# Why does precession only occur at high angular speeds?

I'm trying to understand precession for a gyroscope or top.

I do understand why precession occurs using the vectors for the weight force and torque and angular momentum. But what I don't understand is why precession only occurs at high angular speeds. Looking at the different vectors, there should still be a resulting change in the top's angular momentum.

I've tried to find an answer in my favorite physics textbook, but it only says that at lower angular speeds, the situation becomes much more complex. Which is not very helpful.

Can anyone explain the basic idea why precession only occurs at high angular velocities. I don't need this for an exam or anything, so I don't require a detailed mathematical explanation. I just want to get the basic idea.

When the speed of rotation $\omega$ increases, the amplitude of the nutation decreases as $1/\omega^2$, which means that for 'fast enough' tops, the nutation may be neglected and you can simply deal with the precession.