These new toys could make for lots of summer fun
Testing cool new products is not all fun and games. OK, maybe it is.
Super Soaker Flash Flood Blaster
A two-tank water gun that shoots up to 33 feet.
Hasbro, $19.99
What’s neat: For close-in battles, the gun will unleash a 16-ounce “flash flood.” Comes with body targets that dissolve when hit by water.
What’s not: May be hard to find. So much fun, you have to constantly refill the tanks.
Pumgo Push-Free Cruiser
A skateboard powered by pumping the front and back of the deck.
Land Surf Inc., $149
What’s neat: Being able to zoom without touching the ground.
What’s not: Can be hard to get the right pumping rhythm going. And it’s really expensive!
Slip ‘N Slide Obstacle Course
Inflatable water slide with obstacle-course accessories.
Wham-O, $15.99
What’s neat: The obstacles are a fun challenge, and you slide really far.
What’s not: Slide wrong and you can bash your knees. Bigger bumpers would keep kids from tumbling onto the grass.
Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker
A ball-shaped ice cream maker.
Industrial Revolution, $29.95
What’s neat: It seems magical to have delicious ice cream appear inside a toy ball!
What’s not: Shaking and throwing the heavy ball can get old after a while. The ice cream is so tasty, you wish it made more than a pint.
Flashflight
A Frisbee-type disc that lights up.
Nite Ize Inc., $22
What’s neat: When turned on in the dark it looks cool, like a sea anemone from outer space.
What’s not: Even with the light-up feature, it’s hard to catch these things in complete darkness.
ZipStix
A 14-inch-long, slightly curved stick and a pair of bouncy balls connected by elastic.
Coop Sport International, $5.99
What’s neat: Bouncing the bobbling balls and trying to catch them on the tip of the stick can be strangely addictive.
What’s not: Some testers thought it was boring – especially after the balls got stuck in a tree.
Tek Tag
Pair of electronic sensors worn on the arm. Players try to slap, or “tag” them.
Wild Planet Toys, $19.99
What’s neat: Fast, furious, yet controlled sparring. You feel like a video game character brought to life.
What’s not: Nothing not to like! Testers loved it.
Funflatable 2 in 1 Kite
Inflatable pool toy connected to plastic, bi-plane-style kite wings.
Jakks Pacific Inc., $9.99
What’s neat: Detachable pool toy is weird-shaped and mildly amusing.
What’s not: The kite rips and probably won’t become airborne unless there’s a hurricane.
Water Darts
Inflatable targets that either float in the pool or stand on the ground. Comes with four water-resistant darts.
Zocker Toys, $24.99
What’s neat: Fun pool activity. (We tried it later, in a swimming pool.)
What’s not: On land, targets flopped over and were too low. It was hard to angle the darts through them.
Power Brain
A yo-yo equipped with “a piston-like four-way clutch system” to make it spin longer and return more easily.
Yomega Corp., $12.95
What’s neat: It seems to leap back up to your hand. Makes the nonskilled yo-yo-er feel like a pro.
What’s not: It still takes a lot of practice to do a decent “Rock the Baby,” “Walk the Dog” or other cool trick.