Archer Hercules H4 5 Yard-S is an Defense Type Beyblade released by Hasbro as part of the Burst System as well as the SlingShock System. It was released in western countries as a part of the Master Set for USD$19.99 in the United States.
Energy Layer - Archer Hercules H4
- Main article: Energy Layer - Archer Hercules H4
Hasbro's Archer Hercules H4 is a right-spin Stamina Type Layer based on Takara Tomy's Archer Hercules Layer. It is nearly identical to its Takara Tomy version, with the same symmetrical shape featuring two bows on either side of the Layer and a face surrounded by that of a lion's, representing the Layer's namesake; Heracles, a divine hero of Greek mythology. Like other SlingShock Layers, Archer Hercules H4 lacks the metal of its Takara Tomy Cho-Z Layer counterpart. The two bows, which were originally lined with metal, are now plastic. Like Archer Hercules, Archer Hercules H4 features a gimmick; the bows extend outwards due to the centrifugal force of the Beyblade's spin.
In theory, this creates an elliptical shape, increasing the Outward Weight Distribution (OWD) of the Layer and subsequent Stamina potential. When spin speed drops later in battle, the bows retract to create a rounder shape to reduce recoil and improve Defense potential. However, the movement of the bows is minor and does not create a noticeable increase in Outward Weight Distribution (OWD).
Forge Disc - 5
- Main article: Forge Disc - 5
5, like other odd numbered Core Discs, is asymmetrical and elliptical in shape in order to facilitate a Disc Frame. One side features two protrusions and the other features three, all molded in the shape of "5"s and the center features two small holes on either side. While the asymmetrical design may imply imbalance, the smaller size of two of the protrusions on the three lobed side ensures that the Disc is balanced. 5's overall shape resembles a reversed 4 and acts almost identically with the same high Stamina potential, Knock-Out Resistance and Life-After-Death when paired with Disc Frames such as Glaive or Cross. While 7 has greater Stamina, 5 is still comparable.
Performance Tip - Yard-S
- Main article: Performance Tip - Yard-S
Yard-S features a free rotating ball tip, akin to its predecessors Orbit and Atomic, surrounded by a wide ring, akin to Defense. As a part of the SlingShock System, Yard-S features a mode change gimmick, allowing it to change between "Battle Ring Mode" and "SlingShock Mode".
In "Battle Ring Mode", the ball tip would increase a Beyblade's Knock-Out Defense by having greater surface area and friction, whilst the wide ring is meant to make contact with the stadium floor when the Beyblade is struck, forcing it back upright and acting as brakes to prevent Knock-Outs. However, in practice the free rotating nature of the ball reduces most of the Knock-Out Resistance given by the surface area of the ball. Furthermore, to facilitate the mode change gimmick, the housing of the ball is raised, making contact with the ring rare. Unlike other ball based Performance Tips, Yard-S does not feature tabs around the tip as their purpose have been taken by the wide base. If launched hard, the greater surface area creates a semi-aggressive movement pattern early in the battle, bringing the Beyblade close to the Tornado Ridge.
While these features may imply that a Yard-S Combination would be easy to Knock-Out, in reality the heavy weight of SwitchStrike Layers, Core Discs and Yard-S' own weight compensates for the rotating ball. Furthermore, the free rotating tip increases Burst Resistance and the taller housing reduces the scrape risk present in Takara Tomy's Yard.
In "SlingShock Mode", the housing is extended so the ball will retract when contact is made on the stadium floor, creating a wide flat tip. While this makes Yard-S highly aggressive, the wide diameter of the tip makes it impossible to hold a Banking Pattern and creates low Stamina. Furthermore, the substantial increase in height makes a Yard-S Combination very easily Destabilized.
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