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Playskool Tonka Bounce Back Racer, Band A 27 MHZ - Colors May Vary by Hasbro
Product SummaryManufacturer: Hasbro Brand: Playskool Release Date: 2008-09-21 Model: 09996 Color: red & blue Product features: - What's fast, fun and flippable? Supercharge your toddler's need for speed and controlling things
- An easy-to-use wireless controller sends this red and orange sports car racing forwards or backwards
- Kids can race the vehicle over obstacles (not included) to make it flip over and reveal the blue and green race car design on the other side
- A soft, squishy body and oversized rubber tires means kids can take this speedster for a spin without hurting your walls, feet and floors
- Vehicle comes with wireless controller and instructions
Toys and Games Reviews of Playskool Tonka Bounce Back Racer, Band A 27 MHZ - Colors May VaryCustomer Review: Could have been a lot better Summary: 3 Stars
We purchased two of these for our twin boys (who are not yet three). We were little concerned that the toy is really for 3+, but given that the controls were so simple, we thought, what the heck.
Our twins have been playing with them since Christmas morning and seem to have fun playing with them, but I think the toy would have better (for the twins and me) if:
a) They operated on different frequencies (or different bands)
b) If they were easier to flip
c) They added a simpler way to turn.
d) If forward/reverse didn't switch when the car flipped
e) They were longer range
f) If there were fewer batteries
It's been noted on these pages that you shouldn't buy more than one because all units will share the same frequency (27 MHz). One controller will operate both, which can be no fun for kids trying to operate their own car. Our kids don't seem to care about this as much as I do, though, since they're just fascinated by the cars' movements, but occasionally, I have to turn off one car to keep them from getting confused and frustrated. Hasbro/Tonka should consider an additional frequency (49 MHz seems common enough) or different 27 MHz bands.
The only way we've gotten the car to flip is to back up and suddenly go forward. It doesn't seem to flip off of walls as easily. It's been mentioned that the forward/back controls appear to switch when the car flips. What's happening is that the same button spins the wheels the same way, but the car will go forward/backwards depending on whether or not it's upside down (clockwise spin of left rear tire turns into clockwise spin of right rear tire, so car moves in different direction).
You turn one way by going backwards, and turn the other way by going backwards after flipping. There must be a simpler way.
Short range means the car stops or "doesn't work" frequently, so you do have to follow the car somewhat.
It would be nice if the battery installation were easier on the car itself. Given that the 6 AA's produce 9 volts, why not just go with one 9 volt battery and 1 compartment instead of 2 (the second AA compartment is easy to miss). Maybe they thought parents would be scared away by a toy requiring 2 9-Volt batteries.
I understand that a tv show helped to generate buzz for this toy (Jon and Kate Plus 8), but I gave this toy only 3 stars because it has not lived up to the buzz.
Description of Playskool Tonka Bounce Back Racer, Band A 27 MHZ - Colors May VaryEven the youngest tots can get behind the controls of this Tonka racer. Crash it into the wall or any other obstacle -- this truck's soft body and huge, oversized wheels cushion it in any collision for safe toddler play, indoors or out. The easy-to-use two-button controller lets youngsters steer it in forward and reverse. Racer features three modes of play. Requires one 9V and six "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 9"L x 9"W x 3"H. Playskool's Tonka Bounce Back Racer will have your child zooming around the house in style. This 2-in-1 remote-control car can be used as a racer on one side, or as a sports car on the other. It is perfect for R/C beginners with its large, soft body and squishy, rubber tires. Designed for children ages three and up, it's a fun, fast-action toy for younger children who want to enter into the R/C world. Soft and Squishy, Yet Durable and Safe Your toddler can run this R/C car all over the house without damaging your floors or furniture, thanks to the oversized, cushioned body of the vehicle. An added benefit for parents is that this 2-in-1 car is much quieter than most other radio control vehicles. The Bounce Back Racer also comes with a toddler-friendly remote that is easy to control without mom or dad's help; it has two simple-to-use buttons to get the car racing away at top speed. Though the vehicle can only move forwards and backwards, it works well for all ages. Toddlers will be able to easily control their first R/C car with the simple buttons, while older children can zoom the racer up to top speed over any obstacles of their choice with no problem. Great For Beginners or Advanced Racers We were most impressed that the car can run all over the house and furniture without leaving any scuffs or marks. And since it is quieter than other R/C vehicles we have tested, parents won't have to worry about constant loud noise--unless it's coming from your children having fun. And as a 2-in-1 car, it can flip over and keep moving with no problems, maximizing your child's playtime and speeding possibilities. What's in the Box Car, and wireless controller. (Batteries not included.) 
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View larger. | | Watch the Bounce Back Racer flip from a sports car into a race car! |
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