I remember when my father brought his original balance board home after he packed up his parents house. All three of us took to the challenge of being able to stay up on it. Just when we started to get bored with it, our renter from our garage taught us to stretch the limits - first, merely learning to jump and then keep your balance. Within weeks, he was doing a 180 degree jump, and then a 360 degree turn. I am looking forward to our kids (8 and 6) working on their balance skills with this toy.

This toy needs a smooth, hard surface to work well; linoleum, very smooth concrete or hardwood floors are recommended. For long-term durability, I would not recommend using it on typical street concrete as the wood roller beam can get dinged up a bit with loose pebbles and then not roll as smoothly. 5 stars

Friends had a board like this in college. I used it so much it ended up at my apt. It is fun, challenging and good exercise. It is hard to surprise teens with a fun gift but this was a great choice for our kids. Their friends enjoy it too. It is good skiing and snowboarding conditioning. It works fine on carpet as well as hard floors. The product is well built and easily supports large adults. 5 stars

I have two teenage boys. We keep the balance board in the house (so far) and when one is playing video games the other one tends to stand and use the balance board. It is challenging enough that I expect them to be entertained by it for quite awhile. They've developed their own "tricks", and it is a great outlet for that extra energy. My oldest son weighs about 150 pounds, and so far the board holds up well. 5 stars

I grew up with a "bongo board" which is the same as the balance board. Except the "base" (ie the thing the board rolls on) is terrible. It comes in multiple pieces of circles you have to assemble to make it. The wood shreds when you roll on it. It also doesn't feel very stable. I wished I had spent a couple extra dollars and gotten the "all plastic" one or the "pivet board". We haven't even really used it because it makes a mess and I am scared it will break. This is one item I may have to bring back. I LOVED my bongo board growing up and it was so much fun. I thought it would be fun for my children too. Unfortunately I picked the wrong one. 2 stars

I have been wanting one of these for years. I used to use one at a friend's apartment when I was in my early twenties in upstate New York; we would do it on the hardwood floors indoors during the winter. I believe he called it a "bongo board." I have never seen one since (including any for sale). I would concur with the other reviewer's remark that you probably wouldn't want to use one on the street (because it would get nicked-up). They are also good to prep for downhill skiing. Hope they are available soon! *** (Don't know why this review labels me as a "toy enthusiast"). 4 stars