Fall River is Home to Yomega’s Famous ‘Brain’ Yoyo Innovation

In the '80s and '90s, if you had a yoyo, you were considered "cool." I use that term loosely.

But if you had a Yomega yoyo, especially one with the legendary "brain" clutch system, you were in a league of your own. This innovation wasn't just a gimmick; it allowed the yoyo to “sleep” or spin on command. The key was in the "brain" itself — a clutch system that would automatically return the yoyo to the user's hand after a prolonged spin, making beginners look like seasoned pros. This opened doors for tricks such as The Cradle, The Pinwheel and, my favorite, The Man on the Flying Trapeze.

Many people don’t realize that this iconic piece of '90s nostalgia was born in Fall River, Massachusetts.

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Yomega Corporation, the mastermind behind the invention, developed this groundbreaking technology in its Fall River facility. Its influence in the world of yoyo-ing cannot be overstated.

READ MORE: Other Inventions You Had No Idea Came From Massachusetts

The Yomega yoyo with the brain became the must-have item for schoolyards across the country. Kids around the world became mesmerized by the way a simple toy could do so much. Whether you were doing walk-the-dog or around-the-world, the brain made you feel like a yoyo wizard.

Fall River’s contribution to the yoyo craze of the '80s and '90s is one of those hidden gems of local history. The Yomega Corporation put this city on the map for yoyo enthusiasts, proving that sometimes, the best innovations can come from your own backyard.