TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Sporting Goods & Accessories Product Category

Mölkky Outdoor Lawn Game by MOLKKY USA

In this Finnish lawn game, players use a wooden pin (mölkky) to knock over pins numbered 1 to 12. Knocking over one pin scores the amount of points marked on the pin, and knocking over two or more scores the amount of pins knocked down. The first one to reach 50, without going over, wins. Each pack includes a handmade carrying case, a rule book and score cards. The company requires a minimum order of five units. It’s “a beautiful unique gift item for families that enjoy the outdoors games,” Patrick Page of Mölkky told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2008. 11/20/2006 (Price: $59.95)

Skki by TRIKKE TECH INC.

The Skki, a cambering snow vehicle designed for fun, fitness and sports/recreation, is enjoyed by people of all ages. The apparatus is equipped with three short carving skis — two at the back under each foot, and one at the front — connected to the handlebars. The steering design allows riders to turn and lean simultaneously, naturally and gracefully leading the rider across the slope. Because the direction and angles of all three skis are fluidly engineered by the Skki’s three-point cambering system, everything is kept in line as the machine tracks effortlessly across the snow. Skki makes carving like a professional made easy. Launch date: 2006.
— According to John Simpson and the folks at Trikke Tech, “The Trikke Skki is most of all a fun product. Riding the Skki brings a smile to your face, because you are in control, feeling  free and enjoying the ride.” 11/15/2006 (Price: $899.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Upper Deck King James LeBron Vinyl Sets by UPPER DECK ENTERTAINMENT

Upper Deck welcomes the new era of sports action figurines and collectibles, where urban aesthetics and iconic athletes meet to create hip All-Star vinyl figurines.  Urban vinyl is the hottest underground trend in the toy industry and Upper Deck has become the first to introduce it to the sports marketplace with the launch of the product line earlier this year.  Just in time for the holidays, Upper Deck will release the new King James vinyl set – a follow-up to the highly-successful Nike LeBron vinyl set released earlier this year.
 10/16/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Virtual Speed Baseball by SMALL WORLD TOYS

The Virtual Speed Baseball is just like a real baseball, with a leather cover and stitching. The difference is that it clocks the speed of a throw with an LCD display that’s powered by non-replaceable batteries. So, although you can throw it, you can’t hit it. It’s a specialty item that’s neat for all kids but can be used as a training tool for up-and-coming baseball players, too.
— “Small World Toys has a baseball that you can throw and it will tell you how fast you’re throwing. That’s been popular,” described Terri Bracken, owner of Earth Explorers Toys in Zionsville, Ind.
— “Virtual Speed Baseball,” was the answer given by Warren Brown, owner of French’s Toy Shop in Concord, N.H. when asked about top-selling fitness toys in his store.
— Lisa Orman, public relations rep for Small World Toys told TDmonthly, “Children love to challenge themselves, and the Virtual Speed Baseball allows them to challenge themselves again and again, and try to beat their ‘best throw.’ It lasts for more than 100,000 throws!” 9/21/2006 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dora the Explorer Playground Balls by FRANKLIN SPORTS INC.

The easy-grip rubber Dora the Explorer Playground Balls come in 5”, 8”, and 16” sizes. They can be used to play a variety of games. It’s part of the Dora the Explorer theme kids have come to love.
— “The kids are controlling it. It’s their game and their ball. ‘If I don’t like it. I’ll take my ball and go home,’” is how Greg Bonner of Heights Toy Center in Little Rock, Ark. explained the attraction of owning the ball for kids.
— “A lot of pitch-and-play stuff from Franklin Sports,” sells well, was the endorsement given by Rick Henry, owner of Stellabella Toys in Cambridge, Mass.
— The popularity of the “Dora the Explorer” universe continues as the kids TV network, Nick Jr., will air an hour-long movie special in Fall 2006. 9/21/2006 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SnoFling by SNOFLING

The Snofling was invented in the ‘70s, on the Johnny Carson Show, and sold over 5,500,000 units in three winter seasons. Used for making and throwing snowballs further and faster and with warm hands, it now has a tether so it can be hung from the wrist and used while snowboarding, skiing and snowmobiling. The Snofling also has a built-in horn for signaling and for sporting events. It comes in four bright colors and is more durable and longer lasting than ever. ( Watch Video) 9/5/2006 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Brush-t by BONFIT AMERICA INC.

Brush-t®, the highly-acclaimed bristle-brush plastic golf tee, has become vastly popular among golfers of all levels, due to the flexible, toothbrush-like bristles, on top of a proprietary plastic tee base, which provides the minimum amount of resistance and deflection, resulting in increased distance. In fact, independent testing on Brush-t has proven that golfers can gain up to 7 additional yards off the tee. 7/28/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

4 Rings Basketball Stand with Storage bag by SKOOL PLUS CORP.

A Multiple targets basketball stands good for group activity on playground. The different high level rings make different age children can play together. 7/25/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BlongoBall Four Pack Special by BLONGO FAMILY FUN

This set includes four complete BlongoBall games and is a great package for entertaining large groups.
It accommodates 16 players. To add more teams, players can order more BlongoBall Accessory Packs — one pack per player or team. 7/19/2006 (Price: $225.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Field TAKTIX Croquet Combo Set by The TAKTIX Game Company

What is Field TAKTIX™? Field TAKTIX™ is a game of strategy involving missions of capture and rescue. Field TAKTIX™ is a game for 2 to 6 players, forming 2 teams. Each player becomes a General on the Battlefield. Players attempt to control the Battlefield by placing their balls in key areas. Players must formulate strategic plans, and conduct tactical missions in an effort to capture their opponent, and rescue their own balls. Players will test their mental and physical skills in an effort to out wit and maneuver their opponent on the Battlefield. 6/29/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Soccer Edge Bungee Cord Soccer Trainer by SoccerEdge

This easy to set up bungee cord soccer training aid is a great tool for solo training. When kicked, the ball bounces right back. Kids can practice free kicks, corner kicks, penalty kicks, goal kicks and even throw in’s. It can increase shot power and improve the weaker foot. It includes a Corkscrew Stake, a 10-foot bungee cord and a net to hold all sizes of soccer balls. Now, with the Bungee Handle, SoccerEdge allows a player to practice both ball control skills and shooting skills using the same training tool. SoccerEdge is the total soccer trainer.It also includes a new Bungee Belt that allows athletes to practice in indoor facilities as well. This product was named a 2006 iParenting Media Award Excellent Product. 6/9/2006 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

QOLF by BONFIT AMERICA INC.

QOLF comes with three color-coded arches (orange, blue and red) that are used as frames. Players use a golf pitching wedge to hit a specially designed plastic QOLFball through each of the frame arches in as few strokes as possible. Players can lay out their own custom QOLF course on any indoor surface or any grass surface, using natural obstacles as hazards. The game comes with three color-coded QOLF frames, 12 QOLFballs, a score pad, an instruction manual and DVD and a carrying bag. Launch date: February 2008. 6/8/2006 (Price: $99.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BlongoBall Soft Indoor by BLONGO FAMILY FUN

BlongoBalls can be used either indoors or outdoors and played with in any way the athletes feel fit. This set includes a blue, green, purple, red and yellow ball. Each BlongoBall has a nylon rope attached. BlongoBall rubber ball sets are specially designed for indoor play but also are great sellers for youth participants. Younger children can play the game without the worries of using the BlongoBall hard ball sets. These solid rubber balls made from E.V.A. are the same size as the company's hard balls. They are great for schools, community centers, physical therapy and more. 6/1/2006 (Price: $7.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

i-RIDE by ACTIVE TUNES

i-RIDE bicycle stereo allows bike riders to safely listen to their favorite tunes without tuning out the world and the traffic around them. They simply plug their iPOD, MP3 player or any portable audio device into the mini stereo speaker with the included audio cable and snap it into the universal mounting bracket. They are now ready take their favorite tunes on the road. ( Watch Video) 5/10/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Homerun Challenge Set by LITTLE KIDS INC.

The 13-piece Homerun Challenge Set comes with a bat, 4 balls, homeplate, pitcher's mound and six marker cones to set up an outfield fence. The package has instructions for 4 unique games, including Junk Ball Baseball, Ghost-Runner Baseball for two kids and imaginary runners and RBI zone baseball. Junk Ball is an amazing new plastic baseball with an adjustable dial and scuff marks that cause the ball to curve, slide, and knuckle.  It makes it easy for anyone from 5 to 55  to throw all kinds of big league “junk” pitches.  The ball is aerodynamically designed to move in the direction of the scuff marks.  The Junk Ball bat is designed with a large “sweet spot” to drive the ball further when it is hit.  Junk ball is safe to play in backyards. Homerun Challenge began shipping in March 2006. 4/14/2006 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Floaded by SPORT TECHNOLOGY INC

The Floaded Board from the same snowboard construction as the Loaded Vanguard. With its functional shape enhances flex, accomodates the Flowboard DCS trucks, reduces weight and eliminates wheel bite to give you the ultra fluid surf style carving. 4/13/2006

Snowskates by SPORT TECHNOLOGY INC

The SnowSkates that "actually" skate. Don't get caught on the slopes without them. 4/13/2006

Nuclear Pickle by SPORT TECHNOLOGY INC

This carve board allows you to adjust your truck sets to 3 distinct settings. 4/13/2006 (Price: $129.99)

Flowboards by SPORT TECHNOLOGY INC

These boards provide a truly unique riding experience. Kids can experience the thrill of snowboarding in the summer as they carve their way down hills or through local skate parks or surf the streets. Riders will swear they feel the frost in the air or the salt spray as they drop in to the pipe. The patented 14-wheeled Deep Carve System (DCS) is what sets the flowboard apart from other board designs. Flowboards enable riders to carve through 45° turns with smooth, fluid transitions from edge to edge. 4/13/2006

55 cm Ablebody Foam Stability Balls by 10 BALL INC.

This versatile fitness tool is great for increasing core muscle strength, as well as for stretching, toning and relieving muscle tension. The ball can be inflated as hard or as soft as one’s fitness level requires. Travellers can take it along for a totally portable workout. Students and office workers can sit on it to help improve both concentration and posture.

Each ball is deflated and enclosed in a plastic bag for protection. Each package includes an adapter for inflating and a plug.

Also available in 65 cm and 75 cm. ( Watch Video) 4/3/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Black Max Football by DIGGIN

Kids can throw farther with the Black Max Football. The patented spiral ring helps kids throw tighter spirals and longer throws. Special dimples make the ball easy to throw and catch. 3/29/2006 (Price: $9.99)

Soft-Toss Universal Golf by AMAZING INNOVATIONS & CREATIONS

This unique combination of golf and ring toss can be played both indoors and outdoors and allows players to create their own golf course. Over half a dozen golfers can putt into the dish at one time. It's very portable, and can be a great addition to parties and events. ( Watch Video) 3/7/2006 (Price: $29.95)

Xing Scooter by INVENTIST INC

The Xing Scooter is a brand new design concept for scooters. The Xing Scooter is the first and only scooter to combine the look of a scooter with the action of skating. The scooter works by transferring side-to-side skating-like action into forward motion. By tilting your feet, you can change your speed or even brake. It's smooth and effortless. You can go up inclines, race your friends, spin and perform other tricks. The Xing Scooter is durable, yet lightweight. It is constructed of aluminum and can be completely folded down for easy transport or off-season storage. The Xing Scooter was developed and patented by Inventist. The company is well known for its innovative consumer products marketed on television and consumer catalogs. Distributor inquires are welcomed. 2/20/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sidewinder by INVENTIST INC

Three wheels are more fun than four! The three-wheeled Sidewinder is a brand new design concept for skateboards. It features an innovative single 360 degree free spinning wheel up front. The Sidewinder is highly maneuverable and fast. The Sidewinder combines the advantages of a long board and a skateboard. The rider propels the Sidewinder forward by using a twisting motion. You can also spin, jump and perform other tricks. One rider at recent trade-show said, “This board is really cool. Three wheels can be more fun than four!” The Sidewinder was developed and patented by Inventist. The company is well known for its innovative consumer products marketed on television and consumer catalogs. Distributor inquires are welcomed. 2/20/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animal Croquet by ANATEX

A classic family game with an animal twist, this croquet set can be played indoors and out. It includes 6 colorful hand-painted animal wickets, 4 wooden mallets, 4 wooden balls and 12 wooden wicket stands. It helps promote hand-eye coordination and socialization. 1/25/2006 (Price: $29.95)