EGON SPENGLER NEUTRONA WAND MOVIE PROP REPLICA

Are you troubled by strange noises in the middle of the night? Do you experience feelings of dread in your basement or attic? Have you or your family ever seen a spook, spectre or ghost? If the answer is "yes," then don't wait another minute. Pick up the phone and call the professionals...GHOSTBUSTERS! Our courteous and efficient staff is on call 24 hours a day to serve all your supernatural elimination needs. We're ready to believe you!

I still remember as if it was yesterday going to the movie theater to see the original GHOSTBUSTERS movie on the silver screen. I've been a fan of this film franchise since! So, I was geeked to buy myself some really impressive movie prop replicas of Egon Spengler's the neutrona wand and proton pack produced by Hasbro as part of their Ghostbusters Plasma Series of premium collectibles. The Egon Spengler Neutrona Wand movie prop replica was just delivered and the proton pack should be arriving in a few weeks. 

The Ghostbusters Plasma Series Spengler's Neutrona Wand looks incredibly movie accurate; but it is more than a cool prop replica to display. It has a number of special effect features that make it very fun to play with too! Whether as a Ghostbusters cosplay accessory or just for goofing around with in the comfort of your own house, there are a lot of fantastic aspects about this neutrona wand!

Just to start off with, there are real switches to click on that activate the neutrona wand with the same sights and sounds as when one is turned on in the Ghostbusters movies. Second, there is a clear extension tube that pops out of the front of the wand when it is activated which displays light effects mimicking the neutrona waves shot out by the wand in the movies. Pressing a button on the device lets users switch between four different effects. Plus, changing the light effects also alters sound effects that go along with a particular style of beam. For example, there is a green ray effect that has slime sounds emitted with it. This neutrona wand from Hasbro allows you to choose from a classic Proton Stream, Slime Blower, Stasis Stream, or Meson Collider modes.

The Spengler Neutrona Wand also has a rumble feature to provide the feel of operating one of these devices like a Ghostbuster in the movies. The motorized vibrations can be tuned up or down by rotating a dial. Turning this dial also adjusts the volume of sound effects, the imagery on an energy chart, and the brilliance of other lighting effects. The light, sound and rumble effects all work together to provide an immersive interactive experience that is a whole lot of fun to play with.

Hasbro did a nice job not just on the special effects but also on replicating movie accurate details. Additionally, Hasbro added some high-quality components to the Spengler Neutrona Wand. It is not just made of molded plastic. There are real metal parts incorporated into the design to add an extra layer or realism to it. Combined with the tech components for the light, sound and rumble effects and this isn't some cheap toy. The box it comes in even looks like a real carrying case. It really looks impressive, most impressive!

The only knock I have against it is that Hasbro was concerned that connecting this to its upcoming proton pack would classify the neutrona wand as a toy gun. This resulted in them painting the front tip of the wand orange. That really takes away the look of the wand in my opinion. I'll be adding some primer and metallic grey alterations to mine when I have some free time. That plastic orange just distracts from all the other fantastic elements of this prop replica so that was disappointing though I understand from a regulatory and liability standpoint why the company did that.

All in all, Hasbro's Egon Spengler Neutrona Wand earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval because this movie geek is going to love displaying it in my home's game room as well as pairing it up with the HasLab proton pack I purchased to have an amazing Halloween costume this year. Also, it gets some kudos because I felt like a kid on Christmas morning myself unboxing and trying it out when the neutrona wand arrived.

The Ghostbusters Plasma Series Spengler's Neutrona Wand can be purchased at Hasbro's online retail site, hasbropulse.com. Unfortunately, if you want a proton pack those were produced in a limited quantity through the toy company's HasLab crowd funding platform and are no longer available to purchase. Stay tuned as I will review mine when it arrives and show how it goes along with my neutrona wand. Are you geeked about these Ghostbuster replica movie props from Hasbro?

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KIDS WILL GO BANANAS FOR FINGERLINGS

** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review **

My daughter went BANANAS when she saw the newest toy from WowWee -- Fingerlings!  Some of her favorite toys have come from WowWee including MiPosaur and CHiP the robot dog. It looks like the toy company has impressed her again with these adorable robotic baby monkeys.  Fingerlings will cling to your finger and are small enough you can take them with you wherever you go. Not only are they cute though but they'll actually interact with you!  She's been playing with the Fingerling that WowWee provided A Geek Daddy to review nonstop since it arrived in the mail.

These cuddly baby monkeys actually come to life within your hands.  Fingerlings can interact with you through more than 40 sounds and animations.  Tap on a Fingerling's head to trigger a variety of different reactions.  Hang them upside down by their tail and see what happens.  They'll show affection when you pet them and fall asleep when rocked in the palm of your hand.  Cup your hand in just the right spots and your Fingerling will even burp or fart! Clap your hands to get your robotic pet to sing or whistle to you.



Fingerlings Baby Monkeys debuted at stores this week and there are six to choose from.  Each one is a different color and has its own unique personality: Bella (pink), Mia (purple), Sophie (white), Boris (blue), Zoe (turquoise) and Finn (black).  Inspired by the rare finger monkey species that are placed at-risk whenever removed from their natural habitat, WowWee found a way to create a safe and playful way to provide every child with their own special fingertip hugging friend.  To help preserve the real life monkeys, WowWee will be donating $1.00 for each of the robotic ones they sell in their first week of sales to WildAid, a nonprofit conservation group that aims to protect wildlife and end illegal animal poaching.

Based upon the reaction my daughter has had to Fingerlings Baby Monkeys and that they are reasonably priced at under $20 these are sure to be a hot toy this year for holiday gifts.  These 5.5" tall toys are designed for children 5 years old and older and feature blinking eyes, turning heads, curly hanging tails, hands that grip and happy monkey sounds that I'm sure will delight kids.  My daughter has been thrilled to play with Mia! Grab one now while you can find them on store shelves!  They're available nationwide in the United States at Kmart, Toys R Us, Target, Walmart and other major toy retailers as well as on Amazon.com.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DINOSAURS VIEW-MASTER EXPERIENCE

 ** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review**

My son went on a Jurassic era adventure by enjoying a National Geographic Dinosaurs View-Master Experience.  View-Master has updated its viewing experience for today's generation of tech savvy kids.  Now instead of just flipping through colorful slides, View-Master provides its users with incredible 3-D augmented reality and virtual reality experiences.  With the new View-Master Virtual Reality Viewer and the National Geographic Dinosaurs Experience Pack (each sold separately) you can literally walk among the dinosaurs.

Load an app on your smart phone and insert your device within the View-Master Virtual Reality Viewer.  Place what looks like an old-fashioned View-Master reel on a table or other flat surface in front of you.  Then look at it through your VR Viewer.  Suddenly miniature dinosaurs will appear standing on top of the reel right there in front of you through the app's augmented reality feature.  Move around the reel to check out the dinosaurs from different angles.  While this is really impressive it is just the beginning of your adventure.



Use the lever on VR Viewer to click on a digital icon option that when selected immerses you in a 360-degree gallery that resembles a museum exhibit.  As you look up, down and around at the displays within the gallery simply click on the VR Viewer's lever to open up features associated with each image ranging from games and trivia to photo albums and videos.

One of the best options to choose from lets you walk through various environments filled with different types of dinosaurs.  No matter which way you look there is something to see.  It is almost like you can just put out your hand and touch a dinosaur. How cool is that?!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stare a T Rex in the face?  You can do that with the National Geographic Dinosaurs View-Master Experience!

 

After you've taken a hike through the Jurassic era, head back to the museum gallery area and explore the fossil skeletons on display from every angle.  Play a game that lets you test your survival skills as you take on the role of a dinosaur hunting for food while trying to avoid becoming a meal yourself.  The museum gallery also allows users to access informative facts, photos and videos from National Geographic's vast archive providing an educational aspect that parents can appreciate while its fun interactive features ensure that kids will be delighted utilizing the National Geographic Dinosaur Experience Pack.

My son really has enjoyed learning about dinosaurs with the National Geographic Dinosaurs View-Master Experience.  It really is a fun educational tool recommend for ages 7+ that will get kids enthusiastic about learning.  Are you ready to go back in time for a trek with dinosaurs?!

A Geek Daddy is a member of the National Geographic Kids Insider blogger program. Insiders get a behind-the-scenes look at National Geographic’s resources, activities, content and projects for kids and families. They also review copies of books, magazines and toys, and are offered interviews with authors, explorers and editors.  A Geek Daddy does not receive any financial compensation for my participation as a National Geographic Kids Insider.

The Next Best Thing to a Real Puppy – PEPPY PETS

Today is National Puppy Day!  A date to take a moment to appreciate the magic and unconditional love that puppies provide to us.  Do you have a special puppy in your life to celebrate the day with?  If not, today would be a great occasion to consider adopting an unwanted puppy that needs a home from an animal shelter.  Click here for some useful tips from the ASPCA when it comes to adopting a pet.

While every child would love to have a puppy, unfortunately there are often a variety of reasons why having one isn't a good fit for a family.  Someone may be allergic to dogs.  Maybe a home just isn't big enough or suitable for a pet.  Busy and hectic schedules may not provide enough quality time for people to spend with a puppy.  Parents may feel their children aren't mature enough to care for a pet.  While puppies are adorable and fun to play with owning and taking care of a real one is a lot of responsibility that isn't for everyone.

If your family wants a puppy but can't have a real one at the moment, you really should take a look at Peppy Pets. Children and parents alike will love the irresistible personality of these adorable toys! The cuddly plush puppy has a spring in its step and when walked by its owner, can run, jump and wag its tail like a real dog.  This toy will walk and run alongside you just like a real pet with no batteries required!  Peppy Pets wiggle waggle walking action is really cool.  Check it out:



In celebration of #NationalPuppyDay, A GEEK DADDY has teamed up with TPF Toys to giveaway one of these great Peppy Pets to one lucky randomly selected winner who completes the entries in the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Whether for National Puppy Day (March 23^rd), or anytime - Peppy Pets from TPF Toys are a perfect addition to the family.  Ideal for children ages 4+, Peppy Pups are available in soft brown or black and white versions at Toys “R” Us nationwide for $19.99.

DISCLAIMER:  A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use. The prize is provided by TPF TOYS and A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to our readers. Must be a US resident over the age of 18 to participate.  By participating in this promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. No P.O. Boxes allowed for delivery of the prize. TPF TOYS will be responsible for shipping the prize to the selected winner.  One winner will be chosen at random on, about, or after April 7, 2017, and will be notified via email to confirm. If no response within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen. This promotion is not  sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Google.

CHiP the Robot Dog

 **A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review **

My daughter has been fascinated with the notion of getting a robot dog.  When she found out that I didn't have the technical prowess to actually build one she began searching store aisles during shopping trips hoping to buy one.  She was ecstatic when I actually found her one and brought it home.  We have a new addition to our family now -- CHiP, the robot dog, from WowWee.

My kids have had more fun playing with CHiP than with any other toy our family has had the chance to review for ageekdaddy.com this year.  They've been playing fetch with it, having CHiP chase them around the house with its leash mode, and even doing yoga with their new robot dog.  You have to check out the yoga poses it can do!  Because of all the enjoyment it has brought my own children, it is a toy I highly recommend you consider as a gift to put under a Christmas Tree for a child in your life this holiday season.

CHiP comes with a recharger bed, smart ball, and smart band.  Interacting with CHiP is what really gets children immersed into playing with it and there are lots of ways to direct the toy as it responds to controls from an app for mobile devices, voice instructions, touch, signals from the smart ball and commands from the smart band.  These interactions with CHiP provide hours and hours of fun.  Vocal commands will have CHiP complete some impressive dog tricks and robotic dance moves.  Advanced touch sensors allow CHiP to respond to being petted or having his nose nuzzled.  The more CHiP is played with the more the robot dog's behavior develops based upon engagement with its owner allowing the toy to develop unique personality traits. No two CHiP’s are ever completely alike based upon its cutting edge artificial intelligence.

Wearing the smart band on your wrist allows CHiP to recognize and follow you.  You can also use it to steer the robot dog around like a RC toy. Clicking a like button when CHiP performs in a manner that pleases allows the robot dog to be trained and helps shape its personality when it comes to interacting with you. The included smart ball combined with the robot dog’s infrared vision allows the toy to play fetch, soccer and other games with you.

The  smart charger that comes with him combined with the toy’s beaconsense capabilities allows CHiP to find this bed that has been placed by an electrical outlet on his own when he gets tired in order to get a recharge. Even a robot dog needs a nap sometime.  Wow this toy can recharge itself when its batteries run low ... very impressive! Plus there are no messes from fur or poop to clean up from this robot dog.

CHiP has high tech features that allow it to be smart and trainable but its AI also makes this robot dog affectionate and huggable.CHiP has quickly become one of my children's favorite toys.  Based upon the robot dog's top notch technological attributes, variety of interactive options that promote engaging in imaginative play, and the enjoyment its abilities and behaviors bring to kids, CHiP has earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval.




For more information about CHiP, please visit wowwee.com/CHiP

Stomp Rocket

** A Geek Daddy was provided the featured product for free to review**

My kids and I ventured over to the neighborhood park to play around with launching a Stomp Rocket.  No need for gasoline or batteries to fuel this toy as the Stomp Rocket is 100% kid-powered.  The energy created from stomping on a launch pad will utilize air pressure to have rockets soaring up to 150 feet into the sky.  Foam tips on the rockets provide for a safe landing when the rocket returns back to Earth.

We had a competition to see who could get our Stomp Rocket to fly the highest in the air.  The harder you stomp on the launch pad the higher the rocket will soar! So I have to admit with my weight advantage, dad probably had a bit of an advantage over the kids in this contest.





Ha Ha - Yeah I won! A Geek Daddy wins in the end!



Stomp Rocket is easy to put together and simple to use but also introduces children to some complicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) educational concepts such as gravity, force, and trajectory.  Discuss with children while they are launching their rockets about how what goes up must come down through gravity, that force which is created by stomping on the launch pad determines how high the rockets fly, and that through setting the launcher at different angles the trajectory can determine if they'll fly higher or farther.  Plus Stomp Rocket will get kids out of the house getting exercise running and jumping in the fresh air.  Our whole family enjoyed playing around with the Stomp Rocket.  A product that has kids learning and exercising while having fun has to get a thumbs up!

The complimentary Stomp Rocket pack we received to test out from D & L Company LLC, home of the Original Stomp Rocket, was the ULTRA LED version.  Along with the launching pad came four rockets, each containing an LED light within the tube -- batteries included -- that lit up as they shot up into the night sky making them fun to play with after dusk.  You can pick up STOMP ROCKET ULTRA LED by heading to select Dick's Sporting Goods stores.  Visit DicksSportingGoods.com to find a store near you.

For more then 25 years, Stomp Rockets have been encouraging kids to have fun by running, jumping and stomping through selling more than 5 million of the toys.  More information about this toy is available at StompRocket.com

TRAK ATTAK from New Bright -- Radio Control Toys

**A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review **

The TRAK ATTAK puts a new spin on playing with radio control cars as this RC racer features tracks instead of wheels to speed it along. This 1:10 scale (14") tread driven vehicle features a sturdy suspension and enough bulk in its size to let it tank through a variety of terrains.  Yet it is light and fast enough to really get it racing along.  A Geek Daddy recently put the TRAK ATTAK to the test and it proved itself to be an entertaining toy as it jaunted across backyards, through park playgrounds and around our neighborhood's sidewalks.



TRAK ATTAK comes with a 12.8 volt Lithium Ion power pack which is easy to recharge and provides the remote control vehicle with plenty of energy to power through the challenges you throw at it.  Just plug the power pack into the included charger which is inserted into a standard wall outlet.  It took fifteen minutes to charge it up out of the box. Then lock the power pack into place within the bottom of the TRAK ATTAK, which is very easy to fit into place, and your toy will be fueled up and ready to go!  My son took it to the park to race around and the TRAK ATTAK lasted about thirty minutes before the power pack needed to be recharged.  Subsequent recharges take from a half hour to an hour depending on the amount of use it has had and provide twenty to thirty minutes of fast paced activity.  Here's some video of my 7 year old steering it around as you can see it handles well and is easy for him to control:



The TRAK ATTAK comes with its own compact remote control.  I don't particularly care for my kids wanting to grab my phone to be able to play with a toy through its bluetooth or wi-fi so an included remote control with these type of things is always a plus for me.  This parent also appreciated that New Bright included the 2 AA batteries needed to power the remote control within the packaging.  Pull the TRAK ATTAK out of its box, insert the included batteries into the remote control and charge the Lithium Ion power pack for a few minutes and this RC racers is quickly ready to play with.

There have been quite a few radio control cars that my twins have wanted to race against each other that didn't work out very well when we tried them out because the frequencies interfered with one another causing a mess in controlling both so they couldn't really compete against one another at the same time. That won't be a problem with TRAK ATTAK which utilizes 2.4GHZ technology that allows remote control units sync to specific vehicles.  This allows up to 6 people to race at once in proximity to one another at the same time -- yes!!!  New Bright's technology also allows the TRAK ATTAK to have an internal antenna so there isn't one hanging from the vehicle providing for more mobility and a more attractive ride while also providing a faster response between transmitter and vehicle from longer distances.

 If you are looking for an out of the ordinary toy that will get kids excited about wanting to go outside to play, you'll want to pick up a TRAK ATTAK. This RC toy also demonstrated the durability not to quickly and easily break ensuring kids will get plenty of enjoyment out of it.  TRAK ATTAK is available exclusively from Walmart if you are interested in grabbing one.  For more information about TRAK ATTAK and other radio controlled toys from its manufacturer, visit newbright.com

HATCHIMALS DAY

 ** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review**

Happy Hatchimals Day! We received a mysterious egg the other day from Spin Master Toys with a "Hatchimal" inside and my kids have been anxious all week to find out what will emerge out of the shell.  Today's the day for the big reveal! My son and daughter have been rocking, petting and holding the egg to keep it comfortable, safe and warm.  Before your egg will hatch you must nurture and care for it to encourage the Hatchimal inside to break out of the shell.

My kids took caring for the egg so seriously that I even talked my son into sitting on it for awhile like a bird.  It turns out though that my joking him into doing that was the final touch to activate the Hatchimal to start pecking its way out of the shell.  We rushed it into the dining room to sit back and watch as holes began appearing in the shell.  Whatever was inside was ready to get out!



A beak began to poke holes through the shell.  After about five minutes it had cracked an opening around the egg allowing for the creature to crack out of the top.  We're about to get our first glimpse at what is inside the egg!



Well my daughter guessed it would be a penguin and my son thought it would be a dragon.  It turns out that they were both right as the Hatchimal that emerged was a combination of a penguin and a dragon. Meet our Hatchimal the kids have named -- Flappy.

While hatching the toy from the egg was a neat experience, the fun really begins now the Hatchimal is out of its shell.  You know the toy is ready to play with after it hatches when it sings HATCHI BIRTHDAY - a very nice touch! Now let the fun begin!



These interactive, animatronic creatures develop through three modes -- baby, toddler, and kids -- advancing to each level as they spurred on by your attention and imaginative play with them.  Each new mode opens up new features to interact and have fun with your Hatchimal.  Baby mode focuses on caring for the Hatchimal.  Toddler mode allows you to teach your Hatchimal to walk, talk and dance.  You can start playing games with your Hatchimal when it becomes a kid.

There are four games the Hatchimal will play with you: SILLY SOUNDS,  PSYCHIC HATCHIMAL, TAG, and HATCHIMAL SAYS.  In "Silly Sounds," your Hatchimal will tap  a pattern and you need to try to repeat it back. You can ask your Hatchinal YES or NO questions and it will answer them when playing "Psychic Hatchimal".  "When your Hatchimals eyes turn red you need to tap it on the head when playing "Tag."  Complete an instructed task -- pat its head, squeeze its belly, turn it upside down, before your Hatchimal gives another order to win at "Hatchimal Says."

My kids are just discovering all the great things they can do with their Hatchimal but it has already proven to be a toy that has excited and entertained them.  Because it combines an element of surprise by actually hatching from a shell, interactive robotic tech that engages children to participate in creative play, and a cuddly animal toy that boys and girls will adore, Spin Master's Hatchimals have earned A GEEK DADDY nod of approval.

CLICK HERE for more information about HATCHIMALS from Spin Master Toys.

The Evolution of the Rubber Band Launcher -- Precision RBS

 ** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review **

Being able to be the most accurate at flicking a rubber band the longest distance with the hardest impact at each other and various targets around the class room was an ongoing challenge among my friends when I was a kid in school.  Back in those days launching a rubber band was all about the various styles of flinging it from your hand.  The rubber band launcher has evolved for a new generation with the Precision RBS [Rubber Band System] from Super Impulse.  The Precision RBS allows today's kids to launch rubber bands further and with more precision than you could ever do with your hand.

We put the Precision RBS to the test with a target shooting competition between my son, daughter and I in the backyard.  Taking aim from 12 feet away at the cardboard targets that came with the HYPERION Precision Rubber Band Systems, that Super Impulse sent our family to try out, we challenged each other to see who could tally the highest score.  The pressure was on this dad not to get usurped by his kids in this rubber band launching competition.



I started out with a strong score, but the ease of aiming and using the Precision RBS allowed my twins to provide some fierce competition.  Nocking the launcher is a simple process and the mechanics of the Precision RBS combined with its ammunition of rubber bands that are sized just the right length to provide plenty of umpf! allow the HYPERION to hit targets from as far away as 50 feet.  The HYPERION comes with rubber bands manufactured specifically for use with Precision RBS products that also include the mid-range CHIRON and the short range TALOS launcher.  We found the HYPERION had more than enough Precision RBS ammo included with it for plenty of fun, but the long-range purple rubber bands, medium-range orange ones, and a yellow short-range variety can also be purchased separately if you do need to restock.

A nice feature of the HYPERION is that it allows for multiple rubber bands to be nocked at the same time and released one by one with a rapid action trigger so loading the launcher doesn't become tedious.  Either six long-range rubber bands or eight mid-range ones can be loaded at one time.  Plus there are ammo storage cleats to hold rubber bands conveniently located on the frame of the HYPERION to allow the Precision RBS to be quickly reloaded. There is also a burst feature that allows for 14 short-ranged rubber bands to be loaded and spray out all at once.  The flexibility of the HYPERION also includes the ability to separate the launcher to create a smaller TALOS Precision RBS launcher which can be held in one hand providing its own variety of play options.  All the nice features on the HYPERION Precision RBS make it a real dandy of a toy to have fun playing with.

I discovered the Precision RBS toys while at the 2016 Blogger Bash event in New York City and had the chance to meet its twenty-something inventor Benjamin Stack.  He had been making rubber band launchers as a hobby since middle school and during college designed the Precision RBS for a thesis project while pursuing a degree in Industrial Design at Philadelphia University.  His hand-made prototypes won the university's prestigious senior design competition catching the attention of school alumnus Alan Dorfman who as the president of Super Impulse worked with Benjamin to bring the product to toy store shelves.  A Geek Daddy asked Benjamin a few questions about his invention during our conversation at Blogger Bash:

Do rubber bands have any advantages compared to foam darts and other projectile toys?

Rubber bands are safe because they aren't rigid, so they collpase and distribute their energy along their entire length. Rubber bands are plentiful because of how easy they are to make and versatile they are in application. And finally, most importantly, rubber bands can use the Lariat and Magnus effects of physics to both float with a flat trajectory, and have far more accuracy than foam darts or ball shaped projectiles. Precision RBS is precisely optimized for the most accuracy and range you can possibly get from a rubber band.

Any special tips or tricks you can share on how to use the Precision RBS?

Precision RBS launchers are jam packed with lots of hidden features and to get the best performance, I recommend watching our tutorial videos. There is a special technique for launching bands with the MOST accuracy that everyone should learn! All our tips and tricks can be found at Precisionrbs.com and on our YouTube channel as well.

What advice would you give to aspiring inventors like yourself on how to turn their ideas into real products like you did with the Precision RBS?

The most important thing is showing your passion. People generally want to be excited, and your genuine passion for your ideas is your greatest asset. For critics, you always need your short list of reasons your product is not just better, but how it fits into the market. Make sure you anticipate every possible way your project can fail and have an answer for every one of them.

What is one thing you would like everybody to know about the Precision RBS?

Precision RBS was designed to be the safest, most accurate, highest performance, and affordable toy projectile launcher. After a lifetime of play and research, we've finally made it real!

So now you know a bit more about the Precision RBS, I'm sure you're still wondering who won our backyard target shooting competition.  After a bit of practice, the twins became quite adept with the Precision RBS and were knocking down targets here and there. I was beginning to fear they might actually show up good old dad and beat me in this contest.  Can you imagine the grief I'd get from them teasing me about their victory if that occurred?!  While I was impressed by watching them knock down targets a bit of sweat emerged on my brow for every one they knocked down.



In the end, A Geek Daddy emerged victorious winning by 300 points as I'd knocked down a few more of the higher point markers than they did.  It was a slim margin of victory though and I'm going to have to watch Benjamin's online tutorials and get some practice in before the rematch my twins are demanding.  In all seriousness though,we've had a very enjoyable time playing with the HYPERION  Precision RBS and it has provided hours of fun.  If you are looking for a unique toy that will maintain a child or teen's interest and promote outdoor play, pick up one of the three models of Precision RBS launchers from Super Impulse.

Precision RBS -- The Evolution of the Rubber Band Launcher

 ** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review **

Being able to be the most accurate at flicking a rubber band the longest distance with the hardest impact at each other and various targets around the class room was an ongoing challenge among my friends when I was a kid in school.  Back in those days launching a rubber band was all about the various styles of flinging it from your hand.  The rubber band launcher has evolved for a new generation with the Precision RBS [Rubber Band System] from Super Impulse.  The Precision RBS allows today's kids to launch rubber bands further and with more precision than you could ever do with your hand.

We put the Precision RBS to the test with a target shooting competition between my son, daughter and I in the backyard.  Taking aim from 12 feet away at the cardboard targets that came with the HYPERION Precision Rubber Band Systems, that Super Impulse sent our family to try out, we challenged each other to see who could tally the highest score.  The pressure was on this dad not to get usurped by his kids in this rubber band launching competition.



I started out with a strong score, but the ease of aiming and using the Precision RBS allowed my twins to provide some fierce competition.  Nocking the launcher is a simple process and the mechanics of the Precision RBS combined with its ammunition of rubber bands that are sized just the right length to provide plenty of umpf! allow the HYPERION to hit targets from as far away as 50 feet.  The HYPERION comes with rubber bands manufactured specifically for use with Precision RBS products that also include the mid-range CHIRON and the short range TALOS launcher.  We found the HYPERION had more than enough Precision RBS ammo included with it for plenty of fun, but the long-range purple rubber bands, medium-range orange ones, and a yellow short-range variety can also be purchased separately if you do need to restock.

A nice feature of the HYPERION is that it allows for multiple rubber bands to be nocked at the same time and released one by one with a rapid action trigger so loading the launcher doesn't become tedious.  Either six long-range rubber bands or eight mid-range ones can be loaded at one time.  Plus there are ammo storage cleats to hold rubber bands conveniently located on the frame of the HYPERION to allow the Precision RBS to be quickly reloaded. There is also a burst feature that allows for 14 short-ranged rubber bands to be loaded and spray out all at once.  The flexibility of the HYPERION also includes the ability to separate the launcher to create a smaller TALOS Precision RBS launcher which can be held in one hand providing its own variety of play options.  All the nice features on the HYPERION Precision RBS make it a real dandy of a toy to have fun playing with.

I discovered the Precision RBS toys while at the 2016 Blogger Bash event in New York City and had the chance to meet its twenty-something inventor Benjamin Stack.  He had been making rubber band launchers as a hobby since middle school and during college designed the Precision RBS for a thesis project while pursuing a degree in Industrial Design at Philadelphia University.  His hand-made prototypes won the university's prestigious senior design competition catching the attention of school alumnus Alan Dorfman who as the president of Super Impulse worked with Benjamin to bring the product to toy store shelves.  A Geek Daddy asked Benjamin a few questions about his invention during our conversation at Blogger Bash:

Do rubber bands have any advantages compared to foam darts and other projectile toys?

Rubber bands are safe because they aren't rigid, so they collpase and distribute their energy along their entire length. Rubber bands are plentiful because of how easy they are to make and versatile they are in application. And finally, most importantly, rubber bands can use the Lariat and Magnus effects of physics to both float with a flat trajectory, and have far more accuracy than foam darts or ball shaped projectiles. Precision RBS is precisely optimized for the most accuracy and range you can possibly get from a rubber band.

Any special tips or tricks you can share on how to use the Precision RBS?

Precision RBS launchers are jam packed with lots of hidden features and to get the best performance, I recommend watching our tutorial videos. There is a special technique for launching bands with the MOST accuracy that everyone should learn! All our tips and tricks can be found at Precisionrbs.com and on our YouTube channel as well.

What advice would you give to aspiring inventors like yourself on how to turn their ideas into real products like you did with the Precision RBS?

The most important thing is showing your passion. People generally want to be excited, and your genuine passion for your ideas is your greatest asset. For critics, you always need your short list of reasons your product is not just better, but how it fits into the market. Make sure you anticipate every possible way your project can fail and have an answer for every one of them.

What is one thing you would like everybody to know about the Precision RBS?

Precision RBS was designed to be the safest, most accurate, highest performance, and affordable toy projectile launcher. After a lifetime of play and research, we've finally made it real!

So now you know a bit more about the Precision RBS, I'm sure you're still wondering who won our backyard target shooting competition.  After a bit of practice, the twins became quite adept with the Precision RBS and were knocking down targets here and there. I was beginning to fear they might actually show up good old dad and beat me in this contest.  Can you imagine the grief I'd get from them teasing me about their victory if that occurred?!  While I was impressed by watching them knock down targets a bit of sweat emerged on my brow for every one they knocked down.



In the end, A Geek Daddy emerged victorious winning by 300 points as I'd knocked down a few more of the higher point markers than they did.  It was a slim margin of victory though and I'm going to have to watch Benjamin's online tutorials and get some practice in before the rematch my twins are demanding.  In all seriousness though,we've had a very enjoyable time playing with the HYPERION  Precision RBS and it has provided hours of fun.  If you are looking for a unique toy that will maintain a child or teen's interest and promote outdoor play, pick up one of the three models of Precision RBS launchers from Super Impulse.