Hexbug Nano Zip Line Set: A Large Amount of Fun!

2012 Holiday Gift Guide Selection

 

  Who knew such a tiny thing could be so much fun?  Hexbug’s, the latest rage made by Innovation First, are unique micro-robotic creatures that provide a large amount of entertainment!  They run on batteries, and there are many different species to collect such as ants, crabs, spiders, inchworms, larvae and more.  There is also an entire line of smaller Hexbugs known as Hexbug Nano’s. 

Hexbug Nano

   Hexbug Nano’s are the smallest autonomous robotic creatures in the Hexbug lineup.  Each one is collectible, capable of flipping from its back to its feet, and moving surprisingly fast and behaving just like a real bug.

   I was sent a Hexbug Nano Zip Line Kit to review, and not only does my son love it, but my husband and I do too!  The habitat kit came with one Extremely Rare Hexbug Nano Mutant Specimen, and 23 pieces which required a small amount of assembly.  This set can be added to other Hexbug Nano habitats to create a multi-level mega-set, but it is plenty of fun just by itself!  The kit has a long track that leads to a corkscrew-shaped ramp which the Hexbug crawls up and once at the top, his special ‘zip clip’ enables him to hook to a zip line and zoom down to the bottom track where he circles back around and begins again.  It is highly entertaining to watch!

   It took my husband maybe 10 minutes to assemble the track, as each piece easily snaps to the next.  The zip line can extend out to 18”.  A battery is installed in the Hexbug, and his zip clip is already on his back so once the track is together, it is playtime!  If you want to add more Hexbug Nano’s, there are four extra zip clips included, and they easily snap on and off the Hexbug Nano’s backs. 

    This is the first time any of us have played with a Hexbug Nano, and it was really neat to see it work its way up and around the ramp, attach to the zip line, glide to the bottom then creep back around the track and do it all again!   We were impressed with how quickly it moved, and how it can make its way up an inclined ramp.

  The only drawback is that every once in awhile, when creeping up the circular ramp, the Hexbug Nano gets caught up when his “head” nudges into the wall.  After a few seconds he will shake loose, or you can gently push his “head” away from the wall so he can continue his climb.  However, this only happens occasionally and doesn’t seem to bother my son when he is playing. 

The whole family enjoys playing with it, even the cat!

   We cannot wait to get our son some other sets so he can have an entire, multi-level Hexbug Nano habitat to play with!  He can also register his Hexbug online and track his collection, play games and learn about real science!  And I have to say, that as a teacher and a mother, nothing beats learning while having fun!

  I highly recommend the Hexbug Nano starter sets for anyone looking for a fun, unique Holiday gift for a child!  This particular set is appropriate for ages 3 and up, since there are small pieces included.  You can find the Hexbug Nano habitat kits and the Hexbug Nano’s on the Hexbug Nano website, at many toy stores and mass merchandisers around the world, as well as at many other sites online. The Hexbug Nano Zip Line Starter Set can be purchased for only $24.99 through the website.   Prices are very reasonable for all of these fascinating toys which will provide hours of fun and entertainment!