Customer Reviews

Discovery Exclusive Tornado Lab

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

This toy is versatile and can be used at many levels. Early learners will like the Halloween-y howling sounds it makes, and will like to watch the spiraling shape. More advanced kids can study specific gravity and weather patterns, as well as learning about the more notorious tornadoes in US history. The tornado lab is fun to use with food coloring in the water, to show how air masses collide; also fun to vary the little items dropped in. Just as in real life, the lighter lower specific gravity items are captured in the vortex and carried up; the higher specific gravity items are tossed out. (I should know; I survived the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado in Indiana. One of my Dad's checkbook registers was returned to us from central Ohio.) We really think this is a fun toy, even for phobics, and we have used one up already and are on our second.

First of all, the craftsmanship is shoddy. After only a week of using this thing prolifically, it started to leak. After reading about the troubles some people had with getting full refunds on both shipping and for the product itself, I hadn't the patience to deal with that at the time; however, i wish i had gotten a refund. This product is overpriced. It should be in the dollar store, because that's probably what it costs Discovery to make this thing. The sound effects they included were annoying and had no educational purpose whatsoever. Kids would have a better learning experience with the tornado tube that connects two soda bottles together. At least that is reliable and doesn't leak. Another gripe I had about this, is that it's battery operated. It would be better if it could be run off of electricity. Bottom line: Don't waste your money on this, you certainly do NOT get what you paid for.

There is a product called the Twister Tube http://www.twistertube.com/default.htm, that looks amazing, but it seems to be more for aesthetics as opposed to education. However, it is still a good product. It's made by a company called Cyclotek. At the moment, however, the site is down because they are refining the product.

It didn't leak, well at least not yet, but it sure felt like it was going to given its construction. The kids loved seeing and controlling the whirlpool size.

We ordered this item for our son's birthday. When he opened the box, it was obvious it had been used. The clear plastic portion was scratched up and had fingerprints and smudges all over. The housing was filthy and the labels on the buttons showed signs of wear. Needless to say we were embarrassed and our son was disappointed. We shipped the item back the next day and then called The Discovery Store. They were uncooperative and said they would not refund our original shipping charges. Over a month after they received the returned item, they still have not refunded our purchase amount. Amazon DID step up to the plate and refunded both shipping costs. Now our credit card company is in dispute with Discovery to attempt to recover our losses. After multiple calls to The Discovery Store's rude associates with poor business practices, this experience has been a huge headache and we would suggest you avoid ordering from them.

My 5 year old loved his Tornado, but it leaked on the second day. He doesn't want it now "because it is broken.". At least he got a DVD with it.

My 4 year old loves tornados. This seemed like a perfect gift for his birthday, and it was, for about one day. It started to leak after only one day of use. We thought we could still use it if we dryed it out after each use, but it only lasted a couple more times then the motor stopped working. Wonderful idea, but very poorly made. Also, would be nice if the lid screwed, it comes off very easily. I am now looking for a different model because my son asks to see his tornado every day.

My son Loves this toy! He is fascinated by tornadoes and this lets him make his own in whatever category he wants.

My 5 y-o son received this as a gift and was thrilled since he loves learning about natural disasters. My first observation was that it appeared used. We followed the pretty basic instructions and while it was interesting to see it in action, the knobs and buttons didn't operate as it should. Soon after, it started to leak and the battery housing at the bottom got wet. Piece of worthless crap. Why didn't I return it? It came with a DVD on tornadoes and hurricanes that my son absolutely loves.

This toy is exactly like described. My son was really into tornadoes for his birthday this year (6). It made him happy to play with it and it lasted longer than the fascination. It still works fine and a lot of kids have played with it. I definitely say it is worth the money if you have a young child who wants a "tornado in a bottle".

My son was very happy with the toy for the first couple days, until the product began to leak. Also, I wish the top would screw or snap on as it didn't stay on very well.

My son still watches the Tornado/Hurricane dvd that came with it, but he unfortunately can't play with the toy much as the water was leaking into the battery casing and probably the motor assembly too as it doesn't seem to spin as fast as it used to even after replacing the batteries.

Perhaps just ours was defective, but overall I would not recommend this product and will probably be purchasing a different replacement for my son such as the other model with changing color LED feature.