Inside: Review of the the Gravitrax Starter Set. Includes press sample.
As my children get older I find it increasingly hard to know what to buy them as gifts. I always like to include something that they can play with (preferably with other people) and so when I heard about Gravitrax I was intrigued.
Gravitrax is an interactive marble run that uses gravity, magnets and kinetic energy to take the marbles along the track systems that you create. Use the track ideas provided in the kit or use your imagination to create your own marble runs again and again. Perfect for older children who love to create and open play with endless possibilities!
There are quite a few kits to choose from and we were lucky enough to have a set to try out for this review. It is definitely something we are going to expand on to build bigger tracks together.
What is Gravitrax?
Gravitrax works on a hexagonal grid system with a cardboard base and sturdy unique components which allow you to create dynamic marble runs. Different construction elements sit on top of the base or on top of other pieces to create three-dimensional structures.
Those structures are then connected by rails so that the marbles can travel in different directions using the power of gravity to get to the finish line.
Unlike a ‘traditional‘ marble runs that have you essentially building a tower in which to place the marble, dropping down, down and down to the bottom, Gravitrax uses forward momentum and magnets as well as gravity to move the marble around the track. The idea is to use problem solving to create complex tracks to keep the marble moving for as long as possible.
What age is it for?
The box states that it is for ages 8-99. I would say that 8 is probably about right as by then they are a little more careful and more dextrous to be able to gently lay the rails onto the pillars. However, you know your own child and I would definitely allow my 5 year old son to play with it as I know he takes great care with things like that.
Of course, you don’t want to leave it around babies and toddlers who may swallow the marbles or other small parts.
Gravitrax Starter Set Obstacle Edition
If you are just starting out then you want to get a starter set. There are currently 3 types available; the Classic, Vertical, and Obstacle. The Classic has all of the necessary components to get you started, the Vertical includes some components to help you create a taller construction and the Obstacle edition includes everything you need to create tricks along the track. There are also a variety of expansion sets available.
What is in the box?
Inside the box you get 6 marbles so you can have some starting out at the top of the course and some to help out with tricks along the journey.
You get 56 standard height tiles and 12 small height tiles to make the different pillars. This is more than enough to get you started making different track designs.
You then have a variety of tiles to send your marbles racing around the track with 21 basic track pieces as well as the additional elements as part of the Obstacle set; split pathways, a crossroads, a tunnel, zipline, helta skelta and more.
Then you have the rails to connect the various components and these come in different lengths for different designs.
There are also 2 plastic base plates that allow you to create a second tier to your design and of course the card base plate on which to sit the entire track.
You are given an instruction manual as well as a workbook with various tracks to try out to get you started. It is all simply laid out with step by step diagrams to help you work out which pieces you need to make them. Once you get the hang of it you can of course make up your own obstacle course tracks.
Building the track
To start off, you need to lay down the base plate. This slots together like a giant puzzle and just needs a flat surface to sit on.
If you are following the included instructions, find the pieces you need and slot them into the hexagonal holes on the board. If not, slot them wherever you like and see where your imagination takes you.
Build up the pillars as high as you want – making sure that you allow gravity to do it’s thing by making the pillars get shorter as you go along.
Next you need to decide on the path your track will take so you need to find the different components and rails to join everything together. When you are first starting out you want to start off with a basic track to get the hang of it and see how easily the marble moves along.
Once you have the hang of it you can start swapping out basic track pieces for obstacle pieces so that your marble does some tricks as it moves through the track. Our favourite is the trampoline piece that bounces the marble along – so fun!
The possibilities really are endless, with so many ways to create tracks with more height, more tricks and more pieces!
Gravitrax Expansion Sets
As well as the different starter sets, you can get various Gravitrax expansion sets to make your tracks even more amazing. With bridges, tunnels, lifts, tubes and even a magnetic cannon – there is so much to choose from. The Obstacle kit gives you a real insight into what is available with a taste of the different components out there and I do think it is a great place to start.
Our thoughts
We love a STEM toy and so I knew we would enjoy using this but I really am impressed with how versatile the kit is and how it had all of us involved in creating a giant track as a family. Such a fun learning experience for us all!
For me personally, I loved how it brought my daughter out of her shell. As she gets older she retreats more and more into video games and so to see her using her mind to play with a physical toy was wonderful.
I like that you can find more track ideas using their free app as well as building them virtually to try out new ideas before building them in person. A useful tool and a great way to incorporate technology and practical play.
Gravitrax would make an awesome birthday present or holiday gift to encourage screen-free activity time for children as well as nurturing their critical thinking skills as they find endless new combinations for intricate paths and new heights. Hours of fun and a toy that can be passed down from generation to generation for years to come.
You can find the Gravitrax Starter Set Obstacle at John Lewis and Amazon sell lots of the expansion packs and starter sets.
We were sent this set for review. All thoughts and words are my own.