Whip Care

Time unfolds slowly around us like an eternally-opening flower, vivid yet unreachable and inexorable in its onward progress. Archaeologists are those who are dedicated to giving us a glimpse of our past – of earlier points in this ever-proceeding story – and the fictional archaeologist Indiana Jones is an adventurer who gives us a look at the stranger things that might have been created in our past if our history had been somewhat different and more eerie. Indiana Jones is a very popular figure from the modern cinema, and there are thousands and probably tens of thousands of kids who want to emulate his adventures – at least in a somewhat more safe and comfortable form.

There’s nothing like an interactive toy with sound effects to help kids get in the mood for playing a game based on a movie. Just as a lightsaber with sound effects is more satisfying to young fans of George Lucas’ science-fantasy series, so an Indiana Jones whip that actually makes cracking noises is more intriguing than one that does not make any sounds.

A whip sturdy and well-made enough to actually crack would be far too dangerous to be used as a toy, since the cracking sound is literally a tiny sonic boom produced by the tip of the lash moving faster than the speed of sound. Luckily, modern technology can easily circumvent this problem by inserting a small sound box in the rubber and plastic handle of a toy whip such as the Hasbro Indiana Jones Sound FX Whip, powering this device with a trio of double-A batteries (included), and connecting the assembly to a control switch.
 
The sounds can be turned on and off, and pressing the switch or button will produce several different appropriate sound effects. A whip crack sound is the first sound effect, which is followed by the film’s theme music, and additional whip-cracks. The whip itself is a very soft cloth object that will not injure someone if and when it hits them, so that you can hand it over to small children without a qualm – the recommended age for use is 6 years. The whip comes with a carrying strap so it can be carried coiled at a belt loop conveniently.

This Sound FX Whip is the same as that which appears in several other Hasbro Indiana Jones sets, but in this case, is accompanied by a plastic fedora that will help set the scene for discovering ancient secrets and defeating villains. The hat looks like Indy’s signature “lid,” and although it is cheaply made and will not survive indefinitely while being used and abused by youngsters, it will help to set the mood for plenty of excitement, play, and fun.