balance boards?

[herenow2]

What do people think of balance boards? I'm thinking of getting a balance board for my soon to be 5 year olds birthday. Does any one have one to recommend? Or did anyone buy one and find them to be a waste?

I'm looking at either -
http://www.threesisterstoys.com/p-44...nce-board.aspx
or
http://www.amazon.com/Carrom-510-01-.../dp/B00003G1U0

Any opinions?

Thanks!

[SkyMomma]

http://www.amazon.com/Carrom-510-01-.../dp/B00003G1U0

We have this one. DS1 was given it for his birthday last year (6th) -- he LOVED it! We promptly bought one for his 7 yr old cousins for xmas. Just a couple of FYI's: make sure you've got some space & carpet (it's really slippery on hard floors). I think this balance board keeps my super-active guy's interest more than the other you listed would -- it's more challenging, uses more muscle, requires better balancing skills, etc.

Also -- my 28 yr old brother-in-law grew up with one of these boards & is still fantastic at it -- he rides it almost like a stationary skateboard, complete with cool turns & jumps.

I say go for it!

[Drummer's Wife]

We have this balance board, and the kids seem to like it just fine. I wouldn't spend $100 on it, though. But the construction is solid, so I'd recommend it (maybe from a cheaper source, or something similar).
http://www.pogostickusa.com/stilts/n...ance_board.htm

[notneb]

Oh man, that makes me so nostalgic. My grandpa has a balance board just like the one in the second link in his house. It's been used by his 10 children, 30-ish grandchildren, dozen great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild and is still in good shape. I have such fond memories of having balance board tournaments with my siblings and cousins - it is such a great toy!