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Experience fast-paced magnetic fun with the MagNext iCoaster from Mega brands. With lights, sound and the ability to plug your iPod into it and customize the background beat, this 64-piece set features a stunt-packed track that can be configured 10 different ways. This construction set provides a creative outlet for kids aged six and up. Small pieces make it inappropriate for small children who require constant supervision. 
Seven stunt pieces add drama to each iCoaster ride. View larger. | 
A magnetic elevator takes metal rider balls back to the top of the coaster. View larger. |  | What We Think
Fun Factor: 
Durability: 
(what this means)
The Good: Track can be reconfigured for long-lasting fun
The Bad: Small parts may get lost
In a Nutshell: The iCoaster is a unique building set for action-loving kids. | At a Glance
Ages: 6 and up
Requires: Four C batteries
|  | | Ten Extreme Configurations
The 64-piece iCoaster set comes with a booklet that illustrates 10 extreme roller coaster layouts to choose from. With 10 towers and seven hyper stunt track pieces, the possibilities seem endless. Each piece is identified by a symbol at both ends so that assembly is a straightforward process that encourages little engineers to be precise in building the suggested tracks. When they've mastered these layouts, they can unleash their creative instincts and invent new ones. Once a coaster has been constructed, five 15-millimeter magnetic rider balls act as cars, zipping around the track, providing a serious adrenaline rush. Before the action starts, an adult will need to use a Philips head screwdriver to install four "C" batteries, which power the lights, sounds and cool magnetic elevator. Lights, Music and Speed
Stunts that can be incorporated into the track include a bounce jump, vertical loop and magnetic slide. One of our favorite features was the sleek, magnetic elevator that transported each metal ball back to the top of the iCoaster at the end of a ride. Two flashing lights can be placed in any tower to complement the neon track pieces and add visual interest every time a ball goes whizzing by. The plug & play control box features 10 music backgrounds, 10 sensor beats/sound effects, and a jack where you can plug your iPod or other MP3 player in and customize the sounds behind your roller coaster. You need to provide your own connector cable and music player to take advantage of this feature. Durable and Educational Design
The plastic pieces seemed quite durable, and they snapped apart just as easily as they snapped together. Our only concern about the iCoaster was the potential for losing or damaging small connector pieces, but even these held up well in our construction and reconstruction of the track. It's easy to see why the previous iCoaster was recognized by The National Parenting Center and Parents Magazine as an incredible building toy. This version retains all the great qualities of its predecessor and is bigger, stronger and faster. The construction oriented iCoaster encourages kids to build with determination, helping enhance their ability to focus and their fine-motor skills. It also promotes understanding of magnetism, inspires creativity and helps kids develop problem-solving skills, adding an innovative dimension to play.
What's in the Box
Magnetic elevator, 10 towers, 10 tower bases, 11 track pieces, 7 stunt pieces, 17 connector pieces, 2 light-up sensors, plug & play control box with speaker, 5 15-millimeter magnetic metallic rider balls, and illustrated instruction booklet.
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My 7 year old son really wanted the iCoaster for Christmas. None of the negative reviews on the previous version or this version turned me off, and I'm glad.
We were a bit skittish with the instructions at first, but after careful review were able to understand them, and my son had a great time "deciphering" the instructions (i.e., use the tower with 18 notches and put the track bracket on notch 15). When assembling, a good rule of thumb is, if you're having to use force, you've got something upside down.
My son absolutely loves it. It's got great music and sound effects. The biggest problem is getting him to remember not to fiddle with it too much while it's running, because (no surprise) once part of the construction gets knocked off balance, things stop working smoothly. It's another good lesson for him. Now I'm hoping to find some extension kits so we can build a gazillion different tracks!!! |
