Looking For Bigfoot…
Written: Jan 30 '01 (Updated Jan 30 '01)
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Pros: Fun toy for exploring in the dark.
Cons: Needs to be repositioned frequently. On/off switch inconveniently located.
The Bottom Line: This is a great, inexpensive toy for taking adventures in the backyard at night. Just don't count on finding Bigfoot…
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| Dr_Steph's Full Review: Night Vision Goggles |
One of the things that my five year old son has in common with his dad is a fascination with Bigfoot. If my husband could do anything he wanted, he would collect an array of expensive gadgets including a GPS, digital camcorder and night vision goggles, and head off into the wilderness for weeks in search of this mysterious and illusive creature. If my son had his way, he would be right there by his dad's side. However, being the less than indulgent wife that I am, I won’t buy him all these expensive toys. I will, however, buy inexpensive and cool toys for my son, and that's where the Wild Planet Night Vision Goggles comes in.
I tell you what, it sure turned my husband's head to see his boy open a gift Christmas morning that had Night Vision Goggles printed on the package. Even though he quickly realized that this was just a child's toy, he hid his disappointment well and still appreciated the clever idea. Soon father and son were seeking out a dark closet to try out the cool new goggles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NIGHT VISION GOGGLES
These goggles, also known as Spy Vision Goggles are essentially two little flashlights on either side of a flashy looking piece of head gear. The eye piece itself is a continuos piece of plastic with bright green tinted, photo-etched lenses. The indent for the nose is lined with padded piece of rubber for comfort. A rubber-padded plastic band holds the goggles firmly against the forehead and connects the goggles in the front with adjustable velcro straps in the back. The battery compartment is in a blue plastic case at the back of the head gear. The main on/off switch for these goggles is on top of the rear battery compartment. Bright yellow flexible covered wires connect the batteries to the lights.
OUR IMPRESSION OF THIS TOY
Can you say "Very cool?" We sure can! This is one snazzy-looking piece of equipment. After we put two AA batteries in (compartment secured with tiny screws), we put the goggles on our son's head and adjusted the velcro so it fit snugly, but not uncomfortably. We were a little disappointed to see the on/off switch in the back because it's not easy for him to operate on his own when he is wearing the goggles. However, we soon learned that this switch is unnecessary since the lights can also be turned off by simply flipping the goggles up (while the head band remains in place).
We couldn't get much of a feel for this toy during the day, but once it became dark, we all went outside for a trial run. I was immediately impressed with the range of light put out by these little tiny bulbs. Although I didn't measure it exactly, we could see most of the way across the backyard. The instructions that come with the goggles said that the range is 25 feet. I'll take their word for it. Whatever it is, my son was delighted with his ability to see in the dark.
Since Christmas, my son hasn't had many opportunities to use these goggles outside (it's too friggin cold!). However, he does like to use them in his room at night. He shares a room with his baby brother and we won't let him turn on the light once his brother is in bed. Instead, he puts on these goggles and sits in bed looking at books. The lighting isn't ideal, but it's better than nothing! Unfortunately, his baby brother woke up one night when he had these on and completely freaked out. I'm sure he was wondering who this bizarre green-eyed alien was in his brother's bed. Since then, the goggles have been banned after bedtime.
ANY COMPLAINTS?
There's not much to dislike about the Night Vision Goggles but I have noticed a few minor problems. First of all, after flipping the goggles up and then back down, my son often ends up pushing the rubber-padded plastic band down off his forehead and over his eyes. Then he has to reposition everything and he's not always successful at doing this. Another word of warning is that you can end up getting blasted with light if the wearer turns to look at you when the goggles are turned on. It's not nearly as bad as when rude people with head lamps blind you during camping trips, but it still is bright enough to make me see stars.
The final problem we've had is probably unique to our family, but it's worth a mention. Ever since he got these goggles, my son has been begging his dad go looking for Bigfoot. My husband then just looks at me and says that he first needs to get his OWN set of grown-up night vision goggles. "Buy him some, Mama! Please!" Fat chance. Do you suppose Wild Planet makes these in extra-large?
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 7.99
Type of Toy: Science and Nature
Age Range of Child: 6 to 8 Years
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