The DS-61—short for “Dark Side 6061”—is One Drop’s latest exploration in monometal performance. While the name started as an internal project codename, its sleek, aggressive identity stuck. With design inspiration straight out of the '80s sportbike era and artwork by Clifton that captures that energy, the DS-61 brings a fresh edge to the One Drop lineup.

Built from 6061 aluminum, the DS-61 is more than just another mono-metal—it represents a deep dive into yo-yo physics. Thanks to the brilliant mind of Dirty Birdy, One Drop’s resident physicist, every model has been charted in a 3D space we call the One Drop Yo-Yo Universe, where each yo-yo’s weight distribution and play feel are mapped. At the center lies the “Vibe Zone”—a region prone to design-based vibration. As designs drift away from that center, they find themselves on either the Light Side or the Dark Side.

The DS-61 is our boldest step into the Dark Side yet—an area of the design space that emphasizes more extreme weight distribution. By shifting more mass away from the center, we’ve unlocked a feel that’s fast, stable, and unapologetically powerful. We minimized center weight using thin response pads and an 8mm axle, pushing the limits of what's possible with 6061 alloy and a sub-57mm diameter frame.

The result? A yo-yo that delivers incredible spin time, rock-solid stability, and agile control—a true high-performance machine that feels as fast and responsive as it looks.    

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