Tuesday 8 October 2013

The Hexbug: Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set Review



Up until recently Hexbug's were one of those toy phases that I had merely heard about in passing conversation. It was only at the Christmas in July event that I actually discovered the wondrous ways of what fun they can actually be, and just how clever these little robotic toys actually are.

We had a sample in our goodie bag from the Christmas event so that we could have a sneak peak into what these little bugs are all about, and I have to say that they went down a storm with both the toddler and the cat! Unfortunately this Hexbug went missing on that very same night after the cat carried him off somewhere for him to never be seen again... I have a sneaky suspicion that he is somewhere in the kitchen, but where is beyond me.


While at Christmas in July I was given a preview into the new V2 Hexbug's, these bug's are a step up from the originals as they can now climb! Yes, the robot bugs can now actually climb up tubes, upside down and back out of the tube again.

With Christmas coming up I am sure these new V2 bugs are going to be cropping up on many boy's and girl's bulging Christmas letters to Santa Clause, so I am going to share my personal experience with the new Hexbug: Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set so that you can find out all there is to know about these robotic creatures.

You can purchase additional Hexbug's to go alongside the sets, and we were lucky enough to be sent another Christmas Hexbug identical to the one that got carried away by the cat. We have been a bit more precious about playing with the Hexbug's this time around, now we now that the cat is also a big fan.

I have to start with saying that Hexbug are for children aged 3 and up, so although Leo adores these bugs, and is more than happy to just watch them run around, up and over... I haven't reviewed them with him. I have actually tried them out with his 4 year old cousin so that I can give you a first hand account from the targeted age range.

What is included with the Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set?

- 1 Nano V2 Bug
- 1 Straight Tube
- 4 Curved Tubes
- 1 Hex Cell Base (removable walls and gates)
- 2 Curved Tracks


Leo's cousin who will be given the nickname of Bam for the purpose of this review was very pleased to be my tester for this product, he has never played with a Hexbug before so this was a real experience for him. Bam was sat right next to me during the set up process that takes no more than five minutes and before long he had switched the Hex Bug on and set it down in his habitat for him to explore. What I thought was really great in the initial set up was that the battery was included in the initial price and was already in the bug so that Bam could play straight away. All to often these days batteries are not included in the pack, and if you don't realise this before you get the toy home, you can be left with one very disappointed child. For me the included battery was a really nice touch, and I know that Bam was very grateful to be able to get playing straight away.

Bam has been telling me just how much fun the set is and every time we see him he has been telling me all about what his bug has been getting up to. Bam loves it when the Hexbug disappears up the tube and comes out of the other side. I have to say that this is my favourite bit to this toy, I think it is rather amazing that this robot bug can actually climb up, turn upside down and make his way back down to continue scarpering around the habitat.


The V2 Bug has the ability to climb because of a very simple addition, would you believe that by adding in 'feelers' similar to the legs, on the back of the bug it can now vibrate up the tube while the back 'feelers' bounce off the walls allowing them to climb. I find it all incredibly clever, and cannot believe just how much technology is crammed into one Hexbug. 

Hexbug have provided a really detailed 'How It works' section, and here is a little snippet to explain how the bug gets around.

'How it works. The motor inside the Nano rotates a counterweight that causes forces up and down. The down force causes the legs to bend and the Nano moves forward. The up force causes the creature to hop lifting the front legs off the ground and allowing the legs to unbend. This up and down movement repeats several hundred times per second causing the Nano to move forward. The Nano creature's ability to flip over by itself is due to the rotating forces caused by the motor and the unique internal and external chassis design (and a little magic).' 

The Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set

The Nano V2 Gravity Loops Set is a really good starter set for a child who has never had a Hexbug before. It comes with everything you need to give the Hexbug space to dart around and show off it's true capabilities. I think it is a great size (and Bam has agreed with me on this). The Hex Cell gives provides a flat confined space where the Hexbug is free to run around and change direction. This is assisted by the cell dividers that you can move around to persuade the Hexbug where you want him to go. There is an additional piece of circular track that let's the Hexbug go out of the initial Hex Cell and loop back in again, and then when he is ready to really show off he will disappear up and over the tube.


The sides of the Hex Cell have white plastic doors that you can open and close to either keep the Hexbug confined to the Cell, or to let him escape into the great unknown. Of course this gives you the opportunity to add to the set as you collect more bugs and track.

For Bam this set has been perfect as it has given him a lot more than a starter set would, and it has provided a perfect confined space for him to let the Hexbug run free. On the odd occasions the Hexbug has escaped we have seen just how quick these bugs can move and quickly swiped him back up.


What do we think?

From a child's perspective, or from Bam's in this case I really cannot see what is not to love about a Hexbug? I know I as a child (or even now come to think of it) would have absolutely adored something like this. I can definitely see the new Hexbug V2 Sets being a very big hit this Christmas, and with a variety of different set's available there really is something for every budget. Whether you are looking for a stocking filler or main Christmas gift there really is something for every Hexbug lover, old and new.

In terms of the age range of 3+ for Hexbug's I would say this is a great guideline to go by when purchasing for little one's due to the small parts. Leo of course has had a play with these bugs while playing with his Cousin Bam, but he has always been supervised at all times to ensure that he doesn't have a silly moment with any of the equipment. Leo has always been very good at not putting things in his mouth, and absolutely loves it when Bam lets him help out.

From a parents perspective I think Hexbug's are fascinating to watch, they have a proper little scuttle that makes them comparable to Cockroaches. In fact Granny thinks they look so much like Cockroaches that she is a little un-nerved by them! I have seen just how much entertainment value Hexbug's bring to the table and the V2 Gravity Loops Set has definitely kept Bam out of his Mother's hair while he has been busy separating the original Hexbug from the V2 Hexbug. They do seem to get in each others way occasionally, especially as the original Hexbug doesn't have the capability to climb, so he is restricted to scarpering around the Hex Cell as the V2 shows off going upside down. 

What really stands out to me with these set's is that you can keep building them up. I have noticed with the V2 Gravity Loop Set that there is the opportunity to add in extra track and join up different sets to make one big one. This is good to know as we can now get Bam additional Hexbug set's for Birthday's and Christmas, as it is a toy that he will get so much play value out of... and let's face it he is going to want more Hexbug's sooner or later to add to all of the fun and games.

For me personally I would certainly recommend looking into a set such as this one because there is not much in the price difference and you are definitely getting that little bit more for your money. The Hexbug V2 Gravity Loop Set retails at £17.78 on Amazon with FREE UK delivery, and I have to say that this is a great price for what is included in this set and definitely provides value for money.


GIVEAWAY TIME

Following on from my Hex Bug review I am very excited to announce that I have a Nano V2 Orbit Set to giveaway to one lucky reader! All you have to do in order to be in with a chance of winning this set (just in time for Christmas I hasten to add!) is fill in the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions

Please only enter this giveaway if you live within the United Kingdom. A winner willl be chosen at random on the condition they have completed the entry form honestly.Once a winner had been chosen you will be contacted via email, if you do not respond within 48 hours another winner will be picked at random and the original winner's notification will not be valid.

Disclaimer: I was sent the Hexbug Nano: V2 Gravity Loop for the purpose of this review. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.



158 comments:

  1. It would be exciting for my boys, we haven't tried this before!

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  2. The hex bugs look so much fun, I would really like to see how they climb

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  3. Because my son would love opening this on Christmas morning.

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  4. I know two guys (my son and his dad) who would fight over it.

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  5. I would love to win for my son

    Ashleigh

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  6. Have seen these on tv they look so cool. I know my kids would love these.

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  7. My son has a couple of habitats and this would be a great addition for Xmas.

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  8. I'd love to see the smile on my godsons face!

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  9. my daughter has it on her xmas list

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  10. My son would love this, he loves Hexbugs/

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  11. I would love to win this for my nephew, it would be amazing to see his face if i won , thanks for the chance xx

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  12. i would love to win this for my godson, he would love to play with it

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  13. It would be a great gift for my nephew.

    Rachel Craig

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  14. Because I love things like this!

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  15. My eldest would love it for Christmas

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  16. my little boy would love to play with this

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  17. I would love to win for my son, every time he see's a hexbug ad on the TV he goes loopy! :)

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  18. I would love to win it because I think we have two stuck under our sofa!

    BNM

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  19. My friends little boy would love this, would love to be able to suprise him x

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  20. My granddaughter keeps saying she would love for Christmas

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  21. would love to win this for my son

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  22. would love to win as my son would love it

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  23. To brighten up a little boys day

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  24. My youngest son would love it

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  25. It looks like loads of fun :)

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  26. It would be a lovely treat for my grandsons

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  27. For my son, he would love this for xmas

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  28. My daughter loves hexbugs but I don't think she knows about this set so it'd be a lovely Christmas surprise for her x

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  29. This would be something both my son and daughter would get fun out of!

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  30. My grandson loves anything to do with bugs. He would adore this.

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  31. Your review makes it look such great fun. My liitle one would love this

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  32. following via GFC - Steven Appleton

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  33. my daughter would love to add more Hexbugs to her collection :)

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  34. my nephew would think I'm the coolest auntie ever! he would be over the moon

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  35. my eldest got one hex bug recently and it has all 3 sons delighted with how mad it goes , whould be perfect for christmas

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  36. my son is crazy about things like this so i would love to win one for him

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  37. already following GFC louise Fairweather

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  38. big man would love it - he doesnt have any yet

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  39. My youngster would love it

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  40. My sons and niece have asked for these for Christmas, and I haven't got them yet because of lack of money !

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  41. My son loves Hex bugs - simples!

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  42. Would make a brilliant pressie

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  43. My daughter loves her small track and I'm sure she'll like the gravity loop even better.

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  44. My daughter has asked Santa for a hexbug that walks up walls- it would be great for Mummy and Daddy to get her a track for it!

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  45. My son has asked for these before so he would love it if I won this

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  46. It would be a great present for my daughter

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  47. my nephew likes hexbugs

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  48. this would keep my nephew amused for hours giving his mum some time to get some things that she want to do done.=! or even just giving her some time where she doesnt hve to have him on her hip!

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  49. this would be a great pressie

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  50. My daughter would love this, would make a great present

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  51. My nephew asked me for a hamster for Christmas and I know his mam is frightened of hamsters so I could tell him this is a robot hamster the next best thing @ZoeRoxby

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  52. my kids would love some, they look fun! :)

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  53. My little boy would really enjoy playing with one of these, and it would make a great Crimbo pressie

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  54. Hex bug really looks like a fantastic christmas treat, hours of fun

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  55. I would love to win for a home for our hexbugs to stop them getting lost too!

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  56. To put in my daughters stocking at christmas

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  57. for my son's birthday, he is fascinated by these hexbugs and would be a great present

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  58. I would love to win this for my kids as they are mad about hexbugs.

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  59. what a superb prize, would love to win it for my son

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  60. Would love to win it as this is something brand new to us & our twins.

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  61. my step son would adore this for Christmas, hes obsessed with them at the moment haha :)

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  62. all my son has spoke about this year is hex bug and how hes big enough now for them and how he hopes Santa knows he old enough it started on the 7th of April the day after his birthday. fingers crossed Santa has heard ;)

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  63. I'd love to play with this, and of course I'd let my nephew play when he stays at weekends.

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  64. my youngest daughter thinks they are hilarious to watch :)

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  65. My kids have always wanted a Hex Bug and this looks brilliant!

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  66. Thanks for the giveaway my name is Susan Hall. I'm not happy leaving my email address on show by my Twitter ID is @SoozyBee

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  67. My son would absolutely love this

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  68. So i can give it to my nephew

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  69. My sonn and daughter love Hex Bugs - I love watching them playing nicely together and having a common interest despite being 5 yrs apart!

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  70. I would like to win it for my step-son

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  71. Both my sons are very into sciency things (anything to keep them off the xbox) so this would be a great prize for them to win to give them something new to do.

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  72. great giveaway amanda davis davis.amanda14@yahoo.com

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  73. Fun fun fun...time away for laughter and no computers in sight

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  74. My son would love it, hours of fun. Xx

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  75. I think my son aged 7 and I would be fighting over this toy!

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  76. my son would be kept amused for hours with this ............................ so would his dad!!!!!!

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  77. Would like to win this because it would be a great x-mas present for my son

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  78. My son would love to open this on |Christmas Day

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  79. It would be a great present for my son

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  80. I'm getting my girls a hexbug each for xmas so this would go great with them

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  81. My son is a huge Hexbug fan. He would love this.

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  82. My youngest son has seen these advertised on the tv and he loves them.

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  83. i would love to win for my son he loves hexbug

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  84. My friends newly adopted son would love it for Christmas ;-)

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  85. I would love to win as my son has seen them advertised on the TV and he really wants one so it would be lovely surprise! :)

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  86. It would make a lovely present for my nephew he loves science and cars so would be perfect for him

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  87. I would love to win for my son

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  88. My little grandsons would love this.

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  89. this looks so good your review of it sounds fantastic and think we would all enjoy playing with this as a family

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  90. I'd play with this myself I think.

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  91. My grandson and his dad would have so much fun with this

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  92. What a brill prize, my son would love this for xmas!

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  93. My son would love this, would be excellent for Christmas

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  94. My son has one of these on his xmas list

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  95. I have heard wonderful things about this range and my son loves robots and bugs so he would be absolutely thrilled if mummy was lucky enough to win this prize for him.
    @xlisamarieeex

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  96. Seen these things advertised more and more, really want to see what they are like.

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  97. My 10yr old son would love this. He loves electronics and robots

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  98. I would love to win this for my son his little sister broke his hex bug set he got for Christmas last year

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  99. love to win this for my neighbours boy who's birthday is at weekend or of course a little xmas for him :)

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  100. I would love to win this for my grandson as he loves them!

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  101. This is on my Grandsons present list so it would be lovely to win it.

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  102. My son goes crazy every time there's a Hexbug advert on TV so he'd love to open this on Christmas Day :)

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  103. Because it looks awesome! My twins would love it. :)

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  104. My son loves hexbugs although he hasn't got any but he always likes to play with his friends and would love a set of his own

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  105. love to win this

    lisa ann tebbutt

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  106. Would love to win this, it sounds great. Jamie has asked Santa for Hexbugs but didn't really know what they were. Would love to enter but no form to fill in :-(

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  107. Because my son has overloved his original hexbugs

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  108. its on my sons christmas list which i really should make a start on!

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  109. My son Alex only has one which he loves but he'd really like more!

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  110. I'd love to win it for my son and daughter.

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  111. For my grandson, hopefully this would spark an interest in engineering.

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  112. Apparently the're all talking about these at school. Would be nice pressie.

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  113. I would love to win this for my boyfriends son who I am developing a great bond with :) x

    Natalie Gillham

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  114. My son loves them, but we haven't got any.

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  115. My son would love to win this. So cool!

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  116. Pauline Burroughs29 November 2013 at 09:40

    My grandson would love his

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  117. TBH I have no idea what the appeal is, but my son loves them haha!
    @KateDSB

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  118. My daughter would love to play with them and I am keen to encourage her to do STEM things

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  119. Because its on my sons Xmas list!

    Harley rlchardson

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  120. It would be nice to say that the children would really enjoy playing with it but to be honest I really like the look of it! I promise to let the children have a go if I win :)

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  121. to be honest i would like to play with it but to get away with it i have to say for my son lol

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  122. I would play with it with my grandson

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  123. It would make a fab gift for my nephew

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  124. Following you through google friends Nicola white

    nicolajwhite30@hotmail.co.uk

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  125. i would love to win because it look such fun and my son would love this x

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  126. I'd like to play on it myself!

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  127. I would love to win this for my nephew. He absolutely loves these!

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  128. Because my son would love opening this on Christmas morning.

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  129. This would be great for any of my 5 granddaughters.

    George Williamson

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  130. I am a professional BUG buster

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I love hearing your thoughts, so please feel free to leave me a comment :)