July 2011 Notable Toys — Sporting Goods & Accessories

The 12” Classic Flyer Retro Bike has vivid retro colors and is fully equipped with safety features. Removable and adjustable training wheels, padded handlebars & stems, rear coaster brakes, tough frames and an enclosed chain help kids off to a safe start in their bicycling development. The bike features air tires, a full set of reflectors and sporty chrome plated fenders. For a custom fit that ensures proper posture, the padded seat and handlebars are adjustable.

Hockey Guys is a boxed set of 2" plastic hockey players.  Inside each easy-to-carry plastic case are two hockey teams, one referee, one oversize puck,  two hockey goals and a white mat designed to look like a hockey rink. Each features two of the original six NHL teams: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins. Set includes: 14 2 1/2" players; 1 referee; 2 goals; 1" puck; 10 rink wall pieces that slide together to form the rink; 26" x 18" shiny, slick plastic mat that resembles "ice;" and a 10" x 6" x 5" stackable container with attached lid and handle.

These fully adjustable stilts feature soft grip handles. Kids can practice walking on their stilts using the sturdier big foot trainers. Once their balance skills have improved, they replace the trainers with no-skid caps. Fits kids up to 110 lbs.

Beginning T-ball set includes an easy-to-use oversize bat, 2 oversize baseballs and Tee. Adjustable height “T” adapts to a child’s developing skills. Special “hang-on-the-wall” design for easy small-space storage. Helps improve batting skills, motor skills and coordination.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product was #1 in the Toy Sports category on Amazon.com and had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 50 reviews. Cons: One reviewer said that though the minimum age is listed at 2 years, her two year old had trouble with it; the base isn't very heavy so on the grass it's not very steady; the height only adjusts by about an inch.

The Mashoonga! Cadet is a foam saber for young children. It is made of premium materials that will provide months of fun and vigorous play.  It is constructed to be safe and has a play pattern that promotes eye hand coordination, strategic skills and builds stamina.  It teaches children good sportsmanship by following rules of play and how to safely play a contact sport. It is an all season toy that can also be used in and around water play. "The Mashoonga! Cadet is a premium product made to last.  We replace it if it brakes under normal use," Jim Bogner, president of Revel King, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2010.