Hoberman: Sphere-- Rainbow

by Hoberman

Product Features

• Expands from 9.5" to 30"
• No assembly required
• Includes 21 Cool Things To Do game sheet
• Includes a pully that can be attached to the ceiling allowing you to open and close your sphere.
• Great conversation piece

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 9.5 inches ; 1.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00000JN49
• Item model number: HS104
• Manufacturer recommended age: 4 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,265 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
  • #56 in Toys & Games > Learning & Education > Science
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)

Product Description

Editorial Review

The Hoberman Sphere starts small and grows larger. And vice versa. Made of rainbow-colored plastic links, the sphere expands to 30 inches in diameter and contracts to a compact 9.5 inches. There's a hypnotic fascination in making the sphere expand and contract over and over again, but if kids want to do more with their sphere, a guide (included) lists some possibilities. How about trying the ballerina spin, the flip down, or the hot potato? The sphere can also be a fashion accessory. Think spiked hat or, even better, space helmet. Another option is to hang the sphere as a mobile. A pulley system is included, and a pull of the ring will cause the sphere to contract. Release the ring for expansion. Plenty of fun, the Hoberman Sphere might get kids thinking about mechanical engineering and some folding/unfolding projects of their own. Winner of the Parents' Choice Award. --Wendy Slotboom

Product Description

A rainbow of bright colors that expands to create a toy. Teaching tool or an object of art! Expands from 9 to 30 in diameter. FUN

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The wonders of Engineering come to life!, October 15, 2000

By 

"ryy1" (Ithaca, NY) - See all my reviews

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Hoberman: Sphere-- Rainbow (Toy)

This toy has the potential to inspire young children and lead them to careers & interests in engineering, mathematics, the physical sciences, etc. Once they're over their "ooohs" and "ahhhs" and start thinking of the design and simplistic yet complex design, watch out! The flood gates of curiosity open and they don't ever close!

Personal Story: A few years ago, a neighbor's family and myself took a trip to the Liberty Science Center at Liberty State Park, New Jersey. In the main concourse of the center was a Hobermann Sphere of immense proportions.. if I recall, the collapsed sphere had a diameter of 12 feet and in its expanded form, occupied the entire concourse at an impressive 96 feet. The neighbor's 8-year old son was in awe the entire trip back, especially after his parents had bought him a miniature sphere from the museum gift shop.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, February 17, 2002

By 

A 12-year old toy enthusiast (wisconsin) - See all my reviews

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Hoberman: Sphere-- Rainbow (Toy)

When I first saw this toy at a freinds birthday I basically fell in love with it.so then when my mom came to pick me up I was like mom you have to get me one of those so then she did so when I got it i just had to bring it to school and me and my freinds played with it during recess and even in between classes and my mom even likes to play with it and its also something you can never get bored of and its fun for all ages even for my grandma.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Fun Fun!, December 13, 2001

By 

J. L. Shipp "Book Lover, Foodie, Philosopher" (Richmond, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hoberman: Sphere-- Rainbow (Toy)

I thought I would write a review on this gizmo. I gave this to my friend for Xmas (we exchanged gifts early). He is 23 and could not stop playing with it. It was the perfect thing for him. He is so smart and inquisitive. He enjoys the complexity of and the engineering behind it. He has had a great time figuring out a variety of uses for it. He is starting a project to convert it into a disco ball using LEDs. It should make for an very interesting party.