Energy Layer - Fafnir F3

Fafnir F3, known as Drain Fafnir in Japan, is an Energy Layer released as part of the Burst System. It debuted with the release of the B-79 Starter Drain Fafnir 8 Nothing on April 29th, 2017.

Description
Fafnir F3 is a somewhat triangular Energy Layer designed for stamina that features three side profile dragon heads with clear plastic "nose horns" along the perimeter, an "F" along with each dragon that sticks out slightly at two points from the perimeter and three claws grasping the center God Chip, meant to represent this Layer's namesake; Fafnir the Nordic Dragon of Greed. These molding details gives Fafnir F3 both a rough perimeter and a high Outward Weight Distribution and Flywheel Effect by concentrating the weight along the perimeter. Fafnir F3 features three teeth of medium-high length, akin to those found on Luinor L2.

Fafnir F3 features two gimmicks: The first is that this Layer is meant to spin Left, opposite to most other Beyblades other than Luinor L2 and Dragoon Storm. The second is that the Fs are made of rubber, akin to the L-Drago II Clear Wheel from Metal Fight Beyblade. The inclusion of rubber aids in this Layer's ability to equalize spin with a Right spin opponent.

While the triangular shape and rough perimeter of Fafnir F3 may imply recoil, the Left spin nature of this Layer reduces recoil against a Right spin opponent and even when against a Left spin opponent, the protrusions are too shallow to cause any noticeable recoil and stamina loss. When spinning slower than a Right spin opponent, the rubber Fs, horns and rounded shape of Fafnir F3 allows for spin equalization, where the Layers of two opposite spinning Beyblades work akin to gears and equally distribute their spin, by acting as a cushion against impact, increasing friction between Layers, acting as a "hook" for the other Beyblade to catch into and propel Fafnir F3 faster and reducing recoil to increase the rate of contact. However, the effect, while still there, is not as great as that of the L-Drago II Wheel as the amount of exposed rubber along the perimeter is less than that on the aforementioned Wheel. When against a Left spin opponent, Fafnir F3 cannot equalize spin, in this case the clear plastic horn of each dragon head receives the first impact to deflect attacks like standard stamina type Layers.

However, due to the low amount of exposed rubber, Fafnir F3 struggles to equalize spin against Layers with smooth, round designs such as Blaze Ragnaruk and Maximum Garuda and the weak launch required for Spin Equalization combinations means that Fafnir F3 is also weak against Tornado Staller combinations.

Use in Balance Customizations
Fafnir F3 can be put to use in the Spin Equalization/Defense Balance Combination Fafnir F3 Gravity/2/4/5/7/8 Glaive/Cross Revolve/Atomic. The heavy weight of Gravity/2/4/5/7/8 Glaive/Cross will bolster Knock-Out resistance and the weight distribution of 4/8 Glaive/Cross will synergize with the OWD of the Layer and increases Stamina. Revolve/Atomic will supply the procession needed for spin equalization and the Knock-Out resistance to stay within the stadium to improve chances of victory by Spin Finish and the left spinning nature of Fafnir F3 will reduce recoil against a right spinning opponent.

Overall
Fafnir F3 is a great and versatile Left spin Energy Layer with high potential in Spin Equalization/Defense Balance combinations due to its high Burst resistance and Stamina. While it may struggle against Tornado Stallers and Layers such as Maximum Garuda, Fafnir F3 is very effective against top tier Attack Layers such as Legend Spriggan.

Thus, Fafnir F3 is a must have for competitive bladers.

Takara Tomy

 * B-79 Drain Fafnir 8 Nothing (gold, dark blue rubber, turquoise God Chip)
 * Drain Fafnir 8 Nothing (Purple Ver.) (black and purple)

Trivia

 * Since both Fengriff F2 and Drain Fafnir both use F in their abbreviations and emblems, Drain Fafnir uses an inverted F for differentiation.