Proof that Sir Isaac Newton was on the ball. COOP Sports offers so many ways for kids to get outside and move that’s there never an excuse . . . even if it’s dark! Their newest line is Reactorz, made with Reactive Light Technology, so a kicked soccer ball or a tossed football becomes illuminated on contact. Like Sir Newton’s law of motion, for every action–toss, throw, kick–there’s an equal and quite bright reaction when kids play with one of eight Reactorz products. From regulation-sized basketball and soccer to football (throws just like a real, regular football) and disc, these sporting goods are priced an allowance-friendly $5.99 to $19.99.
Imagine the added surprise to a kickball or four square game with the Reactorz 8-inch Playground Ball ($17.99). Built-in LEDs create a flash of light with each toss and catch. Textured, semi rigid construction makes the ball easy to grip, throw and kick. How does it work? Don’t look for the on/off switch because there isn’t one! Coop designers, prized for their attention to detail, took a whole year of product development to get this just right! The secret is the long-lasting battery life built in each ball, and the micro prism core that refracts light. Then they put their focus on the exterior. Each Reactorz boasts one of three core colors–Atomic (lime), Ice (blue) and Lava (red). Covering the balls is a contrasting shield color. The final result is like nothing else on the market.
Head a soccer ball as the sun is setting and your team mates might see one of three effects–Atomic Core/Plasma Shield, Lava Core/Laser Shield or Ice Core/Biogreen Shield. The flying disc is the exception with a color scheme of four swirls: Atomic Swirl, Laser Swirl, Atomic Tribal and Atomic Swirl. Reactorz doesn’t need to wait for the sun to go down as their LED lights dazzle brightly morning, noon or night. As the honchos explain: “The core refracts light while the shield blocks it, creating a unique lighting effect and interactive experience between the ball and players.”
Look for this collection at Toys R Us (in stores and online) and Academy Sports + Outdoors stores. All are designed for girls and boys ages 5 and up. Four of the items enjoy an under-$10 price tag.