In this article we will go to deepen the Geomag Mechanics series and, more specifically, the “Gravity Vertical Motor” set, to understand if it can be considered an economic alternative to the “brick” competitor.
Geomag is not new on the page of TechGameWorld.com. We have already talked about the “Pro” series of the Swiss manufacturer of educational toys based on magnets. What we have had the opportunity to analyze this time is the model Geomag Mechanics Gravity Vertical Motor which, through various sections, will allow us to build a real mechanism capable of functioning and passing the iconic magnetic spheres in a path that we will create from scratch.
Given the not so high price, the question that naturally arises is: can we actually consider an alternative to much more expensive products such as the acclaimed LEGO Technic?
What is Geomag Mechanics?
While the “Pro” series, with its plastic pieces and strong magnetic components will keep us busy creating more or less beautiful architectural structures (based on our creativity), the series Geomag Mechanics from a certain point of view it limits creativity to direct us to construction of specific structures with “mechanical” operation.
The sets that make up this collection are varied and each one allows us to build different mechanisms. Other than that, the most interesting feature is perhaps the fact of being able to merge several different sets once completed, in order to create much more complex mechanisms.
Let’s create the Geomag Mechanics Gravity Vertical Motor
Once the package was opened we found ourselves in front of the various sachets containing the different ones sections of 18 different typesin addition to instruction manual. This presents in the first pages some tips on how to put certain pieces together, and then move on to the actual guide.
We have several types of different components, almost all made of plastic, except for the metal balls and the orange magnet. Speaking of colors: these range from white to green, blue and orange. Once you understand the advice given in the manual, assembly took us little time: about half an hour.
What we will find at the end will be, precisely, a “vertical motor” where above we will position the spheres that will go to the orange mechanism which, once we make it rotate, will push the other spheres inside ” automating “everything. The spheres will then travel a short distance to end up inside a “mini enclosure”.
Geomag Mechanics: l’alternativa a LEGO Technic?
Once the set was assembled, we realized that it was not exactly stable. To make it work, it has often happened to us that we have to better fit some pieces that tend to move. Once in operation, however, the mechanism is really satisfying, with the possibility of seeing the spheres descend and then make the path. Clearly, the funniest part of the game is undoubtedly the editing phase which, however, will see us busy not too long.
In case you want to approach the world of Geomag Mechanics, our advice is not to take a single set. By purchasing multiple sections together you will not only have a much more complex and beautiful mechanism to look at, but you will add time in the creation phase which is very enjoyable albeit simple but, in general, suitable for children aged 8 years and over.
Returning to the question we asked at the beginning: can we define Geomag Mechanics as a cheap alternative to LEGO Technic? Our answer is no. Counting the fact that to reach several hours of assembly we would have to add various Geomag sets and, therefore, the result will not be so cheap. More specifically, the two types of games have different results although the editing is still at the center.
In fact, Geomag Mechanics does not emulate something specifically, but is aimed more in detail at children who are passionate about mechanisms and paths, who will be able to see their creations work step by step in an “automatic” way or almost, by observing the various steps.