Engino Toy System – Engineering Suite Review

The Engino toy system is one of the versatile building / construction toys, such as Lego’s Technic and Mindstorm, and K’nex. The 1st version of Engino was released at the end of 2006. Since then it has received numerous awards. It became one of the most innovative and creative construction toys in the world, especially in the European market.

With the Engino toy system, both children and adults can enjoy creating original and imaginative constructions. The system consists of multi-faceted rods and connectors that allow up to 6 sides simultaneously. This system transforms the rod into a connector, allowing the construction of dense or sparse openings. This feature makes children build quick and easy modes, simple or complex, using a reduced number of different pieces and with less quantity.

There are three main series on the market: engineering series, mechanical science and educational series. The Megaset wood series came out recently. In this review, I will briefly talk about the Engino Engineering Series, which can be a good starting point for testing the Engino Toy System.

This Engineering Series has 7 different sets depending on the number of models that a set provides in its assembly instructions: 5 models, 10 models, 20 models, 30 models, 50 models and 80 models. For a large number of model sets, the printed copy of the instructions does not show as many 80 models, for example 80 model sets. However, models not found in the instructions can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. And with your own creativity you can make many more models. The only limit is your imagination and the number of pieces if you want to make a gigantic model. The price ranges from $ 15 to $ 70 as of today (January 2011), which is quite reasonable compared to the price of Lego products.

10 models onwards include the engino 3V gearmotor. With this motor, your kids can power up their models and watch them come to life. This geared motor is powered by 2 AA batteries and has a double action switch for forward-reverse direction. Most packages are suitable for ages 6 to 14 and up.

For a serious robotic toy, Lego’s Mindstorm is top of the line. But, Lego hopes that children ages 8 and up will enjoy their product. But, in my opinion, an 8-year-old may have a hard time programming Mindstorm. That said, Engino Toy will fill the gap between pre-made Lego models and the more advanced Mindstorm that requires a programming skill.

In summary,

• It is a very versatile construction toy with which your children can build hundreds of models using their imaginative ideas.
• Depending on your budget and the capacity of your children, you can choose different models from 5 models to 80 models.
• With the engino 3V geared motor that comes with 10 models upwards, your kids can make mechanical machines that move forward or backward. It is a good stepping stone from a mechanical machine to robotics.
• The simple system, made up of multi-faceted rods and connectors, allows children to build quick and easy modes, simple or complex, using a reduced number of different pieces and with less quantity. And the pieces stay together better than the Lego piece, which tends to come off easily.

I highly recommend Engino Toy System if your kids have master premade toys and are ready to move on to more creative construction toys.