Toby and Teddy love building things and putting things together, so when we were asked to review the Geomag NASA Rocket and NASA Rover I was delighted. We’ve constructed things and played around with magnets quite a lot previously, and I felt like this would be the next grade up for both of them when it comes to building and following instructions to get a desired outcome.
Geomag NASA Rocket
Once you open the box there’s a sheet of card with pre-cut shapes/pictures on that need to be popped out and then placed into the plastic pieces provided. It felt like a bit of a faff because once the magnets were out the boys just wanted to get on with it, but it was easy enough and took no time at all really – I got them started following the instructions while I got on with the rest. There is also a polystyrene box with the magnetic straights and balls in, as well as a separate pack of six magnetic straights, which didn’t really make any sense as they were only a different colour and didn’t affect the build.
Actually building the rocket was quite difficult. We had pieces of plastic popping out when trying to get another one in, and magnetic bars moving around which meant another part collapsed. However, it is really impressive when it’s all done. The only other thing I would say is that once the rocket had been built, I would have liked to have seen the tail cards as double sided as one side is just plain and I think that takes away from the overall look. Having said that, the design makes it look really authentic and there’s quite a lot of detail on there if you take the time to look closely.
Despite the magnets being quite strong the rocket model does easily crumble. You wouldn’t be able to display it as it only momentarily stands up, and implodes if you hold it too tight. The main thing is they had fun putting it together!
Geomag NASA Rover
With slightly harder instructions, but less pieces to put together, the Geomag NASA Rover is much more sturdy. They didn’t need as much help from me and they were over the moon (get it?) that it was able to be played with.
The wheels are fully functioning which was a slight relief – although we had arguments over who would be the one to play with it.
Other Thoughts
These particular Geomag products appear quite typical with the magnetic straights and balls so you’d probably be able to add them to any kit you’ve already got, or choose to grow your collection from this one.
Both Geomag sets are aimed at children aged 5+ and while the instructions were simple enough, the actual putting them together was a bit fiddly (more so with the rocket) and I would say it’s better aimed at slightly older kids with a not so heavy hand.
Once all the pieces have been taken out, they don’t all fit in the polystyrene storage box which renders the product redundant should you want to take it anywhere with you. You’d have to seek alternative storage or find a solution to make it portable. The environmental impact of polystyrene is also well known and I think there could have been a better alternative here.
Each set came with a few spare pieces so don’t worry if there are some leftovers – totally normal. It took me ages to make sure we hadn’t missed anything!
Geomag came up with these two special edition products to celebrate this year’s 50th anniversary of the moon landing. The RRP of the rocket is £39.99 and the rover, £25. However, they are currently on sale at The Entertainer for slightly less. You’ll also find more Geomag products on Amazon.
*We received these products in return for a review. All views and opinions are my own.