Great video
Stellar craftsmanship, well worth the price imo, I've spent alot more for less and these will last forever.
That Kraken is mesmerizing to watch when the wagon wheel effect kicks in, I wish someone would do a well lit vid of tops showing that effect from spin up to landing.
I think they are cool and thanks for showing them.... great workmanship
goddamnit.. now I have the sudden urge to get myself such a piece of mastercraft. no matter what others say, even if you love your job a little relaxation and distraction is essential to solving problems.
During my childhood, we used bigger tops. We'd wrap then with shoe lace and sling then onto the ground... usually betting money on our tops to see whose will outlast. I guess you can call it a battle since the two tops will collide against each other etc.
Very cool. I had no idea that these things existed. Damn you Jim, now I need one of these.
Thank you for making me discover this world. I'm now a BilletSPIN Top collector :-)
The reverse spin you keep getting on that kraken is freaking sweet.
Tops aren't just for children. They are used to help induce meditation and help with concentration. Plus they are just down right awesome. I love the detail and the work that goes into these. I haven't personally got one yet but its something to consider.
ok i get it now they are not toys they are masterpieces within them selves such precision and craftsmanship. kinda want one now
Pretty cool. I'm a lampworker and have seen many made out of borosilicate glass in a variety of designs.
the new top in this video reminds me of the millennium falcon. soo cool and the craftsmanship is amazing.
a $200 top? that would go along way at the grocery store and pharmacy. a $3000 knife? obscene. beautiful but obscene.
DroneXFun I'm not making a choice between buying a top or feeding my family. Someone who would, shouldn't be in any form of collecting.
Jim Skelton you just got a new subscriber.
Those Billetspin ones look like tiny jet engine components or luxury watches. That's completely nuts. I'll take twenty.