October 2008 Notable Toys — Outdoor Fun

Estes introduces the revolutionary XENOX Radio Control Airplane with the new Patent Pending M.A.S.C. Controller - a breakthrough in R/C technology. The user just tilts his wrist to the right and the plane follows the hand and turns right. Tilt wrist to the left and the plane turns left. M.A.S.C. puts the user in the pilot's seat. The throttle is controlled by squeezing the variable speed trigger for more altitude. XENOX R/C twin motors and aerodynamic wings add to the fun of flying with M.A.S.C. The XENOX Airplane is easy and intuitive for a beginner pilot to learn to fly and cruise the sky; plus it also delivers lots of fun for an experienced pilot. It requires 6 AA alkaline batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2008.

The Fuzion Electron is great for cruising the neighborhood or going big in the park, and it's perfect for all ages. The Electron features an innovative new folding mechanism and ultra-light, compact design so it can be taken anywhere with ease. Although it is a new model, the Fuzion Electron still uses the same Fuzion Steering Technology (FST) as the original Fuzion scooters for maximum carving. "Fuzion scooters are the only four-wheeled carving scooter[s] on the market," Akiko Ezuka, marketing coordinator for Nextsport Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

These waterproof coveralls offer toddlers full-body coverage and protection from the rain and elements. The lightweight, breathable coveralls can be worn outdoors in the rain and dirt or worn indoors for messy arts and crafts. They keep kids dry, clean and comfortable, and come with handy waterproof bag for travel. The product has dual front zippers for quick changes, a generous fit for easy movement, extra-heavyweight nylon reinforcement on the seat and knees, sealed seams for waterproof coverage, elasticized wrist and ankle cuffs that fit over mitts and boots, and an elasticized hood with a brim to shed water. Launch date: 2007.

Kids can shoot, kick, throw and catch more easily than ever before. Spalding Rookie Gear is designed to weigh 25% less than standard Youth balls for kids 8 and under. A lighter ball creates a better playing experience for kids, allowing them to practice proper fundamentals more easily and build the confidence they need with a ball that is appropriate in size, and now, weight. Watch as your young athlete learns faster and performs better than ever. These technologically advanced, age-appropriate balls are available for basketball, soccer and football in a variety of colors and patterns. Launch date: 2008.

It's a bird... It's a plane...no, it's AirShark, the glider with attitude. Soft and safe, with rubber-band propulsion it flies over 50 feet. "It is a simple glider with attitude.
Any one can make it fly," said Laura T. Brewer, VP of marketing, Play Visions. Launch date: July 28, 2008.

Go back to prehistoric times and tame one of these meat eating predators! Hand crafted from shock absorbing recycled tires. Fully assembled and ready to ride. Hanging instructions included. Supports up to 200lbs.

Ride the wind! No need to tell them they can't ride the neighbors motorcycle, head for the backyard and jump on this mini hog! This swing, handcrafted from a shock absorbing recycled tire is fully assembled and ready to ride. Hanging instructions included. Supports up to 200lbs.

Fire not included! How much fun would it be to take yourself to an enchanted land and tame one of these fire breathing beasts? Handcrafted from shock absorbing recycled tire. Fully assembled. Hanging instructions included. Supports up to 200lbs.

Imagine your little dare devil flying through the backyard in this handcrafted biplane tire swing. No flying license required. Guaranteed safe landing for dinner! Handcrafted from a shock absorbing recycled tire. Fully assembled. Hanging instructions included. Supports up to 200lbs.

Protected by a worldwide patent, this aluminum-construction scooter features 7"-diameter urethane wheels, a bicycle-style hand brake, and a height-adjustable, folding-handle pole. Maximum rider height and weight are 6'5" and 300 lbs. Launch date: July 2008.

This scooter features steel construction, no-foot-down propulsion, a bicycle-style handbrake, 7"-diameter urethane wheels, a paddle-actuated gear drive mechanism, and a folding handle pole. It is height adjustable and is protected by a worldwide patent. Maximum height: 6'5". Maximum weight: 300 lbs. Launch date: July 2008.

This bright set features 30 multi-colored balloons plus a pump.
— Randy Austin reported that Rocket Balloons were popular sellers during the summer of 2008 at her store, The Gifted Child, in Lenox, Mass.
— “Rocket Balloons were fabulous [last year] and we have people waiting for them now,” said Eric Masoncup, owner of Geppettos Toy Box in Oak Park, Ill., of his top-selling outdoor item during a March 2010 survey of best sellers.
— Two of 37 retailers named Rocket Balloons are a best-selling outdoor toy in spring 2010.

Recommended for outdoor use only, this lightweight glider comes with a launcher and is available in different styles. It is easy to assemble and fly, and can soar up to 50’. The safe, soft flyer has a wingspan of 9” and comes with instructions.

This launch system features a flex tube that stretches to nearly 3’ and won’t restrict airflow. It only blasts vertically (9 degrees either way), using Metalix™ missiles (three included). The parts store in the base, and the product is also available in Electric Extra Terrestrial Green and Exploding Sun Yellow.
— Two of 66 retailers told TDmonthly in July 2008 that this product is one of their overall best sellers. Five of the 66 named it as a best-selling gift item for boys. Three of 39 retailers listed Blast Pads as their best-selling item for tween boys during an October 2009 survey. “I've been accused of giving them away with how fast I go through them,” Jude Larene, owner of Izilla Toys in Seattle, Wash., said in March 2009.
— “Blast Pads from Marky Sparky were our biggest sellers last year,” Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun’s Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in spring 2009. Of 47 retailers, two told TDmonthly in June 2009 that Blast Pads top their sales of boys' items, reporting figures of seven to 15 sold per month. "We sell that all year. Every time we get them in we sell out," reported Kim Haynes of Lollipop Toy Store in Dawsonville, Ga., in March 2010.
—‘’We sell at least one per week, sometimes more,’’ said manager Gwen Bowden of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in 1Q 2011.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller

This pool toy looks like a swim aid but is designed to surprise other swimmers by shooting water up to 30’. It comes in a variety of colors.
— “It's made from the same stuff as the noodles,” Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly in July 2008. “We sold 28 in two weeks. It's a good seller, and we'll run out of it.”
— "We've sold over 4,000 in two-and-a-half years," Ron and Sue Banducci of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., told TDmonthly about this top-selling gift for boys.
— Three of 66 retailers mentioned water or pool toys when asked about best-selling gifts for boys in summer 2008. Three of 40 retailers named Max Liquidator Eliminator as an overall best seller in early summer 2010.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller

The Light-up Safety Helmet Strobe from Sparx Line was designed to fit the curvature of a bicycle helmet to increase a bicyclist's visibility. Six ultra-bright LEDs automatically activate with movement and turn off when not riding. There's also an override on/off switch. The strobe permanently affixes to the exterior with peel-and-stick, water-resistant tape and is visible for up to half a mile. The included lithium batteries are easily replaced. Launch date: September 7, 2008.

The Fuzion Cobalt features a lightweight aluminum frame design for enhanced durability. With an all-new 360-degree front hanger rotation and compact design, the Fuzion Cobalt brings riding to a whole new level. It also has a floating axle design, cast polyurethane wheels and a telescoping handle. The weight limit is 175 lbs. Launch date: May 2008.

Sky-high rocket action and cool plane performance take flight with the Rocket Glider. Launch the two together and let the airflow do the work as they split in mid-air. Get super gliding action and awesome rocket spinning all in one! Set in- cludes 1 Rocket Glider and 1 launcher. Patent pending.

Get ready for the new bow on the block! Line up your arrow with the dual power cords, lock it in place as the arms extend out, and pull back the trigger to let it rip—watch the swing-arm action at work as the bow snaps back and the arrow goes airborne! Set includes 1 Crossbow and 3 arrows. Patent pending.

The frame is constructed of handcrafted steel and modeled after the classic 1934 Van Doren design displayed in museums. Timeless treasure featuring chrome trim, durable steel spokes, solid rubber wheels, a leather saddle seat, working headlight, and adjustable handlebars. Adult supervision required.

Young, little, brave firefighter will feel very proud of himself as he scoots-a-long to the rescue! This foot-to-floor ride on toy is made from heavy gauge steel that will stand the test of time. Plastic fenders protect walls and furniture. Finished in a chip and rust resistant, child safe, non-toxic powder coating paint. Has steel wheels with rubber tires. Pedal-free working steel chrome steering wheel. Has a chrome fire bell and ladder racks with wooden ladders.

Sleek as a classic red Italian sportscar, this sweet retro bike is made of handcrafted steel and features chromed front fork with functional suspension, a supple leatherette seat, a charming battery operated LED headlight, adjustable handlebar and seat, include rear luggage rack, and durable chromed steel spoke wheels with air tires. The removeable training wheels with wide stance make this an excellent first bike. Adult assembly and supervision required.

We searched long and far to bring back this sleek 1930’s retro scooter. Designed for safety and durability, this scooter stands up-right on 3 wheels. Adjustable handlebar height. Features old fashioned pressed-steel construction, with chrome wheels and solid rubber tires. Adult assembly and supervision required.

This flaming hot retro trike is all about attitude. A classic trike design that makes its own statement with detail flames and black color. It's built with sturdy all-steel construction, has battery operated LED headlight, leatherette padded saddle, adjustable handlebars, durable steel spokes, and solid rubber tires. Adult assembly and supervision required.