The Engino toy system is one of the versatile building/construction toys, such as Lego’s Technic and Mindstorm, and K’nex. The first version of Engino was released at the end of 2006. Since then it has received numerous awards. It became one of the most innovative and creative construction toys in the world, especially in the European market.
With the Engino toy system, children and adults can enjoy creating original and imaginative constructions. The system consists of multifaceted rods and connectors that allow up to 6 sides simultaneously. This system transforms the rod into a connector, which allows the construction of dense or scattered openings. This feature makes it quick and easy for kids to build modes, simple or complex, using a reduced number of different parts and fewer.
There are three main series on the market: engineering series, mechanical science, and educational series. The Megaset wood series came out recently. In this review, I will briefly talk about the Engino engineering series, which can be a good starting point for trying out the Engino toy system.
This engineering series has 7 different sets based on the number of models a set provides in its assembly instructions: 5 models, 10 models, 20 models, 30 models, 50 models, and 80 models. For a large number of model sets, the paper copy of the instructions does not show as many 80 models, for example, 80 model sets. However, models that are not listed in the instructions 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 giant model. The price ranges from 15 to 70 USD as of today (January 2011), which is quite reasonable compared to the price of Lego products.
From 10 models includes the 3V geared motor. With this motor, your children can power up their models and watch them come to life. This gearmotor is powered by 2 AA batteries and has a double action switch for forward-reverse direction. Most packages are suitable for ages 6-14 and up.
For a serious robotics toy, Lego’s Mindstorm is top of the line. But Lego hopes that children ages 8 and older will enjoy its product. But, in my opinion, an 8 year old might have a hard time programming the Mindstorm. That said, the Engino Toy will fill the gap between pre-made Lego models and the more advanced Mindstorm that requires some programming skill.
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- It is a very versatile construction toy with which your children can build hundreds of models using their imaginative ideas.
- Depending on your budget and the ability of your children, you can choose different models set from 5 models to 80 models.
- With the engino 3V geared motor that comes with 10 models and up, your kids can make mechanical machines that move forward or backward. It is a good springboard to go from a mechanical machine to robotics.
- The simple system, consisting of multifaceted rods and connectors, makes it quick and easy for kids to build modes, simple or complex, using fewer and fewer different parts. And the pieces hold together better than the Lego piece, which tends to come apart easily.
I highly recommend the Engino Toy System if your kids have pre-designed master toys and are ready to move on to more creative building toys.