Flippe Tops

This is a new kind of tippe top which flips over and over. On the outside it looks like a sphere, inside is a ball bearing which is free to move up and down in a cylindrical channel. The ball bearing gives the top an uneven weight distribution, leading to its strange behavior.

When you spin the top, the ball bearing begins in its lowest position. Because this is a tippe top, as it spins it wants to invert (flip over) so that its center of gravity is above the center of rotation. But when this happens, the ball bearing drops down (listen for this) and the cycle repeats. It is not difficult to obtain 5-8 flips of this top as it slows down, as shown in the videos.

Because it is a sphere it is not obvious when this top flips over. It is printed in two halves, I recommend using two contrasting colors so the flips are evident. It comes in three sizes, and I suggest printing the small size first. You will need to purchase a 3/8" diameter ball bearing for the small size top. Ask