Character Options Doctor Who Matt Smith The Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver - Reviews

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30.9.2010

I read a lot of negative reviews for this product, and it nearly put me off purchasing it. Being fully ordained into the Church of Whovianism, however, I just couldn't resist. I ordered it on 24 hour delivery: needless to say, when the postman showed up this morning, I felt sick with excitement and haven't been able to stop playing with it for hours! Ignore the naysayers. All in all, it's a pretty impressive piece of kit! After carefully unboxing it, I was astonished to see just how big it is compared to its forerunners. Other people may have criticised this, but - I must say - it's much better on the size and shape front: a perfect fit, one might say, whether gripped in the palm of your hand or whipped out,defeating monsters! Plus, it's so big that there's very little chance of misplacing it, so collectors will be pleased to hear there'll be no more losing it down the back of the sofa - unlike those pesky David Tennant models! One downside to this is that it's difficult to fit it snugly in your trousers, which might cause some difficulty to show fanatics who like to take their screwdriver everywhere with them. Perhaps the 'Character Options' toy company can incorporate some dimensionally transcendental pockets into their future Who range?In terms of functionality, I regret to say it's not all plain sailing, so strap on your seat belts! There ARE teething troubles. The fact that you need to install the batteries before you can lock and load has been a persistent problem with the sonic screwdriver range, and I'm afraid to report that this model falls at the same hurdle. If anything, the fact that there are FOUR tiny screws buried deep into the plastic recess means that this latest upgrade is the trickiest of the lot when it comes to battery installation. I spent a good half hour studying the manual, and saw that it instructed me to 'twist the emitter one-tenth anticlockwise, then pull away from the handle'. Easier said than done! It was such stiff business that although I gripped it firmly, I was too nervous about breaking the end to use much force. I went limp-wristed trying to manoeuvre the delicate-looking components, and after several attempts, brute force was all that would prevail. Another problem is the lack of indication which way the batteries go in, and I'm afraid to say I fell victim to this transparency fault, having to repeat the whole process again. We haven't all been to the Gallifreyan academy, after all! This version also takes more batteries than the previous ones, but that's forgiveable considering the size, not to mention some hidden little surprises...After a cup of strong Horlicks, I took a little time out to get to know my new sonic screwdriver. One thing I noticed upon reappraisal was that the distorted exterior of this iteration highlights the sub-par manufacturing quality which has persistently dogged its predecessors. The extended 'claw' feature at the tip of the shaft feels flimsy and fragile, whilst the hollow space inside gives the whole device a more obviously synthetic feel. Perhaps gone forever are the days when my Mum would ask if it was the real prop from the show!But fear not! The new screwdriver is fully equipped with bright green light and spring-loaded head to soothe those ultraviolet blues. The extendible 'claw' feature is really quite something! You can almost feel it throbbing with power, and the way the 'claw' opens up lends a further grandiosity to proceedings. I tried it out on the gas man when he came to read our meter and he admitted that he "wouldn't want to run into me in a dark alley!" Next to the extension catch, a switch activates the light and comforting 'whirr' familiar to Whovians across the world. I couldn't help but let out a contented 'Ahhhh!' But zounds, I say! It doesn't work when the shaft is extended. What are the manufacturers playing at??! Thankfully, when extended there is a second button revealed beneath the elongated protrusion. It is so small, however, that those with stubby fingers may struggle to enjoy the full range of diverse features on offer. As if this didn't complicate issues enough, there is a third button, hidden behind a secret hinge. I had to question what the point of this bright red switch might be, but I suppose it adds an extra dimension (in time!) for young users.One of the most exciting aspects of the new model is the addition of extra sounds: there are four in total, each one completely individual! The operation button appears to be equipped with a slight time delay, allowing the discerning user to trigger through a number of modes. A single press creates the standard 'whirring' noise, three presses stimulate the end to repeatedly flash (accompanied by a sound a little like a burglar alarm - I would appreciate it if someone would point out when this is ever used in the series). The fourth press gives the device the appearance of being broken... Or maybe I just purchased a faulty one? I'll have to check with one of my friends. The sounds were so exciting that they almost rid the memory of my traumatic battery experience, and should hopefully be enough to satiate the desires of even the most stringent Whovian.All in all, I'm pretty satisfied with my new screwdriver... Although I don't think I'll be putting any shelves up with it! For those who are experiencing similar difficulties as I, however, I've set up a support forum and will be welcoming your emails with any queries, both functional and technical. It does take some getting used to, but experiment with the different features and I think you'll find you've invested in a trustworthy model. And invest you certainly should!

13.4.2010

After reading all of the negative reviews for this product, I was very nearly put off buying it altogether. But, due to my undying love of the series, I couldn't resist taking the plunge.I've been playing around with it for a couple of hours, and I must say, I'm quite impressed with it.Upon unpacking it, I realised just how much larger this new version was compared to the previous iterations of the Sonic Screwdriver. Not that this is a bad thing, it has a much better weight and shape to it, far more suited to the human hand. It's far less likely to drop, because you'll never forget it's there. It's not pocket-sized by a longshot, which could pose a slight problem to Doctor Who obsessives that like to take their Screwdrivers around with them.But the extra size adds a certain impressiveness to it.Now, first gripe. The Sonic Screwdriver toys have NEVER been easy to dismantle and power up. This one is no exception. In fact, it's probably the fiddliest to set up. The manual states that you must "twist the emitter one-tenth anticlockwise, then pull the emitter away from the handle". Due to its nature as a toy, I was very anxious about twisting or turning any components for fear of breaking it. But eventually I managed to get the batteries in fine. This version takes the most batteries out of them all so far, requiring 3 of those little watch batteries rather than 2.Reassembled, I took some more time to get to grips with the Screwdriver. Now, these toys have never been of high build quality, they've mainly been 'just so'. Due to the enlarged and stretched profile of this iteration, that fact becomes far more apparent. The prongs, or 'claw' at the end of the device feel quite breakable (hence the difficulty in assembling and disassembling it), and the somewhat hollow handle feels very plastic-y. Not a major problem, but it feels less natural than its predecessors.The tip of the device lights up with a bright green hue. Gone is the ultra-violet functionality of the original Screwdriver, but that doesn't detract from its list of features. Another feature that remains with this toy is the extendible head. However, this version is spring-locked and shoots out at a considerable velocity. I daresay it even feels quite powerful. As the device extends, the 'claw' at the end opens up, giving further prominence to the green light. Below the 'Extend' button is a switch that activates the light and signature 'whirring' sound. However, this button WILL NOT work whilst the device is extended. For when it is extended, you can either press a small black button on the battery column (which is very fiddly and probably not intended for actual use), or a 'hidden' red button at the end of the device. There is a tip on a hinge that will swing away to reveal this button. Despite this seemingly pointless design choice, it'd probably be fun for kids.There are four different sounds this time around, all of which are unique in their own way. The activate button has a slight delay to it, thereby allowing multiple presses to utilize the different sounds. One press will emit a standard whirring noise, three presses will cause an 'alarm' sound to begin, accompanied with alternating flashes of light from the tip (presumably, this is utilized somewhere later in the New Series, but I haven't seen it). Four presses will make the device appear faulty, as if damaged (which also probably appears later in the Series). Overall, the sounds will be enough to sate a demanding Whovian, despite the delay and slightly muffled tone of some.Mostly, I'm pretty satisfied with the Screwdriver. Despite some of its build faults and niggles, it's a genuinely fun toy to play with, regardless of how old a Whovian you are. Although I'm certain that someone will eventually have someone's eye out with the rapid Extend feature, it's a whole lot of fun. I disagree with most of the negativity associated with the Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver, as I've encountered little to no technical issues whatsoever (although I may in the future, we'll see). But overall, a reccomended buy!

1.2.2011

The toy is fantastic, here's my opinion.The Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver: This toy is wonderful and is suitable for 8+. The sonic operates in different ways and there are two buttons on the black collar. The top one is to release the spring and extends the emitter and the claws pop open. The second button is to operate the light and sound effects. The first noise is the one we tend to hear on the show more often, while the second one is slightly more high-pitched. There is a little hatch on the bottom which reveals a big red button, which you can press to operate the light and sound fx when it is extended. One thing you may not have noticed is there are two secret sounds.

10.4.2010

**UPDATE** (7th July 2010)Well, FOUR sonic screwdrivers later, it looks like the problem has been fixed! It appears that the original version of this screwdriver eventually breaks if you try and use the two "hidden" sounds (it somehow blows the sound chip) - but if you don't use the hidden sounds then everything is ok. At any rate I picked up my fifth screwdriver today & was surprised to find that it now makes the "David Tennant" screwdriver sounds (if you have that toy then you already know the sound). So it appears Character Toys have secretly acknowledged the problem by swapping sounds chips to the older 10th Doctor screwdriver sound effects. Bit of a shame as I liked the newer sound,

10.9.2010

I must say that I have only had this product for a hour but I am already enjoying it!My undying love for the series drove me to purchase this new Sonic Screwdriver without reading any of the reviews and it's great fun!!I have a small niggle though, it is very difficult to insert the batteries. The instructions are reasonably clear but it's a very fiddly job and to be able to take off the battery cover you have to make sure the "claw" at the end is shut which is diffucult whilst also unscrewing the cover.The button at the end of the sonic brings me great enjoyment as it makes it possible to fully re-enact aspects from the show where the Doctor does indeed hold it in this manner.I found that

7.2.2012

The bad: It feels quite delicate, particularly the claw mechanism. The cap on the bottom that covers a button to activate the light and sound doesn't have a clip or spring, so it flaps around. When the claw is extended, the button on the grip no longer operates the light and sound, you either have to press a tiny button located awkwardly just above the grip and recessed about half a centimetre, or use the button at the bottom, either of which is awkward with one hand.The good: It looks and sounds the part. When the claw deploys it produces a satisfying thunk.I would question the classification of this as a toy. It doesn't really do anything, and in the hands of a child it probably won't last long.

12.4.2010

I'm happy to see that I'm not one of the people who has received a faulty version of this toy, as mine works excellently.First off, it looks brilliant- just like the version used in the show. It's also significantly larger than the previous models of the Tenth Doctors various screwdrivers.It makes two different sound effects, which are suitably screwdrivery, but not quite the same as the sound effect used in the show.The spring-loaded extension works well, although it will cause the cap on the bottom to come open, revealing the secondary emitter button, although since that button needs to be used when the toy is extended, it's not really much of a problem.Overall,

14.11.2011

I thought I wouldn't like it veeery much, because I heard it was bigger than the original one. But, when I had the product in hands I loved it much more than I thought I would.The batteries are no very durable, but I've read somewhere they're only for testing. The product itself is pretty durable, it's still working as if it was new.There's one thing I dislike: when you extend the Sonic Screwdriver, the button to "make the noises" doesn't work (only the big red one). I think it would be good if it had a way to make this button work. I usually press a small button that appears when you extend it. It works too, it's not very good, but works.I think this is almost perfect. I have to admit,

30.12.2011

My two girls of 5 & 7 loved the latest Dr.Who series (Matt Smith) and simply wanted the sonic screwdriver.I bought two and tried one out before wrapping it up for Christmas.Overall, a fantastic toy that is pretty realistic with moveable parts (retractable claw).Two buttons (one is hidden at the base of the screwdriver) to emit 4 sets of sounds with the accompanying green light that flashes!Reading other reviews I was worried about the insertion of batteries, but it wasn't as fiddly as expected.The overall build quality may not reach the standards expected but a little TLC should make this toy last quite sometime.Because of the total fun factor,

12.6.2014

For those wondering, this is not a replica; however it does act as a very good representation of the Sonic Screwdriver used by Matt Smith in Series 5-7 of Doctor Who. It has a total of 4 sound effects accompanied by lights; but the 2 hidden sound effects caused by pressing the button multiple times do harm the sound chip. I advise that you do not use them. The claws don't quite stay shut completely, due to the high powered spring. When the screwdriver is extended, a secondary button is found in a hatch at the bottom. If you are buying this for a child, be advised as the spring loaded feature could harm them. In general, it's a very good collectible, and buy soon,

27.12.2010

I ordered this just a few days before Christmas for myself, and the package came to me very quickly, even thought I live in Finland. I'm a huge fan of Doctor Who, and I have to say that I love this screwdriver! It was pretty easy to install the batteries, but I had a problem with one of the screws that had to be opened to insert the batteries, it seemed to be little broken and it took me almost 5 minutes to get it off. But otherwise it has worked perfectly.I am quite worried about the "hidden noises", thought. I've tried them and they work, but I'm not really going to use them much because I'm worried that the sound chip will burn...But overall, this is really a must-have item for a Doctor Who (and especially series 5)

27.11.2013

I think past bad reviews have obvious come from over excited buyers who can't wait to get their sonic screwdriver and play with it, because when you read the instructions you find the answer to the two problems reviewers have had. Firstly, it stops working after a weeks play mainly because it has demo batteries in, which means they only have a short life, replacements are easy to find. Secondly, the sonic screwdriver light does work when it's open, there is a button at the base of it you press when playing with it in open mode. My 7 year old loves it and it turned up just in time for The Day of the Doctor. Don't be put off by bad reviews it's fantastic and well worth the money.

26.11.2013

As others have pointed out, when the emitter is extended the button on the handle does not function, instead you have to use the bottom button to get the LED to light up and the sound to activate. Whilst this is annoying it doesn't detract from the overall fun that much and I would still recommend this to any fan of the series. I used mine as part of a cosplay for the 50th Anniversary Convention and it worked and looked great. It feels plastic, but (shockingly) it is! Although I have not used it for long, it feels sturdy and well built enough that I would expect it to stand up to smaller hands over a long period of time.Recommended for fans of all ages.

7.9.2013

The toy was easy enough to set up and feels durable enough. Perhaps my only complaint is that, while there are two buttons on the side (both revealed upon inserting the batteries) the second one is positioned slightly too high, so that when extended, the side button does not activate the lights or sounds. The 'hidden' button on the bottom works in both extended and collapsed position. The sound is also less similar to the sounds from the show than previous models, and this model is much bulkier.The button to release the spring and extend the toy is very VERY sensitive, and is likely to go off accidentally if carried around in a tight pocket for example.

9.6.2010

After reading all of the negative reviews for this product, i was unsure of whether or not it was worth the purchase. I am glad that I did since these reviews do not tell the full story. In short the only way you could break it is if you are forceful when you change the batteries, and I mean sledgehammer forceful.Overall the workings of the product are excellent, the light works well as a torch too. My advice would be to push down the light when retracting the tip as this makes the task a lot easier.In addition, and almost irrelevant to the product, the packaging is not the horrible shrink wrap kind you usually get with these things.

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