March 2009 Notable Toys — Sporting Goods & Accessories

For the pair of Mashoonga!® Warriors who want a very challenging dual that requires a higher skill set than playing with the sabers. You and your opponent will have hours of fun with the Mashoonga!® Bo-Staffs by Revel King. These are quality made products that will hold up to the intended abuse they will get. So, revel on!

For the group that likes to have some competitive fun. Mashoonga!® Sabers by Revel King are new and unique sport toys for playing the new game of Mashoonga!. These are quality made products that will hold up to the intended abuse they will get. So, revel on!

In this highly competitive game, the goal is to become a Mashoonga! Warrior™ by being the first player to win six rounds, thereby completing a Mashoonga! Match.™ Opponents utilize their Mashoonga! Saber™ or Mashoonga! Bo Staff™, aiming to end a round by issuing a full-contact hit to the other player's body or limbs (certain types of hits are prohibited).

This balance trainer can be used for both fun and serious workouts. It is designed to help develop balance, coordination and increased leg strength, while helping with core fitness. It’s may serve as a good cross trainer for a variety of sports.
— The Indo Board was a best seller for Twirl Toystore & Playspace in Taos, N.M., in February 2009, according to Owner Molly McMullin. “We got these balance boards in for the holidays because our local ski area just began this year allowing snowboarding, and these are great training tools,” she said. “They’re definitely for older kids and adults, but were a hit for the hard-to-buy preteens around.”

Force Play capsulizes the excitement and strategy of baseball: Run or hold up? Steal or play it safe? Pitch to the slugger or walk him? While taking only five minutes to learn and 20 minutes to play, Force Play is a fast and fun way to enjoy the game of baseball indoors. "Force Play is the funnest and easiest baseball board game ever made, incorporating real play-action decisions in a fluid format that allows for three exciting innings in only 20 minutes. This game has been tested extensively on baseball players and non-baseball players alike [and] on gamers and non-gamers alike, and the consensus is the same — it's exciting, easy and launches you into the thrill of baseball immediately," Riley Drake, president and inventor of Force Play LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 8, 2009.

Made in the United States and available in pink, purple and green, this eco-friendly jump rope features 7' rope that's adjustable and made of 100-percent cotton, and handles made from recycled plastic. Launch date: 2009.

The traditional yellow, standard-sized tennis ball from Sky Bounce. Available in a three pack and a twelve pack.

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor play, ZARTZ feature a safe, SOFTEK foam suction cup that sticks to windows, metal, walls, asphalt or nearly anything with a smooth surface. The self-releasing suction cup allows the ZARTZ to fall just a few seconds after adhering to a ceiling or other hard-to-reach place. ZARTZ are available in 7" and 9" forms, and come packaged in a durable carry case. There's also a Fun Pack that includes two hand-target catchers and a 9" ZART, which can be launched as far as 100'. Launch date: 2009.
— “The Zing Air Zartz are really good right now,” Emily Bieritz, manager of My Favorite Toy Store in Downers Grove, Ill., told TDmonthly in June 2009 when asked about her best-selling gift for boys.
— “Zartz are definitely No. 1,” said Steve Banducci, owner of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., when TDmonthly asked about his best-selling sports and outdoor items in March 2010. Banducci reported sales of at least one Zartz per day.
— Four of 37 retailers surveyed in spring 2010 listed Zing as their top-selling brand of outdoor products.

Past videos: WTHRA 2009

This colorful, padded trampoline has a cushioned handle and spring-loaded legs. The weight limit is 70 lbs.
This product was recalled on 7/18/2012

With two eyes in the front and legs flapping in the wind, Spinner Spider is ready for a ride. Tail Wags help to increase the visibility of the wearer on the slopes, roads and skating rinks. Tail Wags helmet covers fit over ALL makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. Available in over 35 different animal character designs.

For all little girls who dream of becoming a princess one day! The Fairy Princess helmet cover is adorned by a pink veil and topped off with a golden crown. Tail Wags help to increase the visibility of the wearer on the slopes, roads and skating rinks. Tail Wags helmet covers fit over ALL makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. Available in over 35 different animal character designs.

This whimsical helmet cover in vibrant shades of pink, orange and yellow will delight every little girl! Tail Wags help to increase the visibility of the wearer on the slopes, roads and skating rinks. Tail Wags helmet covers fit over ALL makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. Available in over 35 different animal character designs.

This endearing yellow with black stripes bumble bee will create a BUZZ on the ski slopes, skating rinks and bike paths. Tail Wags helmet covers fit over ALL makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. Available in over 35 different animal character designs. Tail Wags received a 2009 iParenting Media Award.

This three-wheeled cruiser boasts features that distinguish it from the rest of the Tri-ton line - namely, a reclining seat back and folding design for portability and storage. In addition, it has an adjustable front frame, caliper hand brakes and free wheel maneuverability. Launch date: February 2009.

Both the single (8') and double (16') are made from a double-braid, soft polypropylene rope that swivels right in the hand, making handles unnecessary. These colorful and durable jump ropes (available in six solid colors and six confetti colors) can be adjusted to fit most size kids, and they can be put into the family wash if soiled. They can be used by adults, too.
— “Jump ropes … are really big right now,” Linda Hamm, owner of Early Work Toy Station in Petaluma, Calif., told TDmonthly in spring 2009.
— Four of 60 retailers surveyed in March 2009 said jump ropes account for their top sales in outdoor and sports toys.

Made from recycled plastic milk containers, this sturdy flying disc weighs approximately 130 grams. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Full-size sports fun with these double-sided magnetic dartboards. With super strong magnets, the blunt-end darts hit and stick tightly on the board for hours of safe, game-time fun. Choose from Hockey/Lacrosse or Baseball/Soccer SportDARTS. 18"X14" flexible dartboard with eight magnetic darts.

LiddleLAX is the world's first 'liddle-size' lacrosse stick and ball set for great 'off-the-field' lacrosse fun and games. The lacrosse head is strung with 'stretchable stringing' to ensure maximum velocity of the mini elastic lax balls. Goalie target included for additional fun.

This 4-wheel, dual-deck carve board makes it smoother and easier to start carving up the streets. Its fun and much easier to control than older 2-wheel generation boards. The 4-80mm polyurethane wheels and ABEC-5 Bearings are smoother and stronger and rarely need to be replaced. Due to the inline wheels, the Shred Sled offers the feel of snowboarding while skateboarding. Editor's Note: Effective September 2010, the recommended retail price for the Shred Sled is reduced from $119.99 to $59.99. According to a press release, "The affordably priced Shred Sled will offer all of its original features that have proven to be a major success, including 4 x 80mm polyurethane wheels and ABEC-5 bearings."

Go! Go! Sports Girls are plush, sports-themed dolls for girls. They are designed to be a fun and educational way to promote self-appreciation and the benefits of daily exercise, healthy eating, good sleeping habits and overall healthy life-skills. A portion of profits are donated to organizations that encourage girls to develop healthy lifestyles. Launch date: November 11, 2008.
— Dana of Feeling Fit with Dana praised Dream Big for representing many sports and making the Go! Go! Sports Girls “look like dolls, not models, not movie stars, just dolls.”
— Reviewers from What the Stuff Toy Review found that girls loved the dolls and were easily able to identify with the variety of sports, looks and personalities. Adult reviewers appreciated the positive values and healthy habits encouraged by the dolls. The review did caution that the dolls’ small accessories were likely to be misplaced.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

A colorful, comfortable, high-performance yoga mat that is also eco and health friendly. Perfect for children!