K’Nex have been around since the early 90s and is now owned by Basic Fun Toys. It allows individuals to use their imagination to create their 3D models using a rod and connector building system.
A few years ago, we reviewed their Thrill Rides range: K’Nex Web Weaver Roller Coaster. It was great fun! I have noticed a difference in their quality from the roller coaster set to the current set. The current set is definitely better and slightly more flexible, which allows pieces to bend in an odd angle. I remember we broke a couple of connector pieces in the roller coaster set! Now, these pieces feel more durable. Since then, they have also expanded their ranges like Kid K’Nex, Core and Architecture.
We were thrilled to receive sets from the three ranges: Kid K’Nex Dino Dudes set, Core 10-in-1 Building set and Architecture London Eye set.
What is Kid K’Nex?
These sets are made for younger children aged three and above. The parts are larger, softer and contain colourful plastic pieces which are easy to build and create than the classic K’Nex rods and connectors.
This Dino Dudes set contains 100 pieces with a mixture of rods, connectors and accessories including a face, wings, tails, and horns, which you can use to build over 30 models. There are three examples on the instructions and the rest can be downloaded via the K’Nex website.
This set is great for preschoolers as a starter kit. It helps supports the development of fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. All Kid K’Nex sets are compatible, and can be used together to create anything your imagination can concoct!
What is Core?
This is the next range up for children aged five and above. The pieces are less chunkier than the Kid K’Nex. They are still easy to hold and the pieces click together very nicely to make anything they can dream of.
We have received the K’Nex 10-in-1 Building set which is available to buy from Argos. This comes in 130 classic K’NEX pieces with 10 building ideas to create a quadcopter, a tow truck, a frog, a rocket, a chopper, a cat and many more. There are five building ideas on the instructions, whilst the rest can be downloaded via the website.
Ms C is 11 years old and is visually impaired. The pieces are a good size for her and the instructions are easy to read. She chose to build the racing car model and managed to build it without my help. She didn’t struggle for help and was very proud to finish the build by herself. It kept her entertained for awhile. I love that K’Nex sets promote and help strengthening hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness, all the while putting them on a path towards a greater understanding of STEM subject matter.
What is Architecture?
This is their new line of Building sets based on the world’s greatest architectural designs. Each set comes with historical information about the landmark and detailed easy-to-follow, step-by-step building instructions. It is compatible with other K’Nex building sets.
We have received the K’Nex Architecture London Eye, which is available to buy from John Lewis. We were really excited when we saw this set, especially as it features a moving wheel. It looks great on display standing approximately 66 cm tall with a 47 cm base. It is suitable for nine years old and above.
This set comes with 1,861 pieces with a motor that requires two AA batteries which are not included in the set. There are illustrated instructions and we did find it hard to follow for some steps as the pieces only come in three different colours: mostly white, black and grey. Anyway, we are no stranger to K’Nex sets. In fact, we have bought a few K’Nex sets before (Starter kit, Ferris wheels etc.) and we love them. Mr K has been using them to build a mobile phone stand, photo frame stand, iPad holder and many more weird and imaginative objects using K’Nex.
This set is very challenging as there are so many pieces to build. We took nearly three days (more than 10 hours) to build this authentic replica of the London Eye. It was not very easy, as sometimes we accidentally went off-script in a few steps. Therefore we had to take it apart and rebuild in some areas. It was hard and required plenty of attention to the details on the instructions. It was worth it though as the finished product looks amazing especially as it moves!
The pieces are durable and great quality. We didn’t break anything and nothing went missing. Occasionally the wheel needs helping hands to move as the connectors got caught on the moving side wheels. Some parts of the wheels that did come loose when I first turned the motor on. A quick fix by piecing it tightly and it didn’t come off again. It is a great set for those architecture-obsessed fans who loved a challenge.
After building this London Eye, I have placed the Golden Gate Bridge and Eiffel Tower on my watchlist! For more information about K’Nex, please visit https://www.basicfun.com/knex/index.html
Now that we are entering another lockdown, these will be a great build to keep you occupied. So what are you building today? Why not comment below and let me know!
Disclosure: We received the samples for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.