The Wizzzer or Wiz-z-zer is a gyrostat toy introduced by Mattel Toymakers in 1969, and introduced the spinning top to modern children. The "twist" (innovation) was the use of a super-spinning, high-tech bearing, that allowed the top to spin at very high speed and remain standing for a long period of time. This top did not rely on a string to attain high speed so it was easier to master than tops of old. Wizzers are not sold as scientific instruments, but may be used to demonstrate the conservation of angular momentum and gyroscope stability.
Here are instructions showing the many ways to use the toy.
History
The Wizzzer first appeared in the Mattel Catalog in 1969, with various iterations offered through the early 70s. Mattel used innovative wedge-shaped packaging and gave the tops interesting personas through the use of color combinations and stickers. The most memorable are those named: Spin-Fire, Mach-1, Prowler, Night Winder, Bonehead, Sparkshooter and "The Color Changer" (the last described the Wizzzer's actions rather than having a trademarked name). To expand the line, Mattel added a Wizzzer Hockey Game, the Trick Tray and the Super Competition Set. Several automobile toys were included that were Wizzzer-driven as "Spin-Buggies."
The technology was reused by Mattel as a part of their Upsy Downsy series of toys as vehicles that figures would ride ("Furry Hurry" and "Hairy Hurry"). Two He-Man action figures from the late 80s also reused this technology: Rotar and Twistoid (as a side note, there were plans for a vehicle called "Gyrattacker" that did not make it into production that would power up and launch them).