Are the balls steel or plastic? The description says the balls are steel, but some reviewers say they're plastic. Which is it?
377957
The balls on mine appear to be chromed steel. I doubt that plastic balls would have enough inertia to make it make it work. As with nearly all Newton's cradles. the strings do get tangled quite easily so if you are not using the cradle, it is best to tie everything down to the base to prevent tangling during storage. My grandkids love to play with it but I do spend a little time untangling when the smaller ones use it. It is a fun and educational item for all.
377958
The balls are attracted to a magnet, so I assume they are steel or some type of metal. They demonstrate Conservation of Momentum very well. Dr. R A Smith
377959
They are steel. On an entirely different note, this is an inferior product and the nylon or plastic strings broke too soon!
377960
They are steel, got them for my wife's desk top and grandkids play with them with no problems.
1991936
the new ones, have a flat metal bar. The balls are solid. I never had a set of the "original". These are very nice!
1083551
Plastic - but they are very nice. I love mine!! Will definitely buy to give as a gift.
866409
They are plastic but very durable... My 2 yr old has thrown them on multiple occasions and they are still going strong after 6 months
1950216
They are plastic. My 2yr old son loved them. They are durable and life like
213482
They are plastic, but my son broke two of the clips during games. I am not happy with the durablity.
1141325
Plastic, but very sturdy. We have a 4 and 2 year old that play with it daily (along with 3 other Bruder toys) never had one break! Highly recommend!
795148
I'm pretty sure it's plastic. I've had them for a long time now and I really like them though. They're decently made and pretty durable
1068219
No, they are not plastic. They are zinc coated steel BBs. And they are the most accurate BBs I have found. Hope this helps.
2233482
They are not plastic, is like iron or steel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNWla8VqkWs&feature;=youtube_gdata_player
2149864
They are plastic but heavy. My grandson had them out in his sandbox during the summer and are inside now. Very sturdy toys and easy for him to manipulate. He is 2 now and has had them for 6 months. Just the right size for his hands.
1941364
The ones I got were metal, they look great, but I did hear some of them are plastic too... I would call them to make sure..
6360
Sorry to answer you so late but they are not plastic as you find on toys. They seem to be made out os a polyurethane or some material similar. They are not rubber. Our grandkids have used them only at a rink because it does not allow you to bring in skates that you have used outside. But they are great in that they can be made larger as your kid grows. A great feature! The gkids say they are very comfortable and are very smooth and control easily.. I would definately buy another set when they grow out of these.
1656549
They are plastic. But very durable. My son and daughter both sit in the wagon and we push them around. This wagon is great.
2167285
I am not sure as I gave it as a gift and didn't notice what type of balls were used. Hardware stores would have them if they are small steel balls.
1623607
Plastic. Not sure what kind. IT seems like more of an adult collectable than a child's play toy to me. :)
21763
I do not have precise scale and cannot tell their exact weight. They are hollow steel balls with something inside which makes sound when moving. They look and feel as steel balls.