BeyLauncher
Contents
Shooter
Instead of using a winder, like traditional shooters do, the BeyLauncher uses a string. Its design incorporates two indents on either side to help grip the shooter. The BeyLauncher can be seen as an upgrade to the HMS String Shooter; however, unlike the HMS String Shooter, which had to be wound around an axis manually, the BeyLauncher automatically retracts its string after being released.
BeyLauncher L
The BeyLauncher was actually originally released as the BeyLauncher L, a left spin version of the launcher, with L Drago 105F. It has a larger, more intricately designed, comfortable handle than the right spin BeyLauncher, and also several notches on the indents of the shooter to assist in gripping it.
Beypointer
The Beypointer can be attached to the shooter, and it is used to keep track of your points. Every Blader begins with 1000 points. After each battle, the two players connect their Beypointers and each will lose/gain 10 points depending on if they won or lost. The Beypointer can also be connected to machines like the Bey Ta 1 and a Nintendo DS console through a Beypoint Reader, and it will keep track of all the points that are gained throughout those games. It is unclear how TAKARA-TOMY will prevent cheating using these because you could easily purchase two of them and connect them to get an infinite amount of points, and special Passwords were revealed at official events that can give a player from 100 to 500 points each. The Beypointer will not have much use outside of Japan however because the WBBA (World Beyblade Battle Association) is only active in Japan at the moment.
Complaints about the BeyLauncher
The BeyLauncher has a fatally flawed design. Here is a run down of the problems:
- Handle: The BeyLauncher handle can break or be pulled off under normal use.
- String: The BeyLauncher string can come loose or break under normal use.
- Prongs: The BeyLauncher prongs can break under normal use.
Generally, the BeyLauncher is chosen over the MFB Shooter for it's increased power when the handle is released after launching, but doing so often results in breakages due to the impact of the handle hitting the BeyLauncher. TAKARA-TOMY has recommended that the BeyLauncher be held as pictured here, but this is extremely inefficient. And contradictorily, photos of TAKARA-TOMY employees have been posted on the official WBBA Circle showing them holding the handle in one of the "incorrect" ways. There is absolutely no way to achieve the full potential of the BeyLauncher using their suggested method, and even if you pull all the way to the end of the string without letting go, as they suggest, you run the risk of breaking the string.
Possible solutions to these problems include, rubber cylinder or ball for a handle, as opposed to the current "T" design which flies around too much after it is released, often causing it to whip the user in the arm/hand. And for the prongs, they could be replaced with metal prongs, though the feasibility of this is questionable.
Makeshift Solution for Handle Problem
As previously mentioned, the impact of the handle on the BeyLauncher after release often results in breakages, but there has been a makeshift solution devised to alleviate this problem. Simply attach an elastic around your wrist and the BeyLauncher handle, and the retraction that normally occurs will be minimized, and will basically stay in place until you move your hand back into position to launch again.
