|
|
|
Customer reviews of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks by Creative Whack
Return to Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks product information...
Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks has been reviewed 65 times with an average rating of 4.75
Great for adult fidgets!
Posted 10/31/2008 by Angela
Rating: 
I got this toy for my husband who likes to fidget with creative toys. I had previously bought him GeoMags (he loved those), but the balls would fall on the hardwood floor leaving numerous dents, so they have been put away. I bought him a Ball of Whacks figuring it might be a good substitute. The pieces are surprisingly light, so no damage to the floor. :) He has had them a little over 3 months and still enjoys playing with them. Also, the pieces always end up together in some interesting shape or sculpture that looks tidy on the coffee table.
We still love GeoMags. I think GeoMags have more design potential – including groupings that allow a fidget to spin one piece under another. Also GeoMags have stronger magnets that make a satisfying snap when you put the pieces together. Ball of Whacks does not give the same satisfying snap when you put the pieces together and sometimes certain ‘sculpures’ fall apart because the magnetic hold is not strong enough. However, Ball of Whacks is a fun toy that looks tidy and does not dent hardwood floors or roll under furniture. Also, I can’t imagine a child swallowing the pieces as they are fairly large – I hear this can be an issue with the GeoMags.
|
9 of 11 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
 |
 |
(Report abuse) |
fun stand-by
Posted 1/5/2009
- RELATIVE
Rating: 
Setting: Home
The Ball of Whacks is fun and a bit addictive, and is very versatile in making shapes and patterns (if multi-colored). It's the kind of toy you leave by the couch for the compulsive fiddler. More for quiet kids or adults, as pieces could easily get dispersed.
|
6 of 8 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Ball of Whacks
Posted 6/29/2008 by Carly
Rating:
I am 9 and my brother is 6 and we both love playing with this. There are lots of different ways to put the ball together and take it apart. I think this makes a fun birthday gift and its great to take on the go. My teacher recommended it to me.
|
5 of 7 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/15/2009 by Dione E. Zale
Rating:
Great for all ages...I am 77 years old and am taking an award-winning class for seniors to improve their memory, we are playing with it in class and I am sure that will result in more orders for you.
When I first got it, my two grandsons, 8- and 13-years old and I enjoyed it together. I am a trained neuropsychologist and enjoyed watching their reactions as well as the sheer fun we had playing together.
I would be very interested in being kept up to date on any other brain-stimulating gadgets you come up with.
|
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Pretty Cool!
Posted 15 days ago by allen
Rating:
The only complaint my boy had was that he only got one. This really stimulates his creativity. His favorite color is blue but he thought that if he had one of the multicolored balls then he could really make some interesting creations.
|
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Lots of Fun!
Posted 10/18/2009 by LLee
Rating:
My 5 year old daughter played with this at a friends house. She loved it and I was amazed at how quick she was able to put it back together (the multi-colored one). I bought her one and am putting it away for Christmas. I think she will enjoy picking it up and seeing what different patterns and shapes she can make with it! I think I'll even enjoy it too!
|
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Awesome Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/15/2009 by CJ
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
Setting: Home
Hours of fun for many ages. The grandkids (and their parents) stood in line to play . . . so of course, I had to order a couple more so more could play at a time! Expensive but worth it.
|
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Great toy!
Posted 10/13/2009 by T. L. A.
Rating:
Setting: Homeschool
This is a really fascinating magnetic toy that keeps my 8 year old occupied and happy for long periods of time. It encourages his creativity and working knowledge of geometry. The book that comes with it has a lot of great ideas about other uses for the Ball of Whacks, too. Stress relief, getting your brain out of a non-productive loop, etc. My husband has enjoyed it as much as my son.
|
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Ball of Whacks
Posted 8/13/2009 by Dan
Rating:
Ordered the Ball of Whacks after finding one on a co-worker's desk, and WOW - this has to be one of the single most addicting and satisfying "office toys" i've ever come across.
The pieces feel perfect and the magnets are strong enough to make the pieces join together in a very satisfying fashion.
Play with one for just a few minutes and you'll find yourself hooked.
The only downside? At $30-35 it's a little pricey.
|
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 4/28/2009
Rating:
Very neat. We bought it for our son's birthday and ended up playing with it. We will probably order another one for him. Neat design, neat concept. Only improvement would be stronger magnets or possibly a "rougher"/less slick plastic. Ball will often fly apart in many pieces when you try to remove pieces or pull/twist apart to build different designs. Would reccomend it as a gift.
|
2 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 8/18/2008 by Laura
Rating:
Setting: Home
This is a very good thought process toy. It is fun to create shapes from your imagination! My son loves it and sometimes I even get a chance to play with it and have a lot of fun!
|
2 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Good 'Busy' Toy for Grown-up Kids
Posted 6/17/2008 by Leslie Kenny
Rating:
Setting: Home
We bought this as a Father's Day gift and were surprised at how addictive it was for all of us. There is something about feeling the shapes in your fingers, hearing them slot into place and manipulating them so that they stick in different configurations that is very compelling.
|
2 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Ball of Whacks
Posted 4 days ago by Katrina
Rating:
This is challenging and fun for kids of all ages.
Ball of Whacks
Posted 10 days ago by Tom Miller
Rating:
I have a 14-year old who asked for Ball of Whacks and X-ball. Unlike most things like this, he has never tired of them, and builds really unusual and creative objects, some stable, some fragile. I got him two more X-ball sets to build larger objects, and just now got three more Ball of Whacks at his request for a birthday present so he could build larger objects with these pieces. He uses both kinds together in some constructions. They aren't cheap, but it's nice to find something he doesn't tire of.
A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/7/2009 by Amy Cieslicki
Rating:
Setting: Home
Again, Christmas gift...not sure yet!
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 10/6/2009 by Sharon Wilson
Rating:
My grandson has managed to make a number of creative patterns using one Ball of Whacks and this second Ball of Whacks will no doubt increase and challenge his creativity further.
Fun toy
Posted 11/17/2008 by Alissa Jones
Rating:
This is a fun toy for creative people, but it is probably more enjoyable for kids
|
3 of 7 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Ball of Whacks
Posted 5/30/2009 by Mark M Turnbull
Rating:
The Ball of Whacks is great and used by the whole family (it's our second) but mostly by a 17-year old girl who has turned it into an art form.
|
2 of 5 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 5/24/2009 by Barbara Dobbertin
Rating:
Child loved the toy!
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/13/2008 by Austin Brown
Rating:
Magnets need to be stronger. Higher N**
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Great for kids and adults
Posted 6/10/2008 by John
Rating:
I have a red one already for myself as a creativity toy, I bought the multi-color one for my young daughter who loves to make different shapes with it.
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 4/30/2008 by ann Ceraldi
Rating:
Our entire family has enjoyed playing with this--the 19 year old college kid to the second graders. It's fun and relaxing. I did notice that at least one of the figures in the book--the "articulated" star I believe it's called--needs TWO balls of whacks to complete. Fortunately, I had ordered two. You should also!
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
A Favorite!
Posted 2/26/2008 by Nancy W.
Rating:
Setting: Home
My husband found the Ball of Whacks, and bought one to give to my daughter's friend. The toy was such a hit that my daughter decided to use her precious savings to buy one for herself. She loves it, and it seems to be an endless source of entertainment. I like that it develops spatial reasoning and gives her a chance to think about symmetry. The multi-color version seems by far the most interesting it has pieces in red, blue, and yellow, providing lots of opportunities for pattern-making. The magnetic pieces are sturdy and stick together with a very satisfying solidity.
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 1/18/2008 by Joanne
Rating:
Setting: Home
The Ball of Whacks is a very interesting toy. It is very hard to put down. Great for any age or ability. It's one of the few toys that is still played with daily.
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/27/2007 by Lara Wolfe
Rating:
Setting: Home
My 12 year old son loves it. Every time I turn around I see it in his hands. I haven't had a chance to try it out. I'm going to wait until he's asleep tonight! Don't tell him!
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Great Toy For Kids And Parents
Posted 12/27/2007 by Rachel Honoway
Rating:
This is a really cool toy. I bought one each for two 5 year olds and a 6 year old. The boys like taking them apart and building lop-sided objects by just sticking peices together. My son keeps having me "come look what I made". My husband and I have found ourselves playing with it as well, trying to master the shapes found in the book.
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/25/2007 by Alison MacWilliams
Rating:
Addictive. My 11 year old nephew loves it. The rest of the family kept swiping it to fidget with. If you don't like your creation, drop it. Explodes very satisfyingly! Much to the delight of even smaller members of the family.
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/16/2007 by Meredith Morrow
Rating:
Setting: Home
My 4 year old can't leave it alone. I am amazed at the things she can make out of it. Just by using her imagination. It's great for hand/eye coordination.
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/5/2007 by Sophie J. Keefer
Rating:
Great toy that I first saw at the MoMA in NY but they only had red or blue. Multicolor is more interesting.
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
A rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/15/2007 by Patricia Shapiro
Rating:
My college son loves the Ball of whacks. He has been using it for stress relief. He is constantly creating new shapes, trying to imitate some of the organic chemistry bonds and compounds that he is studying. I don't know, he is way beyond me. I am thinking of getting a second ball so that he can create big, better shapes.
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Coolest Thing Ever!
Posted 8/20/2007 by Stacie Wood
Rating:
Setting: Home
This is way cool! I bought it for my son who has ADHD and finding things like this that focus his energy and nurture his creative side are really calming to him. It is so fun that I want one too!
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Therapy Hit
Posted 8/1/2007
Rating:
I am a Clinical Psychologist and bought the Ball of Whacks to include in the toy options for children with whom I work. I was surprised to find that this toy became the favorite choice of the children in very quick order. Each child plays with the toy in a different manner, some to express feelings and ideas, others to create shapes, others to hide and find pieces. Furthermore, I often leave created shapes intact and adults become intrigued by the changes they see in configuration. By the way, I sometimes play with the Ball of Whacks myself, when I have a free hour!
|
1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
Review for Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/10/2007 by Erika Arens
Rating:
Love the toy. Very fascinating to play with. I bought it for my son. My husband and I opened it up to fiddle around with it ourselves before wrapping it up for him! I am only dissapointed that it is multi colored. I prefer the solid red and thought that is what I had ordered. I think the different colors detract from the geometric shapes a little.
|
1 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 6/28/2009 by Linda Kuhns
- GRANDPARENT
Rating:
Setting: Home
An entire evening of fun for two very bright boys aged 7 and 9.
Great Gift For Guys, Adults, Creatives, Kids
Posted 1/25/2008 by arita wong
Rating:
Everyone was intrigued by it, and many played with it immediately, making some of the designs in the book. The boys age 10-12 keep playing with it at home, but mom says it was hard to do some designs because of the negative magnetic force. Better to have 2 sets to play with. I like the snap action when a piece clicks into place. I left it on a table, everyone reaches for it.
Roger Von Oech's Ball Of Whacks
Posted 12/30/2007 by Jeanine Dickman
Rating:
Much fun! I bought it for my fidgety husband and he is enjoying it very much.
Addictive!
Posted 12/27/2007 by Robbin Thornton
Rating:
Setting: Home
I purchased a Ball of Whacks for each of my two children (ages 9 and 10). Even with everything else that they received, this one has been pulled out more often than anything. Interestingly, when it was set down, it was usually picked up by one of the adults.
Product review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/27/2007 by Donald Jaeger
Rating:
The product was well made. A little pricey. Durable. I was not disappointed in its quality.
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/27/2007 by Julie Matternas
Rating:
I bought the Ball of Whacks for my 10-year old son, who likes it, and my 6-year old daughter keeps trying to take it and play with it. I love that the ball is easily re-assembled, so it's not intimidating to try to create new things for fear of not being able to put it back together.
My rating of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/27/2007 by Lark
Rating:
Setting: Home
My 7 and 9 year old have been pulling apart, dropping and reconfiguring since they received the Ball of Whacks! The adults in the family have been seen playing with it and reading the Creativity course.
Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/16/2007 by Patricia Winkler
- TEACHER
Rating:
Setting: Lab
We couldn't keep our hands off of it. Great product!
Creative Tool
Posted 12/10/2007 by John Robinson III
Rating:
This item induces unrestrictive thinking. It's just fun to putz around with.
Information about Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 12/3/2007
Rating:
Great toy.
Whacky fun
Posted 11/19/2007 by A. Casselman
Rating:
The ball of whacks is a lot of fun. My 9 year old plays with it in the car on long trips. It is easy to use and keeps him entertained.
Multi Color Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/19/2007 by James B Whitehead
Rating:
Great conversation piece and invites creativity. Who knows how it will end up on your desk next!
Review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 11/8/2007 by Scott F. Zarrow
Rating: 
Not very much fun. Maybe it's just me.
My Students Speak
Posted 10/9/2007 by Dorothy Bukantz
Rating:
One of my students says-"I like the ball because you can make a lot of stuff with it. It's cool and it has magnets. You can find a lot of stuff, like a star. " Their only complaint is that you only have red. They want to mix colors. Some of them even like it better than Burst, up until now the favorite toy.
Awesome Toy
Posted 9/9/2007 by Natalie Hamilton
Rating:
My son, age 11, plays with it non-stop. On the rare occasion he puts it down, it is immediately picked up by my 6 or 8 year old. I am amazed at all of the different designs you can create. This is a great toy to keep your child busy on long trips or time when they have to wait for long periods.
Review of Roger von Oech's Ball of Whacks
Posted 8/23/2007 by Sarah
Rating:
I bought this for my husband to take to work. He says that no one seems to be able to come into his office and not pick it up.
Great Balls of Whack
Posted 6/18/2007 by Parker Kuldau
Rating:
Cool, awesome, neat, terrific, a blast to play with! I have been a big fan of Geomags and have more Geomag pieces than I should probably admit to. Now I have a toy that competes with Geomag for creativity and fun. I just need to decide if I'm going to purchase just one more set or several so that I'll have more pieces to create with! I'm definitely a 'Fat Brainer'.
Can't tell you anything yet!
Posted 11/12/2008 by Victoria W. Clark
Rating:
Sorry, folks--The things I ordered are for Christmas/birthday presents and haven't been tested yet... But I'll try and let you know after the holidays. Everything looks good, anyway--and I'm happy to have found your site.
|
2 of 15 customers found this review helpful.
|
| Was this review helpful to you? |
|
|
(Report abuse) |
|
Elkhorn, Nebraska USA 68022