TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Extreme Sports Toys

By Michelle White
April 2005

Extreme sports have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years and have become a growing element of youth culture. Twists on innovations within extreme sports, such as skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and surfing, have resulted in toys designed to share mobile thrills with people of all ages across differing levels of extremity.

Laser Challenge Radar Extreme by TOYMAX

This game’s advanced features include vests that emit electro-luminescent target light with a 350' range.
— An Amazon.com editorial review highlights the “laser pistols and sensor vests, complete with convincing digital sound effects.”
— Its average customer rating is better than four out of five stars on bestbuy-online.net.
— It was included in the most popular list of games and puzzles in the toy category on Hat.net in February 2005. 3/30/2005 (MSRP: $29.95; Age: 8 and Up)

Powerisers - Jumping Stilts by POWERISER

Powerisers - Jumping Stilts by POWERISER The advent of roller skates, the skateboard and roller blades led to this innovative combination of power stilts, rocket shoes and velocity stilts.
— Powerisers allow the adult user to jump 6' in the air and leap in 9' strides, while children can jump 3.5'.
— The product is in the top five for sales on extremetoysforboys.com.
— It was once sold out due to high demand on superdairyboy.com. 3/30/2005 (MSRP: $390.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Blunt Wakeskates by EARTHBOARD

Blunt Wakeskates by EARTHBOARD The Blunt model features advanced, high performance construction that lends greater ease to performing tricks.
--This model is extremely light-weight, providing for tighter rotations in spins and higher air in jumps.
--A V-bottom concave funnels water under the board, giving the deck quicker release off the water and reducing water static for a smoother ride.
--The item was out of stock in late March due to high demand on extremetoysforboys.com. 3/30/2005 (MSRP: $239; Age: 10 and Up)

Wasp Trainer Kite by SLINGSHOT

Wasp Trainer Kite by SLINGSHOT The new Wasp design lends a quick, responsive feel and carries more power in a smaller size than the previous series of Slingshot Trainer Kites.
--The Wasp is constructed from rip-stop nylon for land use durability and is recommended for use on land to prepare for kiteboarding on the water or snow.
--The Wasp launches easily whether in the lightest or the heaviest winds.
--The product was once a top-selling item on kiteworld.net and out of stock due to high demand on boardshop.co.uk. 3/30/2005 (Age: 8 and Up)

Aqua Jump Floating Trampolines by RAVE SPORTS

This UV-treated platform comes in four sizes: 10-foot (for children), 15-foot, 20-foot, and 25-foot diameters.
— It has been popularized on the television show “Fear Factor.”
— It is currently a top seller on trampolinetime.com.
— Aqua Jump is the world’s first floating trampoline according to trampolinetime.com. 3/30/2005 (Age: 6 and Up)

Texas Star Trampoline by TEXAS TRAMPOLINES

Texas Star Trampoline by TEXAS TRAMPOLINES The Texas Star offers 98 square feet of mat space for jumping.
-- According to trampolinetime.com, the product is one of the most popular rectangular trampolines available, and the model most preferred by gyms.
-- The outside frame is constructed of durable galvanized steel, while frame pads are covered in weather resistant vinyl.
-- The product is a top seller on trampolinetime.com.
3/30/2005 (MSRP: $999; Age: 7 and Up)

Landwave Skateboard Ramps by LANDWAVE

Landwave Skateboard Ramps by LANDWAVE This is the world’s only stackable and expandable skateboard ramp. Locking together various geometric shapes, skaters can build their own ramp system. Rubber feet keeps the product in place while plastic connectors accommodate a child's physical growth (it can even withstand a weight capacity of up to 300lb.). Such flexability and durability preclude the need for older skaters to upgrade. In six months, the product has sold forty $200 combination kits, consisting of two ramps and one deck, surpassing other items comparable in price to become a top feature on Jump USA, America’s #1 sports training superstore. 3/30/2005 (MSRP: $73.99; Age: 6 and Up)

TrailSkate All-Terrain Skates by GATESKATE INC.

Following in-line skating, snowboarding and mountain biking trends, these skates are built to handle any surface, including gravel, grass and dirt with bumps, cracks or debris.
— Parents like the fact that the skates are designed to promote health and fitness benefits through aerobic stimulation.
— Hand-controlled hydraulic brakes ensure speed control and comfort, allowing a safer, low-impact ride and greater ease for beginners.
— It is a top-five item on superdairyboy.com. 3/30/2005 (MSRP: $319.99; Age: 10 and Up)

Wheelman - Motorized Skateboard by WHEELMAN

Spokeless wheels support a motor and frame while the rider stands upright and controls speed with a cable-like controller.
— The product features a similar learning curve to skate/snow/surfboarding, with a low center of gravity.
—The product has received recognition as one of Time Magazine‘s “Best Inventions of the Past Year” and has also been featured on CNN, "Ripley´s Believe It or Not," Livin´ Large, TKO and Planet X TV.
— The innovative product was once out of stock at extremetoysforboys.com due to high demand. 3/30/2005 (MSRP: $699.00; Age: 10 and Up)