Quercetti Super Marble Run Vortis, 224 Pieces
by International Playthings
Product Summary
Manufacturer: International PlaythingsBrand: Quercetti
Release Date: 2009-04-15
Model: QA6588
Product features:
- 224 piece Super Marble Run Vortis - the largest one available.
- Includes 2 exclusive double entrance funnels and 3 exclusive spirals
- Extra long bridges for building larger structures
- Lots of action and excitement
- Made in Italy - Ages 8+
Toys and Games Reviews of Quercetti Super Marble Run Vortis, 224 Pieces
Customer Review: Terrific marble run for the 6 yrs and up set
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this for my then 6 year-old last Christmas. This set contains the right number of vortexes, spirals, spinners, bridges and tower pieces to be able to make some pretty cool and complex runs without being overwhelming. If your child is on the younger side, and this is their first time with marble runs, they might need a little help. It's not that it's difficult, but when you open the box and just see a bunch of plastic pieces looking at you and an instruction book with no words it can be a little intimidating. Help your child with a simple marble run until they are comfortable and then they'll be off and running.
The plastic pieces fit perfectly together and you don't have problems with a too loose or too tight fit like you might have with a cheaper quality toy. The only 'tricky' pieces are the spirals. You have to use the little yellow guys to support them or they won't work. Also, these are the only pieces that bend, and if you don't have them at the right angle the marble will either not make it around the spiral because it lacks momentum, or it'll fly off because it has too much. This isn't a problem (just needs an adjustment), but an impatient child could get frustrated. Also the bases may not be too steady as your tower gets higher and higher. A flat, non-carpeted surface is recommended, although my son was able to build the basic runs on his carpet. They were a little shaky though.
Especially cool were the pieces like the vortex where you can watch the marbles go round and round until they finally drop into the hole (it's kind of like a toilet). The spinners are not vital to the construction of the run, but they are fun to watch. The spirals add a little bit of a challenge and introduce the concept of momentum.
I also like this marble set because it comes with plenty of marbles, and you don't have to freak out if one or two accidentally roll under the couch.
When your child is ready for a more difficult challenge, I'd highly recommend the Skyrail Marble Run Roller Coaster 250 piece set, which is also made by Quercetti. All the track pieces are made of the same material as the spiral and it allows you to create loops and other types of bends. You can see my review on that product as comparison. Although we haven't tried it yet, it'll be interesting to see if we can combine the two marble runs to make a "super" marble run.
Description of Quercetti Super Marble Run Vortis, 224 Pieces
Super Marble Run Quercetti Marble Run 224 Piece Set. This huge 220-piece marble run includes 2 exclusive double entrance funnels and 3 exclusive spirals, high-quality, real marbles, base pieces for sturdy construction and extra long bridges for building larger structures. Lots of action and excitement for both children and their parents! Construction is open ended so marble run designs are only limited by your imagination. Suggested for ages 8 & up. This set is made in Italy (NOT China)!Building Sets, Blocks & Models Toys
Toys and Games
Bestsellers in Building Sets, Blocks & Models Toys
Lego - 3 V 3 Soccer Shootout Lego Set # 3421LEGO; Toy
Lego Technic Bionicle Nuju Figure (8544)LEGO; LEGO; Toy
Best price: $19.55
LEGO Island 2LEGO Media International; Lego Media; Release date: 2001-03-24; Windows 98; Toy
Best price: $14.98
Price in other shops:
Monorail TrackRokenbok; Rokenbok; Rokenbok; Release date: 2006-06-12; Toy; Hobby
Price in other shops:
Lego Track Master Legos 5934Lego; Lego; Toy
Best price: $59.41
LEGO 6322 City Town Straight Road PlatesLego; Lego; Toy
Best price: $124.97
Ideal 300 piece Building Set w/ 20 pc. Action FiguresIdeal; Ideal; Release date: 2006-06-12; Toy
Best price: $40.64
Price in other shops:
Frontier Logs Building Set, 220 PiecesPoof Slinky; Poof Slinky; Release date: 2006-06-12; Toy
Best price: $28.48
Price in other shops:
Zometool - Creator 2Zometool; Zometool; Toy
Best price: $99.50
Price in other shops:
Crocodile Creek ABC Block Book Animal WorldCrocodile Creek; Crocodile Creek; Toy
Similar Toys and Games
MindWare Contraptions 50 Plank SetMindWare; MindWare; Toy
Best price: $16.61
Price in other shops:
Quercetti Marble Run Vortis 80 PiecesInternational Playthings; Quercetti; Release date: 2009-04-15; Toy
Best price: $19.00
Price in other shops:
Meteor Marble SetFabricas Selectas; Fabricas Selectas; Toy
Best price: $8.31
Channel Craft Toy Tin Marbles GameChannel Craft; Channel Craft; Toy
Best price: $9.95
Quercetti 45-Piece Transparent Marble Run - Marble Run Construction ToyInternational Playthings; Quercetti; Toy
Best price: $15.54
Price in other shops:
MindWare KEVA ContraptionsMindWare; MindWare; Toy
Best price: $49.95
Price in other shops:
Tomy Screwball Scramble GameInternational Playthings; Tomy; Release date: 2010-03-29; Toy
Best price: $18.71
Price in other shops:
160 Marbles in a Tin BoxToysmith; Toysmith; Toy
Best price: $13.26
Price in other shops:
FS-USA/ Mega Marbles New Generation Marble SetMega Marbles; Fabricas Selectas; Toy
Best price: $9.98
Price in other shops:
Quercetti Skyrail Mini Rail Rollercoaster, 150 PiecesInternational Playthings; Quercetti; Release date: 2009-04-15; Toy
Best price: $26.99
Price in other shops: