Variable is a Performance Tip released as part of the Burst System. It debuted with the release of the B-34 Starter Victory Valkyrie Boost Variable on April 2nd, 2016.
Description
Variable features a rubber tip, made up of two sets of rubber spikes, that begins at standard height. The spikes are meant to wear down and break off with use so unlike most other rubber tips, Variable will become more aggressive instead of less aggressive over time.
When launched in mint condition the first set of six spikes will create a mildly aggressive pattern at speeds akin to Blow, albeit without the stamina due to the greater friction the rubber has. Due to how tall the first six teeth are and the somewhat brittle nature of the rubber in the Takara Tomy release, the first set of teeth will break off relatively quickly.
When launched after the first set of teeth have given way to the second set of fourteen spikes, Variable's speed increases remarkably, becoming as fast or even faster than Xtreme, due to the now increased surface area and diameter. However, that same speed and diameter increase makes Variable incredibly difficult to control at this stage as banking is difficult to maintain, self Knock-Outs become common and its stamina worsens. Due to the greater number of spikes and their shorter length, Variable does not wear out as quickly at this stage.
When the second set of spikes break off, what's left is a solid base of rubber. At this point Variable's speed increases further but the aforementioned control and stamina issues become even worse, having trouble even staying on the Tornado Ridge of the Stadium and losing spin too quickly to perform any meaningful attacks when it begins to slow down.
When this tip loses teeth it does become shorter as a result, however the resulting height change is too minimal to cause any noticeable effect on attacks in battle, it can help in getting under the opponent and destabilizing it in some occasions but it is rare and does not make up for the numerous issues a worn Variable has. However, despite being outclassed, a worn Variable could be used for attack customization due to its fast speed and ability to get under the opponent due to its height.
Use in Attack Customizations
A worn Variable could be used in Attack Customization MGC Legend Spriggan/Sieg Xcalibur 2/4/5/7Meteor/Vortex/Glaive/Cross/Flow/Star Variable. Although, Variable is outclassed by Xtreme for Attack Customizations, its faster speed could be beneficial in some situations.
Overall
Despite being one of the fastest tips in the game, Variable's lack of control and stamina makes it outclassed by Xtreme, which is able to better maintain a banking pattern while holding comparable speed; Hold, which is better able to stay within the Tornado Ridge and avoid self Knock-Outs while holding comparable speed; and Zephyr, which has far more control and stamina.
As such Variable should be for collection purposes only.
Differences in the Hasbro Version
In the Hasbro release of Variable, the rubber is of a much softer kind, this makes this version faster on the first six spikes, having a speed in between Accel and Zephyr, and it's also far harder to wear down. However that also means that when it does wear down to the second set of teeth the control problems will be even worse than the Takara Tomy version. Despite this, the Hasbro Variable is an excellent alternative to Xtreme if one is unable to obtain one or finds Xtreme too fast to control.
Thus Variable is a welcome addition to any blader's collection.
Use in Attack Customizations
Hasbro's Variable can be put to use in the combination Valtryek V2/Roktavor/Roktavor R2/Valtryek/Xcalius/Spryzen S2 Heavy/Gravity/Down/Knuckle Variable. Valtryek V2/Roktavor/Roktavor R2/Valtryek/Xcalius/Spryzen S2's aggressive shape and strong slopes and Variable's high speed and control allows the combination to excel in giving Knock-Outs and Burst Finishes. Although using Heavy/Gravity provides more powerful hits and more control, using lighter discs like Down/Knuckle decrease chances of self-bursting.
Products
Takara Tomy
- B-34 Victory Valkyrie Boost Variable (translucent light blue, black rubber)
- Victory Valkyrie Boost Variable (Fire Knight Ver.)
- B-38 Victory Valkyrie Boost Variable (Beyblade Entry Set)
- Victory Valkyrie Boost Variable (Green Ver.) (Green)
- Victory Valkyrie Boost Variable (Tournament Prizes)
- B-49 06 Storm Spriggan Limited Variable (Random Booster Vol. 3)
- B-49 08 Kaiser Kerbeus Knuckle Variable (Random Booster Vol. 3)
- Victory Valkyrie Boost Variable (Television Quiz Exclusive) (clear, black rubber)
- Zillion Zeus Magnum Variable (Gold God Ver.) (gold, black rubber)
Hasbro
- B9487 Valtryek V2 Boost Variable (opaque blue, black rubber)
- B9498 Epic Rivals Battle Set (opaque blue, black rubber)
- Apex Attack Pack
- C0706 Avatar Attack Battle Set
Gallery
Takara Tomy
Hasbro
Trivia
References
WBO Info on Variable: https://worldbeyblade.org/Thread-Performance-Tip-Driver-Variable?pid=1394738&highlight=Variable#pid1394738