The bottom line in this class is that the learner has a "sleeping" and "responsive" yo-yo. All this means is that the yo-yo can "sleep", which means is can spin at the bottom of the string around the ball bearing. "Responsive" just means that the yo-yo will come back to the player's hand when they give a tug on the string. Avoid the words "Non-responsive" when you are shopping, as this is something that will be touched on in intermediate and advanced classes. Yoyoexpert.com is the perfect place to begin shopping. Start with brands like YoyoFactory and Duncan.

These are the yo-yo's I recommend, placed in order of my personal favorites. These are not the only beginner yo-yo's on the market, just the ones that I have ample experience with such that I know for sure that they are suitable for every step of this class. They will be listed in the format of "make" and then "model". All yo-yo's listed have the "wing" shape, unless otherwise stated. 

* Can be found in some specialty retail stores, (in my experience). 

** Does not use silicone pads as a response system

MY FIRST PICKS:

YoyoFactory Velocity*

 https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/velocity-yoyo-by-yoyofactory?_pos=1&_sid=e0b223d80&_ss=r&variant=18871753476

Balanced very well, long spin times, can handle most string tricks. Comes with a dial that can put the yo-yo from "responsive" to "non-responsive". This feature makes it perfect for long-term learning. I still pick up my Velocity from time to time to do some of my most advanced tricks. While this is NOT the only yo-yo you'll ever need, it has a long shelf life for beginners and intermediate players.

Duncan Freehand

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/freehand-yoyo-by-duncan?variant=25704182280

This yoyo has no business being as good as it is for how cheap it is. It is the most balanced yo-yo in this entire guide, and has amazing spin time. If the player buys a "size C" bearing (not required), this yo-yo can also make the jump from "responsive" to "non-responsive" play. It also comes with a special dice accessory for a style of play called 5A or "Freehand". I don't recommend that the player uses this until they have finished the beginner class. Just like the YoyoFactory Velocity, this product has the potential to be a solid pick for learners to use even after they have learned all the basic tricks.

MY SECOND PICKS:

Duncan Butterfly XT**

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/duncan-butterfly-xt-yoyo?variant=30241363787850

This yo-yo is light, and can handle a lot of beginner and intermediate string tricks. The response is what's known as a "starburst" response, meaning it does not snap quickly back to the hand the way a silicone response does, but the player will get the hang out it after a few minutes of practice. The yo-yo's light weight makes it easily unbalanced. This can be both a blessing and a curse as it provides the beginner a learning curve but also will force the player to have refined technique, which will help them learn faster when they pick up more high-end products.

YoyoFactory One*

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/yyf-one-yoyo?variant=18871048004

YoyoFactory Whip*

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/yyf-whip-yoyo?variant=26937556552

The Whip and the One are very similar in their play and their response. they are If the learner is a taller person (>5'8), I would recommend buying larger strings as these yo-yo's come with shorter strings, which will make play awkward. They are both slightly better balanced than the Duncan Butterfly, and they have nice and quick response, but they lose spin time quickly when landed on the string for string tricks.

NOT IDEAL BUT STILL SUITABLE FOR THIS CLASS.

Yomega Fireball* **

https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/fireball-yoyo-by-yomega?_pos=2&_sid=e1f213690&_ss=r&variant=18871199684

This was my first ever yo-yo. It all started here. Yomega used to be THE beginner yo-yo company. Although other companies now have that title, the Fireball is still a solid pick. It has an "imperial" shape, which makes it harder to be accurate with string tricks. Also, this yoyo has a plastic bearing, which is is not as durable as the industry standard metal bearings. Like the Duncan Butterfly XT, this product has the "starburst" response as opposed to silicone pads. I would pick this yo-yo if you can not find any of the others mentioned, but you will still be in good shape to learn the basics!

I WOULD STAY AWAY FROM:

Yoyotricks FIZZ Yoyo: This yoyo is marketed towards beginners, but it's not suitable for the later tricks in this class.

YoYofactory F.A.S.T. 201: Good for picture tricks, impossible to do string tricks. 

Yomega Brain: Has an auto-return. Can be useful for learning the sleeper, but it will be a headache when trying to learn virtually all other tricks.

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, at least for beginners. 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 in the beginner phase.