I am a huge fan of the Koosh product line from OddzOn, currently under the Hasbro umbrella. The bundle of rubber band-like spikes intrigued me from the moment I touched it. I now keep my eye on any new product introductions while stepping up to the more advanced product offerings as my kids get older.

Koosh Catchers is one of my favorite sports-oriented products that suits a huge age group. The manufacturer recommends 7+ but I would easily revise that downward for supervised play. Koosh Catchers offers one of the easiest ways to play catch. It latches on to the Velcro concept but not as annoying when the set gets a lot of use.

What is it?

This $19.99 set comes with two hard, plastic “mitts”. The mitts are covered with hundreds of soft, flexible prongs that catch the looped rubber band-like ball. It reminds me of the prongs you might find on a plastic hairbrush.

The ball is a mass of purple looped rubber bands. This is not your typical Koosh ball but one designed to attach easily to the mitts when thrown. It is the size of a baseball and perfectly soft and safe if the thrower misses its mark and hits you instead.

The mitts attach to your hands via an orange Velcro strap in the back. Adjust the strap to fit your hand size and you are good to go. The Velcro stays put and is surprisingly tight. Slide your hand under the strap and leave your fingers open, the movement will come naturally. Little hands will slide closer to the top but the wrist will keep the mitt in place.

Playing catch with this set is a cinch and will offer confidence to the ones who are just learning the basics. The basic instructions might go something like this:

• Throw the ball
• Hold the mitt up for the catch
• Catch the ball
• Pluck the ball from the soft spikes and continue play

While I don’t mandate ball playing in the house, this set is allowed under supervised circumstances.

Many toy organizations have given the Koosh Catchers award recognition inclusive of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. Child Magazine and Crayola Kids also think very highly of the toy. Crayola Kids is no longer published but the fact that this kid enthusiastic publication handed out an honor is very noteworthy.

Koosh Catchers rank high with me for long lasting play value for the entire family and its durability. If it gets my kids interested in interactive play, I’m all for it.

Where can you buy Koosh Catchers?
Many online toy stores carry the set but the best deal right now is at eToys.com $14.99, a $5 savings from when I purchased it.

Amazon.com - $16.99

Brick and mortar stores like Toys R Us and Zany Brainy also carry this product.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 19.99
Type of Toy: Sports
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years