Connetix Ball Run Galaxy Pack Review

DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.

Reviewed by Helen Whetton

My first impression of the Connetix Ball Run Galaxy Pack was how much fun it looks. The packaging is really inviting; it shows the fully built ball run in full colour, with a space theme running over the picture. This makes it very appealing to children, and parents know what they are paying for. The box contains 36 glittery tiles, 2 light-up balls, and connecting tubes, for a total of 61 pieces. There is also a very helpful instruction manual.

Connetix products use magnets inside the tiles, letting you build all sorts of creations. The Ball Run Galaxy pack lets you build a six-storey ball run, which allows a light-up ball to run through it.

It took us about 30 minutes to build, partly because I built a part of it backwards! The pieces are really tactile; everything fits perfectly together, and the end product looks exactly like the picture on the box.

We built it on the carpet, but I think it would probably be better built on a table or wooden floor. There is a great sense of achievement when your children build a toy. Having the light-up ball rolling past the glittery tiles creates a space feel, as if the ball is rolling through the galaxy. Even better with the lights turned off. My niece loved it, so did our cat!

The build quality is fantastic; it’s well designed and thought out, from the packaging to the ball run itself. I would say keep the little tab from the balls, as you can reinsert it to turn the balls off and save the batteries.

Connetix toys are known for being STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics, as well as MESH: Mental, Emotional, Social and Health. Connetix makes all different shapes and coloured tiles; all of the tiles fit together regardless of the set you purchase, which means your children can build all sorts of creations.

I like that Connetix uses as little packaging as possible, and it is recyclable. Being hard plastic and magnets, the actual toy is not yet recyclable. Playability is brilliant; learning through play is always a good thing.

Personally, I would start with a smaller set to see if our children enjoyed the product, as the Connetix Ball Run Galaxy is priced at £69.00 on Amazon. Do I think it is expensive and worth the money? I am not sure; the quality is fantastic, and it does promote learning through play; however, I am not sure how many times children would rebuild and play with it if they did not already have other sets.

If my children really wanted the Ball Run, I would probably purchase it; however, only for a birthday or Christmas present.

Connetix products make fantastic gifts for children who are interested in STEM activities, and they do grow with your child’s ability. The Ball Run Galaxy Set was really good fun to build and to play with. Aged 3+, adult supervision advised due to magnets.

I would rate the Connetix Ball Run Galaxy Pack 4/5.

Rating: 4/5
Retail Price: £69.99 on Amazon.
amazon.co.uk
https://amzn.eu/d/081WectL
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