Engino toy system is one of versatile construction/building toys, like Lego's Technic and Mindstorm, and K'nex. Engino's 1st version was launched in late 2006. Ever since it has been received numerous awards. It became one of the most innovative and creative construction toys in the world, especially in the European Market.
With Engino toy system, children and adults alike can enjoy creating original and imaginative constructions. The system consists of multi-faceted rods and connectors which allow up to 6 sides simultaneously. This system transforms rod into connector, enabling to construct dense or sparse openings. This characteristic makes children construct quick and easy, simple or complex modes, using a small number of different parts and with less quantity.
There are three major series in the market: Engineering Series, Mechanical Science, and Educational series. The wood series Megaset came out recently. In this review, I will briefly talk about the Engino Engineering Series which may be a good starting point in trying Engino Toy System.
This Engineering Series have 7 different sets depending on the number of models that a set provides in their assembly instructions: 5 models, 10 models, 20 models, 30 models, 50 models, and 80 models. For large number of model sets, the paper copy of the instruction doesn't show as many 80 models, for example, 80 model set. However, models not found in the instruction can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. And with your own creativity you can make many more models. The only limit is your imagination and the number of pieces if you want to make a gigantic model. The price ranges from 15 to 70 USD as of today (Jan, 2011), which is quite reasonable as compared to the price of the Lego products.
10 models and up includes the engino 3V geared motor. With this motor, your children can power up their models and see them come to life. This geared motor is operated by 2 AA batteries and it has a double action switch for forward-reverse direction. Most of packages are suitable for age of 6-14+.
For a serious robotics toy, Lego's Mindstorm is the top of the line. But, the Lego expects that children of age 8 or more would enjoy their product. But, in my opinion, an 8-year-old child may have a hard time in programing the Mindstorm. That being said, Engino Toy will fill in the gap between Lego's pre-made models and the more advanced Mindstorm which requires a programming skill.
In summary,
- This is a very versatile construction toy with which your children can build hundreds of models using their imaginative ideas.
- Depending your budget and your children's capability, you may choose different models set from 5 models to 80 models.
- With the engino 3 V geared motor which comes with 10 models and up, your children can make a mechanical machines that moves forward or reverse direction. It is a good stepping stone to move from a mechanical machine to robotics.
- The simple system, consisting of multi-faceted rods and connectors, makes children construct quick and easy, simple or complex modes, using a small number of different parts and with less quantity. And the pieces stay together better than Lego's piece which tends to come off easily.
I highly recommend Engino Toy System if your children have master pre-designed toys and are ready to move on to more creative building toys.
