Review: Original Rainbow Loom vs Cheap Loom

First of all, this review is not paid or sponsored by Rainbow Loom.  This is just my humble observation of the current craze loom bands.

Rainbow Loom last time sent a Loomey time to our house. Unfortunately I don’t have a board or band at that time so I can’t start making the wrist of my Loomey time.

The other day I was at BGC and I thought of dropping by at Toys R’ Us and checked their stock of Rainbow Loom bands.  As expected, the box was not available already and that only refills were there. I found it hard to choose which one to buy not because there are lots of colors to choose from but because there are only a few colors left on the shelves.

After few minutes, I decided to pick this.

I want a black colored one but Rainbow Loom doesn’t have one so I decided to buy the cheap version.

When I arrived at the house, I checked the difference of the two bands and this is what I found out:

• Rainbow Loom band is thicker than the cheaper version.

• The cheaper version is smaller than the original Rainbow loom
• They both don’t have any irritating smell
• Since the cheaper version is thinner in texture than the original Rainbow loom, my sister and I agreed that it is easier to loose it’s elasticity.
• The Original Rainbow Loom uses C clips while the cheaper version has S clips.

• The Original Rainbow Loom has smoother edges than the cheaper version

As a practical mom myself, I am sure you will ask me what do I prefer.  So here are my thought: I know that the cheaper version is more economical because first of all this loom band is considered JUST an accessory.  BUT (yes there is a BUT!), if you have a sensitive skin and you wear the band for a long period of time the cheaper version might give you skin rashes.  I read that Original Rainbow Loom Rubber bands are latex-free, BPA free, Phthalate free, lead free and chromium free, making them safe and comfortable for all children, regardless of their allergies or skin conditions.

As I have mentioned I have a Loomey Time, I don’t think I can use a cheaper version with it.  It is because I don’t want my Loomey Time to fall when the band gets broken easily.

This is the finish product (thanks to my sister who made it hahaha).

The only thing I don’t like about Rainbow Loom is the availability of their stocks.  They easily run out and the colors that you want is not always available.  When the demand is high and you cannot supply it that is bad for business.  I understand that if you have a kid asking for a loom band ASAP, you will not wait for the stocks to replenish, and instead buy a cheaper version just to satisfy the wants of your kid.

The cheaper versions are out everywhere.  The Original Rainbow Loom can only be bought at Toys R Us, Toy Kingdom and Rustans.

The cheaper version refill is available for as low as P35.00 (I don’t know how many bands is inside), while the Original Loom Band refill is available for P179.00 for 300 bands.