•  
The classic favorite is now smaller. It still makes that familiar sound, but going down stairs may be a thing of the past.
<p><strong>Toy Description</strong></p> <p>A metal coil spring.</p> <p>Dimensions are 2.75 X 2.75 X 2.15in. 78 coils. (Vintage had 98.)</p> <p><strong>Play</strong></p> <p>Walk it down stairs. Shoot it into the sky. Bounce it up and down, just like a clown.</p> <p><strong>Observations</strong></p> <p>Poof&rsquo;s Slinky is not quite as large or heavy as the vintage, which will give it some difficulty in walking down multiple stairs. With this said, some reviewers were successfully able to get the toy to walk down one or two steps at a time, but they had to help it again to continue.</p> <p>We do want to point out that stairs in most modern buildings tend to have shallower stair depth, so the toy is not able to extend far enough to get the energy it needs to keep up momentum. Homes made since the 80s or so may not have stairs that are Slinky-compatible.</p> <p>If walking the toy down stairs is not the goal, this Slinky may be just fine. It still jiggles and slinks, and it still makes that metallic sound, which can be therapeutic in itself.</p> <p>Some users also complained that Poof&rsquo;s Slinky is made of a thinner metal, making it easier to tangle and bend than the vintage.</p> <p>It&rsquo;s a shame to see a company alter the tried and true design of a beloved toy. We sincerely hope that Poof updates the current design to that of the vintage.</p> <p><strong>Care</strong></p> <ul> <li>Wipe down with a damp cloth</li> <li>Wash in warm water and soap. Make sure toy dries completely as the metal can rust if left damp</li> </ul> <p>For more in-depth information on how to clean this type of toy, please see our blog, <a href="/Blogs1/The-Cleaning-Guide-for-Toys.htm" linktype="8" target="_self">The Cleaning Guide for Toys</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Concerns</strong></p> <p>We&rsquo;re concerned that profits all too often override quality, durability, and functionality. While this toy still has the capacity to entertain, it seems misleading to call it The Original Slinky, when it is not.&nbsp;</p>
The "Original" Slinky by Poof
Date published: 2016-01-22
8.00 / 10 stars

The "Original" Slinky by Poof

by ALEX Toys
current stage2016-01-22

What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs and makes a slinkity sound? Not this. Give it a nudge and it may plop down one or two stairs, but it won’t walk like the Slinky of yore.

We’re sorry to say that Poof has changed the design of the original Slinky, and it’s smaller, thinner, and has fewer coils than it used to. To be completely fair, stair depth and height has also changed since the time of the first Slinky, so that could also be to blame.

(Poof sells their Slinky under the name of The Original Slinky, which is confusing since they changed the design after purchasing the rights. So for the sake of clarity, we will call the pre-Poof Slinky the vintage Slinky, and leave Original Slinky as the reference to this current product.) 

  • The Original Slinky by Poof
  • The Original Slinky by Poof
The Original Slinky by Poof
Overall8.00
This measure how often, for how long, and how many different ages will play with this toy. A great toy will be loved for years, and is still wanted as the child grows.
Replay
  • 6.00
 
This measures the quality of the materials and production processes used.
Quality
  • 5.00
 
This scores how well a toy encourages critical thinking, pattern recognition, and memory improvement.
Cognitive
  • 6.50
 
Including both gross and fine motor skills, this measure how much this toy engages and challenges physical mobility, body awareness, and coordination.
Motor
  • 7.40
 
This measures how likely a toy is to spark social play between children or how well it teaches socially healthy behavior.
Social
  • 5.40
 

Product Specs

Age 5+
Made in China
Recalls No
Batteries None
Materials Metal
Choking Hazard None
Date Reviewed 01/22/2016

Where to Buy

Amazon $15.00
Pros
  • Wiggles
  • Jiggles
  • Makes that slinkity sound
Cons
  • Doesn’t walk down stairs very well
  • Thinner metal makes for more fragile toy
Detailed Review

Toy Description

A metal coil spring.

Dimensions are 2.75 X 2.75 X 2.15in. 78 coils. (Vintage had 98.)

Play

Walk it down stairs. Shoot it into the sky. Bounce it up and down, just like a clown.

Observations

Poof’s Slinky is not quite as large or heavy as the vintage, which will give it some difficulty in walking down multiple stairs. With this said, some reviewers were successfully able to get the toy to walk down one or two steps at a time, but they had to help it again to continue.

We do want to point out that stairs in most modern buildings tend to have shallower stair depth, so the toy is not able to extend far enough to get the energy it needs to keep up momentum. Homes made since the 80s or so may not have stairs that are Slinky-compatible.

If walking the toy down stairs is not the goal, this Slinky may be just fine. It still jiggles and slinks, and it still makes that metallic sound, which can be therapeutic in itself.

Some users also complained that Poof’s Slinky is made of a thinner metal, making it easier to tangle and bend than the vintage.

It’s a shame to see a company alter the tried and true design of a beloved toy. We sincerely hope that Poof updates the current design to that of the vintage.

Care

  • Wipe down with a damp cloth
  • Wash in warm water and soap. Make sure toy dries completely as the metal can rust if left damp

For more in-depth information on how to clean this type of toy, please see our blog, The Cleaning Guide for Toys.  

Concerns

We’re concerned that profits all too often override quality, durability, and functionality. While this toy still has the capacity to entertain, it seems misleading to call it The Original Slinky, when it is not. 

Manufacturer's Description

The Original Slinky Brand Metal Slinky is the real deal toy of steel. For over 3 generations Slinky has captivated children and adults all over the world with its soothing sounds and movements. Slinky toys stretch like an accordion and wiggle and jiggle in your hands providing endless fun everyone. Watch the Slinky walk down stairs one step at a time while producing that classic Slinky sound! Perfect for stocking stuffers, prizes, presents, and more because everyone loves a Slinky! Original Metal Slinky measures 2.75in. diameter wide by 2.15in. high. Recommended for children 5 years of age and older.

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