Beast Lab Dino

Are you looking to buy the popular Beast Lab Dino toy for your kids? As one of the most sought-after robotic dinosaur toys on the market, the Beast Lab Dino has captured the imaginations of children across the country. But with so many options and features to consider before purchasing, it can be tough to know which model is right for your family.

This comprehensive buying guide takes you through everything you need to know about the Beast Lab Dino, from key features and assembly to troubleshooting and comparisons with other toys. We’ll provide tips on where to buy online or in stores, the best pricing, age recommendations, and much more. By the end, you’ll be fully equipped to select the perfect Beast Lab Dino for hours of prehistoric, robotic fun. Let’s get started!

Key Features of the Beast Lab Dino

So what exactly can this interactive dinosaur do? Here are some of the top features that make the Beast Lab Dino such an engaging toy:

• Lifelike movements and sounds – Using advanced robotics and sensors, the Beast Lab Dino moves and responds in hyper-realistic ways. It can walk, roar, groom itself, ram objects, and more, bringing dinos to life.
• Touch-responsive – The plastic skin covering the dino’s head, back, and sides senses touch and elicits different reactions. Kids can soothe or agitate their dino for immersive play.
• LED lights – Light-up eyes and decorative stripes along the back and tail give the dino an added glow for more excitement.
• Auto-balancing – Unlike cheap ride-on toys, the dino uses gyro-sensor technology to automatically balance and prevent tipping. Kids can play freely without constant falls.
• Companion ball – An included plastic ball ignites the dino’s interest, prompting lively interactions like head-butts, kicks, and chasing.
• Rechargeable battery – No more spending piles of cash on batteries! The built-in lithium-ion battery is conveniently rechargeable via USB.

With its advanced sensors, slick design, and array of motions, it’s easy to see why the Beast Lab Dino captures kids’ imaginations and feels like a real pet!

Assembling Your Beast Lab Dino

Putting together your dino straight out of the box is quick and hassle-free. Here’s a step-by-step assembly guide:

1. Carefully remove all parts from packaging – you’ll find the dino body, companion ball, charging cable, and instruction manual.
2. Attach the head by lining up the connectors and pushing firmly until it clicks into place.
3. Insert the ridged tail end into the slot at the dino’s rear and click into position.
4. If not already installed, put 3 AA batteries (not included) into the companion ball. This activates touch sensors.
5. Fully charge the dino before first use by plugging the charging cable into the port behind its right leg. The LEDs blink when charging.
6. Power on the dino using the small switch on its back left leg. If the eyes light up, it’s ready to go!

With just those few simple steps, your Beast Lab Dino will be upright and ready for playtime. The whole assembly should take 5 minutes or less. Always supervise kids during use and follow all safety guidelines.

Where to Buy the Beast Lab Dino

The Beast Lab Dino is produced by Inception Designs and sold through various major retailers online and in-store. Here are some of the best places to buy it:

• Amazon – Amazon carries the full Beast Lab Dino lineup and offers free shipping for Prime members. Prices range from $79.99 to $199.99 depending on the model. Watch for discounts!
• Walmart – Walmart sells popular Dino models in-store and online, often at discounted prices. Price match is available.
• Target – Target has a large selection of Beast Lab Dinos to ship or pick up in-store. Their Holiday Shop deals can net big savings.
• eBay – Score deals on new and used Beast Lab Dinos via eBay sellers. Make sure to vet seller ratings.
• Inception Designs – Buy direct from the manufacturer at inceptiondesigns.com for the full product line.

Checking multiple retailers will ensure you find the best deal. Avoid sellers with low ratings or unclear return policies. Buying directly from Inception Designs can also get you warranty support.

Ideal Age Range for the Dino

These interactive dinos are designed specifically with kids ages 4 to 10 years old in mind. Here are some age guidelines:

• Ages 3-4 – With supervision, younger toddlers can interact on a basic level, enjoying the movements and sounds. But full functionality requires age 5+.
• Ages 5-7 – This is the prime age for hands-on interactive play. Kids can touch sensors, use the ball, and initiate actions.
• Ages 8-10 – Older kids incorporate the dino into more creative play like dino training or making obstacle courses. The novelty lasts longer.
• Ages 11+ – While still fun, pre-teens and older kids are more likely to be interested in other tech toys or video games with the dino holding less appeal.

Of course every child develops differently, but aim for the 5-10 range for the best Beast Lab Dino experience. For younger kids, adult supervision is still recommended. The dino helps build STEM skills through tech-focused play.

How the Beast Lab Dino Works

Bringing a robot dinosaur to life is no easy feat of engineering. Here’s a quick overview of how the Beast Lab Dino works its magic:

• Touch sensors – Along the dino’s skin are touch-reactive pads that use capacitive technology to sense strokes or taps. This triggers programmed responses like roaring or walking.
• Acceleration sensor – An accelerometer detects changes in speed, motion, or tilt. This allows the dino to respond to being knocked over, shaken, or spun.
• Light sensor – A light sensor on the dino’s head detects changes in brightness, allowing it to react to shadows or nightfall with sounds and light effects.
• Infrared sensor – The dino’s nose has an IR sensor to detect close objects like hands or the included ball, prompting interactive motions.
• Gyro sensor – This specialized sensor detects changes in rotation, gravity, and orientation. It allows the dino to balance upright as it walks and moves.
• Microchip – At the core is a microchip brain that processes all sensor input and executes motions via servo motors. Programmed behaviors make the dino lifelike.

While inside it’s high-tech robotics, the outside remains tactile and hands-on for imaginative play. The dino balances technology with traditional toy enjoyment for the best of both worlds.

Different Beast Lab Dino Models

Not all Beast Lab Dinos are created equal! Inception Designs produces a number of models with unique features and designs:

• Rex – The classic Tyrannosaurus Rex with fierce roars and aggressive motions like ramming and biting. A top choice.
• Velociraptor – This smaller swift hunter walks quickly and features claw slashing actions with authentic squeaks and shrieks.
• Triceratops – With its signature head plate and horns, this vegetarian plods around while responding to touch with rumbles.
• Spinosaurus – A more exotic dino with an activating spinning fin on its back and water-themed movement and spray effects.
• Mega Dino – An extra-large T-Rex measuring over 3 feet tall! Features even more sensors, sound effects, and personality.
• Dino Mecha – For something completely different! This robotic dinosaur transforms into a fierce mech warrior for added play options.

Decide which dino species and features suit your kid’s interests best. Many retailers let you select color options too. Do they dream of owning a gentle giant like Triceratops or a fierce metal dinosaur robot?

Dino Materials: Plastic and Polyfoam

The Beast Lab Dino uses a combination of hard plastic and softer polyfoam materials in its design:

• The main dino skeleton including motorized parts is made from durable plastic to withstand active play and repeated use without breaking.
• Polyfoam rubber is used to mold the outer skin covering the dino’s body including the head, back plate, tail, and limbs. This spongy material allows for better tactile feedback when kids touch or stroke the dinosaur. It also provides some cushioning when ramming objects or falling over.
• The included ** companion ball** uses a hard outer plastic shell for the sensors and inner electronics. This is wrapped in a polyfoam layer with etched textures to entice the dino during play.
• For decor, glossy plastic is used for the LED strips along the back, tail, and eyes for vibrant light-up effects. The eyes are made from durable transparent plastic.

This smart material combination results in a toy that’s soft and squeezable where needed but retains the toughness to hold up to enthusiastic play. Polyfoam rubber skin covers the joints and hard plastic skeleton beneath for design and safety.

Is the Dino Safe for Kids?

Safety is paramount when choosing a toy for kids, so you’ll be glad to know the Beast Lab Dino meets all major toy safety standards. Here’s how it’s designed with child safety in mind:

• The polyfoam material covering the dino has rounded edges and a soft texture to prevent scratches or cuts during handling.
• The plastic components are BPA-free and contain no toxic chemicals that could pose health risks.
• The rechargeable lithium battery is fully encased and inaccessible to kids to avoid tampering.
• The motors and mechanisms are locked within the skeleton to avoid potential pinching from moving parts.
• The dino complies with ASTM F963 standards for toy safety in materials, design, and manufacturing.
• It meets the CPSIA safety guidelines for electronic toys and components.
• Recommended for ages 5+; supervision still required for younger kids.

As long as kids use the Beast Lab Dino properly and parents provide supervision, it promotes imaginative play the safe way. Make sure to keep the charging cable and companion ball out of reach of babies who may choke on small parts.

Durability and Construction

Built to last through rowdy playtime, the Beast Lab Dino boasts a highly durable design:

• The hard plastic skeleton can withstand drops from average heights without cracking or breaking.
• The servo motors feature metal gears and parts rather than plastic pieces prone to stripping.
• Water-resistant seals around electronic components help prevent short circuiting that could damage circuits.
• The polyfoam skin stretches and flexes rather than tearing during use.
• The battery provides 2-3 hours of play per charge for extended runtime.
• All parts are replaceable – Inception Designs sells affordable replacement skin, batteries, tails, and more.

While no toy lasts forever, the Beast Lab Dino holds up better than most interactive robots. Avoid excessive moisture, high drops onto hard surfaces, or prying at components, and your dino can stay hard at play for years. Replacement parts extend its life even further.

Pricing and Budget for the Dino

Given its sophisticated components, the Beast Lab Dino sits at a higher price point than basic plastic dino figurines, but it remains affordable for most families. Here’s what to expect:

• Standard medium-sized models like the T-Rex and Raptor start around $79.99 MSRP.
• Larger or more deluxe editions like the Triceratops and Mega Dino range from $129.99 to $169.99.
• The high-end transforming Dino Mecha is priced around $199.99.
• Watch for sales at major retailers that may take 10-20% off standard prices temporarily.
• Open box/used models can be 25-50% cheaper on eBay and other secondary markets.
• Replacement parts like batteries or chargers start around $19.99.

With interactive robots retailing for hundreds more, the Beast Lab Dino provides great bang-for-buck. Starting under $100 fits most kids’ gift budgets. Remember to factor in sales tax and any shipping costs too.

Using the Dino Indoors and Outdoors

A key advantage of the Beast Lab Dino is versatility for indoor and outdoor play:

Indoors

• The smooth-rolling wheels work great on hard floors or carpeting.
• Touch sensors and companion ball encourage interactive games in open play areas.
• Roaring and stomping bring some jungle action inside! Just mind neighbors below.
• Cushioned polyfoam body avoids damaging furniture or walls.

Outdoors

• Textured wheels grip grass, dirt, or gravel for backyard exploration.
• Water-resistant shell handles light rain or splashing in the pool.
• Brighter ambient light charges the light sensor for cool effects.
• More space to roam, ram, and chase prey!

While outdoor use is supported, never submerge the dino or expose circuits to sustained moisture. Wipe down after wet play and avoid Pouring water intentionally. With precautions, both indoor and outdoor adventures are possible.

Fun Dino Accessories

To expand the play options even further, the Beast Lab Dino has some fun add-on accessories:

• Multiple companion balls – Get additional motion-sensing balls to keep the action going if one rolls away.
• Alternate skins – Customize your dino with zebra stripes, jungle scales, chrome metal plates, and more unique “skins”!
• Training arena – This plastic playset has lab elements and obstacles to contain your dino’s rampages.
• Launching tail – This motorized tail attachment hurls the companion balls across the room!
• Roar speaker – Make the roars 10x louder with this attachable speaker accessory.
• Headphones – Kids can listen to dino sound effects privately on these branded headphones.
• LED attachments – Add more glow with attachable LED spikes, back plates, and other light accessories.

Accessorizing the dino is a fun way for kids to customize their toy as their interests grow. Many accessories are affordably priced under $20 apiece.

Keeping the Dino Clean

As with any toy handled by sticky little fingers, keeping the Beast Lab Dino clean is advised. Here are some tips:

• Wipe down the plastic shell periodically with a soft dry cloth to remove dust and smudges.
• Use a mild soap and warm water solution on a soft cloth to spot clean messes as needed. Avoid soaking.
• Open the battery compartment briefly after wet play to let moisture evaporate and prevent corrosion.
• For deeper cleaning, remove the outer polyfoam skin layer to wash it separately with just water and air dry.
• Clean wheels or any moving joints with a small brush to remove stuck-on dirt and debris.
• Never submerge the dino’s electronic parts in water or use harsh chemicals that could damage it.
• Check for object jammed in openings that could affect sensors or movement.

With regular care and cleaning, your Beast Lab Dino will offer miles of fun while still looking shiny and new! Proper maintenance prevents long-term wear and tear.

Troubleshooting Common Dino Issues

While generally reliable, sometimes the Beast Lab Dino doesn’t behave as expected. Here are solutions for common issues:

Dino tipping over frequently? The gyro sensor may need calibration if the dino can’t balance upright. Power off and gently place the dino on all fours, then power back on to reset.

Not responding to touch? Check that the polyfoam skin hasn’t shifted to block the touch sensors. Gently press around until sensors reconnect.

Lights or sounds not working? Make sure the battery is fully charged via USB. Check for broken wires or connections too.

Jerky movements? Power off and remove any debris in joints or wheels, then reboot. Apply a very small amount of silicone grease to stiff joints.

Not sensing companion ball? Replace dead batteries in the ball. Ensure the ball’s foam layer is intact so sensors can detect it.

For other issues, reach out to Inception Designs customer service at [email protected] or check your product warranty. With patience and some trial and error, most common problems can be resolved.

How Does It Compare to Similar Dinosaur Toys?

While the Beast Lab Dino has exploded in popularity, it does face some competition from other interactive dinosaur robot toys. How does it stack up?

WOWWEER Dyno – At a lower cost, Dyno has similar touch sensors and movements but fewer sound effects and no ball accessory. It lacks the balancing ability and lifelike details of the Beast Lab Dino.

HEXBUG Dinosaurs – These peque battery-powered dinos simply scurry around with no interactivity. They look more cute than realistic for younger kids to enjoy.

Tobbie II – This futuristic dinosaur by Silverlit transforms from baby to adult mode. It’s more expensive and harder to control than the Beast Lab Dino.

Botasaur – This programmable robotic dinosaur kit lets kids construct, code, and customize their own dino. Great STEM learning but requires tech skills.

For plug-and-play realistic dinosaur action, the Beast Lab Dino remains hard to beat in terms of features, durability, and value. It hits the sweet spot between cost and capabilities families want.

Product Reviews From Real Owners

Thinking of buying a Beast Lab Dino but want feedback directly from other owners first? Here are some real highlights from reviews on popular retailer sites:

“Bought this for my dinosaur-obsessed 6 year old’s birthday and he is OVER THE MOON about it! So many different motions and sounds, and it detects him coming near. I love that it balances upright so he can interact without it tipping over every second.”

“We got the velociraptor version and its movements like scratching, pecking, hunting for the ball are so realistic. Much better quality than the other robot dinos we’ve tried, and the sounds don’t make us crazy.”

“This T-Rex walks around our living room chomping and roaring, and the lights are super cool. Easy to turn off for a ‘nap’ then wake him up later to play more. My twins fight over who gets to control it! Definitely a hit.”

“Bought refurbished on eBay just to try it out, and honestly it works perfectly. Kids carry it all over exploring outdoors and rides great on gravel or grass. For the price I paid, it was five stars!”

Clearly the Beast Lab Dino delights kids while impressing parents with its performance and durability. It may not be cheap, but it delivers great bang for your buck through countless hours of imaginative prehistoric play.

Storing Your Dino Safely

When playtime wraps up, you’ll need to put your Beast Lab Dino in storage. Follow these tips for safe storing:

• Power off the unit completely before storing to conserve battery charge.
• Remove the companion ball’s batteries so they don’t corrode when not in use.
• Store indoors in normal room temperatures, avoiding temperature extremes in attics or garages.
• Keep in a dry area away from moisture sources that could damage circuits.
• Place the dino on a shelf or in a closet out of reach of pets who may chew on wires.
• Don’t stack heavy boxes on it that could crush the polyfoam skin or plastic shell.
• Use original packaging if transporting the dino for travel or temporary storage. Re-box carefully.

Proper storage keeps your dino secure while not in use and prevents damage that could shorten its lifespan. With a simple power off and some basic precautions, the Beast Lab Dino will be ready for more stomping, chomping action next time!

Educational Benefits

Beyond pure entertainment, the innovative Beast Lab Dino provides some educational benefits for kids like:

• Exposure to robotics and coding concepts through programmable behaviors.
• Hands-on insight into paleontology and dinosaur physiology.
• Opportunities for creative play and imaginative storytelling.
• Developing hand-eye coordination through interactive touch play.
• Learning about electronics and circuits through sensors and lights.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues and repairs.

While it may seem like just a cool high-tech toy, parents can leverage the Beast Lab Dino to open up STEM learning, get kids interested in science/tech, and develop new abilities through play. Who says learning can’t be super fun too?

Maintaining Your Dinosaur

To maximize your Beast Lab Dino’s lifespan, perform simple periodic maintenance:

• Fully recharge the battery once per month even when not in heavy use. Keeping it topped up maintains battery capacity.
• Check wires and connections to ensure they are intact with no fraying or disconnects.
• Lubricate joints with a tiny amount of silicone grease to prevent motor grinding and wear.
• Clear debris like dirt, sand, hair from sensors, wheels and moving parts using a soft brush.
• Download firmware updates from the manufacturer website when available to fix bugs and add features.
• Wipe off dust and grime before storing to prevent buildup.
• Replace parts like skins and batteries as needed to keep it looking new.

With proper care and maintenance, your investment in the Beast Lab Dino will deliver years of enjoyment while preserving its monetary value should you choose to re-sell it later on. It’s a classic toy sure to provide lasting memories.

So there you have it – everything you need to select, buy, play with, and care for the incredible Beast Lab Dino! Bring home this engaging, educational robotic toy to spark your kids’ scientific imagination. With multiple models and accessories to choose from, there’s a perfect dino waiting to stomp into your world. Just watch out, because their hyper-realistic roar, movements, and interactive play might just make you forget these aren’t real life dinosaurs. Let the prehistoric adventures begin!