Getting tweens off the couch and away from the video games isn't always easy. My son is obsessed with video games and grumbles whenever I force him to walk the nature trails or go to the beach. Thanks to
Tek Recon, I found a way to merge his love of technology with the great outdoors. Their advanced battle systems come with an app that can be downloaded through either the App Store or Google Play and into devices such as iPods and iPhones. This app is a live action game that allows kids to step into a video game in a way they never have before, all while getting the outdoor exercise they need to stay healthy and fit.
We received a few of these guns to try out and my son thought they were amazing. He got to try out both the Havoc and the set of Hammer Heads. The Hammer Heads come with two units, each the equivalent of a handheld pistol. It includes 30 rounds of ammo that can be reused. We also tried out the Havoc which is a larger gun, similar to a toy machine gun, which includes 72 rounds of ammo.
The first step was to download the app which was quick and easy. Once that's installed, you can actually track your rival players with a built-in GPS. This feature works with any of the guns from
Tek Recon and with as many players as you want. All they need is their own unit. On the screen of your device you'll see a compass, ammo counter, and various views, such as night vision or x-ray. When a rival player also has the app installed, you can actually track them around your neighborhood with the GPS. There is even a mount for the guns to secure your device.
The ammo for the guns are similar to elastic bands, but softer. They don't hurt on impact, though I wouldn't recommend aiming for the face and I require my children to use protective goggles as a precaution. The bands are reusable, but very small so there is chance that they will get lost, especially when the kids are going to be more concerned with chasing each other down than picking up spent ammo. However, additional ammo is available for a reasonable price should you need to restock. The rounds are able to be fired an incredible distance and refilling them is not at all complicated. The cartridge slides out and the ammo slips right back into place.
Considering everything you get with of your
Tek Recon--gun(s), lots of ammo, the app--these toys are amazingly affordable. In fact, they are often less money than some of the Styrofoam shooters I've bought in the past, which lasted all of five minutes and weren't nearly as exciting. My tween son thought it was amazing, but even my teen daughter and my
husband wanted to get in on the action. It's better than playing paintball because there's no mess to clean up afterwards. I would recommend Tek Recon to anyone who wants to get their kids off the couch and out into the fresh air. If you'd like to learn more about Tek Recon and all their interactive products, you can visit their website. To keep up with new products and promotions, be sure to follow them on
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You can purchase this gorgeous bouncer over at 
