Race cars will always fascinate little boys. Launching a speeding car down a stretch of plastic track gives them a thrill that won’t be beaten until they’re old enough to drive their own cars, hopefully only at safe speeds. Collecting the little cars is a fun hobby, too. With so many different makes and models, each with its own special feature or trick, there’s always something new to try. These cars are some of the most varied and complex of all the small race cars on the toy department shelf. They can be shot from a Turbo Launcher, ride along a tightrope or spin on their sides, depending on which one is purchased.
Description
The Turbo Launcher is one of the latest additions to the GX Racers collection of toys. It’s a red, blue and black device with a lever styled handle on the top that revs and releases the cars when it is drawn back. This motorized accessory boosts the speed of the cars as they are launched from its shoot. The wedge shaped device attaches any GX track set and shoots the cars down a small ramp. The manufacturers claim that the speed at which the cars make their exit is up to 700 scale MPH. Scale MPH, or miles per hour, is the speed they would achieve if the cars were regulation size.
Features and Extras
The cars in this line have the usual four wheels at the corners but they also flip open to reveal a special Gyro wheel in the center of the car. This interchangeable Gyro wheel is what allows the car to perform tricks or go at faster speeds. The GX Racers Turbo Launcher comes with a special Gyro wheel built for speed. The set also comes with a car body. It has two setting, on track and off-road, so it can be used on its own or with a full track set up.
Critiques
The GX Racers set has some small parts that could constitute a choking hazard so it’s not a good pick for small children. It’s best to heed the suggested age range on the packaging. Compatibility with other brands of tracks may be an issue, as well. The Turbo Launcher might fit or be made to function with other brands of track but this is not recommended. It may cause the cars to exceed the speed limitations of the track’s curves causing the cars to leave the tracks. At the speed this launcher creates, that may not be a safe way to play so it’s probably best to stay within the GX line of products to avoid this problem. Aside from that, at a suggested retail of only $14.99 this toy could add some inexpensive excitement to the playroom.
