VEX Robotics Hexcalator Ball Machine by HEXBUG

I gave this as a gift

Out of the three (hexcalator, Pick & Drop), and Forklift), the Hexcalator works the best. It was also fairly easy to assemble.

I keep a bunch of the vex robotics kits around for when my girls get bored. My 9 year old can handle most of the kit on her own, with a little consulting from mom when she gets stuck, and my 6 year old currently serves as what we dub "The Parts Fairy". It's perfect level of challenge - tough, but doable. Plus the resulting toy is pretty cool.

fun toy to put together... would love to see if these toys can be rebuilt into other projects with imagination

A lot of people complained that these were difficult to put together. While I agree that it was a challenge, you have to remember....This is a STEM project meant to garner interest in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. Once put together, it is awesome to watch the gears work! Of note, the instructions are difficult to read without an electron microscope, and the colors of the print often do not match the individual pieces, making attention to details KEY.We bought this for my four year old after determining he wanted an "egg machine" and what that really was. He is mesmerized by it!

Great toy for a child who loves to build. My 10 year old put it together by himself with very little help. Educational too

Christmas gift for 11 year old grandson who loves making things from parts. He loved it and was challenged by the complexity but not overwhelmed- perfect sweet spot.

I'm sure the set is pretty cool to build and play with but what infuriates me is that it is intended as a Christmas present for my son this year and when I picked up my mail it was shipped in its original box (pictures and all) and my son was with me so his Christmas present surprise was ruined. Thank you to the person who thought this was acceptable.