What is Boomtrix?
Boomtrix Xtreme Trampoline from Goliath Games is similar to other marble runs except for one thing. It has no tracks or rails, or tubes to guide the ball from start to finish.
Instead, you have to configure a series of mini-trampolines so a metal ball can drop from a launch tower to the first trampoline, then bounce to the next, and so on until it finally settles at the end goal.
In this article we'll be looking at the following Boomtrix Kits:
Marble runs are great STEM toys, and the way Boomtrix plays out encourages kids to expand their thinking. Kids will need to consider factors such as trajectories, height, acceleration, momentum, angles, drop, drift, and range etc. to set up their airborne marble run.
Bounce along the trampolines, clear the stunt walls, pass through the hoop and reach your flapping goal!
Kids will find this is a trial and error process initially, and this is where they will generate a lot of their fun.
The trampolines can be positioned flat or angled with the use of trampoline curves which fix to the bottom of a trampoline. Kids need to adjust the trampolines to change the direction of the balls.
They can design obstacles into their layouts and arrange hoops for the balls to pass through.
It can be helpful to have several pairs of hands to set up the original course.
If your child rises to the challenge of the starter set - Kinetic Launch - they can enhance their gameplay by combining with other Xtreme sets such as Boomtrix Multiball, Showdown and Multi Challenge, or an add-on Stunt Pack.
Boomtrix Kinetic Launch
The Kinetic Launch is a good place to start. It has a four trampoline setup which is a good number with which to learn and includes:
- 1 x Drop Tower
- 5 x Metal Balls
- 4 x Trampolines
- 2 x Trampoline Curves
- 1 x Stunt Ring
- 1 x Goal
- Instructions
Boomtrix Multiball
This set includes a launcher that can release up to fifteen balls at once. Better make sure your trampolines are well set before that many balls bounce along the course at the same time! Set includes:
- Launcher
- 8 Metal Balls
- 5 Trampolines
- 3 Trampoline Curves
- 3 Stunt Walls
- 1 Stunt Ring
- 1 Flapping goal
- Instructions
Boomtrix Showdown
This is the penultimate Boomtrix set and features a Giant Ramp Tower that can release up to fifteen balls at once. Set includes:
- Giant Ramp Tower
- 12 Metal Balls
- 6 Trampolines
- 4 Trampoline Curves
- 1 Booster
- 1 Stunt Ring
- 1 Firework Goal
- Instructions
Boomtrix Double Challenge
Coming November 17th - Order Now!
This new release from Goliath features twin action courses. Two Xtreme trampoline runs are set up side by side for two players. You can race to get to the finish first or see who can take the longest to reach the end. You could even set up a zig-zag course! Here's where the imagination comes in. Set includes:
- 1 x Double Launch Tower
- 8 x trampolines
- 2 x goal finishes
- 5 x Orange Balls
- 5 x Blue Balls
- Instructions
Boomtrix Stunt Kit Add-on
Boomtrix Stunt Pack
The Stunt Ring, Stunt Button and Stunt Trampoline.
A stunt ring, button and trampoline that can be used with any other Boomtrix Xtreme Trampoline set.
Boomtrix vs Gravitrax
A Gravitrax marble run layout using the Vertical Starter Set.
The comparison between Boomtrix and Gravitrax often crops up. They are entirely different types of marble run, and a direct comparison is not that straightforward. They have their Pros and Cons.
Boomtrix Tips
- For your first layout, please stick to the manufacturer's instructions, and keep it simple. Set up your trampolines in a straight line on the same level until you get used to how the balls bounce off a trampoline in different ways.
- For your early attempts at a successful layout, it is best to have several players helping as you adjust trampoline positions and angles. The balls may shoot all over the place until you get the gist of it, and you will appreciate spare hands to retrieve the balls.
- The ball's impact on a trampoline can cause the trampolines to move slightly out of alignment and mess your layout for the next run. Try putting some modeling clay/plasticine underneath the trampoline to weigh it down and minimize moving out of position.
Final Thoughts
Boomtrix Xtreme Trampoline is an entertaining STEM toy, and a different spin on the usual marble run sets. Kids who have become overly familiar with a conventional marble run's fixed layout may find this an exciting challenge.
While it may not have as many different features, it can operate over a bigger area and at more pronounced speeds, which will appeal to kids.
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