What do you get when you combine a “cloud-blasted” aluminum with stainless steel rims and recessed, polycarbonate caps? I mean, you’re reading a review for the Nimbus, so the answers is obviously the Nimbus, from Dressel Designs. I’m not really here to make this hard for you, people.

The Nimbus is the signature yo-yo of Shinnosuke Ishizuka, and it’s touted as “Like playing with a cloud.” Honestly, that’s not too far off, as unlikely as it seems with everything that has gone into this yo-yo, it really does play smooth, quiet, and a bit floaty. It’s not something you would expect from a tri-material yo-yo, but the Nimbus fits these qualities to a T.

Dressel’s Nimbus is a mid-sized throw that feels like it’s just bordering undersized. Both the rounded-H shape and the “Cloud Blast” finish make it incredibly comfortable in the hand. Upon first throw, you’ll be surprised at how quiet it is, and how it seems to effortless move on the end of the string. While the Nimbus can handle almost whatever players can throw at it, it feels most at home moving at a slower pace, lending itself to flow and precise control. It’s not what I’ve come to expect from a bi-metal yo-yo.

There is certainly nothing in my collection like the Nimbus, and I mean that is a very positive way. It’s not just another competitive bi-metal throw, but one that feels like all the parts where meticulously put together for a very specific purpose. This yo-yo feels right at home banging out repeaters, then switching gears effortlessly to handle more precise combos.