Flybar has been supplying kids with pogo sticks since 1918, when they were known simply as the Original Pogo Stick Company. More than 100 years later, the company is still taking kids to great heights with updates to their beloved toy. The brand’s foam jumper is specially designed to help little kids get their bounce on, outdoors and indoors—without damaging floors. But did it hold up to a 4-year-old and 7-year-old’s rough and tumble play? Read on to find out if this pogo stick had our testers jumping for joy or looking for another energy outlet.
Design: Durable and fun
The Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper comes in four different color schemes that will appeal to boys and girls alike. There are also two versions with LED lights and six adorned with animal characters if you’re looking for something extra adorable. The hand grips are made from soft foam, which our daughter, a preschooler, found easy to grip. The flexible bungee band allows kids to bounce higher the harder they pull. The base is made of heavy yet soft foam, so our kids were able to bounce indoors without destroying our floors or leaving unsightly marks. The jumper squeaks every time they bounce, which we found slightly annoying, but thankfully you can remove the squeaker from the toy. Said to support up to 250 pounds, Flybar’s website ensures that the foam jumper is suitable for adults as well as kids; however, we found that taller kids and adults (say over 5-foot, 5-inches) may need to hunch over to pull up on the handle as it cannot be adjusted to accommodate different heights. Plus, we found that the taller you are, the harder you have to pull up on the handle—which might be difficult for less coordinated kids. Interested in reading more reviews? Take a look at our selection of the best gifts for 4-year-old girls.
Entertainment Value: Burns off their energy
The foam pogo jumper is really fun, both for individual as well as group play. We think it would be especially entertaining if multiple kids had the toy and could race each other across the room or playground. Plus, pogo sticks can help improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and gross motor skills, all of which are especially important to develop during the toddler years.
Age Range: Three to ten
The Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper is meant to be a fun and friendly introduction to the world of pogo jumpers and is suitable for ages three and up. The soft foam construction and simple concept makes it easy for kids of all ages, though we found it’s probably best suited for those under ten due to its size. Taller kids will find it more challenging to pull the jumper’s bungee band high and tight enough for a good bounce—making more advanced versions of pogo sticks a better buy. Regardless of age or size, Flybar recommends that everyone wear a helmet for safety while using this toy. And beware of dangerous conditions, including uneven, weak, or slippery ground, as well as steep inclines or overhead obstacles and more.
Ease of Cleaning: Use a wipe, not a hose
We found that both baby wipes and soft cloths were able remove surface dirt; just avoid hosing the pogo jumper down or submerging it as water will get trapped in the foam’s crevices. The company’s website advises against using it when it’s wet outside, as the conditions could harm the foam. For the same reason, we wouldn’t recommend leaving it outside unless you have it in a garage or shed where it will be protected from the elements. Storing the foam pogo jumper is easy, since the bungee band lets you fold and fit in a compact spot. Check out our other reviews of the best outdoor toys available on the market today.
Price: Hours of fun for under $15
The Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper sells for less than $15. While it is one of the more expensive foam jumpers out there, the difference comes down to only a few dollars. We found the durability and design options to be worth the small markup.
Competition: Don’t skimp on quality to save a few bucks
Again, there are other slightly less expensive pogo jumpers on the market, but Flybar offers better quality for just a few dollars more. For example, the Click N’ Play Foam Pogo Jumper retails for around $10, but several reviewers complained that the product was flimsy and that the LED lights didn’t always work. The brand High Bounce also makes a My First Foam Pogo Hopper that retails for a lower price, but it’s available in only one color versus FlyBar’s range of offerings. The Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper is of superior quality, made with thick foam and bungee cords plus easy-to-grip handles. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and will help kids develop balancing skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, they’ll burn off a ton of energy during bounce sessions, and that alone is worth the nearly $20 price tag.
