Spinning tops were simple toys that would spin when launched from a string, and although they haven’t been popular for several decades, there’s an updated version of them inspired by a popular anime series.
Beyblade reinvented the wheel by making tops more complex and competitive. The series was a hit in the early part of the millennium, and it’s still popular in certain circles. If you’re looking to get into Beyblade, you need solid tops like the Leopard L4 and Silver-X Jormuntor J4, which fans love for their rail-riding technology and durability.
What to know before you buy a Beyblade
Competitiveness
Beyblades are designed primarily as children’s toys, but the game’s competitive nature has made them a popular option for adults. The game’s objective is to be the last top spinning, which can occur by simply outlasting other tops in the ring or by forcefully dismantling opposing tops.
If you’re looking to buy a Beyblade top for your child, many inexpensive options can make for great toys. However, if you’re looking to participate in competitive environments, it’s best to have durable and high-quality Beyblades.
Brand
Official Beyblade tops are manufactured by two companies: Hasbro and Takara Tomy. Takara Tomy is the original manufacturer, but Hasbro is permitted to produce and sell them as well.
There aren’t many notable differences between them, but some purists believe Takara Tomy Beyblade tops are superior. It’s argued that Takara Tomy uses higher-quality materials and features a teeth-locking mechanism, making them the better option.
Types of Beyblades
There are four types of Beyblades, each highlighting a specific battle attribute:
Attack: These Beyblades are usually large and prioritize attacking power over stamina. They have the edge over Stamina types but are weaker against Defense types.
Defense: Defense Beyblades are proficient in deflecting attacks. Due to having solid armor, they’re the thickest and heaviest type of Beyblade, so they don’t spin as long as Stamina types.
Stamina: These are built to spin longer than other tops. They sacrifice attacking power for decent defense, which gives them an edge over Defense types.
Balance: These have an even combination of all three primary battle attributes, making them excellent options for beginners.
Beyblade features
Build
A Beyblade consists of the blade tip, the weight disc and the top attack layer. Different types of Beyblades have different kinds of components. However, these are interchangeable with parts from other Beyblades.
Depending on what type of Beyblade you want, it might have a flat tip, a thin tip, a jagged layer, a smooth layer, a balanced-weight disc or an unbalanced-weight disc. Each component affects how the Beyblade moves and how it reacts when it collides with other Beyblades.
Launcher
Launchers vary in size and power output depending on the gear mechanisms they have. There are two types of launchers for ripping your Beyblade into action: string and rip-cord launchers. String launchers feature a retractable string mechanism inside the launcher that offers more power. Rip-cord launchers use long, thin pieces of plastic to pull and activate the gear mechanisms inside the launcher.
Since string launchers offer more power, they’re the preferred type, but you might find rip-cord launchers more suitable, depending on your style.
Burst System and variations
The Burst System is relatively new, but it’s the preferred standard for most competitions. The system allows a Beyblade to come apart if it’s hit enough times or with enough force by an opposing Beyblade.
This system has several variations, each with different kinds of parts, allowing for more customization and battle strategies.
Beyblade cost
The cheapest Beyblades cost no less than $10. However, they’re usually low-grade and don’t perform well in competitive play. The best Beyblades are made with high-quality materials and generally cost anywhere from $30-$70.
Beyblade FAQ
Do I need a stadium to battle an opponent?
A. An official Beyblade stadium is required to battle an opponent. A stadium is designed in a converging shape which ensures that the tops will eventually collide, therefore deciding a winner one way or another.
Are Beyblades safe for young children?
A. Beyblades are small toys and have several components, which makes them unsafe for young children. Beyblades are suitable for children ages 8 and up.
Which Beyblade should I get?
Best of the best Beyblade
Beyblade Burst Turbo Slingshock Dual Pack Leopard L4 and Silver-X Jormuntor J4: available at Amazon
Our take: These tops are excellent for serious players who want high-end Beyblades with sophisticated battle technology.
What we like: This set includes two Beyblades with stylish designs and superior battle attributes. They feature Slingshot technology and performance tips for rail-riding capabilities and also have two-part forge discs and are customizable with other Beyblade burst tops.
What we dislike: It’s an expensive set, and it doesn’t include a launcher.
Best bang for your buck Beyblade
Beyblade Burst Evolution Elite Warrior 4-Pack: available at Amazon
Our take: This set comes with four excellent Beyblades and is a perfect way for beginners to get into the game.
What we like: This set includes four Beyblade Burst tops, each featuring two-part forge discs that are interchangeable with other Burst models. The tops are iconic series staples Draciel S, Dranzer S, Xcalius X2 and Genesis Valtryek V3.
What we dislike: They’re not the best options for competitive play.
Honorable mention Beyblade
Beyblade Burst Evolution Rip Fire Starter Pack Spryzen S2: available at Amazon
Our take: It’s a premium Beyblade Burst top for collectors and avid fans of the series and an excellent starter pack for newcomers and experienced players alike.
What we like: It’s a Balance type of Beyblade, making it great for players looking to step into more competitive games. It has a neat light-up feature and an awesome fiery red and gold design.
What we dislike: Some customers found that it burst too easily compared to other tops. Kevin Luna is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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