Top 5 New Board Games of 2021

/0 Comments/in /by

Best Board Games of 2021!

This last year has been full of surprises! The biggest surprise was just how much time we would be spending at home and with our families. You have probably been thinking of some fun ways to keep your kids entertained. Besides some fun scavenger hunts, or other indoor or outdoor games, let me suggest a couple of new board games for you and your family to try! There are a ton of board games out there, and knowing which ones will be a hit can be a gamble. Luckily, my friends and I have tried a ton of games released in 2021 and made a list of our favorites!

#5: Juicy Fruits

Juicy Fruits Board Game Box

Number five on my list of top board games from 2021 is the game Juicy Fruits. This game has a lot of moving parts, so you might have to play it a couple of times to get all the rules down. In this game, each player has their own Tropical Island to capitalize on. Each Island has fruits they can harvest to then use as a resource to gain points. There are multiple strategies to winning, but first you have to clear space on your board by filling orders on boats. Each boat order gives you points, so even clearing your board is one way to win!

Opposite of clearing you board is filling your board. Each player has their own Island, but there is a shared “Market” where you can buy vacation attractions, food booths, or other fruit baskets. Any attractions you buy are placed on your board and cannot be moved from their spot. This can make fruit harvesting a challenge, due to the games unique fruit sliding mechanic. Another way to win is to buy the moving food booths. These can be a great way to make lots of points quickly, but be careful of competition! Another island with a food booth could get all the points first!

Overall, this game is pretty fast moving and not too competitive! You spend all of your time and attention on your own island, so there isn’t much island to island competition. Because the turns can be pretty fast, unless you have planned ahead, your turn might come quicker than you expected and slow you down. Juicy Fruits is also only a four player game. Many families do not fit in that box and you might have just a few too many players in your family group. This one gets an 8/10 from me for its pure fun! I think the brightly colored and fun shaped fruit pieces really make the game, and as your family gets more advanced, there is an optional “Juicing Station” with lots of fun features.

Sale
Capstone Games: Juicy Fruits, Strategy Board Game, Quick and Easy Game, Grow Delicious Fruit in Paradise 1 to 4 Players, 20 to 50 Minute Play Time, Ages 8 and Up
Capstone Games: Juicy Fruits, Strategy Board Game, Quick and Easy Game, Grow Delicious Fruit in Paradise 1 to 4 Players, 20 to 50 Minute Play Time, Ages 8 and Up
  • A part of Capstone's new Family Brand
  • Quick and simple gameplay with remarkable depth
  • Utilizes a clever and unique sliding mechanic
$25.03 Amazon Prime
Check Price

#4: Tiny Epic Pirates

Tiny Epic Pirates game pieces

Do you like Pirate games? I have an uncle who collects them and we have reviewed some pretty awesome Pirate board games in the past! Since this is a 2021 game, it is brand new and freshly printed!

Tiny Epic Pirates was easily my favorite, but I cant quite give it the number one spot. This game is part of a series of games. Ever heard of Tiny Epic Zombies, Dinosaurs, Galaxies? If not, I highly suggest you look into these gems as well. Tiny Epic Pirates is called Tiny & Epic for good reason. When my copy came in the mail I was shocked at the tiny box size! Even better than the box size were the tiny Pirate Ships! I have a soft spot for small things and this one called my name!

You play as a pirate! (Obvious I know.) You take your ship and pillage, fight, recruit crewmates, hideout in secret coves, and bury treasure! Each player, hereto referred to as “pirate”, starts with a captain card with a special ability and a helm card. The rules can be tricky to explain and trickier to understand, but it basically works like this: Plunder Booty from islands or from sinking merchant ships, then sell that Booty for doubloons. once you reach 12 or 13 doubloons, you have to sail to an island and bury your treasure! The game ends when the first person buries their third treasure chest.

If you love pirates, doubloons, and tiny ships, this game is definitely worth a try! When playing, I found a couple of weird rules I wasn’t crazy about, but the reason Tiny Epic Pirates doesn’t take first place is because of its difficulty. This is not a game for small kids. Even tweens might struggle. The rulebook is quite lengthy, and there are some features of this game that feel overly complicated. All that being said, this was my personal favorite and I give it a 9/10 fun rating! If you have some real board game nerds in your family and feel up to the challenge, pop Tiny Epic Pirates into your Amazon cart next time you’re looking for something interesting!

Gamelyn Tiny Epic Pirate Board Game - Notorious Pirate Ship Board Games, Strategic Board Games for Adults, With Rulebook, 210 Game Pieces, and 7 Ships, Blue
Gamelyn Tiny Epic Pirate Board Game - Notorious Pirate Ship Board Games, Strategic Board Games for Adults, With Rulebook, 210 Game Pieces, and 7 Ships, Blue
  • UNIQUE PIRATE GAME - Sailing a pirate ship is an adventure in and of itself, but it's just one possible...
  • REAL PLUNDERING EXPERIENCE - The popular board games offers plundering in a great way to acquire goods...
  • HIGH-END TRADING - Gamelyn's risk board game features a Black Market, which is the one place in pirate...
$22.24 Amazon Prime
Check Price

#3: MicroMacro Crime City

MicroMacro Crime City ranked best board game of 2021

MicrroMacro’s Crime City is one of the most surprising board games I have ever played! Crime City was created in Germany and won the most prestigious board game in the world, the Kinderspiel des Jahres award for 2021. In the board game community, that means this thing is kind of a big deal. Since winning the award, this game has been sold out all over the world. They printed more copies in September, but they were sold out in a week!

So, what makes it so great? Crime City is essentially clue and Where’s Waldo smashed together. The box comes with a 75cm x 110cm map of “Crime City.” Rightfully named, the map is covered in cartooned crimes to be solved. The characters on the map mostly resemble animals or blob shapes with bodies. The black and white cartoon nature means there are no explicit images, but there are some adult themes. Luckily, the creators of Crime City have a clear rating system on each case.

The game comes with 16 cases to be solved. Cases range from 6 to 15 cards, each asking for a new piece of the investigation. On the front card of each case, there is a title, a game length, a star difficulty rating and an icon with its rating. The instruction manual describes these ranks as either, “Accidents” or “Adult themed Crimes”. The handbook expressly recommends parents play through any adult ranked crimes to determine their playability for their children.

As a young adult, I think the couple of cases I have played through have been a ton of fun! Some are really challenging, but everyone has something to do! This game really is addicting, and MicroMacro knew what they were doing buy only having 15 cases to solve. Although there is a lot of variety in the cases, there isn’t much replayability. Which means you kind of have to stretch out the cases unless you rush out and buy the expansions.

My only other complaint is the map. It is so big, and its only glossy paper. Unless you have a large flat game-space, this thing is going on the floor. And, because everyone is leaning over the map to find the clues, wrinkles and creases are inevitable. Because it is black and white stains or spots might become a problem. Despite these shortcomings, I give it a 10/10 fun rating! There are so many surprises and the hunt for the crime is so thrilling! If you are okay with getting an expansion once a year, I highly recommend MicroMacro Crime City! And, if I haven’t convinced you, MicroMacro has a playable demo on their website here!

Sale
MicroMacro: Crime City - Board Game by Pegasus Spiele 1-4 Players – 15-45 Minutes of Gameplay – for Family Game Night – Kids and Adults Ages 12+ - English Version
MicroMacro: Crime City - Board Game by Pegasus Spiele 1-4 Players – 15-45 Minutes of Gameplay – for Family Game Night – Kids and Adults Ages 12+ - English Version
  • Welcome to Crime City, a city where crime lurks around every corner. Disastrous secrets, devious...
  • MicroMacro - Crime City is a cooperative detective game.
  • Together, the players solve 16 tricky criminal cases by determining motives, finding evidence, and...
$25.90 Amazon Prime
Check Price

#2: Bristol 1350

Bristol 1350 Board game pieces: picture includes the Patreon expansion

Bristol 1350 is the fourth and newest board game from Facade Games. Each game comes in a nifty Book box, and has delicate stylish pieces. Each game is historically themed, including Salem, Tortuga, and Deadwood. Bristol 1350 is themed after the Black Plague in England. It might seem a little dark, but it is actually a seriously fun party game! Unlike all the other games on this list, Bristol 1350 is a 9 player game. I’ve played this with 3 people, 4 people, and 7 people. Seven was easily the most fun!

Each player chooses a color peg. Then the each peg is placed inside one of three colored carts. Each round, 6 dice are rolled. The color on the dice represents how many spaces that colored cart can move. The symbol, either a rat or an apple, represents whether or not you have to “mingle.” This gets into the main theme of the game: get past the finish-line and don’t catch the plague! You also can’t have any infected people in your cart either. The whole game is a matter of avoiding the sick, and moving your cart.

Well, what happens when you get sick? That might just be the best part! In Bristol 1350, when you get sick, your win scenario changes. Now, you win when you infect everybody or if you cross the finish-line and make an noninfected person.

It’s a game of poker facing and sabotage. Its fight for yourself until you get sick, then its fight to destroy everyone else. I give this about a 5/10 for four or less players, but a 10/10 fun rating with six or more! I don’t have enough friends to play a 9 player game, but I bet anything it would be a ton of fun! It is very stylistic, and the rules are simple. The game is fast paced, and can be extended if you wanted longer play. But the coolest bonus: the awesome Book Box makes it great for storage.

Bristol 1350 Board Game of Strategy, Deceit, and Luck for 1-9 Players
Bristol 1350 Board Game of Strategy, Deceit, and Luck for 1-9 Players
  • BRISTOL 1350: The dreaded Black Death has descended upon Bristol and you need to escape! To win, be on...
  • SOLO & PARTY GAME MODES: Bristol 1350 is a light strategy and social deduction game for 1-9 players ages...
  • CONTENTS: 1 magnetic book box, 9 character cards, 27 remedy cards, 28 symptom cards, 3 miniature carts, 1...
$24.99 Amazon Prime
Check Price

#1: Happy Little Dinosaurs

Happy Little Dinosaurs board and piece set

Just by looking at the picture of Happy Little Dinosaurs, you can probably sense something familiar. This is one of many games made by Unstable Unicorns, most famously known for their games Unstable Unicorns, Here to Slay, and Llamas Unleashed. Their art style is known as the brand Tee Turtle. They make lots of quirky adorable tee shirts.

The cards have the same adorable and quirky descriptions, and the player boards are to die for cute. Although this is only a four player game, it is the shortest game on the list. My family could go three or four rounds of this and still have a great time! Similar to the play style of other board games like Exploding kittens, your goal is to avoid your own destruction, foil your opponents plans, and get the most points.

The winner is either, the first player to reach 50 points, or the last player left alive. When you near the end of the game, the tension ramps up, and you can smell blood in the water. That is when you pull out all the stops, play all your meanest cards, and force someone out of the game. Be sure to play nicely! Or your family might not want to play with you again.

This game is quick, lighthearted, cute, great for all ages, and affordable. You can pick this up at your local Target! No need to search board game stores or look online. You can grab this next time you stock up on toilet paper! This gets a 10/10 fun rating, and a 5 star review.

Sale
Unstable Games - Happy Little Dinosaurs Base Game - Competitive Sabotage Funny Card Game For Kids, Teens, Adults - 2-4 Players, Hand Management
Unstable Games - Happy Little Dinosaurs Base Game - Competitive Sabotage Funny Card Game For Kids, Teens, Adults - 2-4 Players, Hand Management
  • FALLING METEORS: Lately, it feels like we’re all just dinosaurs trying to avoid the falling meteors.
  • SURVIVE IT ALL: In this 2-4 player game, you’ll try to dodge all of life’s little disasters while...
  • OVERVIEW: In Happy Little Dinosaurs, the first person to reach 50 points, or be the last Dinosaur...
$10.49 Amazon Prime
Check Price

The Verdict:

So, if you are wondering what your next Christmas family board game should be, I hope you will consider one of the five above! They are fresh, unique, and fun in their own ways. Every game on this list has brought smiles to my family and friends faces! These are the best from this year, and they get the official FunAttic stamp of approval!

Splendor: The Ultimate Gate-Way Board Game

/1 Comment/in , /by

Do you want to introduce more board games into your family time? No, I don’t mean Monopoly, Candyland or Scrabble. I mean a fun game that all ages can enjoy and won’t consume your whole evening (unless you want it to)? Splendor is a fast paced, easy to pick up board game that doesn’t break the bank.

When I first encountered Splendor it was my grandpa that owned a copy! My grandparents are not typically “board-game-people”. We pulled it out and played a quick round with two young adults, one tween, and one grandparent. It only took a minute to set-up and a minute more to explain the rules. In 20 short minutes the game was over and everyone had fun!

How it Plays

The concept is simple: collect gem tokens to buy gem cards. The cards have a point value as well as an assigned gem color. Each gem card you buy can then be used in place of a gem token. The more cards you have, the more cards you can then buy! The first player with 15 points signals the last round. At the end of the last round, the player with the most points wins!

I found many interesting, yet simple features of this game that make it enjoyable. The game plays three tiers of cards laid out in a grid which represents the board. There are 6 types of gem tokens: Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, Garnets, and Gold. The gold tokens act like a wild card and are only received by reserving a card. I found this especially useful for winning! There are also Aristocrats for high point values, which you receive automatically as soon as you qualify for them.

The game is simple and easy to explain. The rounds are short, so no one is waiting too long for their turn, and there are multiple strategies that can be employed to win the game. For example, when I play, I always aim for an aristocrat and so far I have never lost! If you want to play with young children, the bright colors and tangible tokens are great for helping them keep track of what they have and what they need. If you decide to play a round or two with your die-hard board game buddies, the tactical opportunities can create a riveting experience with triumph and revenge.

Why it’s worth the buy!

If Splendor becomes a family favorite in your home, as it has in mine, that might open the door to other unique board game experiences. When introducing more complex games to your family, you can refer to Splendor for any similarities or as a measure of difficulty.

Splendor is truly a game for all ages and experience levels, so, whether you are introducing your kiddos to board games or opening your parents or grandparents eyes, Splendor is the perfect “gate-way” game.

Sale
Splendor Board Game (Base Game) - Strategy Game for Kids and Adults, Fun Family Game Night Entertainment, Ages 10+, 2-4 Players, 30-Minute Playtime, Made by Space Cowboys
Splendor Board Game (Base Game) - Strategy Game for Kids and Adults, Fun Family Game Night Entertainment, Ages 10+, 2-4 Players, 30-Minute Playtime, Made by Space Cowboys
  • STRATEGY GAME: Compete to build Renaissance Europe’s most lucrative and prestigious jewelry business....
  • FUN AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION: Players vie for control of gem mines, trade routes, and storefronts to...
  • COUNTLESS REPLAY OPPORTUNITES: Fast and intuitive, this strategy game is a fun game for game nights. The...
$31.99 Amazon Prime
Check Price

 

List Of Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas To Try

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

Looking for scavenger hunt ideas? We got your back.

There are 2 types of party games that every party needs to keep the excitement levels up – scavenger hunts and treasure hunts. Though both involve finding hidden things, there is a big difference between the two.

A scavenger hunt starts with a list of things to find and a set time for finding them. There are no clues given to help the players find the items. They have to scavenge for them.

A treasure hunt has no time limit and the players are given clues to help them find the hidden treasure.

We understand you are more interested in the scavenger hunt, so we’ve prepared the ultimate list of scavenger hunt ideas for your next party (or just a great family afternoon).

Scavenger Hunt Ideas

 

Backyard Hunt

Hide some items all around your backyard and give the players a list of the things to find. This can be played as an individual or team game. To spice things up, make a different list for each player or team but include one item common to both. Make the common item especially difficult to find. We hope your backyard is large enough to harbor several players for the best experience.

 

Neighborhood Hunt

This is a variation of the backyard scavenger hunt. The only twist is that the hunting ground is now extended to part of the neighborhood or the entire neighborhood. It is especially good if all the kids in the neighborhood participate. Be sure to inform all the stakeholders in your neighborhood about your planned game. This type of scavenger hunt can get wild since the game area is huge! You’ll have a lot of fun.

 

Nature Hunt

Make a list of nature-related things for the players to find or see. Extra points for finding particular colors, e.g. a red flower. This is a great way to get children to explore nature and learn about the natural things around them while having a great time. A great opportunity to teach your loved ones.

 

Five Senses

Have the players find things associated with the five senses. Be sure to be specific so as to avoid the kids touching or tasting what they shouldn’t. For example, they can look for a sour lemon, a soft teddy, or a loud drum. Make sure there is ample supervision for this game. It can easily get out of hand.

 

Family Reunion

This is especially fun at family gatherings. Hide old photos of family members and have the players find and match them to their current faces. This should be a lot of fun for the whole family. We can’t help but feel bad for our grandmothers and fathers, as they probably look different than when their best pictures were taken. You can make up for this by inviting them to the game, though!

 

Wild Animal

Have the players find wild animals. No, not in the jungle. Get a packet of miniature plastic wild animals and hide them for the players to find. You can also use pictures in place of the plastic toys. A very immersive scavenger hunt variation, since you can roam the woods behind your house and pretend you’re stuck in the Jurassic.

 

Outdoor Motor Sensory

Players can look for something that is related to their motor senses. For example, they can find something to climb over or under, something to swing on, or something to balance on their heads. Though most of these can be found naturally, you might have to improvise or create some for yourself – like a rope tied to a branch in the case of something to swing on. Take care though – branches can snap. Be careful!

 

St. Patrick’s

In this variation of a scavenger hunt, players have to scavenge for a list of green things. Make a list of green socks, green cups, green hats, green leaf, or anything you have on hand that is green. You can adapt this one to suit whatever holiday is approaching or being celebrated.

 

Solve the Riddle

This is an interesting variation of the scavenger hunt that is suitable for all ages but can be more interesting for older kids or adults. Instead of the ordinary list of things to find or do, players have to solve a riddle whose answer is the object they are to hunt for. We hope your players are intelligent if you’re going to pick this, though, as it can stress some people out.

 

The Bakery

Create a list of baking ingredients and have the players find them. Once they’ve found everything on the list, go ahead and bake a cake (or something else simple). A superb game that brings everyone together after a bout of intense competition! Is there anything better than proper sportsmanship after a hard-won game?

 

Dress Up

You will need a lot of costumes for this one depending on the number of players. If not, have the children work in groups. Create a list of the components of an entire costume for each team and have them look for them. For example, one team can look for pieces of a pirate costume. To win the game, players must not only find the entire costume, but they should also dress one of their team members up in the costume.

 

At the Beach

You don’t really have to go to the beach for this one but a few props can make it more interesting. Create a list of things that can be found at the beach and have players find pictures of them. If you have some actual beach stuff like shells or a beach towel, you can throw them into the mix.

 

Secret Code

Want to feel like a detective? Looking forward to a cryptic day with a happy ending? If you feel like really spicing up your scavenger hunt, then write a super-secret message on a piece of paper, which is ideally something nice and wholesome, and rip it to pieces. Then, scatter the pieces throughout your play area, and have the players find them so that they can put the message back together.

 

Color Hunt

Just how colorful can you get? Set up a list of colors needed to be gathered and let your players go wild by trying to find items that match them! Let’s say you pick purple, yellow, and gray – the players each have to find an item that is of that color. One of our favorite scavenger hunt variants.

 

Leaf Hunt

No better way to show how vibrant and knowledgeable you are than by picking the most beautifully shaped and colorful leaves to present them for a scavenger hunt.

 

The Hunt is On

 

A scavenger hunt is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most exciting party games you can include in your repertoire of party game ideas. All you need is a bit of creativity. Use whatever you have on hand and let the hunt begin! We know you’ll be having a lot of fun. Wish you all the best!

Featured Image via Pixabay

 

 

Best Inflatable Paddle Board Brands to Be Aware Of

/0 Comments/in , /by

Paddleboards are becoming increasingly popular, likely due to the sudden influx of Instagram influencers enjoying a morning paddle and yoga session in remote destinations. Whether you’re in Bali, Indonesia, or North Carolina, there are few things better than paddleboarding on a beautiful summer day. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of the best paddle board brands on the market for you.

Quick Navigation

How We Chose Our Rankings
The Best Inflatable Paddle Board Brands
Atoll
SereneLife
iRocker
ROC
ISLE
Tower
Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Paddle Board

Not only is paddleboarding a fantastic method for exercising, but it can also help to reduce stress and facilitate relaxation, meditation, and yoga. When combined with a friendly face or a furry pal, paddle boarding quickly becomes the best way to start your mornings. The great thing about this sport is how affordable it is, given that access to most water comes free of charge.

A quality board will last you for years, even if it’s inflatable. The key is to take good care of it, particularly when you’re inflating it or packing it back into your vehicle. Very little damage can occur in the water, but on land, punctures are a real risk that you need to avoid to save yourself money in the long run.

There is an ongoing debate over whether inflatables can match with hard boards. However, for many of us, the convenience, weight, and portability of rubber rather than a hard epoxy material is a huge benefit. For this reason, inflatables are the fastest growing sector in the community.

But what board should you buy? There are a bunch of products to choose from, with an ever-increasing number of brands. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most recognizable companies, what they offer, and why they’re the best paddle board brands.

Product

Image

Price

Atoll
 
Atoll paddle board

Check Price

SereneLife
 
SereneLife paddle board

Check Price

iRocker
 
iRocker paddle board

Check Price

ROC
 
ROC

Check Price

ISLE
 
ISLE paddle board

Check Price

Tower
 
Tower paddle board

Check Price

How We Chose Our Rankings

Kid paddleboarding.

Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay

When we’re comparing brands, it’s important that we consider a wide variety of the different products they offer. To do so, we assess using the following criteria:

  •  

    Size of inventory

  •  

    Quality of products

  •  

    Level of customer support

  •  

    Affordability of products

  •  

    Variety of skill levels

To begin, we look at the reviews that people are leaving online. By doing so, we can get a much wider understanding of what customers think. From there, we begin to narrow down our selection and rank the remaining brands based on the score they receive in each of the categories listed above. That’s how we reached a conclusion on the best paddle board brands.

The Best Inflatable Paddle Board Brands

 
 

Atoll

Atoll paddle board

Check Price

Atoll is thought of by many as one of the leaders in the industry, especially when it comes to inflatables. They aren’t cheap, not by a long shot, but they offer a level of quality and customer service that is nearly unparalleled in this market. For us, Atoll is a company that can be trusted, regardless of which of the products you choose. The same isn’t true for other brands.

Even some of the more recognizable national businesses don’t consistently release top-tier products. One model might be exceptional, the next model might be disappointing. Atoll is head and shoulders above many competitors, with an intense focus on customer satisfaction, which is what has allowed companies such as Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft to excel.

The Atoll 11’ ISUP is the most well-known product that they have released. In our opinion, it’s the best inflatable paddle board. Not only is it durable and stable, but it also offers excellent value for money, despite having a higher price tag than many alternatives.

Being 6-inches deep and 32-inches wide, it’s the ideal size for the vast majority of riders, even those up to 350lbs. It’s hard to know precisely where the sweet spot lies, but it seems that this size would be adequate for a vast array of users.

Typically, the reason why people dislike the size of the board is that it’s either not buoyant enough or too heavy. But being large and yet incredibly light, the Atoll is an all-rounder. It’s made using PVC, and a lightweight aluminum alloy, which makes it 40 percent lighter than similarly sized boards. Therefore, it’s buoyant enough for all, while still being lightweight.

The Atoll comes with everything that you need to get onto the water, including a pump, carry bag, fins, leash, and a paddle. Unlike most boards which require screws to install the fins, it simply clicks into place and screws in tightly with no tools or installation necessary. It should also fit the vast majority of aftermarket fins for greater customization.

Atoll is so confident in their products that they offer a 2-year money-back manufacturer’s warranty on their boards. Therefore, if there is a fault in the design, you can send it back and expect a full refund or replacement. Atoll is known for its excellent service, which should give you confidence. Best paddle board brands? This is definitely the top contender.

 
 

SereneLife

SereneLife paddle board

Check Price

While Atoll sits at the top of the market, SereneLife is for a different customer base. Rather than focusing entirely on quality, they try to strike the right balance, to sell an affordable product to the middle and low market. At half the price of Atoll products, they aren’t half the quality, making SereneLife excellent value for money, particularly for beginners. That’s why they’re in the best paddle board brands list!

If you’re looking to enter into the sport and aren’t quite sure whether it’s for you, a SereneLife board is a great option. Without a huge financial risk, you can enjoy a quality product that with proper care can last you for years to come. Primarily, the difference between SereneLife and Atoll is in the build. The latter uses more expensive components.

Rather than fabrics and cloth, Atoll uses PVC and lightweight aluminum which is rather expensive. However, it would give you greater rigidity and durability, more like a traditional paddle board than an inflatable. Whereas SereneLife is more focused on keeping costs down so that they can sell an affordable product to consumers.

Regardless, it’s important to recognize that SereneLife strikes the perfect balance for those on a budget and is one of the best inflatable paddle board brands in the industry. If you can’t afford an Atoll product, SereneLife could be a great fit for you. ISLE and Tower are other alternatives but are once again more expensive and not as good value for money.

Another great thing about SereneLife is that their boards tend to come with a full package of goodies. Just like Atoll, you’ll find that you can get a carry bag, pump, leash, fin, and paddle for a fraction of the price of other brands. When you consider these extra items, the value proposition is even higher and gives you an incredible bang for your buck.

 
 

iRocker

iRocker paddle board

Check Price

Arguably one of the most underappreciated brands in the space, iRocker offers exceptional customer service as well as an undeniably great product. Cheaper than Atoll and more expensive than SereneLife, they offer a middle-tier price point with a premium level of quality. While the boards might not be anything special, the accessories are.

Most companies offer terrible pumps and carry bags, whereas iRocker recognizes that these are arguably just as important as the board itself. If customers are frustrated with getting to the water and inflating the board, they won’t use the product. Hence it’s awesome that iRocker prioritizes these smaller features and items.

According to many of the customer reviews we read, iRocker products are amazing. Most customers felt that the boards were great value for money, particularly the 10’6” board and the 11” big daddy, both of which come with a bag of goodies. To us, these are great options for anyone in this price bracket who is serious about enjoying this activity.

 
 

ROC

ROC paddle board

Check Price

Similar to SereneLife, ROC is a middle-tier brand that tries to give you value for your money. Their products are consistently priced within a few bucks of SereneLife, making them somewhat interchangeable depending on your preferences. Very broadly, SereneLife tends to have a younger feel to the brand, while ROC is closer to a mountaineering brand image.

In our opinion, ROC is a good brand and can be trusted to sell reliable, durable, and decent quality items which will fulfill their promises. According to many of the reviews that we read, customers feel like ROC offers good value, especially given how expensive many paddle boards can be.

ROC doesn’t offer a vast variety of different models, which might be frustrating for some. While higher-end brands tend to have multiple sizes to choose from, particularly for those of varying weights, ROC does not have the same flexibility. But, the generic size they offer is ideal for those up to 275 lbs, although probably not great for those over this weight limit.

On the flip side, they do give you multiple color options for much of their gear. The boards tend to be in blue, black, green, and pink, which is a nice twist given that most brands only offer a single color and very occasionally an alternative. However, it would be nice if ROC prioritized their accessories more.

For example, the pump they provide alongside the board is poor. SereneLife uses a double-valve pump system which means that you can inflate with half the work at double the speed. Therefore, it’s a huge advantage. Likewise, a more comfortable and stylish travel bag would be appreciated by those who are hiking to the lake or ocean.

 
 

ISLE

ISLE paddle board

Check Price

ISLE fits into a weird place in the market. They don’t sell cheap products, but in the mind of many consumers, they struggle to compete with the quality and service of Atoll. The product that they offer isn’t dissimilar to many cheaper alternatives, which might make some less likely to stretch their budget when they could save money with SereneLife.

However, where ISLE sets themselves apart is with their accessories. Unlike ROC which has dull accessories that could be private label, ISLE has branded versions of everything, with unique twists to improve on basic designs. Their leash, for example, uses long coils to make it retractable, rather than a long wire which you can trip over and injure yourself.

Perhaps one of the less tangible downsides to ISLE is the designs that they offer. The products that they retail aren’t particularly beautiful or attractive. They tend to be basic, with large splashes of color rather than unique or exciting designs. For this reason, they seem to have an older customer base when compared to SereneLife and even ROC.

On the flip side, ISLE is a real surf company that prioritizes board quality. If you step onto a ROC board and then an ISLE board, you’ll instantly notice a difference in stability, durability, and rigidity. It’s much closer to an epoxy fiberboard, giving you a solid surface that doesn’t flex or feel soft under your feet. For advanced riders or those in waves, this is a huge plus.

 
 

Tower

Tower paddle board

Check Price

Tower is a similar brand to Atoll, with the only obvious difference lying in the designs which each company offers. However, our experience and research lead us to believe that the vast majority of customers would find Atoll to be the premium company. The reason for this is because of their exceptional customer service and dedication to satisfaction.

Tower is known for offering what we call a ‘hard’ experience, which is that the inflatable boards feel like the real thing. You’re never going to create an ISUP that is identical to an epoxy alternative, but Tower might be as close as you’ll get. With tough inner linings, it can inflate to a high PSI and therefore offer greater rigidity than the competition.

Where Tower lets itself down is with the durability of the accessories they combine with the board. Many customers have complained about broken pumps, particularly on the 10’4” ISUP. Given that the pump is critical to the use of an inflatable product, you would imagine that companies would invest more in stocking reliable and durable items.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Right Paddle Board

Man atop a board.

Image by pasja1000 from Pixabay

When you’re deciding on a paddle board, you need to consider the amount you’re willing to spend, your size, and the skill level that you possess. More advanced surfers can opt for boards that are much smaller than usual, whereas most people will need a larger board as their body weight increases to stay buoyant. After all, what’s the point of looking up the best paddle board brands if you don’t know the type you need?

Arguably, the price is the most significant component. As you increase your budget, the quality of brands also improves. While not always the case, you tend to get the value for what you pay. For those who weigh more, it’s particularly important that you invest in a sturdy and thick board that will give you enough balance and buoyancy to enjoy the sport without discomfort.

What Type of Board Should I Pick?

If you’re new to paddleboarding, then our advice would be to aim for an all-around inflatable SUP board that will allow you to get used to the sport. You can experiment later on with this board once you feel comfortable, and you won’t feel like you’ll have bitten off more than you can chew.

Afraid falling is going to be an issue? If you’re not very confident about your ability to stay on your feet while your board is breaking through the water, then we’d suggest taking a look at “ultra-stable” boards, as their technology encourages the development of your overall dexterity and balance.

On the other hand, if you’re already an experienced paddleboarder, then buying a board that’s been branded as being sport or performance is most likely what you’re looking for. These are specialized experiences that won’t fit the amateur that well but suit the passionate or the professional just fine.

Are you young or have children? Then you might also want to take a look at boards that have been designed for kids, as they permit even the youngest to get into the sport.

Which Board Size and Shape Should I Go For?

The first thing we’ll address is weight. If you’re of a larger weight than average, then we’d recommend a large and thick board. They can withstand weight much better than their counterparts and is exactly what you need in order not to sink to the bottom of the sea during a particularly leisurely paddle board stroll.

The size and shape of the board can greatly affect the way in which it operates. As a rule of thumb:

  • Wide boards tend to be more stable than narrow boards.
  • Long boards have more glide than shorter boards.
  • Narrow boards are faster than wider boards.
  • Thick boards are designed to support larger weights.

Get a Board, Never Bored

Paddleboarding is a tremendously entertaining sport and one that everyone can enjoy. We hope this little guide gave you an idea of what it takes to get into it all. If you become a paddle board enthusiast, then all the better. Have fun!

Not sure if paddleboarding is the activity for you? Click here for a list of awesome games!

Featured Image: Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay

The 5 Best Disc Golf Discs You Can Buy Today (Reviews)

/1 Comment/in , /by

Figuring out which discs are appropriate can be equally exciting and frustrating. To play the game right, you need the best disc golf discs. The right discs will be the defining line between victory and defeat.

Just like golf clubs, golf discs come in several different shapes: putters, drivers, and mid-range discs. Finding the best discs for you can be a very intimidating task, especially if you’re new to the game. Fortunately, this guide will help you bag the most suitable disc for your skill level and gameplay.

What is Disc Golf?

If you’ve never played disc golf before, then this video can help you get started.

Disc golf is a similar sport to golf, but instead of aiming a ball into a hole using a club, you aim a disc into a basket using your hands. On average, there are 18 holes, but this depends on available space and the terrain’s difficulty.

Each round is supposed to get harder by increasing the distance from the person to the hole and using tougher terrain. The rules of disc golf are fairly basic and it’s a fun sport to play with friends when it’s a clear, sunny day.

4 Factors to Consider When Buying a Disc Golf Discs

Disc Stability

Just like golf clubs, there are different types of discs that are designed to travel on a specific flight path. This explains why some discs will go left and others right. The flight characteristic of the disc is defined as “stability.”

You should consider how hard you throw a golf disc, as this can affect the trajectory if it heads in a straight or uneven direction. If you have a fast speed behind your throw, the golf disc will turn to the right, compared to someone who throws with little speed. The wind can affect stability, so consider the location and the time of year you’ll engage in this sport.

Disc Speed

Different discs have different speeds. Professional players with high power usually make use of high-speed discs. If you are a beginner, it is important to note that a high-speed disc will not automatically make you throw better and farther. Most beginners throw with a slower arm speed, so lighter golf discs can help to increase the disc’s speed. To increase your speed, you’ll first need to focus on power and control. As with every other sport, technique is more important than equipment.

A distance driver disc requires a lot amount of speed to make it all the way to the basket, which makes this sport a great choice for people who can throw far with ease. Remember, the challenge with disc golf is precision and not always distance. For example, you’ll begin the game close to the first basket, so too much speed can actually throw you off-target.

Disk Type

You should also consider which disk type is best for you depending on the distance you’ll cover. Here are the three different types:

  • Drivers: They usually have sharp edges with most of their weight concentrated on one side of the rim rather than equally distributed throughout. They have the longest flight but are quite difficult to control.
    If you’re an advanced player, a distance driver is ideal to throw over 80 meters, but beginners should stick to fairway drivers for more accuracy, as they move slower and don’t travel as far.
  • Putters: They have the shortest and slowest flight, perfect for hitting the chains and making shots to the baskets. They are also used for making short and controlled upshots usually within 50 meters of the target. A putter disc should release from your hand easily.
  • Mid-range discs: They are more accurate but slower than drivers. They also have more stability and a predictable flight path although they’re harder to control than putters. Often, they are used for close-range shots to get to the greens usually within 50 to 100 meters of the target. They’re suitable for intermediate players.

Disk Weight

Lightweight discs allow beginners to have better control and throw farther. Moreover, you may find that you are more comfortable with a lighter driver than a heavier putter, or vice versa. These weights can vary from 120g to 180g, so consider your strength and the material of the basket as well.

We recommend beginners to choose a golf disc that weighs 175g, as you have better control in windy conditions, while a heavier weight will generally travel in a straighter line than lighter weight.

With those critical factors in mind, here are the best disc golf discs to consider:

5 Best Disc Golf Discs Comparison Table

Let’s be honest. Buying sports equipment can be a very challenging and sometimes intimidating experience. You wouldn’t want to embarrass yourself with discs that don’t match your skill level, would you? Here are five of the best disc golf discs you can buy online to improve your performance.

Innova Champion Disc Golf Set – Driver, Mid-Range & Putter, 150 Grams Each, Colors May Vary (3 Pack), Colors Vary, ICD-1
Innova Champion Disc Golf Set – Driver, Mid-Range & Putter, 150 Grams Each, Colors May Vary (3 Pack), Colors Vary, ICD-1
COMPLETE SET: Includes one driver, one mid-range and one putter; CERTIFIED QUALITY: Approved by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA)
$45.99
Discraft Titanium Golf Disc, Colors May Vary
Discraft Titanium Golf Disc, Colors May Vary
Maximum distance golf driver; Recommended for all skill levels; Best for newer players who want maximum distance
Innova DX Valkyrie Golf Disc (Colors may vary)
Innova DX Valkyrie Golf Disc (Colors may vary)
Colors May Vary; Best choice for: First Distance Driver and Tailwind Drives; Turnover distance driver with great glide that holds the World Distance Record
Gateway S Super Stupid Soft Voodoo
Gateway S Super Stupid Soft Voodoo
Plastic: Gateway "Sure Grip" S Series; Stiffness: Super Stupid Soft; Weight Range: 165-175g
Discraft Avenger SS Elite Z Golf Disc
Discraft Avenger SS Elite Z Golf Disc
Maximum distance golf driver; Recommended for advanced to expert players; Best for long distance turnover drives

Here are Our Full Reviews Of The 5 Best Disc Golf Discs

Innova Champion Disc Golf Discs

Innova Champion Disc Golf Set – Driver, Mid-Range & Putter, 150 Grams Each, Colors May Vary (3 Pack), Colors Vary, ICD-1
Innova Champion Disc Golf Set – Driver, Mid-Range & Putter, 150 Grams Each, Colors May Vary (3 Pack), Colors Vary, ICD-1
  • COMPLETE SET: Includes one driver, one mid-range and one putter
  • GREAT FOR BEGINNERS: 150-gram discs are perfect for beginners; Has all the discs you need to get started
  • 5X LONGER LASTING: Made of our most durable and vibrant Champion material; High-quality plastic provides...
$45.99
Check Price

Innova is known as one of the best disc golf discs makers in the world, and the Champion Disc is one of their high-end sets.

Pros
✔ Durable material.
✔ Lighter weight.
✔ Good choice for beginners and pros.
Cons
❌ Hard to see discs from a distance.
Innova_Champion_Disc_Golf_Discs_

These discs are made of very durable plastic that doesn’t break easily when hitting a tree or rocks. It is light for easy control and longer flights which makes these discs ideal when the basket is farther away from you.

This set comes with a putter, and a mid-range and long-driver driver that all weigh 150g. This weight is ideal for intermediate players who are looking for a reliable and accurate performance every time.

QualityPriceOur Rating​
Good$ 
Check Price

Discraft Titanium

Discraft Titanium Golf Disc, Colors May Vary
Discraft Titanium Golf Disc, Colors May Vary
  • Maximum distance golf driver
  • Recommended for all skill levels
  • Best for newer players who want maximum distance
Check Price

The Titanium comes in two versions: the regular distance driver and the softer mid-range driver. Choose the golf disc type depending on the distance you’re aiming for. This disc is fast, stable, flies straight, and doesn’t require a lot of arm strength or speed control. This makes it quite forgiving for beginners and versatile enough for pros.

Pros
✔ Good for beginners.
✔ Fast and stable.
Cons
❌ Photo shown is misleading.
Discraft_Titanium_

Compared to the previous version from Discraft, this golf disc offers an excellent grip so you can play the sport even when it’s raining. It is made from durable plastic dubbed titanium that doesn’t break from heavy impacts on rocks and trees. However, it only comes in just one color that unfortunately can blend in with grass and trees.

QualityPriceOur Rating​
Good$ 
Check Price

 Innova Valkyrie

Innova DX Valkyrie Golf Disc (Colors may vary)
Innova DX Valkyrie Golf Disc (Colors may vary)
  • Colors May Vary
  • Best choice for: First Distance Driver and Tailwind Drives
  • Turnover distance driver with great glide that holds the World Distance Record
Check Price

Another masterpiece from Innova!

The Valkyrie has a perfectly balanced Turn-and-Fade and a relatively narrow rim that make it ideal for backhand beginners. In fact, it held the world record for the longest distance covered by a disc golf driver for almost 10 years.

Pros
✔ Perfect for beginners.
✔ Perfectly balanced Turn-and-Fade.
✔ Narrow rim.

Cons
❌ Will not roll for long distances.
Innova_Valkyrie

Suitable for both beginners and intermediates, this disc offers great distance control and superb wind-resistance. If you opt for the 175g disc, you can combine this weight with a slow speed to reach a far distance. Many customers reported that this golf disc flies in a nearly-perfect line every time.

QualityPriceOur Rating​
Good$ 
Check Price

Gateway Super Stupid Soft Voodoo

Gateway S Super Stupid Soft Voodoo
Gateway S Super Stupid Soft Voodoo
  • Plastic: Gateway "Sure Grip" S Series
  • Stiffness: Super Stupid Soft
  • Weight Range: 165-175g
Check Price

Enjoyed for its accuracy, high elasticity, and “super-stupid” softness, this disc makes a great putter. This softness makes it comfortable to hold for a long game and offers a sturdy grip. It is also lightweight and does not easily respond to headwinds.

Pros
✔ Lightweight.
✔ Durable.
✔ Sleek design.
Cons
❌ Not as soft as described.
❌ Color fades when washed.
Gateway_Super_Stupid_Soft_Voodoo

This disc is constructed from a very sturdy and strong plastic that offers great durability while maintaining good flexibility and control. With its sleek design, it is faster and more accurate than most discs from Gateway.

QualityPriceOur Rating​
Good$ 
Check Price

Discraft Avenger SS

Discraft Avenger SS Elite Z Golf Disc
Discraft Avenger SS Elite Z Golf Disc
  • Maximum distance golf driver
  • Recommended for advanced to expert players
  • Best for long distance turnover drives
Check Price

The Avenger SS was designed to offer reliable gliding turnover drives and extremely longer flights at wider ranges. And it has done just that – if not better. This is one of the best golf discs to use in high winds because it’s less likely to flip over.

Pros
✔ Stable disc.
✔ Easy turnover.
✔ Sturdy and reliable.
Cons
❌ The plastic easily damages if it hits a tree etc.
Discraft_Avenger_SS_

​Its combination of high glide performance and balanced stability significantly extends its power while its Fade performance offers straighter and farther distances.

QualityPriceOur Rating​
Good$ 
Check Price

Disc Golf Facts

Disc golf might have been invented in the early 1900s as it is closely tied to the history of the recreational flying disc.

The first recorded disc golf game is reported to have taken place in 1927 in Bladworth, a small village in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Before disc golf became what it is today, it started out as an improvised game played by elementary school kids which they called “Tin Lid Golf,” as they used tin lids instead of plastic discs.

Disc golfing was only reintroduced to Canadians during the 1970s, when the Canadian Open Frisbee Championships took place in Toronto and Vancouver.

Therefore, it was only during the 1960s that the modern-day version of disc golf finally came to fruition in most parts of the world.

The general claim is that modern disc golf started either at Rice University in Houston, Texas, or at Pendleton King Park in Augusta, Georgia. Students at Rice University used to throw frisbees using trees as targets, while the Pendleton King Park group used large, 50-gallon barrel trash cans.

Many other improvised attempts at playing the sport have also been reported. It is said, for example, that even gazebos and water fountains were sometimes used as targets, not to speak of lamp posts, which were also commonly used.

Discs are typically eight or nine inches in diameter and come in a variety of types based on function: putter, mid-range, driver, and other more specialized models.

When it comes to playing disc golf professionally, you should know that the main authority is The Professional Disc Golf Association or the PDGA for short.

The PDGA handles membership, promotions, tournaments, course development, competition rules, standards, and just about anything related to playing disc golf on a professional level.

It is estimated that three countries account for roughly 85% of all disc golf courses in the world. The United States has 75%, Finland has 7%, while Canada has 3%.

In regards to scoring, most people prefer the same scoring system used in traditional golf.

“Steady Ed” Headrick created the first organized disc golf target with chains and hoops.

Dave Dunipace, one of the creators of Innova, invented the modern golf disc in 1983.

Headrick created the 1976 DGA, then the 1976 RDGA and the 1976 PDGA.

With over 3,000 courses in the US and 4,000 courses worldwide, the sport has grown at a rate of 12-15 percent over the past decade.

Disc golfing has appeared on ESPN’s Top 10 Sports list twelve times in the past 20 years.

The first Saturday in the August of each year is officially recognized as National Disc Golf Day by The Professional Disc Golf Association.

The first permanent disc golf course, with metal baskets attached to a pole in the ground, in the world is located in Pasadena, California. It receives a large number of visitors every year both on account of its quality and of its history.

In 2006, only 8% of the PDGA members were women. Today, that number is much higher, but it’s still significantly lower than the number of men.

In 2001, the top money winner of disc golf, Cameron Todd, received 25,000 dollars, or the equivalent of almost 37,000 dollars adjusted for inflation in 2020.

In August 2009, there were already close to 3000 disc golf terrain courses existing throughout the United States. As of 2021, this number has increased to an astounding 6652, which means 20 golf courses per 1 million inhabitants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are good discs for beginners?

All of the discs presented in this guide are great choices for both beginners and professionals. Our main recommendation when it comes to picking up disc golfing as a beginner is to start with lighter discs so that you get used to gripping and throwing. There are several models on the market which present themselves as being starter packs, so you might want to do your own research into the matter.

Is disc golf the same as Frisbee golf?

Yes, disc golf is basically just another name for Frisbee golf. It’s not clear which term is more common and in what regions, but for all intents and purposes, these two names can be used interchangeably when referring to the same game.

What is the proper name for a disc golf target?

Officially, the disc golf target is called a basket. However, there are tons of players who prefer to call it a pole hole, disc golf target, disc entrapment device, or simply “goal.” It depends on your preferences and on who you’re playing with. But, yes, if you’re taking part in an official game, the proper term is “basket.”

How many discs do you need for disc golf?

You will likely need at least three discs: a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter. Most beginner sets will include all the three basic disc types. If not, you can search for sets that include them all or add the remaining discs according to your needs from individual brands and retailers.

How long does it take to get good at disc golf?

This depends on several factors, as you can probably imagine, but many new players get a good feel of the game in about two or three years with regular practice. Of course, those who have a certain incline towards throwing discs the right way will get the hang of it much faster. Also, those who have played similar sports on a professional level could probably get really good at disc golf in less than half a year.

How many acres are needed for a disc golf course?

If you plan on playing disc golf at the championship level, namely the course with 18 holes, then you’re going to need one or two acres per hole. However, for amateur disc golf, you’ll only need 9 holes with a total area of just four acres.

Get the Best Disc Golf Disc for You!

If you’ve never played disc golf before, this video can help you get started.

If you’re eager to get started with disc golf or wish to improve your strategy and performance, the above golf discs are great for all players. The equipment you use makes a huge difference to your score, so ensure you purchase a golf disc that suits your ability and intended target. We even recommend purchasing multiple golf discs so you have a variety to choose from during play.

Do any of the above products stand out to you? Share your thoughts or other recommendations in the comments to keep this conversation going. The more we learn from you, the better!

5 Best Wood Youth Bats

/0 Comments/in /by

Best Wood Youth Bats

There are many advantages to using wood bats, particularly for youths. Wood bats help players develop their skill and technique since a player must adapt to use both their arms and body to ensure a good swing. Thus, we’ve prepared a list of the best wood youth bats on the market for you.

It is commonly said that a wooden bat is prone to breaking during a hard hit, but a quality bat can send a ball straight for the fences without doing any damage to the bat itself.

Wood bats tend to have proper weighting and balancing to ensure a proper swing. In turn, youths who use a wood bat pick up greater barrel awareness, which allows youths to learn the best strike zone grasping techniques so that the player has a greater chance of hitting the ball with the sweet spot.

Of course, knowing what benefits a wooden bat provides is not enough. It is important that you also know which wood youth bats work best. The list below highlights our choices for seriously powerful and trustworthy bats.

1. Marucci JB19 Youth Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Marucci JB19 Maple Woods Youth Bat


This posh and well-crafted Marucci bat combines a thick handle with a traditional barrel, ensuring the player will be in complete control. It’s one of the brand’s most balanced and fastest swinging bats, available in various sizes from 26 to 31 inches. That’s great since it enables the player to pick up the perfect size for them.

The product is made from maple, with every bat bone rubbed to ensure the ultimate wood density. The only downside is that the bat isn’t recommended for beginners – it’s best suited for players with some experience in hitting wood. However, since the bat is made with the very same specifications as the adult version of the JB19, the transition, later on, should be more seamless.

The Marucci Maple wood bat offers a 30-day warranty, so you can be confident in the quality of the materials used in manufacturing. If you’re looking for an elegant bat that will help young players refine their skills and reach their full potential, this one is a great choice.

Check Price

2. Rawlings Adirondack Youth Wood Bat

Rawlings Adirondack Wood Youth Bats

Similar to the Louisville Slugger Youth 225 Bat, the Rawlings Adirondack Youth Wood Bat is also made from ash and features a nice black finish. However, this bat also boasts a laser-engraved knob for a sweeter appearance that any youth is sure to enjoy. When it comes to youth wood bats, this one is capable of withstanding the true test of time thanks to its solid construction.

The bat features a 1-inch handle that is easy for smaller hands to grasp while a medium-sized barrel ensures a greater chance of hitting a home run. The bat is available in varying sizes ranging from 27 inches to 31 inches for youths of all ages. This bat is sure to improve the swing technique of your young hitter thanks to the balanced feel that it provides.

Despite the fact that the Rawlings Adirondack Youth Wood Bat is somewhat on the thin side, it offers incredible craftsmanship. Although the ashwood ensures that the bat is lightweight, it offers enough weight to help young children develop their batting skills. Overall, this bat is a great choice for any young player looking to improve their gameplay.

Check Price

3. BB-W Wooden Baseball Bat

BB-W Wood Youth Bats

The BB-W Wooden Baseball Bat by Barnett is perfect from the youngest of youth players to the oldest thanks to its incredible size range. Bat sizes include 24 inches, 28 inches, 30 inches, and 32 inches in length. The bat itself is constructed of quality composite wood, which offers solid swinging capabilities as well as the ability to send a baseball flying for the fences.

The bat is relatively lightweight and smaller in size compared to many other youth bats. It is approximately 2 inches in diameter at the end of the barrel, which may make it seem small in stature, but it is big enough to knock quite a few balls out of the park. A relatively thin handle makes this bat easy for young hands to hold onto while they practice so they can bring their A-game to the playing field.

BB-W Wooden Baseball Bat features a natural finish, which gives it a traditional appearance that is perfect for avid baseball fans of any age. Although the bat is small enough that it is easy to handle, it is also sturdy enough that it allows players to improve their techniques. The thin handle makes it easy for players to determine where the strike zone is so they can find the bat’s sweet spot without issues.

Check Price

4. Louisville Slugger WB125YB-BW Baseball Bat

Louisville Slugger Youth Wood Bats

The Louisville Slugger WB125YB-BW Baseball Bat is everything a youth player could want from a contemporary-looking bat. The bat, which is made from ashwood, looks incredible with a wine-colored finish on the handle and a black finish on the barrel. Part of what makes this bat so fantastic is that it is the perfect choice for young baseball players. The bat is available in two sizes, which include a 27-inch bat weighing in at 26 ounces, and a 29-inch bat weighing 28 ounces.

This bat is a tad heavier than some bats that are similar in size, however, it offers incredible balance, and the weight of the bat allows players to develop some of the best swinging techniques possible. By improving their swinging technique, youths can gain a competitive edge on the field that allows them a better chance of hitting a home run.

The Louisville Slugger WB125YB-BW Baseball Bat is made of ashwood. Ash is a far more flexible wood than other, more traditionally used woods such as maple. However, the flexibility of the wood provides a more forgiving sweet spot to ensure the bat does not split when your child cracks a ball. In addition, the sound the ball makes when it connects with the bat will have your child grinning from ear to ear.

Check Price

5. Louisville Slugger 2015 Youth 125 Ash Wood Tee Ball Bat

Louisville Slugger Ash Youth Wood Bats

When it comes to youth wood bats, the Louisville Slugger 2015 Youth 125 Ash Wood Tee Ball Bat is where it’s at. The bat features a stunning natural finish for a more traditional baseball bat look that is sure to make any little slugger happy. The bat is constructed out of carefully selected ash lumber to ensure a solid, high-quality construction.

One benefit of this bat is that it is only 26 inches in length, which makes it the perfect bat for any young tee-ball player looking to improve their gameplay. It is a superb choice as a starter bat for even the youngest of players since it is relatively lightweight and easy to handle. Since the bat is made from ashwood, it provides enough flexibility to ensure that your young player is able to make good use of the bat’s sweet spot.

Hitting a ball and landing a home run should be no problem considering that the bat is 2 inches in diameter. A smaller-sized handle ensures that tiny hands can grasp the bat with ease. This well-made bat is a great choice if you are looking for either a good practice bat or a T-ball bat, especially considering its affordable price. Overall, there is almost no way you can go wrong when choosing this bat for young baseball players.

Check Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything to the bat after I purchase it?

A lot of enthusiasts put their bats through what is called a “breaking” period, which essentially means putting it to the test by swinging it against a baseball several dozen times. If you just got your composite baseball bat out of the wrapper and it feels off, then make sure to break it. Aluminum bats don’t need this.

The general rule of thumb is to rotate the bat about a quarter whenever you hit the baseball to ensure that it strikes a different part each time. Another good piece of advice is to only use about half strength when swinging at the baseball to ensure you don’t put so much pressure into it that it cracks before reaching its full potential. After you break in the bat, then it will be significantly more sturdy.

An estimated total of between 100 to 200 hits needs to be achieved for the bat to be fully broken in.

What is the best wood for youth bats?

Regardless of whether or not you’re buying a youth bat or meant for an adult, there are 3 main types of wood that are used in the industry. The traditional choice is ashwood, since it was exclusively used throughout the world until sometime around 1998, when we started experimenting with other woods such as maple and birch. Maple has since become favored, however, due to its extreme durability.

  • Ash – The father of baseball bats and the wood from which most of them used to be made. Ashwood is very flexible but features little density, ruining them after heavy use. It’s known to be less performing than maple and far more prone to breaking.
  • Birch – A mix between ash and maple. A decent middle ground between flexibility and density, making birch a solid all-rounder.
  • Maple – The stiffest and hardest wood commonly used in baseballs. Chosen by professionals due to its extraordinary durability.

If you’d like to find the best wood youth bats for yourself, then picking your desired type would be a wise place to start.

Final Thoughts

With so many bats available on the market, it can seem like a daunting task to try and find the right one. Fortunately, the list above will help you get started with some great starter bats for young players. Each one features its own unique benefits that your children are sure to love. Better yet, each bat listed comes at an affordable price that parents are sure to love.

There should be no reason why you should have to break the bank just to ensure that your child receives a quality youth bat to play with. Although there might not be any warranties available on the bats mentioned above, their solid build should ensure plenty of playtime without the worry of cracking and breaking.

Of course, you should keep in mind that the chances of splitting a bat are always likely with wood, but the better the build of the bat and the more solid the construction, the less likely it is that your little slugger will splinter it to pieces.

All-in-all, the bats mentioned above will provide your child with plenty of playtime both on and off the field while also improving their swinging technique thanks to their balanced weight.

The 5 Best Youth Catchers Mitts

/0 Comments/in /by

Best Youth Catchers Mitts

Looking for the best youth catchers mitts on the market? We’ve got your back!

When it comes to baseball, whether played professionally or by a group of youths, every player on the field is required to wear a glove, even the catcher. The only difference is that the glove the catcher wears is referred to as a mitt, because, unlike a glove, the mitt does not have individuals places for the catcher to place his or her fingers. Also, the mitt tends to have a rather large, deep pocket that is designed to allow the catcher to trap the ball within the glove once caught.

If your child is currently expressing interest in the position of a catcher, make sure you have the right equipment on hand, which includes quality youth catcher’s mitts. With so many mitts to choose from, it can seem nearly impossible to choose the right one. Luckily, the list below can take the guesswork out of your purchasing decision by highlighting the top five youth catcher mitts available for you to buy.

Wilson A360 Catcher’s Mitt – Right Hand Throw

  • Size: 31.5″, 32.5″
  • Right-Handed Throw: Yes
  • Left-Handed Throw: No
  • Break-in Ready: No

Under Armour 31.5″ Youth Framer Series Catcher’s Mitt

best youth catchers mitts

  • Size: 31.5″
  • Right-Handed Throw: Yes
  • Left-Handed Throw: No
  • Break-in Ready: Yes

Easton NATY2000 Natural Youth Series Catcher’s Mitt

  • Size: 32″
  • Right-Handed Throw: Yes
  • Left-Handed Throw: Yes
  • Break-in Ready: No

Mizuno Prospect GXC105 Youth Catcher’s Mitt

  • Size: 32.5″
  • Right-Handed Throw: Yes
  • Left-Handed Throw: Yes
  • Break-in Ready: No

Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove

  • Size: 32″
  • Right-Handed Throw: Yes
  • Left-Handed Throw: Yes
  • Break-in Ready: No

1. Wilson A360 Catcher’s Mitt

Wilson's best youth catchers mitts.

Baseball is a game that requires the development of certain skill sets. The only way to develop those skillsets is by practicing and ensuring that your child has the right equipment to use when playing the game. The Wilson A360 Catcher’s Mitt is a quality youth mitt that provides a comfortable fit for improved performance during both game time and practices.

The Wilson company makes it a point to work with top-performing MLB players in order to design youth catcher’s mitts that best emulate the mitts that professional players use. This particular mitt consists of a palm and web that are made entirely of pigskin. The glove features a half-moon web shape that allows catchers to adequately catch and cradle the ball during gameplay.

The Wilson A360 Catcher’s Mitt is available in either a 31.5-inch size or a 32.5-inch size in order to accommodate both older and younger children. Keep in mind that this glove is only available for catchers with a right-handed throw, meaning the glove itself is designed to be worn on the left hand. You should also keep in mind that this glove is specifically designed as a baseball mitt rather than a softball mitt.

Check Price

2. Under Armour 31.5″ Youth Framer Series Catcher’s Mitt

Under Armour best youth catchers mitts.

Under Armour is an extremely well-known brand within the sports world, and that’s not just limited to baseball. With this Framer Series youth catcher’s mitt, you can get the innovation and design that you know and love from Under Armour.

This catcher’s mitt, at 31.5 inches, is a lightweight glove. This allows any young player to quickly move around. It can also help young players develop their catching skills. While it’s lightweight, it is equipped with PHT Padding Technology, which makes it just as protective as heavier catcher’s mitts.

Contributing to the lightweight design, this catcher’s mitt has an open, perforated back. This adds breathability to the mitt and also decreases the weight. It also uses high-quality synthetic material on the back of the glove. This helps remove excess weight in specific spots of the glove that don’t need durability.

Additionally, this mitt has a deep pocket along with a large surface area. This allows a huge target for the pitcher, as well as a good amount of catching space.

Although this mitt isn’t one of the most inexpensive options, it may provide you with the best value. It has incredible features as well as a decent price tag.

Check Price

3. Easton NATY2000 Natural Youth Series Catcher’s Mitt

Easton best youth catchers mitts.

When it comes to youth catcher’s mitts, the Easton NATY2000 Natural Youth Series Catcher’s Mitt takes the cake for a number of reasons. To begin with, the mitt is designed with smaller hand openings in order to better accommodate youth players looking for a secure and comfortable fit. In addition, the 32-inch size of the mitt is great for young little league players looking for better control of the ball.

The extended web and closed back provides a relatively deep pocket, which in turn means fewer balls dropped when it comes down to those all-important strikeouts. The mitt comes equipped with a palm pad in order to reduce the damage that the impact of a speeding ball can deliver. The good news is, sting reduction not only reduces the chances that your young player will get hurt, but it also provides a boost of confidence.

It is common for young players to shy away from catching a ball out of fear that it will hurt. Thanks to the palm pad found in this glove, your child will quickly gain the confidence needed to improve their catching abilities and overall gameplay. Although the Easton NATY2000 Natural Youth Series Catcher’s Mitt is not quite out-of-the-box ready, it does not take long for younger players to break it in for a more natural and comfortable feel.

Check Price

4. Mizuno Prospect GXC105 Youth Catcher’s Mitt

Mizuno best youth catchers mitts.

When it comes to youth catcher’s mitts, Mizuno has certainly made a name for themselves with the Mizuno Prospect GXC105 Youth Catcher’s Mitt. This transitional-sized mitt is available in a 32.5-inch size that is perfect for young hands looking to catch a ball. Thanks to Mizuno’s Power Close technology, youth players will find that it is much easier to close the mitt and keep it closed for increased ball control. A V-Flex Notch design increases the ease with which your child can close the mitt, affecting ball catching and controlling.

You will quickly find that this mitt can improve your child’s catching and controlling techniques, which is in part because of the ParaShock palm pad designed into it. The pad absorbs the impact of the ball, which means young hands will not feel the sting that often comes with a high-impact catch. Sting reduction will in turn reduce your child’s fear of catching the ball, which will enable them to play with more confidence on the field.

Although your child can use the Mizuno Prospect GXC105 Youth Catcher’s Mitt for softball, it is important to realize that it is certainly defined more for baseball. Furthermore, when purchasing this mitt, you have the option of purchasing it for either a left-handed or right-handed thrower. While the Mizuno does not come ready for use straight out of the box, it is relatively easy to break in. In fact, you will find that your child can break it in pretty quickly with perhaps just a few practices.

Check Price

5. Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove

Akadema best youth catchers mitts.

The Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove is certainly a great choice with regard to youth catcher’s mitts. Part of what makes this particular mitt so special is because of who designed it. When you choose a catcher’s mitt for your child, you want to ensure that it is designed to do its job, which includes catching or scooping a ball, closing around it, and controlling it. No one understood that better than MLB hall of famer Gary Edmund Carter.

As a former player for both the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets, Carter understood the importance of a quality mitt, particularly since he played the position so well. For that reason, Carter designed this mitt with a deep pocket as well as a Spiral-Lock Web and Grasp-Clasp wrist system to ensure that your child would have an easier time catching and controlling the ball.

The Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove also features an open-back design that provides breathability for added comfort. As if that isn’t enough. Carter designed the glove to offer a Praying Mantis fit in that it has two more finger slots in order to keep the fingers firmly in place once inside the glove, which in turn improves the level of control your child has over the ball. The glove has a shock-absorbent feature that protects little hands from injury upon catching the ball.

In addition to its very unique design, this glove is made from high-quality, lightweight materials that your child will find comfortable. The pocket of the glove features a Steerhide material that is carefully selected and crated in the U.S. The back of the glove features Akademalyte leather. The materials are secured in place using rawhide gray lacing, which adds additional quality and an appealing appearance.

When purchasing this catcher’s mitt, keep in mind that it is available for either a left-handed or right-handed thrower. The uniquely shaped design and shape of the glove enable your child to gain fast, easy access to the ball, which should in turn help to improve your child’s gameplay experience and overall technique.

Check Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between a mitt and a glove?

The terms glove and mitt are used relatively interchangeably within baseball, even though they both explicitly refer to a mitt, as gloves as different. To put it as simply as possible, a glove has separate pockets for each of your fingers, while a mitt has fewer of them, bunching up your fingers together. This helps when catching a ball due to an added sense of security.

Do I have to do anything to the mitt after I purchase it?

A mitt just taken out of the wrapper will probably be uncomfortable to use, due to the fact that the material from which it has been made has not reached the level of flexibility required for optimal comfort. In short, it will be quite stiff.
Softening the material and putting it through use, then, is called “breaking” the glove. This is primarily done through repeatedly catching baseballs, and it can take anything from several days to whole weeks. To keep it simple, the more you use your mitt, the better it’s going to perform.

What is glove oil and how does it help?

Glove oil is very frequently seen being used by professionals. It is a light, all-purpose oil that has been specifically designed in order to be able to penetrate the material of most baseball mitts for two reasons: that of helping to break in new mitts by softening the material, and of keeping old mitts fresh and pristine by infusing them with much-needed oils so that it doesn’t become dry and crackly.

It can be used without worry, as even if you put too much oil on your mitts, then you’re not going to damage them. Furthermore, glove oil dries quite quickly and doesn’t leave residue, either, making the whole process quite easy. Keeping your mitt well-oiled can help protect against things like mold and mildew.

How often should I oil a catchers mitt glove?

The need for oiling can range from one time per week to one time per month, depending on the humidity of where you live. There isn’t a specific standard time that oiling is required. It depends on what type of oil you’re using, what type of glove you have, and the overall humidity of the environment where you choose to store your glove.
The best way to get it right is to read the instructions on the oil’s label and determine how often you should oil it that way.

What is the best time to replace a baseball glove?

Whenever the leather seems to be becoming weak that a hard line drive won’t stick to your glove anymore. There’s no exact measurement here either, you kind of have to go by your gut feeling and see how your glove performs during practice.

What size catchers mitt should a 12 year old use?

A 12 year old’s mitt should be within the range of 32 to 32.5 inches in circumference. Players 12 and under will require a mitt of 32″ or less, while a player 13 or older will usually require a catcher’s mitt whose circumference is 32.5″ or more.

What size catchers mitt should a 10 year old use?

Eight to ten year olds should wear mitts from 30 to 31 inches in circumference. Again, this can vary from child to child, but as a rule of thumb, that would be standard size for a catcher’s mitt meant for a 10 year old.

How long do the best youth catchers mitts last?

A standard pair of catchers mitts can last anywhere from a few months to two or three years depending on how much you use them. This also varies depending on the build quality, the brand that made the mitt, and many other factors. The mitts we’ve presented in this guide are all high-quality, so you should expect a decent shelf life.

Best Youth Catchers Mitts Final Thoughts

There you have it, the 5 Best Youth Catchers Mitts. Perhaps you are in need of a baseball bat as well? If so, then make sure you check out our list of Best Wood Youth Bats as well.

How to Play Pictionary: An Illustrated Guide

/0 Comments/in , /by

The quarantine has left us all in need of entertainment. It’s no wonder, then, that people have taken to appropriating the age-old game of Pictionary to Zoom’s environment. If you’re one of the people that wonder how to play Pictionary, then you’re in luck, as we’ve outlined an easy-to-follow guide that will bring you up to speed in no time.

Playing Pictionary on Zoom is not as complicated as some might think. You can traditionally play Pictionary with a pen and some paper. Zoom’s Whiteboard feature, however, offers an amazing alternative. Spicing up a board meeting before delving into what’s serious has never been this easy!

What is Pictionary on Zoom?

Pictionary is a word-guessing game created by Robert Angel in 1985. The game is generally played in two teams and has the end goal of identifying a larger array of words than your competitors. The team that scores the largest number of words is declared the winner.

Zoom is a particularly awesome platform to play Pictionary on due to its popularity and ease of use. The onset of the pandemic has left many people migrating their daily business to Zoom, greatly inflating its user base. Fans of Pictionary know this only means more people to play with.

Zoom’s Whiteboard feature makes playing Pictionary a breeze, although playing online means that you’ll have to use a random word generator as well for a complete experience.

Want something different or is Pictionary not what you’re looking for? We’ve put together a large list of games for you to peruse and enjoy, so take your pick!

vector concept of children playing pictionary

Getting Started with Pictionary

Learning how to play Pictionary is easy, although mastering it requires more than just a couple of ad-hoc games. First thing you should take care of is to relax. While Pictionary is highly competitive in nature, there’s no reason for you to get too involved. Some joke that it’s the type of game that destroys friendships. We’re glad to let you know that’s anything but true.

Ready? Great! In order to play, you’ll need to gather the following materials:

  • A Zoom account.
  • (Optional) Pen and paper.
  • A random word generator.
  • A timer.

We’ll be assuming that you’re going to be using Zoom’s Whiteboard feature instead of the traditional pen and paper approach. This removes the need to keep track of word categories on account of the generator.

Setting Up Your Teams

While you can learn how to play Pictionary on Zoom with more than just two teams, the general rule of thumb is that it’s far easier to understand and enjoy the game when there’s fewer teams to worry about.

If you have a large table and are not sure if you can accommodate everyone, then just split it in two and assign more players to a team than otherwise instead of adding more, as that tends to bog it down with additional paperwork.

The situation in which there are only three remaining players can also crop up, in which case it’s recommended you designate one of them as the dedicated sketcher.

Establishing House Rules

Pictionary has a set of rules that must be followed in order to keep up with the spirit of the game. There are also many who have chosen to modify them to their liking. There’s a varied amount of house rules available that you can enforce before starting play, so it’s wise to discuss them with your group for the perfect experience.

The word “basketball” is a classic example to consider when trying to determine house rules. What do you do if a player guesses “basketball hoop,” instead? The consensus among veteran Pictionary players is that the answer goes as long as the key word has been identified.

In traditional Pictionary you determine the starting player by rolling a six-sided die. This doesn’t quite apply to Zoom Pictionary. You can choose the starting player in a myriad of ways, such as going in the order of the webcam layout. Or alphabetically. Or by age, to give only a few examples!

people socializing via video conference

How to Play Pictionary on Zoom

So you’ve learned what it takes to play Pictionary and now you’re eager to get started. First, you must split the players into teams. Then you should get ready to apply your artistic skills before the timer runs out.

The first player has to start the 60 second timer and generate a random word. They will then have to appropriate it onto Zoom’s Whiteboard through drawing.

Let’s assume they generate the word “dog.” This means that the first player will have to illustrate a dog onto the Whiteboard. Then the other player has to guess it correctly before the timer runs out.

There’s always going to be someone who is going to try and declare the word before the first few lines have been laid out, which is great, as it’s all in the spirit of the game.

The host of the game or the player assembly will have to determine a success threshold for winning the game. Traditional Pictionary is played on a game board and has a slightly different scoring system than what Zoom allows. It’s important to establish the winning number of successes before starting play.

The team that first reaches this threshold is the winner, chalking up a success for each word guessed off the Whiteboard.

If you’re part of the winning team, then congratulations! You’ve gotten the hang of Pictionary, and will no doubt have a slew of future successes when playing against less experienced players.

If you’re part of the losing team, then congratulations as well! Pictionary is a game and should be taken thusly. Losing just means you have room for improvement, and there’s no better time to apply your recently learned talents than in future games.

Other Zoom Games Worth Trying

Zoom isn’t just good for playing Pictionary. There are many other games you could engage in, all of which are perfect for a video conference environment. Here’s a small list of suggestions that will leave you enthusiastic at the prospect of discovering a whole world of traditional gaming done virtually.

Twenty Questions

Need to test the amount of general knowledge you’ve acquired over the course of your lifetime? There’s few better ways to impress your peers with just how many things you know than by challenging them to a game of twenty questions.

Truth or Dare

See how brave your friends and family are by challenging them to a game of truth or dare. This staple childhood game can be played on Zoom with no effort whatsoever and is simple enough to thrive in situations in which time is of the essence.

Hangman

What a classic! Students have been playing Hangman since time immemorial, and the game is still very popular among certain groups. Zoom’s Whiteboard feature makes it easy for you and your group to play this awesome word puzzle game. Train not only your mind, but your ability to develop long-lasting friendships!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play Pictionary without teams?

Yes! While Pictionary is a team game at its heart, Hasbro has also put forward rules for players who would like to eschew the idea of teamwork. All in good fun, of course. If this is what you’re into, then we have some great suggestions for you.
You can play Pictionary in three players by splitting up the table in two teams and choosing the third player as the designated artist of the game. Drawing for the rest of the game isn’t all that fun, however.
The artist is also going to score a point whenever they draw well enough that one of the other players has guessed a keyword. This way you can reward both normal players and the artist.
One simple way to play Pictionary without teams is to rotate the role of designated artist after every guessed word. This can be done in any manner, whether from left to right or by the flip of a coin.
If the artist has a higher score than the other players, then he can no longer be an artist, and is only relegated to guessing.
You can also establish a set number of successes that will win the game instead of deciding freeform. Our suggestion would be to go for 9, which makes for a quick, stress-free game.

Is Pictionary a good game for children?

There’s few games, in fact, that are better suited to a developing child than Pictionary. Learning to identify words and concepts through a visual medium can help develop a child’s cognitive and perceptive skills to great effect.
Pictionary might sound a bit too difficult for certain children, although if you patiently take the time to explain how the game is played, then it only becomes a matter of practice.
Exposing a loved one to a traditional game like Pictionary is a great choice for parents who want to take an active hand in their development.

Can you play Pictionary in class?

Using Pictionary as a learning tool is a very wise move for teachers from all over the world. It’s easy to make class fun when you’re playing a game! If you’re looking for a more personal, laid-back approach to teaching your students words, then Pictionary is exactly what you need.
The convenience of having a blackboard or a whiteboard available solidifies Pictionary as being the end-all classroom game. It is a great introduction to a particularly intense lesson, as it can help students unwind and relax before getting to work.

Are there other ways of playing Pictionary?

You can play Pictionary in a wide variety of ways. The most common way of playing an alternate version of Hasbro’s timeless classic is Reverse Pictionary, which is particularly good when in a classroom environment on account of its unique nature.
Let’s assume your table has been split in two. A designated guesser has to be chosen by each team, who will have the sole privilege of attempting to identify key words. The guesser will have to be positioned with their back to the drawing board.
The game host must write down a word on the drawing board. The two teams will then have to draw it onto any canvas which will then be presented to the designated guessers. Their role, of course, is to identify the key words.
This is a fun way of putting a fresh coat of paint on Pictionary and will no doubt greatly improve its replayability value. Playing Reverse Pictionary on Zoom can be tricky, although that obstacle can easily be circumvented with a bit of creativity.

The Bottom Line

Pictionary is a spectacular game for all ages. Zoom’s Whiteboard feature has made it easy to get together for a bit of rest and relaxation. This opens up a large host of gaming possibilities.

Understanding the rules of the game can be difficult at first, especially when adapting Pictionary to an online video conference. You’re bound to have loads of fun as long as you follow the instructions.

Want to do us a favor? Then enjoy yourself and create some memorable experiences with your friends and acquaintances. Pictionary is the sort of game over which you can easily bond, so forget about your worries! Don’t be afraid to dive right in. You’ll be better for it.

You’ve learned how to play Pictionary. Now it’s all up to you!

90+ Science Trivia Questions to Boost Your Knowledge

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The beauty of science is that it’s ever-changing, so nobody will ever get tired of science trivia questions. Throughout history, a lot of things that were considered “facts” got hit in the head thanks to new scientific research and discoveries, so there’s no shortage of questions and answers like the ones below. Maybe we will update this list with even more stuff in the future, so stay tuned.

Science Trivia Questions and Answers

To make it easier for you to navigate through these science trivia questions and answers, we’ll try to place them in the appropriate category. From there, you’ll be able to read through them better and jot down only the ones that interest you for a possible game night contest. With that said, here’s what we’ve managed to find:

Easy Science Trivia Questions

Let’s start by showing off the questions and answers that even some children might have some knowledge about and then work our way up to more advanced stuff as we go.

Solar System Trivia Questions

  1. Q: Would you weigh more or less on Mars?

A: Less. A person who weighs 200 pounds on Earth would weigh just 76 pounds on Mars.

2. Q: Who was the first person to walk on the Moon?

A: Neil Armstrong. He landed on July 20, 1969, with Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin.

3. Q: What causes a solar eclipse?

A: The moon moves between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth.

4. Q: What causes the moon to shine?

A: The moon’s surface reflects light from the Sun.

5. Q: What was the first planet discovered with the aid of a telescope?

A: Uranus.

6. Q: Between which two planets does the asteroid belt lie?

A: Mars and Jupiter.

7. Q: What is the only planet in our solar system less dense than water?

A: Saturn.

8. Q: What is the nearest planet to the sun?

A: Mercury.

9. Q: What is the largest planet in the solar system?

A: Jupiter.

10. Q: What is the hottest planet in the solar system?

A: Venus

11. Q: The most recognized model of how the universe began is known as the?

A: The Big Bang.

12. Q: What color is the sunset on Mars?

A: Blue.

Biology Trivia Questions

Now let’s get into another interesting question category, namely biology. We’re going to try and cover as many as we can from this domain, especially because kids start learning about these things from the first few grades in school.

13. Q: What do white blood cells do?

A: White blood cells protect you against illness and disease. “Immunity Cells” are another name for these components.

14. Q: What is the rarest blood type?

A: AB4 negative.

15. Q: What part of the plant conducts photosynthesis?

A: The leaf.

16. Q: What is the largest known animal that walks on land?

A: The elephant.

17. Q: What is the largest known animal overall?

A: The blue whale.

18. Q: What kind of blood type is known as the universal donor?

A: O1 negative.

19. Q: What is the largest organ in the human body?

A: The skin.

20. Q: What tissues connect the muscles to the bones?

A: The tendons.

21. Q: Animals that eat both plants and meat are called what?

A: Omnivores.

22. Q: What is the largest bone in the human body?

A: The femur, also known as the thigh bone.

23. Q: Diabetes develops as the result of a problem with which specific organ in the body?

A: The pancreas.

24. Q: True or false – lightning is hotter than the sun.

A: True.

Physics Trivia Questions

25. Q: What is the smallest unit of matter?

A: An atom.

26. Q: How many states of matter are there?

A: Four: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.

27. Q: What word can you use to describe when a solid turns into a liquid?

A: Melting.

28. Q: What is a geiger counter used to measure?

A: Radiation levels.

29. Q: A magnifying glass is what type of lens?

A: Convex.

30. Q: Electric resistance is typically measured in what units?

A: Ohms.

31. Q: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction” is an example of one of these.

A: Newton’s Laws.

32. Q: What is the center of an atom called?

A: The nucleus.

33. Q: Who split the atom?

A: Ernest Rutherford.

34. Q: When a gas changes into a liquid, it is called what?

A: Condensation.

35. Q: The wire inside an electric bulb is known as what?

A: Filament.

36. Q: Who first proposed the concept of contact lenses?

A: Leonardo da Vinci.

Chemistry Trivia Questions

37. Q: What is the chemical symbol for lead?

A: Pb.

38. Q: What element is a diamond composed of?

A: Carbon.

39. Q: How many elements are listed in the periodic table?

A: 118.

40. Q: What two elements is water made of?

A: Hydrogen and oxygen.

41. Q: What is the sun mostly made up of?

A: Hydrogen.

42. Q: What inorganic molecule is produced by lightning?

A: Ozone.

43. Q: Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of what two elements?

A: Copper and tin.

44. Q: What reaction releases energy into its surroundings?

A: Exothermic reaction.

45. Q: This type of material does not allow electricity to flow through them easily, unlike conductors which are used for their ability to rapidly allow electricity to pass through. What is this material called?

A: Insulators.

46. Q: What word do scientists use to describe a unit of measure that is also the name of an animal?

A: A mole.

47. Q: In 1953, the United States of America conducted its first and only nuclear artillery test. Where was the test held?

A: Nevada.

48. Q: Most of a penny is made from what type of metal?

A: Zinc.

Hard Science Trivia Questions

Now we’ve finally completed the relatively simple science trivia questions and answers. Let’s move onto the next section, with much harder questions that will keep many teens and adults second-guessing.

Geology, Geography, and Solar System Trivia Questions

49. Q: How long does it take for light from the Sun to reach the Earth?

A: 8 minutes and 20 seconds. Some scientists have speculated that faster travel might be possible, but so far there’s no experiment to prove this.

50. Q: What is the only rock that floats?

A: Pumice. It’s actually created from lava, and it forms from the froth at the top of the laval flow that then cools very rapidly.

51. Q: Where can you find the oldest living tree on Earth, which has an age of approximately 4,843 years?

A: Also known as Methuselah, this bristlecone pine has been around since before the first building blocks were laid on the foundation of Ancient Rome, and it can be currently visited in California.

52. Q: Where is the largest known meteorite crater on Earth?

A: The Vredefort Ring in South Africa, with a 299 km diameter.

53. Q: What name is given to the planets located outside solar system?

A: Extrasolar planets.

54. Q: What is the basic cause of Aurora?

A: Charged particles from solar wind.

55. Q: What is the age of the Sun?

A: 5 Billion years.

56. Q: Is Obsidian an igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic rock?

A: Igneous.

57. Q: What is the cause of Tsunami?

A: Tsunami is caused by the displacement of water due to earthquake or landslide under sea.

58. Q: Is the stratosphere above or below the troposphere?

A: It extends 50km above the troposphere.

59. Q: Name the longest living structure on earth?

A: The greater barrier reef, Australia.

60. Q: What is the highest recorded surface wind speed on earth?

A: 372 Km per hour.

Biology, Anatomy, and Anthropology Trivia Questions

61. Q: What is the temperature of human body during digestion?

A: The body likes to keep its core temperature steady at about 100° F., which is when the best digestion occurs.

62. Q: Which is most dangerous among bees, snakes, house flies, or sharks when attributed to human deaths?

A: House flies.

63. Q: What is the end cause of every single human death?

A: Cerebral hypoxia – the lack of oxygen in the brain. When people die, their brains essentially starve, and that may be the cause of near-death-experiences and hallucinations.

64. Q: What is the scientific name for the job or role that a certain organism plays within its habitat.

A: Niche. Not to be confused with the same concept within businesses, musical genres, and so forth.

65. Q: Which animal’s tail is so strong that it can lift the animal’s hind legs off the ground while standing on it.

A: The kangaroo.

66. Q: What is the scientific name for the elephant’s trunk?

A: Proboscis, which also means nose.

67. Q: What animal is the T-Rex’s closest living relative?

A: The chicken. Birds in general are actually quite closely related to the extinct dinosaurs, which is why many researchers have played around with the idea that dinosaurs had feathers.

68. Q: What is the name of colored part of human eyes which controls the light passing through the pupil?

A: The iris, not to be confused with the flower of the same name.

69. Q: What is the name of the substance that gives the skin and hair their pigmentation? (Hint: sunbathing affects the amounts of this substance)

A: Melanin.

70. Q: What are the bottom-located chambers of the heart known as?

A: The ventricles.

71. Q: Of which substance are the nails made out of?

A: Keratin.

72. Q: What is the inner most part of the bones known as?

A: The bone marrow.

Physics, Chemistry, and Other Science Trivia Questions

73. Q: True or false – Lower tension on a tennis racket results in more control and less power.

A: False. Most racket manufacturers recommend that you use 50 to 70 pounds of tension when adjusting your racket, but it totally depends on your personal preference as a player.

74. Q: What islands were extensively studied by the now-famous Charles Darwin?

A: The Galapagos Islands.

75. Q: HIV was first discovered in 1981, and it is known to cause a condition called AIDS, which can be fatal if left untreated. What does AIDS stand for and what type of virus is HIV?

A: AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, and HIV is a retrovirus.

76. Q: In purely scientific terms, how long is an eon?

A: An eon lasts for one billion years. Basically, our planet is 4.54 billion eons old, and the first signs of life appeared not long after the Big Bang.

77. Q: If you put an insect and a plant in airtight container, what can you expect to happen?

A: They use and release different types of air, so they should continue to live.

78. Q: The pollutants which move downward with percolating groundwater are called what?

A: Leachates.

79. Q: On what is the principle of working of rockets based?

A: The law of conservation of momentum.

80. Q: What is the shape of a regular human’s DNA?

A: Double helix.

81. Q: What is white gold?

A: White gold is an alloy of gold and white metal such as palladium or silver.

82. Q: What is the fool’s gold?

A: The crystals of iron pyrite.

83. Q: Why is nickel not used for the creation of white gold?

A: It’s not that nickel wouldn’t be great at forming white gold, it’s because it causes skin allergies.

84. Q: Does the sun also rotate?

A: Yes, but only once around 27 days.

85. Q: What is the composition of sun?

A: About 70 percent hydrogen, 28 percent helium, and 2 percent other mass.

86. Q: What is the function of a manometer?

A: Measuring the pressure of closed systems.

87. Q: What is the highest recorded surface wind speed on earth?

A: A whopping 372 Km per hour.

88. Q: What is the pyrogen?

A: The substance in the human body that triggers a fever response.

89. Q: What is the amount of salt in an average human body?

A: 250 grams.

90. Q: What is the percentage of fire-related deaths caused by smoke inhalation rather than burns?

A: 80%.

91. Q: What is the fraction of volume of ice seen outside when immersed in water?

A: 10.5%.

Other Thoughts

If you want even more fun, educational, or entertaining things to do for the whole family, visit our homepage where we constantly bring you updates with new articles regarding fun activities, games, and so forth. Also, feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

20+ Indoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids Ideas to Keep you Sane

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

This adjustment period that we’ve all been though in 2020 and the beginning of 2021 has been… less than ideal, to put it mildly. Since many of us, including you (probably), are stuck at home with children, it might be high time to send them off to a scavenger hunt throughout the house.

That’s can keep them busy at least for a little while so you can manage your sanity much better than you’d be able with them bothering you nonstop. This activity also has the added advantage of motivating and teaching kids to solve problems on their own. In short, it’s both a relaxing and educational activity at the same time.

Before You Get Started With the Indoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Now, depending on the size of your house, you can increase the scope of the riddles as well. For example, while this guide is mainly for indoor scavenger hunts, we won’t exclude the outdoors if you have a backyard. But if you live in an apartment complex, then you should only pick the riddles and hints that can be applied to your apartment space.

Finally, before getting started, make some ground rules. And make sure that the kids have understood all the rules beforehand. Anticipate that the child will be excited to get started. Rule one: No running. If more than one child is playing along, they will be a team. The second rule should involve taking turns to read the clues. Moving further, the third rule could force them to read the clues as quietly as possible to avoid waking up the monsters. You get the point: make it in such a way that you can rest easily while they consume their energy.

Clues and Ideas for an Indoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Try to create clues that have a certain appeal towards children. For example, clues that rhyme are much more appealing to children than bland clues that you might find in a corporate office space. Alternatively, you could make clues with pictures or drawings if the kids are too young to understand writing. With that said, here are a few examples of clues with answers written below them:

Give me a tap and I’ll give you some suds,
I come in handy when you’re covered in mud.
(Soap/soap dispenser)

For fast heating or cooking, I am tops.
And, oh, that good smell when my popcorn pops!

(Microwave)

I get hot, and work two ways,
on top and within, but not on spinning trays.
(Stove/oven)

You can lay on me or sit, and put me up or down,
I’m better with cushions, and keep you off the ground.
(Patio furniture)

Paper comes in, and paper goes out,
but adding words in between is what I’m all about.
(Printer)

Walk, walk, walk, on me,

You can step, step, step on me,

Don’t forget to tie my lace,

Else you’ll fall flat on your face!

(Shoes)

You can find me big and small, I hang around all day,
when I’m not needed, I’m out of sight, folded, and put away.
(Towels)

More Indoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids

I’m a welcome sight for tired eyes; and comfy to the max,
the perfect option for nightly dozing, and good for aching backs.
(Bed)

I’ll keep you cool on a hot sunny day,
but don’t forget to put me down, or I’ll blow away.
(Umbrella)

I’ll give you cubes and cold creamy treats,
when it comes to negative temperature, I can’t be beat.
(Freezer)

I go round and round, spinning and spinning,
if you don’t like wrinkles, I’ll keep you grinning.
(Clothes dryer)

I get cold, but my door twin gets colder,
I keep food fresh, and help it from getting older.
(Refrigerator)

I take your food and return it to you hotter,
I also crisp it up, and you’ll probably want butter.
(Toaster)

I’m in the kitchen, and you’ll never eat me, 
but Scruffy the dog sure loves to greet me.
(Dog food)

You’ll fill me up and then drain me when done,
adding bubbles always makes me more fun.
(Bathtub)

Other Indoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Ok, so now we’ve covered a few examples of riddle scavenger hunt ideas. Now let’s focus on other forms of scavenger hunting that are just as effective. First off, you can make a list of attributes that objects might have (such as color or shape) and make your kids find their equivalent.

For example, your list could include something like “black, round, squishy” or “red, square, rough”. Alternatively, you can put such attributes separately and make your kids look for a single item for each one. For example, your kids can get only one item for “blue”, another item for “round”, and another item for “squishy”.

Another alternative is to make them find their favorite X. For example, replace X with “game”. Make them find their favorite video game in a gigantic bookcase with tons of video game cases. That should keep them occupied for some time. But don’t limit yourself to a single item. Make a list with several items so that you can keep them busy for longer periods of time.

Ready-Made Scavenger Hunt Games for Kids

If you’re too busy to make a list of indoor scavenger items for your kids, maybe a better solution is to order some that are made by others. We’ve found a couple of great offers on Amazon that we’d like to share with you. We might earn a little commission when you buy from these links, but other than that we are not sponsored or endorsed by any of the producers below:

GoTrovo Fun Scavenger Hunt Board Game for Kids | Indoors and Outdoor

Sale
GOTROVO The Family Treasure Hunt Game! Active Search and Find Treasure Hunt Game for Kids | Best Cooperative Board Games for Kids Ages 4-8
GOTROVO The Family Treasure Hunt Game! Active Search and Find Treasure Hunt Game for Kids | Best Cooperative Board Games for Kids Ages 4-8
  • This kids active game will have your kids race to the treasure around the board while encouraging...
  • One of the best family kids games ages 4-8, this popular kids games will spark your child's imagination...
  • It's not easy to find cooperative family kids games for 5 year old that keep your kids active and moving,...
$24.97 Amazon Prime
Check Price

This is one of the indoor scavenger hunt games that has won a Mom’s Choice Gold Award, so it’s practically guaranteed to be fun for the whole family or for your kids and their friends. The game is great for kids between 3 and 10 years of age, and it works by leaving clues behind a golden trail either indoor or outdoors in your backyard to keep kids entertained for hours on end.

Speedy scavenger-hunt card game | Card ‘n Go Seek

Mattel Games Card 'n Go Seek - ​Speedy Scavenger-Hunt Card Game
Mattel Games Card 'n Go Seek - ​Speedy Scavenger-Hunt Card Game
  • Card ‘N’ Go Seek game delivers get-out-of-your-seat scavenger hunt fun for the whole family!
  • Each card describes a type of item that players must find and retrieve. The first player to get back with...
  • The first player to win one card of each color OR three cards of the same color wins the game!
Check Price

Able to provide fun for the whole family or just for your children from 7 years of age and upwards, Card ‘n Go Seek is a fast-paced, adrenaline-inducing pre-made scavenger hunt card game that’s worth its title. The game is as simple as it is fun: each card provides you with a short description, i.e. “completely flat”, and the player who draws said card needs to find something that matches the description. The ultimate goal is to win either one card of each color or three cards of the same color.

Amazon Exclusive Family Scavenger Hunt Game

Family Scavenger Hunt, Indoor Outdoor Game, 280 Cards, Ages 6+.
Family Scavenger Hunt, Indoor Outdoor Game, 280 Cards, Ages 6+.
  • Easy-To-Play: Pick Your Partner Or Team, Deal Out Ten Cards Each And Get Hunting. Family Scavenger Hunts...
  • Family Favorite: Great Game For Road Trips, Camping, Parks, Cabin Vacations, And Cruises. In Family...
  • 280 Cards. Inside Or Outside: Our Game Includes An Indoor Deck For Scavenger Hunts Inside The House And...
$16.99 Amazon Prime
Check Price

Being made by Amazon, this indoor and outdoor scavenger hunter game for kids and adults alike really sets the bar high for others on the market. All you need to do is pick a partner or a team, deal ten cards each, and then go out and find the objects that are specific to each of your cards. What makes this set special is that it contains a deck for indoor use, as well as one for outdoor use, so you don’t have to improve your own deck to hold the cards or other pieces that you might need when improvising new versions of this classic game. And don’t worry, you won’t be running out of cards any time soon. The set contains 280 cards as well as instructions for those who have never played scavenger hunt before.

Hapinest Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt | Outdoor and Indoor Card Game for Kids

Sale
Hapinest Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Outdoor Indoor Card Game for Kids
Hapinest Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Outdoor Indoor Card Game for Kids
  • Our Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt is a fun activity game for the whole family to play both indoor and...
  • This set includes 35 Find and Seek cards, 2 instruction cards, and 1 drawstring bag making this game...
  • Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt is for ages 3 years and up. Even non readers can play by picture...
$9.99 Amazon Prime
Check Price

This set includes 35 Find and Seek cards, 2 instruction cards, and 1 drawstring bag making this game perfect for road trips and travel. You can also use it indoors without any problems, as the cards are varied enough to include things that you could, theoretically, find in just about any household. However, the best part is that even children who haven’t yet learned how to read can still play it because they can recognize the pictures. The pictures themselves are explicit enough even without warranting the text that appears on the bottom, so it’s highly unlikely that a three-year-old will have trouble playing it along with you or some friends.

GoTrovo Seek’n’Build Indoor & Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Find It Game for Kids

Sale
GOTROVO Scavenger Hunt Game for Kids Seek and Build 1st Edition | Kids Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Kids Ages 4-8 | Easter Scavenger Hunt
GOTROVO Scavenger Hunt Game for Kids Seek and Build 1st Edition | Kids Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Kids Ages 4-8 | Easter Scavenger Hunt
  • Not your average scavenger hunt! Keep your kids entertained for hours with a variety of fun and engaging...
  • With 80 different clues and 7 challenge cards, this is the perfect indoor and outdoor cooperative card...
  • There are plenty of outdoor clues to let your kids enjoy our kids backyard games, or use the indoor clues...
$11.97 Amazon Prime
Check Price

GoTrovo calls this the Boredom Buster for very good reasons. It’s the perfect brain teaser for kids, as it includes a lot of challenge cards and “go find it cards” sorted by difficulty levels. Practically, it encourages your kids to experiment with scientific methods that they can practice without a chemistry kit or other dangerous hazards. On top of scavenger challenges, it also has “seek and build” challenges that encourage kids to use their creativity and imagination in a more practical manner. It gives them the freedom to experiment and discover the world in a fun and safe manner. Furthermore, people who care about the environment will absolutely love this game. There’s no wasted packaging in the slightest. The package is small and it will fit in most cupboards with ease. Finally, it also comes with a coloring sheet to further encourage your children’s creativity. It’s practically a 3-in-1 educational tool.

Amazon Exclusive Christmas Scavenger Hunt Game

Outset Media Christmas Scavenger Hunt Game (Amazon Exclusive) – Contains 220 Cards – Christmas Themed Party Game for 2 or More Players Ages 6 and up
Outset Media Christmas Scavenger Hunt Game (Amazon Exclusive) – Contains 220 Cards – Christmas Themed Party Game for 2 or More Players Ages 6 and up
  • EASY-TO-PLAY: Pick your partner or team, deal out ten cards to each team and get hunting. This holiday...
  • FAMILY FAVORITE: Christmas Scavenger Hunt is a great game for kids and adults. It puts everyone in the...
  • INSIDE OR OUTSIDE: Our game includes an INDOOR deck for scavenger hunts inside the house and an OUTDOOR...
$16.99 Amazon Prime
Check Price

If you’re reading this near the holidays, you might be interested in getting a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt game. It includes both an indoor and outdoor deck for your kids so they can play an all-time favorite game for the holiday season. The set includes 220 cards and instructions, and everything is themed around the magic of Christmas. Every card gives your kids the opportunity to “hunt” for something that is Christmas-related either inside the house or in your backyard. What better way to get your loved ones into the holiday spirit than this?

Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards at Home – Interactive and Educational

Sale
MOLLYBEE Kids Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards at Home, Toddler Games, Gifts for Ages 2, 3
MOLLYBEE Kids Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards at Home, Toddler Games, Gifts for Ages 2, 3
  • TODDLER TIME: A perfect first game for little ones! Toddler Scavenger Hunt cards contain 20 double-sided...
  • INDOOR FUN: Rainy day? No problem! These easy-to-use cards give toddlers the tools to discover everyday...
  • GAME DESIGN: Toddler Scavenger Hunt cards feature the bold and whimsical artwork of Marion Billet. Her...
$10.39 Amazon Prime
Check Price

Finally, we have a great indoor scavenger hunt game for toddlers. Toddler Scavenger Hunt cards contain 20 double-sided sturdy cards that provide simple, satisfying questions and prompts to guide your toddler. Playing with the cards builds vocabulary and increases confidence and encourages toddlers to explore the world around them. All the cards are placed on a ring so that your toddler won’t lose them. Every card contains both text and an illustration to make it easier for your little ones to find what they’re looking for. Below the item that they’re tasked with finding is also a certain instruction. For example, below “Can you find a button?” it asks “What shape is it?”. Basically, it puts your toddlers’ bran to the test without being too difficult or harsh on them.

Bonus

We’ve also found a great After Dark Scavenger Hunt game for older folks at The Dating Divas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a scavenger hunt and treasure hunt?

A treasure hunt tends to present a series of clues, each of which leads to a specific mystery location; a scavenger hunt tends to offer a laundry list of items that you need to go out and pick up. So for example, in a treasure hunt, you might receive a cryptic clue, written as a puzzle, rhyme, or code. In a scavenger hunt, by contrast, you’d get a scavenger hunt list of items to discover, starting with let’s say, “Find a bar coaster marked with an animal on it.” Your task would be to go out into the world and locate this item, wherever you think might be the easiest place to find it.

What is the best scavenger hunt app?

If you want to go fully digital, then check out this list of the best scavenger hunt apps.

The Bottom Line

We hope you’ve found our ideas interesting. Feel free to leave us a comment below with other suggestions, if you have any, or your opinion on the information above.