CATS VS PICKLES

My daughter adores CATS VS PICKLES the collectible toys from Cepia LLC that come in a number of sizes and shapes that make them great for either hugging or fidgeting with. Though she calls them "pickle cats" these toys either come shaped as cats or pickles that are fun to play with but aren't an actual combination of the animals and vegetables. The nice folks behind CATS VS PICKLES were very kind to send us an extra special gift box that was full of an assortment of these toys. My tween aged girl was very geeked to check out what was inside:

Cats are afraid of Pickles, but Pickles are misunderstood; they just want love! This endearing tale of friendship is a great way to teach inclusiveness because it is silly to be afraid or dislike something just because it looks a little different. And the Cats and Pickles in this collection of plush toys can be very different! There are a huge variety of character mashups in this assortment of toys ranging from cheeseburger and football themed kitties to robotic and mermaid pickles. So goofy they are irresistibly lovable to kids.

Cats vs Pickles come in blind bags where the one you get is a mystery until the package is ripped open. These are called "beans" and are about 4 inches tall by 3 inches wide. My daughter likes to fidget with these soft, bean-filled plush dolls while doing her homework. These squidgets are comforting to hold and squeeze when working through problems and concentrating on solutions. You will find a variety of different themed cats inside these blind bags as well as occasionally come across some pickles from time to time too.

These toys go up in scale to a larger jumbo 8.6 inch variety that kids can pick out there favorites at the store to bring home with them. They are very soft to hold and have cute themes to them. My daughter likes to hold one while doing bedtime reading before going to sleep at night. These bean-filled creatures feel nice against a child's cheek as they nod off to sleep.

There are also huggers that obviously are great for hugging! We have a 16.5 inch pickle at our house that my daughter loves to hug during our family movie nights. These huggers are just the perfect size for kids to snuggle with.

For more information about these super fun collectible toys, go to catsvpickles.com

SNAP SHIPS REVIEW

My son is in those tween aged years where kids are beginning to outgrow playing with toys, but that hasn't kept him from being absolutely delighted by SNAP SHIPS from PlayMonster. He has spent a lot of hours building these sci-fi themed spacecraft and engaging in imaginative adventures with them. His enjoyment of SNAP SHIPS has put them at the top of my family's list for favorite new toy this year. And we are aren't alone in appreciating SNAP SHIPS as they've been named a finalist in the "Construction Toy of the Year" category for the Toy Association's TOTY awards.

The heroic Forge battle the villainous Komplex for interstellar superiority within the SNAP SHIPS universe. Construct a variety of impressive vessels to combat one another ranging from patrol craft, troop transports and battleships. These sharp looking models are a snap to put together and my son really likes them because they look great to display in his room. 

In fact, I think he has more fun constructing these model spaceships than actually playing with them. Though I have caught him having some space battles in his room with his SNAP SHIPS so they do have a lot of playability for even tween aged kids. He has liked them enough to ask for some more SNAP SHIPS as Christmas gifts this year.

Here is a build through video with my son demonstrating how to put together a SNAP SHIP. PlayMonster has done a nice job making it so that the parts to these toys are easy to snap together yet durable enough that they won't fall apart when being played with. The constructed products look so good you'd think a lot more effort than actually is necessary was put into assembling the toys. 

And while they look nice for displaying these toys can be played with too without worrying about them easily breaking. In fact while we were taping this video, one of the assembled SNAP SHIPS got knocked off the table and when we picked it up after wrapping up filming this build through not a piece had separated or broken apart from it. As you'll see in the video though, if you make a mistake putting a toy together or want to make rearrangements it is no big deal to pop out parts and move things around.

Easy to assemble yet durable for play are sure to make SNAP SHIPS a hit! Also taking advantage of the blind bag collecting trend in toys, each SNAP SHIP has a mystery accessory included with it that you won't know what it is until the package has been opened. Maybe it will be a turbo boaster, laser cannon, or missile system to give the toy an extra edge. You can buy multiple of the same SNAP SHIP style and get all sorts of different mystery accessories which adds some extra excitement to constructing them.

Also PlayMonster has added some out of the box elements to help bring SNAP SHIPS to life. There is a YouTube animated series that adds some personality to the mini-figures that come with each SNAP SHIP and provides inspiration for imaging space battles with the toys. Additionally there is a free app for Android and Apple devices that provides augmented reality features that can enhance the experience of playing with the physical toys.

I'm a sci-fi geek so this dad blogger couldn't resist getting some of these spaceship toys for my son. That worked out well because he really loves them. As a parent, I appreciate not only that he is enjoying the toys but also they provide repeat playability, durability and originality ensuring that we are getting value for the money spent on them. That is complimented by a very reasonable price range of $12 to $50 dollars that gives you a lot more bang for your buck than some other construction toy brands. So SNAP SHIPS have earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval based upon the affordability, innovation and entertainment these toys provide.

CRAZY CART SHIFT

Thanks to RAZOR for sending ageekdaddy.com a CRAZY CART SHIFT to try out.

My son has been pretty bummed out about not being able to play with his friends because of the social distancing requirements put in place combating the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. His spirits really brightened up though when this CRAZY CART SHIFT battery powered go kart was delivered to our doorstep courtesy of RAZOR. These go karts are specifically designed to spin and swerve around to give riders between the ages of 6 and 14 years old a thrill. Once it arrived he couldn't wait to take the CRAZY CART SHIFT out for a spin.

I've been taking my son and daughter over to a nearby elementary school to ride their RAZOR electric scooters that Santa brought them for Christmas and play around with this new CRAZY CART SHIFT we just received. The teachers' parking lot is in a secluded spot behind the building making for a nice place to have fun while staying away from other people during the school coronavirus shutdown. My kids have so much fun they want to go out there everyday whether it is sunny or cloudy outside.

Controlling the go-kart with a combination of steering wheel motions while accelerating and decelerating allows riders to drift which creates a variety of exciting skidding action. The CRAZY CART SHIFT utilizes a simplified drift system which automatically engages allowing riders to keep both hands on the wheel while focusing on steering and throttle control, just like professional drivers racing around a track!

Kids can turn a parking lot into their very own skid pad like the hot rods drift on at Roadkill Nights. Just with a little bit less horsepower. CRAZY CART SHIFT has a maximum speed of 8 mph and is recommended for ages 6 and up. So you don't need a driver's license to take a CRAZY CART SHIFT for a ride. Though the skills learned driving this go-kart could lead to a kid one day being one of the pro drivers who took this dad blogger for a spin at Dodge's Roadkill Nights event that takes place around the annual Woodward Dream Cruise here in Michigan.



A speed control switch hidden under the seat allows parents to select the appropriate maximum speed for a rider: 2.5 mph for young drivers or 8 mph for the full CRAZY CART SHIFT experience. Tweens like my son and daughter can have a blast at the regular setting while it is recommended riders between the age of 6 and 8 stick with the slower speed being locked in with the control switch.

Because the switch is hidden parents don't even need to tell kids their CRAZY CART SHIFT can go faster until they are ready. Because you know any child that realizes their go kart has a faster speed setting is going to constantly beg you to up the speed. Note the 8 mph speed setting is default so if you want to start off with the young driver mode that needs to be manually done when you first take the CRAZY CART SHIFT out of its box. Because my kids are older and have some experience riding Razor electric scooters they just took off from the get go in fast mode.

The CRAZY CART SHIFT is powered by Razor’s patented Power Core™ hub motor technology – a maintenance-free drivetrain system that is both powerful and efficient. Plus it has a durable frame constructed of a new high-impact polymer which makes the go kart both sturdy and lightweight. Your family will get a lot of use out of this toy without having to worry about maintenance and repairs. Plus it has a durable frame constructed of a new high-impact polymer which makes the go kart both sturdy and lightweight.

I was impressed that there is no assembly required when it comes to the CRAZY CART SHIFT. Pulled it out of the box, charged the battery and it was ready to go! For a first use the battery needs to be charged a full 12 hours. After that it takes a couple of hours to get a recharge. You just plug it into a regular wall outlet to power up. In regular mode the CRAZY CART SHIFT will give you 40 minutes of uninterrupted fun per charge and 80 minutes in little kid mode.

Because of the joy CRAZY CART SHIFT has brought to my family as well as that we've had a problem free experience this RAZOR toy absolutely gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval. It provides an easy to use thrilling experience that is sure to delight any kid. With my children out of school due to the pandemic I haven't wanted them sitting around the house playing video games and watching television all day. Problem solved with the CRAZY CART SHIFT! They've been wanting to go outside everyday to play with this Razor toy.



Can't get to an amusement park? Bring a thrill ride home to you with a CRAZY CART SHIFT from RAZOR. For more information go to razor.com

NINJA BRANDED TOYS

A GEEK DADDY RECEIVED FEATURED PRODUCTS FOR FREE TO REVIEW

Encourage kids to unplug their video games and get outside to play their own real life Fortnite style battles using Ninja branded foam dart blasters and gear. While he may have gained his fame from playing the popular Fortnite online battle royal style video game, Ninja (aka Richard Tyler Blevins) is encouraging kids to also get outside for exercise and entertainment too. Now kids can battle like Ninja on the playground with fun items from Zuru and Wicked Cool Toys.

Have the best foam dart blaster on the block with the Ninja Justice. With 12 attachable parts, there are more than 1,000 unique combinations for users to customize this blaster to best suit their personal preferences or provide a unique look to be different than what your friends and foes are using.  Plus it comes with two attachable magazines providing plenty of ammo while running around in a foam dart battle.

My son tested out the Ninja Justice from Zuru Toys with some target practice in our backyard. We used the three target cans that come along with the foam dart blaster as well as a Ninja doll from Wicked Cool Toys.  The Ninja Justice is easy to aim and hit targets in your line of sight straight on. Aim and fire at targets as far as 90 feet away.

Using the Zuru Toys X-Shot pump and shoot format for firing foam darts from the blaster provides for smooth shots through the barrel. Slide in a magazine, pump action the blaster and pull its trigger. A dart fires out and the magazine slides over aligning the next round to be shot. Repeat until the clip is empty. We've found these style of manual pump action blasters like the Ninja Justice to not have the darts jam up and misfire as much as the automatic fire variety available from competing brands. That is a real plus for the enjoyability of playing with this foam dart blaster.

Ninja Justice is a limited special edition version of Zuru's X-Shot brand of foam dart blasters that will only be available in 2019. So grab one now while you can. I particularly think this would make a great holiday gift so while it is still summer you may want to do some Christmas shopping now. This dad blogger had a really good time playing with the Ninja Justice that Zuru sent us to try out and the only downside to this foam dart blaster may be that parents like me who monopolize it away from the kids who the toy was bought for.

Accurate, light weight, with easy to load, high capacity ammo magazines, multiple customizable looks/features and a smooth firing mechanism that doesn't jam, Ninja Justice is just what you need to be king of the hill in a foam dart blaster battle. Ninja Justice gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval because I would have loved having one of these myself when I was a kid.  Our city's recreation department is holding a foam dart blaster tournament at the community center in a few weeks and my son is all smiles knowing that he is taking a Ninja Justice there with him.

Whether engaging in a foam dart battle at a park or dueling it out playing Fortnite on the couch, show your Ninja spirit by donning headgear from Wicked Cool Toys that make it look like you have his trademark hair. This high quality wig is made from high pile plush with a satin head tie. This Ninja Wig Headwear comes in one size fits most.

Get your Ninja on with these fun items from Zuru and Wicked Cool Toys!

ReadySetz Urban 18 Playset

Awhile back ageekdaddy.com had a chance to take a look at the prototype of the Space Base playset from ReadySetz.  This 1:12 scale [28” (h) X 38” (w) X 21” (d)] three dimensional fold-out playset provides a great backdrop for kids to immerse action figures ranging from the standard 3.75" sized ones to the 6" to 7" inch toys that have grown in popularity lately in imaginative adventures. Parents will appreciate ReadySetz playsets because there is no assembly required, they can be easily folded up and stored away, were built durable enough to endure rough play, and are environmentally-friendly containing 0% plastic and being made with recyclable materials. Kids will love them because they are imprinted with vibrant imagery and have lots of interactive features to spark their creativity and imagination while they play.

Now ReadySetz has sent us a prototype sample of a smaller 1:18 scale three dimensional playset [18” (h) X 12” (w) X 6” (d)] that is ideal for using with 1.5" mini-figures like those that come with LEGO and Mega Construx toys or diecast cars like Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning, Matchbox, Maisto, and M2 Machines. We were sent a design that was showcased at this year's Las Vegas Toy Con exhibition to check out. In addition to being a reduced size from the Space Base previously reviewed this playset differs from the sci-fi theme with a cityscape layout.

While the ReadySetz Urban 18 Playset has a different size and theme than the model we previously played around with, it shares the same qualities that earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval for the Space Base. This urban themed playset is full of artwork that sets the stage for children to have fun pretending to have adventures in the big city. Graphics of brick walls, pipes, steel beams and street signs provide a great environment for toy soldier battles, superhero missions, drag racing car high jinks, or wacky fun with LEGO Friends characters or Calico Critters.

In addition to its impressive appearance, this ReadySetz Urban playset has a number of features to stimulate imaginative play.  There are sewer tunnels to explore and ramps for toy cars to soar down. Stair cases to climb and a manhole cover to pop in and out of. A garage door can be opened up as well as a number of windows spread out across the buildings. Watch out! There is a skylight that kids can pretend to have toys fall through too.

ReadySetz Urban 18 does a nice job of providing a sense of depth to the play area with rooms underneath the main level and behind the front façades of the buildings. Yet is also provides plenty of space for kids to get their hands in those areas providing the illusion of closed off spaces that are actually very accessible. This provides a great deal of functionality allowing kids to view how they want to play with it from a variety of perspectives.

ReadySetz Urban 18, as well as a 1:18 version of the Space Base, are now available to purchase through readysetz.com. There are a few tweaks that have been made from the model shown in this post that have improved upon the sample we were provided. Also the Space Base we reviewed earlier and a similar 1:12 scale version of this Urban playset are also available to buy now to.

My kids and I have really enjoyed the ReadySetz playsets. In the past, I've purchased a number of bulky plastic ones my children have asked for that took hours for me to put together, were easily broken, and took up a lot of space to store.  With ReadySetz you just fold it out to play with and fold it down to put it away. Fits great in a closet, on a shelf or under a child's bed.  From a parent's perspective that is great, but most importantly my kids have a great time playing which is probably the most important litmus test for getting A Geek Daddy nod of approval.

Head over to readysetz.com and check out these impressive playsets! They also show some wonderful toyography highlighting their playsets on the ReadySetz Instagram and Twitter accounts. I've given them a number of likes for great pics they've posted on social media.

MAX FLEX TRACER RACERS

Max Traxxx Tracer Racers were my kids favorite toy that we reviewed on ageekdaddy.com last year. They still play a lot with these 1:64 scale remote control toy cars that blaze a trail of light behind them as they race around a track made of glow-in-the-dark material.  So they were really excited when Skullduggery Toys sent us a new variation released this year to try out called MAX FLEX RC.

MAX FLEX RC still has miniature remote control toy cars racing around a track but now you can customize the shape and layout of courses with flexible roadway segments that can be bended and twisted up, down, left and right.  This opens up a new level of fun in creatively building courses to race around and driving your cars through the track. Create a Grand Prix style course full of turns and curves, a stunt course filled with ramps to jump and bridges to cross, or a track inspired by an off-road rally style race with MAX FLEX RC.

While the original Tracer Racers tracks simulated street drag racing, the new Flex segments replicate off-road driving. MAX FLEX RC track sets provide both an on and off road racing sensation as Tracer Racers zoom up to 500 mph scaled speed for their size.  The new course configurations and conditions available with Flex tracks add a new level of excitement and entertainment to playing with Tracer Racers.



Though the track style has been altered with MAX FLEX RC, it still maintains the thrilling glow-in-the-dark effects of Max Traxxx tracks. The flexible segments of MAX FLEX RC actually take it up a notch being able take them apart to increase or decrease their size as well as allow for the creation of a crisscross pattern of orange and blue panels that creates a super looking glow-in-the-dark effect. In addition to the glowing aspect of the track, Tracer Racers toy cars also project purple light rays down from their undercarriage which leaves a blaze of color behind them, day or night, that is a really impressive looking visual effect.



Your Tracer Racers zip around a track directed by a remote control that lets you alter the toy cars speed and whether it is going forward or in reverse. Powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) these remote controls also are used to charge the toy cars. When not being played with a Tracer Racer car can also be clipped to the top of a remote control to keep track of the toys.

Skullduggery took a toy my family already loved and improved on it. So obviously, the MAX FLEX RC track sets are going to get A Geek Daddy nod of approval. There are three options you can choose from: Max Flex 200 Piece, Max Flex 250 Piece, and Max Flex 300 Piece track sets. Also Max Flex sets are compatible with the original Max Traxxx track pieces providing even more variation to the possible race courses you can put together to run your Tracer Racers on.

We've had a wonderful time playing around with the MAX FLEX RC track set and want to share our enjoyment with our ageekdaddy.com blog readers and social media followers. Thanks to Skullduggery Toys, we have a MAX FLEX RC track set with 2 remote control Tracer Racers to giveaway. Who wants it?!

One lucky winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entrants. For a chance to win complete the entries in the rafflecopter form below by 11:59 pm on December 9, 2018. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate in the giveaway. Skullduggery Toys will be responsible for delivery of the prize once ageekdaddy.com has selected a winner and provided his or her contact info to them. You must reply back within 48 hours once contacted about winning this giveaway with your contact information or an alternate winner will be selected. Good luck!

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Read our past Max Traxxx review here. For additional information or to purchase a MAX FLEX RC track set, please go to skullduggery.com

E-BLOX ADDS A CHARGE TO BRICK BUILDING FUN

Constructing things with plastic construction block building sets is one of my son's favorite things to do.  So he's been having himself a really good time playing around with a pack of E-Blox® LED building blocks.  With E-Blox, kids can learn about electricity and circuitry while having fun building stuff that includes working lights embedded within their creations.  Create a lighthouse tower, creature with eyes that shine, any other countless ideas you can imagine.  Build something from scratch using one of the available E-Blox pARTS™ play sets or incorporate them into something that you've already built because E-Blox are compatible with all the major plastic brick and block building toy brands.

Combining classic style plastic toy blocks with tin-plated ones allows kids to build an electrical circuit within whatever they are building which power LED lights that are part of the buildings, sculptures or vehicles they are crafting.  E-Blox® patented technology allows for seamlessly integrating a circuit within  plastic toy construction block creations without wires to bundle and hide allowing power to flow from a battery to the embedded electrical components directly through connected tin-plated blocks.  The hands-on experience of making a three dimensional working circuit provides a great STEM learning experience and won E-Blox a 2017 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award.

E-Blox sent A Geek Daddy its pARTS Deluxe Set to try out and my son has been having a lot of fun testing it out.  Recommended for ages 8 and up, this E-Blox set contains over 100 parts that let circuits be built directly into projects to light up your builds though one 9V battery is required but not included.  There are enough pieces for kids to build their own original ideas or you can use your E-Blox components to illuminate something built from another brand's toy brick or block playset. Keep reading to find out out more about our E-Blox experience and to enter a giveaway for a chance to win a Starter Set of your own.

My son started off  discovering just the right way to connect his circuits to the negative and positive battery electrical charge connections to get his LED lights glowing through building some basic towers.  He didn't want any help from dad and it was impressive watching him work things out for himself learning to get the LED lights to glow in different configurations and layouts.  As he figured out how the tin-plated blocks needed to connect or be separated for a working electrical circuit to function it was like seeing a light bulb flickering on in his head with every success.

Once he mastered the basics of creating a circuit, my son began to get creative. His next creation was a robot with LED eyes that not only light up but change color as well.  He put a lot of effort into building this robot and it took awhile for him to get the circuit to work just right.  When it was done I could tell he was really proud of himself. Now my son wants to use his E-Blox to add their LED lighting blocks to a toy plastic brick coast guard cutter that he has on his bedroom shelf.

If you look closely at the robot's layout, the tin-plated bricks connect to the battery at one side, flow through the interior of the model, then loop back around behind it to complete the circuit.  My son was trying to have the circuit not to be noticeably distracting from the look of the robot and I think he did a good job in accomplishing that.  He was so excited when he flipped the on switch on the battery case and those robot's eyes started shining.

GIVEAWAY 

To share my son's enthusiasm for E-Blox, A Geek Daddy has a pARTS Starter Set to giveaway.  It comes with 25 parts to build 3D circuits to light up your own toy construction block masterpieces.  For a chance to win the E-Blox pARTS Starter Set just complete the rafflecopter entries below by May 28, 2018 at 11:59 pm ET.  Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to be eligible for this promotion.  Prizes can only be delivered with the continental United States and fulfillment is the responsibility of E-Blox.  Please reply back within 48 hours of notification of being the randomly selected winner with your mailing information to accept the prize or otherwise the prize will be forfeited and a new person selected to receive it. Good luck to all our entrants!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
For their ability to incorporate STEM learning into make playtime educational as well as entertaining, E-Blox have earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval.  Being able to introduce lighting effects into toy brick and block creations without having to utilize wiring is an amazing feature to take advantage of that is sure to delight and thrill any child.  Easy to use and durably built, E-Blox is a great pick up for elementary school aged girls and boys. E-Blox is sure to add a charge to the fun of playing with brick and block construction toys. For more information, head over to their website at myeblox.com.

5 SURPRISE

My kids had a fun time trying out one of Zuru Toys' newest releases called 5 SURPRISE which is a ball that can be broken open to reveal five goodies hidden inside. There are two colors of these palm sized balls to choose from (pink or blue) and combined more than 300 items between them to possibly discover inside.  The surprise factor, fun goodies, and convenient size of the toy bundles make them great gifts for Easter baskets and Christmas stocking stuffers as well as useful for amusing kids while traveling or distracting them while out and about doing errands.

Kids just dig into their 5 SURPRISE ball to see what is inside.  Pop off a tab and peel it open as the ball splits into five sections each with its own surprise hidden inside.  Both style of balls have their own 150 unique goodies to possibly find.  Among the things you can possibly find inside a blue ball are army men, key pens, a pack of slime, miniature skateboards, race cars, stickers, water balloons and zombie dogs.  The pink balls include color changing mermaid dolls, cute pet mini-figures, dress up princesses, butterfly rings, glitter glue pens, hair clips and silly bandz, among other things.  Each 5 SURPRISE bundle also includes a collectors guide which shows the 150 surprises that can be found in each color of ball.

So what did my kids pull out of their 5 SURPRISE balls?  My son pulled out a bag of slime, a sticky octopus that will crawl down a wall it is tossed against, a plastic shark, miniature ninja figure and some stickers.  There was a lot of tossing that octopus around the room!

My daughter discovered a butterfly hair tie, small journal writing pen, an ink stamp with a strawberry image, mermaid mini-figure, and a highlighter that looked like a popsicle.  I noticed her the other day working on some homework with her 5 SURPRISE pen and popsicle highlighter while wearing a ponytail using the butterfly hair band so she's been getting some good use out of her discoveries.

5 SURPRISE put smiles on both my twins faces and they enjoyed the mystery of opening up these toy bundles and finding a variety of little treats inside that they've gotten enjoyment out of.  So 5 SURPRISE has earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval.  For more information, head over to 5surprise.zuru.com

Summer Water Fights with Prime Time Toys Adventure Force Blasters

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

Enjoy the hot summer months of the year outside getting wet in fun backyard water fights.  We had the opportunity to test out Prime Time Toys new Adventure Force line of water blasters over the Memorial Day weekend.  They worked really great and my kids had a great time playing with them.  I joined in the battle and have to say getting soaked on a hot day really is a refreshing way to cool off.

There are a number of Adventure Force water blasters to choose from, that range in size, water holding capacity, and features, which are available exclusively from Walmart.    We played around with the Super Storm and Hydro Blitz water blasters.  Each of these are recommended for ages 6+.

Super Storm

You'll dominate a water fight with the Super Storm.  You'll be able to outlast your competition when it comes to refilling with its 68-ounce size tank and hit them from a distance with its pressurized stream that can soar up to 38 feet.  Use its three adjustable nozzle setting to be strategic on how you soak your friends.  Quad-Stream sprays out four streams of water while Super Soak Blast provides one big drenching.  Flip to the Long-Range Blast to hit your targets from a distance as they try to flee from you.  My lids loved the variety of nozzle setting on this blaster the only drawback was that when fully filled it can be somewhat heavy to hold for younger kids and difficult to handle.  We alleviated the problem very easily by only filling it up half way and that made the kids happy.  The Super Storm is ideal for tweens and teens that want to engage in a water blaster bout.

Hydro Blitz

While the Hydro Blitz has a trigger it is just for imagery as it projects water through a pumping action.  Slide forward the pump action handle on the bottom of the blaster and push it back to launch out a strong blast of water.  This blaster also holds a lot of water storing up to 57 ounces plus has some nice distance to it as well being able to hit a distance of up to 35 feet.  Like the Super Storm when fully filled it can get to be quite heavy so for younger children it is recommended to only fill it up half way.  This is a heavy duty soaker that doesn't have special features to it but instead provides its user with a consistent intense stream through its easy to use pump action launcher for continuous fun during a water fight.  Tweens and teens who want to be running around while drenching each other will especially enjoy the Hydro Blitz.

Hydro Storm

Prime Time Toys also provided us with a Hydro Storm 6-Pack.  This water blaster set is recommended for ages 4+.  They are simplistic, easy to use water blasters that are particularly nice for younger children to play with.  They are very durably built, provide for quick action water release to projects up to 25 feet and are easy to refill.  Coming in a 6-pack makes this set ideal to bring out when you have a group gathering and want to make sure everyone has something to play with.  At under $10, based upon the quality of the blasters and the quantity of them this really is a great deal that I'd recommend for play dates, picnics, birthday parties and other summer activities.

Swing by your local Walmart retail location or visit walmart.com to pick up Prime Time Toys Adventure Force Water Blasters for some summer fun!

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