Metal Anti-Gravity Gyroscope Balance Toy (Golden)

Threading the Gyroscope was a pain in the neck, and the cord has potential to fray making it impossible for any kind of sustainable longevity. It’s not a precision instrument, but rather a toy as marketed. It spins, its fascinating to watch in motion, and after several spins at about two minutes each spin when it’s petered out from lack of momentum, you lose interest. Had one once as a child and I recall being fascinated by its beauty and movement. I thought it would be nice to revisit those memories with a new one. You can’t go back home. With a price point of less than $15 it’s recommended to set one’s expectations accordingly.

This is the second gyroscope we have in the house (the first is one my husband has and this one was for my son). While this isn't as nice as the other one we have, it still works well. It did take my son (14 yrs old) a bit of practice to get it spinning. It's not quite as well balanced as our other gyroscope but if you get it spinning fast enough it stays up for awhile.We like that it includes a stand and the metal it's made of looks cool. The string included to wind the gyroscope is a bit disappointing; it is frayed at one end and is just a plain old string. The string our other gyroscope is waxed string which works way better (easier to thread and stays wound better).Anyway, we have enjoying playing with it and my son has still been playing with it off and on for the last week or so. So, I think it was worth it.

The media could not be loaded.  This gyroscope (spinning top) is okay. It’s very pretty, and it looks cool while it’s going. But it takes a bit of practice to make it work well, and it’s frustrating when it doesn’t. It comes with no instructions other than the basics of wrapping the cord. The box shows pictures with names of nine different “tricks” you can supposedly do, but there is no explanation of how to do them.Tie the included key ring to one end of the string to give you a good grip. Insert the other end of the string in the shaft and turn the wheel to wrap the cord around it. You’ll quickly realize that you need to make sure the cord doesn’t wrap very thick on the end (away from the center) where it will interfere with pulling it off quickly. It’s probably best to keep the wrap towards the center. Wrap somewhat tightly. Then pull very quickly, being careful that you are not touching the wheel or shaft. You have to get it spinning extremely fast or it won’t balance. Set the gyroscope on the stand. (You can also start it spinning while already on the stand, whichever you find easier, but you gotta hold tight.) If you got it spinning quickly enough, it’ll stay upright. It’ll spin for a while, wobble, and fall off (or over, if you’re not using the stand). It’ll keep spinning for a long, long time after it’s fallen. This makes me think it’s not engineered very well. Or maybe there is some fine technique I’m unaware of.The quality control definitely has issues. The hole in the shaft wasn’t punched through cleanly. I kept wondering why the string wouldn’t go in very easily. I had to ream it out with a very small file.Overall, aside from the questionable balance of the thing, defective hole, and lack of useful instructions or tips, it’s okay, but it takes too much effort to wrap the string, etc. for a relatively short period of “play.” So I think most kids will quickly discard this thing. I know I’m done.

Got this because Ive always wanted one as a kid. Now that I'm grown up and have my own kids I love this toy for teaching my little ones about forces and how they interact.Granted this is not the best and smoothest gyroscope it does well enough to get the point across.There is some play in the center rod which leads to a slight wobble which reduces the quality of the spin, unfortunately.Other than that little bit, for kids its great. They can learn about the forces of momentum and centrifugal motion. when balancing it on the top or on the string it neat to watch and examine. Even just holding it is fun.Like I said its not a well made toy but that's what you get for the price and that's why I still give it 5 stars. You can always invest more into a better toy if you feel its a good idea.

I loved having a gyroscope when I was a kid and I’m glad I’m able to see my kids love it as much as I did when I was younger

I remember using one on a string as a youth. Always fascinating.

End knob falls of when using. Package came crushed, ripped and barely forming a box. Low quality.