Hog Wild Toys is pushing aerodynamics to the limits with its latest outdoor toy, the Wingball.
The Wingball is a toss-and-catch foam toy that’s specifically designed to increase speed, spiral, and overall distance when kids give it a toss. Because of this, it isn’t shaped like a conventional ball. Instead, it’s a hollow cylinder, measuring a little less than a foot long. The length allows players to catch it at all angles, making it easier to catch than the average ball. However, because of its bigger size, this toy is recommended for kids ages 8 and up.
I decided to put it to the test with my athletic father. The packaging didn’t indicate which side to throw it from, but after a couple of tosses, it became clear that gripping the end with the green ring and football-like ridges did the trick. Like a football, these ridges have indents that indicate where to place fingers to ensure a perfect spiral.
As someone who doesn’t partake in sports often, this toy was a bit hard for me to figure out, and I wasn’t always able to land the target — so, if your kid is a beginner athlete, you may want to work your way up to the Wingball. However, my football-loving father was able to throw the Wingball with ease. We’re unsure if it performed better than an average football, but we played together on a day with no wind. It’s entirely possible that the weather could speed things up. It’s also a great option for those who like to toss a football around in a pool — the Wingball is lighter than a football and would make it a bit easier!
The Wingball’s softer, foam material may also make parents feel a bit more at ease when watching a game of catch. The foam is soft enough that you can squeeze the edges. The only harder part of the toy is the foam ridges, so it’s still perfectly safe to play with!
Overall, this toy is perfect for older kids who enjoy going outside and playing catch, any tween looking to get in some extra practice for an upcoming football game, or even teens and adults who enjoy casually playing catch with friends or want something to throw in a beach bag and toss around in the sand. There’s a lot that can be done with the Wingball, whether it be one-on-one time or team-based fun!
