Do not confuse Lego analogues with a fake or cheap, but low-quality Chinese copy of the goods. In order to compete worthily, the Lego analogue must correspond to the functionality of the original, have a set of parts for assembling various designs and meet established quality standards. The market for children's toys has now reached the level where counterfeit goods are tight.
The seemingly harmless children's designer, the analogue of "Lego", can be fraught with many dangers for the child. And it's not just about damaging the delicate leg when the child steps on the part. Classical components that do not have a negative effect on the body are replaced by negligent manufacturers with toxic ones.
In order not to get into trouble, experts advise choosing products from a trusted manufacturer. To understand the assortment will help laboratory research and the advice of professionals.
Market options
As soon as you go to the children's toy store, your eyes immediately begin to run up from the abundance of the proposed options. Classical behavior is expressed in two versions: “why pay more if it is all the same” and “a quality product will not be cheap.” In part, both statements are true, but a third is given. It is called the golden mean.
To make an objective picture, the analysis took five of the most common Lego analogues:
BRICK (China, 144 parts).
1 TOY (China, 105 parts).
LIGAO (China, 170 parts).
COBI (Poland, 51 parts).
"City of Masters" (China, 190 parts).
To test the designer, an analogue of Lego, the Russian Institute for Consumer Testing began. The experts went over the main parameters that affect the overall quality: the safety of chemical compounds, the assembly quality of parts from the kit and their compliance with the instructions.
The cost of each set is approximately the same, but significantly (5-7 times) lower than the Lego itself.
Security
The first thing you should pay attention to if you decide to buy a Polish or Chinese analogue of Lego is the presence of burrs and chipping.
COBI, LEGO and LIGAO pleased their appearance. No defects were noticed during external inspection. The City of Masters had a few small burrs. Brick and 1 TOY did not differ in a smooth surface. A large number of roughnesses are located at the junction of parts of the part. It is unrealistic to break them, since they are thin. It is necessary to carefully trim with sharp scissors, as there is a risk of surface damage - after the burr most of the coating comes off.
In laboratory studies, the presence of toxic substances in the designers of all manufacturers was not detected. The smell of products is also normal. All toys comply with GOST and are approved for use.
The toxicity index does not exceed the 15 percent barrier, which meets the requirements.
Battle check
Patiently inspect the details. To do this, put the same parts in a row. All but the 1 TOY die are the same in height and size. It is an order of magnitude longer, and the mount is different. Therefore, 1 TOY is incompatible with Lego.
We are trying to collect. Do not forget that the designer is intended primarily for children. Therefore, not only adults, but also teenagers were invited to test.
Instructions are provided in the images and written descriptions for all copies.
The analogue of Lego BRICK is as close as possible in the original. The build quality is good, but sometimes you have to make an effort to connect the parts. This is uncritical, but a small child can not do without the help of an adult. Sorting the toy is also simple. Difficulties arise when disconnecting small parts.
Manufacturers of COBI overdone with instructions. There are many errors in it, and the description itself is difficult to parse. Detach parts from each other is difficult. Some objects are designed as moving, but they do not move.
LIGAO did not deceive expectations. The instructions are simple and straightforward. Details hold well.
"City of Masters" is the worst analogue of "Lego". There are not enough parts, some are not securely attached, while others are difficult to combine.
To summarize
Fortunately, all samples do not contain toxic substances. Each analogue has its drawbacks, but the "City of Masters" has become the undisputed leader in anti-rating. The appearance of the parts, poor fastening, complicated and incorrect instructions leave an unpleasant impression on the purchase.
The cost of the sets is about the same, but the "City of Masters" is cheaper, which affected the quality.
1 TOY is notable for the mismatch of parts, but this company has an analogue of Lego for girls, which other manufacturers do not have.