Laser Pegs light up construction toy (4-in-1 helicopter set) review

Kids and many adults like myself enjoy playing with the iconic multi-colored LEGO bricks and mini figures. But if you’re looking for a new construction toy that is both educational, and can also be used with LEGO bricks, Laser Pegs light up construction toy sets are an interesting choice. I was sent the 4-in-1 Helicopter set which can make a T1 Super Cobra, Rescue Helicopter, Cargo Helicopter, or an Attack Helicopter. Let’s take a look.

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

What’s in the box?

Mobile power source
2x Laser Pegs
45 colored construction parts
Model instructions

I’ve seen LEGO wannabe bricks and parts before, but Laser Pegs parts are actually about as close as you can get to the real thing without being LEGO. They have the same shape, posts and size of LEGO bricks, but the Laser Pegs parts are different because they are not solid colors. They come in a variety of colors like red, orange, purple and green, but they aren’t solid, you can see through them.

Laser Pegs get their name from the Laser Pegs pieces that you see above. The large piece is the mobile power source and the two smaller pieces are the actual Laser Pegs. The power  source is powered by three LR-44 button cell batteries which are included and replaceable.

The Laser Pegs have a male and female plug which allows them to fit together in series.

The Laser Pegs easily fit together like you see above.

But the fun happens when you flip the switch on the mobile power source which has two settings: steady and blink. Incorporating the Laser Pegs into your models will give them a fun new lighting feature.

The Laser Pegs 4-in-1 Helicopter set comes with a small booklet that has step by step instructions without any written text that shows you how to build an attack helicopter.

Here’s the finished model.

Dim the lights and flip the switch on the mobile power source and the LEDs illuminate through the translucent pieces for a cool visual effect. Flip the switch the other way for blinking lights.

Laser Pegs light up construction toys are STEM approved. STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Math. This kit helps kids develop their problem solving skills and fine motor skills among other things.

The kit is as fun to build as any LEGO kit, but the light up ability is a nice new twist. The only complaint that I have is that the set only comes with instructions for the one model even though it’s supposed to be a 4-in-1 kit. The instructions tell you to go to the Laser Pegs web site to download the other model instructions which I find annoying. Even more disappointing is the fact that the downloadable instructions for the other models are only in black and white instead of color like the instructions included with the set.

If the lack of a full set of instructions doesn’t bother you too much, Laser Pegs light up construction toy sets are priced a little better than LEGO sets and will keep your kids (or yourself) busy building and being creative.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Laser Pegs. Please visit their site for more info or Amazon to buy a set.