10 years of fun for a nice price: Step 2 durable and safe
Written: Apr 14 '05 (Updated Apr 14 '05)
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Pros: Size, durable, fun, multi-use, slide has raised lip
Cons: Definitely buy stainless steel screws to keep this one together!
The Bottom Line: For the price, this climber makes a wonderful addition to any backyard. The sturdy ladder and slide with a lip make it toddler friendly!
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| thriftymommy's Full Review: Step 2 Corp Townhouse Climber |
We bought the Step 2 Corporate Townhouse Climber way back in 1995 and its lasted with minimal fade and lots of play time!
About the Climber
This climber features a four step ladder in the rear and molded steps on one of the body. The slide is approximately eight feet long and fits between the two body pieces.
The underneath "townhouse" is accessed by a little half door that swings out and there is a window on both sides of the body.
The top piece has vent holes for rain water, snow etc. and is very sturdy. The top can accomodate two children at a time and the children are enclosed by the side walls.
The entire weight is approximately 90 pounds and the height is just under 5 feet. This climber is recommended for ages 1 1/2 to 4 and up to 80 pounds can play safely at one time.
My review
Well, let's start with the assembly. After fighting to get the pieces to fit for over two hours(the top platform must fit exactly into the side bases with lining up the notches), we gave up and screwed the whole climber together with stainless steel screws and that's the way its been for 10 years.
Durability is the main feature of this climber. My 10 year old will still climb up top to jump off the sides and it has yet to fall apart (he's 105 pounds and taller than the climber!). The slide can handle two kids at once and the underneath is comfortable for two toddlers or one 10 year old's hide and seek place.
The door remains in place and swings easily after ten years and many moves; the entire body has minimal sun fade (unlike Little Tikes toys) and the colors are still quite vibrant after 10 years.
Why stress the age of this toy? Simply put, there are no cracks, dents, dings or safety concerns after all this time. This climber has lasted and suffered through years of abuse without even showing its age. The only fade is on the Step 2 label; the rest of this climber is in great condition.
The Step 2 company also put out the Big Splash Center which we added to this slide and it worked well until a move left us without the drain plug. This climber fits perfectly into that pool.
There is a little lip on the bottom of the slide which lifts your toddler off the ground when sliding so that they land on their feet. This was a selling point for me as many Little Tikes slides just dump the kids onto the ground at the bottom. The sides of the slide are also raised a bit to provide hand rails for a little one. The slide lip also aids little ones in learning how to climb up the slide by raising them off the ground about one and a half feet.
The platform base (top) with vent holes has come in handy to prevent water and snow from being retained inside the climber; I hear no water sloshing around inside like in my other plastic outdoor toys. The entire climber is constructed of sturdy outdoor plastic and I have washed it annually with Simple Green to remove dirt.
The kids have all enjoyed this climber because it is so child-friendly. Its ladder features chunky steps and is easy to navigate for toddlers; the side molded steps are better for the brave preschoolers and the high sides on the top keep the little ones from falling off the platform even when crowded by other kids.
Overall, this would be a great addition to any backyard and a wonderful yardsale or ebay find; it's perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and their friends. The size is manageable for mom to move around by herself and I can only suggest that you put it together once using stainless steel screws since the pieces stop wanting to fit properly after coming apart the first time.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 165
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years
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Epinions.com ID:
thriftymommy
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Member: April
Location: Home of the Hindenburg Disaster, NJ
Reviews written: 90
Trusted by: 49 members
About Me:
The number of people below the official poverty thresholds numbered 36.1 million in 2005.
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