TuckerToys_PhlatBallAeroflyt

Sometimes backyards sports are a little too predictable.

For those who like surprises, Phlat Ball Aeroflyt by Tucker Toys adds an element of the unknown to a typical game of catch. A disc designed to transform into a ball at random, the Phlat Ball can pop up midair or on contact unpredictably.

The Phlat Ball has a little suction cup in the middle of it, so when the sides are squeezed together it forms into a disc, making the transformation into a ball random. Make sure the string is taken off the ball after it comes out of packaging, or you’ll be like me and spend three days wondering why the disc doesn’t want to be a ball yet.

It’s fairly lightweight and easy to toss around or catch. When squished together, the Phlat Ball resembles a spaceship, but in its ball form it is a little larger than a hefty grapefruit. The Phlat Ball Aeroflyt is different from Tucker’s other Phlat Balls because it is a little thinner and designed to go farther when it’s thrown.

Although I mainly tossed this around my desk, knocking several things on the ground in the process, I could easily see how fun this would be in my backyard for an intense game of monkey in the middle. It mostly popped open when I would catch it or drop it on the ground, but when I added distance to my tosses, it would expand midair.

Unlike other discs or Frisbees, if Phlat Ball gets stuck on a roof or in a tree, chances are it’ll pop into a ball and roll back to the ground. It’s also more conveniently shaped to stick into a bag.

It would be tempting to pack this when heading to the beach, but I imagine sand and water would make it difficult to press into a disc with the suction cup. I would stick to keeping this in the backyard or at the park.

The packaging, as well as Tucker Toys’ website, includes several suggested games that the unique ball can be used for, my favorite being “phlat potato” (it me, @lady_spud). Toss around the disc, and whoever catches it as a ball is out.

Other games include renditions of football and tag, but the possibilities are endless for kids to spice up their outdoor fun.

About the author

Kristen Nelson

Kristen Nelson

Kristen Nelson is an assistant editor at Adventure Publishing Group. She does weekly toy reviews for The Toy Insider and contributes to the trade magazines The Toy Book and The Licensing Book. She is an expert in Penn State sports, as well as with numerous cooking techniques. Kristen has been crowned the Queen of Potatoes, but her friends call her Lady Spud. When not yelling at the TV during football or hockey games, she is often binge-watching virtually any cooking show. You can delve into her witty mind and follow her on Twitter @Krypton_87.

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