Intermediate yoyo tricks demand higher quality of yoyos. This can be a slippery slope as yoyos can get expensive very quickly. However, I plan to teach the entire class using toys priced $50 or less, and the learner certainly does not need anything beyond that price to succeed.

Any sleeping yoyo can plausibly work for this class, but, unlike my beginner class, I HIGHLY recommend that learners have what is called a "non-responsive" or "unresponsive" yoyo. This means that the toy does not come back to the learner's hand with a tug of the wrist. I know that this sounds completely useless and counter-intuitive, but the truth is, this is what every advanced player uses. The point of this style of yoyo is so that the player is able to perform tricks that involve landing the toy on the string and manipulating it through different formations without having to worry about the toy responding unexpectedly. One will notice that if they try and perform some of the tricks on the class list with a beginner yoyo, the toy will simply come back in the middle of a trick, which means bruised and bloody knuckles.

The way to make these yoyos return to the players hand is to perform what is called a "bind", which involves intentionally throwing string into the yoyo's groove to create enough friction for it to respond. The "bind" is taught at the end of my beginner class, and we will review it periodically throughout the intermediate class. 

Lastly, learners are welcome to do their own research and find the product best for them. My recommendations are what I believe are best for this class, but they are not the only picks on the market.

MY FIRST PICKS

YYF Wedge

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/the-wedge-yoyo-by-yoyofactory?variant=40836568744126

YYF Replay Pro

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/yyf-replay-pro-yoyo?variant=18874532292

Both the Wedge and the replay pro are perfect choices. This is the kind of yoyo I wish I had when I was learning. These are signature yoyos of two world champions. For their price, they are capable of so much. Well balanced, good spin times, and a perfect intermediate choice. Be careful to get the Replay PRO, and not the Replay Responsive.

MY SECOND PICKS

YYF Velocity 

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/velocity-yoyo-by-yoyofactory?variant=18871753476

This yoyo is very versatile as it can switch between responsive and non-responsive play. This means that the user can still yank it up to their hand if need be, and then turn the dial to practice their binds. The only reason I didn't put this in my first picks is that it tends to tilt when landed on a string, and it can also be a little bit loud. Still, a very solid pick.

YYF Dv888

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/collections/intermediate-yo-yos/products/yyf-dv888-yoyo?variant=18870377796

This is a great pick to get the player used to the weight and feel of an aluminum yoyo. It is a bit on the small side, which causes the occasional balance problem.

LAST-RESORT PICKS

Duncan Freehand

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/freehand-yoyo-by-duncan?variant=25704182344

There is nothing wrong with this yoyo, only that it is a responsive yoyo. If the user also purchases a size C bearing, they can swap it out with the stock bearing and then use it for responsive play.

ON THE MORE EXPENSIVE SIDE

YYF Shutter

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/shutter-yoyo-by-yoyofactory?variant=39780868751550

This is a well balanced and smooth yoyo. I would not say that anyone NEEDS this yoyo for this class. However, thinking long term, this yoyo will last the user hours upon hours. It is highly durable, and an overall great product for its price.

ACCESSORIES

String: This is not mandatory, but I highly recommend that learners invest in a 10, 30, or 100 pack of extra string. When you are just a beginner, it is possible that you will break your strings. Even if the string remains in tact, the oils from your hands will quickly tarnish the string and make play much less enjoyable. If you are using your yo-yo for more than an hour every day, I recommend changing your string at least once a week.

Everything else: Not necessary. If you have enjoyed your time in class, then it may be on the horizon for you to purchase extra bearings, lubricant, or extra silicone pads. But again, these should be the last of your concerns at this point.