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Packaging - ***
The basic package includes two nets and one djubi. You can buy
additional three packs of djubi's as well, for when the dog chews them
up. You'll need a knife to get into this package, no doubt about it, but the presentation is good, and there's very little waste.
Basic Play
Feature - ***
The basic idea is simple enough. A djubi is a hard foam like
ball with a tough elastic band attached. Each of the nets has a hook
molded into the frame up near the front edge. Loop the elastic band on
that hook, pull the ball back, and let 'er rip! Their site claims you
can shoot the ball in this manner hundreds of feet, but that seems like
a stretch to me. I was able to launch it an easy 80 feet or so though,
with no sore shoulder at the end of the day.
Obviously, you
catch said projectile in the net when it comes your way. That's pretty
much it, and what the special hook and djubi do are give you a greater
range and potentially more accurate throw, once you get the hang of it.
It
worked great for me, and I was able to both catch and launch the djubi
with relative ease. It was a bit tougher for my kids, not because it
was difficult to pull the elastic back, but because it was hard for
them to hold the racket by the handle at the same time. By moving their
grip up on to the rim of the net, they were far more successful. In the
end though, they had the most fun when dad launched the djubi's up into
the air, and they scrambled to catch them on the way down.
Quality - ****
Both the balls and the nets are extremely high quality, and capable of
enduring some seriously rough play. I was particularly impressed with
the frames for the nets and the rubber no-slip handle, which were tough
yet light weight. They
recommend picking up that extra three pack of djubis, because as the
ball gets worn it tends to start doing some odd things. It's also a
natural attraction for dogs, and the softer nature of the ball won't
withstand a whole lot of chewing. The frame net also has a unique
design to allow you to scoop up a djubi off the ground quite easily.
That's important if you play a fast action team version, where getting
the ball into your net first is key.
Fun Factor - ***1/2
Beyond the basic concept of catch, I think there's a lot of additional
play potential. The site mentions the idea of team play, and I think
you could really expand on that. Get a couple teams of 5 together, and
play it like a form of football without the tackling and all the
passing. When you have the djubi you can't run. When you don't have the
djubi, you have to keep moving. You shoot the djubi to another
player on your team, and when they catch it (or scoop it up), they have
to stop. Obviously, the other team attempts to intercept. It could
certainly be interesting...
Value - **
I do think the $30 price tag is a little high for a lot of folks, but
not a lot. Around $25 is probably ideal, and if these make it to mass
retail, that's more in line with what I'd expect.
Things to Watch Out For -
I'd try to avoid being on the receiving end of any djubi's fired at you
from under 20 feet or so. They're not THAT soft, and they zip along at
a mighty high rate of speed.
Overall - ***
At first glance, the concept might seem simple enough, but I think
combining the shooting aspect with a game of catch is quite appealing.
I know my kids and I had quite a bit of fun with them last month, and
when it starts warming up again (damn Michigan winters), we'll crack
them out and see what games we can come up with.
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