The Tyco Super Rebound is a radio controlled toy manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1999.
Concept and Design
The Tyco Super Rebound, a successor to the original 1994 Tyco Rebound builds upon its predecessor by taking everything that made it great (the large air filled tires, short wheel base, wide footing, and simple solid design) and taking it a step further.
With one additional button on the controller, the Super Rebound can twist its left-side track, completely changing the vehicle dynamics and stunt capabilities.
These included:
- Jackknife Jumps
- Sidewheeler
- Screamin' Speed
- Super-Fast 360's
- Wild Windmill
- Frenzied Flip-Overs
Performance
The Tyco Super Rebound used the new (at the time) 7.2V TMH NiCd battery, which was Tyco's solution to having multiple battery pack sizes (long 9.6V Turbo, and short 6.0V Jet Turbo) by introducing an intermediary that could lie flat, or fold into a block depending on the design of the toy, while still providing a greater than average 7.2V output.
Driving the Tyco Super Rebound is as you might expect if you've driven an original, assuming you leave the special feature locked-off.
However once you unlock the chassis with a special latch on the top, the driving dynamic changes. It's not a huge difference, but it does create extra fun as you play around with the now loose left hand side (both tires) which will spin freely on a central axis, and allow for some interesting maneuvers. See the video below for a simple demonstration.
Availability and Collectability
Whatever you think of it compared with the original, it's an undeniably interesting and unique design choice, and it does add to the fun.
If you don't like it? That's fine, just keep it locked off and it will continue to drive like an original Rebound with the added benefits of a higher voltage, and overall larger chassis size.
Personally this ones on my to-buy list, and while they're relatively easy to find now and fairly inexpensive, I believe that will change over time.
