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Spinning into a tizzy

The beyblade market is raging

CRAZY WHIRLING The new rage for range of beyblades Photo: M. Moorthy

A few decades back children had a craze for multi-coloured tops.

It was an excitement to watch these simple wooden structures spin incessantly on the floor, when wound and released by a small string. Then competition sneaked in — whose spins faster and whose survives the onslaughts of the others.

Out of fashion

But these tops are memory for the generation, which derived simple pleasures playing with them. Today the wooden tops are practically out of fashion. First came the toy choppers and remote controlled toys that kept modern day kids engaged. Of some of the hi-tech things that kids still romance are the remote-control Ferrari, Batman and the Robot that sells as Robosapien.

Those nostalgic about the good old tops have something to smile about again. The tops are back in the market-with a brand new look and feel. Called Beyblades, they are much in vogue now resembling the olden day tops but not made of wood. They come in a variety of shapes and models. These apparently strange-looking toys that have taken the market by a storm come in parts that have to be assembled, to be played with.

New look

"It's almost a year since the rage started. We sell about 10 to 15 pieces each day. The number goes up on week-ends when people purchase about 40 pieces of beyblades," points out K. Siraj, Odyssey Store Manager.

There are about six models available in the market now. And there are the beyblades stadiums as well. Those who want to show off their beyblade might, could choose the stadium, where they can take on their enemies. "I'd just heard of beyblades and when I gifted it to a relative's son, he was on cloud nine," exclaims Victor Jayaraj, a government schoolteacher. Besides the toys alone, Beyblade game CDs and DVDs have also lined up the shelves in the market. Internet too is full of all beyblades of different models and information about online tournaments. The popularity of the device has even led to folks opening websites dedicated to it.

PRATHIBHA PARAMESWARAN

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