Market Research

Before we decided which models to put through our rigorous testing process, we surveyed the market. We scouted marble runs at toy conventions, examined the holdings at retail stores, and plunged into the deepest depths of online reviews. We carefully considered 31 marble run models across 22 different brands before boiling down the list. We excluded a couple intriguing products, like the ThinkFun Gravity Maze and FoxMind's Maze Racers, as too far afield from typical marble runs for this test. Others didn't make the cut due to quality or stability concerns. We ultimately selected the seven most promising marble runs of varying price, material, popularity, and complexity to test. 

 

Purchase Methodology

We paid retail for all seven models, just like you.

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Assessment Criteria

Upon arrival, we unpacked the boxes to examine the materials. We inspected for flaws, chips, cracks, and the like. Then the real fun began. We let our littlest testers, ranging in age from 4 to 6, get their paws on the pieces. Our team spent more than three months constructing multiple runs with all seven marble sets. Our testing team carefully evaluated the fun (and sometimes the frustration) that went into building a run using the seven different sets.

 

Here's how we scored the marble runs:

 

Components (30%)

For each set, we examined the quality of the component pieces, keeping an eye out for cracks, dents, and other signs of wear and tear. We also took note of the number and variety of pieces. We paid particular attention to whether the model included a catcher to keep the marbles from shooting out at the end of the run. We also looked at the number and quality of the marbles included with the set. 

 

Ease of Build (30%)

The less frustrating the building process, the higher the score on this metric. We carefully assessed any stability challenges presented when building, as well as how well the pieces interlocked. We also took into account the clarity of the included directions.

 

Engagement (30%)

Here we focused on the fun and intrigue of the run once built. We were looking for runs that behaved in interesting ways, including cool component parts, like a funnel or spinning wheel. We also examined the number of suggested builds and the potential for free design. Party fouls included runs where the marbles often lose momentum and come to a stop or runs where marbles shoot off at random points.  

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Repeat Play Value (10%)

Once the marble run was built and played with, how often did our littlest testers come back to it? We were looking for marble runs that continued to pique the kiddos interest. Bonus points if they were inspired to break it apart and build a new design from the manual or invent one of their own.