Center-Track Bearing – string-centering bearing for unresponsive YoYos

Dave’s take

“The Center-Track Bearing follows the same basic idea as a concave bearing: keep the string near the centre of the YoYo instead of letting it constantly rub against the sides.
The difference is the shape. A Center-Track gives the string a flatter running area in the middle. It is a proven design that has been used in modern unresponsive YoYos for many years and, for me, it is a straightforward choice if you want a good string-centering standard bearing.”

Dave Geigle · 5-time European YoYo Champion · Playing since 1997

• String-centering Center-Track profile → the recessed centre track helps keep the string away from the sides of the YoYo

• Flat section in the centre → unlike a traditional concave bearing, the string is not forced onto a single deepest point

• For modern unresponsive play → ideal for string tricks where reducing unnecessary friction between string and YoYo halves is important

• Proven bearing design → Center-Track bearings have been supplied as standard in many modern string-trick YoYos for years

How does a Center-Track Bearing work?

With a traditional flat bearing, the string can move across the full width of the running surface. If it moves too far towards one side, it can more easily contact the YoYo half or response system.

The Center-Track profile changes the shape of the running surface. The outer sections slope down towards the centre, creating a recessed and relatively flat track in the middle.

This guides the string towards the centre and helps keep it away from the sides of the YoYo during play. The result is less unnecessary friction, which is particularly useful during fast or complex string tricks.

Center-Track, Concave or Pixel Bearing?

All three designs essentially aim to achieve the same thing: keep the string close to the centre of the bearing. They simply approach the task in slightly different ways.

Center-Track Bearing
A recessed track with a relatively flat centre section. Proven, straightforward and a very good all-round solution for unresponsive YoYos.

Concave Bearing
The running surface slopes continuously from both sides towards its deepest point in the centre, guiding the string very clearly towards the middle.

Pixel Bearing
Our multi-step profile developed together with CLYW. It also centres the string while allowing multiple string layers a little more freedom to reposition themselves during complex combos.

For most players, none of these designs is universally “right” or “wrong”. They are different solutions to the same problem, and personal preference plays a part as well.

A new bearing does not automatically mean a faster YoYo

If your current bearing runs properly, there is no need to replace it. A new or differently shaped bearing will not magically turn a poor throw into a huge increase in spin time. :-)

The Center-Track Bearing therefore makes most sense when you need to replace a lost or damaged bearing or deliberately want to move from a flat bearing to a string-centering design.