Spin Master Ninja Spy Gear Children's Toys (age 6+) Review

Spring often sees the release of some of the more active toys, ready for outdoor play in the Summer. This Spring Spin Master have launched new additions for their range of Spy Gear: Ninja Gear and we've been sent the Transforming Ninja Sword and the Ninja Wrist Blaster to review.

The Spy Gear Transforming Ninja Sword (age 6+) is pretty awesome. Retracted it is around the size of a sturdy torch and in fact it is a real torch - but it unfolds at the touch of a button into a Ninja Katana 3 times the length...

The torch button needs to be held in to operate the flashlight. No wasted batteries - although no good for reading War And Peace in bed...

The sword itself is concealed in the handle, in 3 parts, with a button-activated spring-action release mechanism. It flips out really quickly - so avoid the younger siblings, although they won't come to much harm with a direct hit as the sword is stiff, but still gives a little.

A small peg on the hinge and the sword release button both need to be pressed in to fold up the sword. This is easy enough and quick once you've got the hang of it. Perfect for your young ninja...

The Spy Gear Ninja Wrist Blaster (6+) is a dart blaster which means your secret weapon can literally be hidden up your sleeve... Remarkably comfortable and easy to use, the ultimate in sticky dart spy equipment...

The Wrist Blaster attaches to the Ninja-child's right arm via hook and loop (Velcro) straps which are wide and soft and the shape fits both my 7 and 8 year olds nicely. It actually fits me nicely too...

The weapon holds one dart in the front chamber, with storage for two more at the sides. The sticky darts are hilarious, a rubbery material which will stick to smooth fabrics and skin.. and the ceiling...

This is secret Spy Gear, so the firing action is standard with a twist and pretty cool. Insert the dart, 'cock' the weapon and fire. The air pressure shoots the darts fairly accurately and a good distance.

The firing is done via a large bar at the wrist which you squeeze with your fingers. It works really well without straining, even for younger Ninjas.

As you'd expect from Spy Gear, at first glance these toys are completely unremarkable objects and no other 8 year old would ever guess you were secretly a Ninja Spy...

Both toys also both have mounts for attachments (night scopes, tactical mirrors etc) and top marks to Spin Master for the minimal packaging with only a tiny amount of plastic. It was easy and quick to open as well, with torch batteries included, so excellent for early morning opening.

We really like these. They're a good price for a nice toy that will get lots of imaginative play. The Wrist Blaster is a great addition to our dart shooters, and the Sword is a real favourite of my 8 year old, who really is getting pretty swift and ninja-esque...

There are some amazing products in the full Spy Gear range for any budding Ninja Spies. The Transforming Ninja Sword has an rrp of £15.99 and the Ninja Wrist Blaster has an rrp of £12.99. Available from all good toy shops instore or online, including Amazon.