Bowling Team Set + Book/Charm (2009-2012)
Nov 30, 2010 14:15:19 GMT -5
Post by PleasantMemories on Nov 30, 2010 14:15:19 GMT -5
B:
The Bowling Team Set doesn’t seem to be on a lot of must-have lists. Perhaps, many target age-group children find the set hard to relate to and/or are put off by the lack of versatility. I hadn’t planned on getting this set either because we have the older, more ample 2003 Bowling Party Set. However, I was able to get the set at a discounted price a few weeks back and despite a few low points, it has seen quite a bit of play.
The set includes a bowling shirt, capri pants, bowling shoes, hair bands, bowling ball, and three bowling pins. My set came with the Rock and Bowl book, but it has since been replaced by a strong charm.
Short-Sleeved Bowling Shirt
I’d be the first to admit, that I’m not at all familiar with bowling leagues or appropriate bowling attire. Therefore, although the shirt looks realistic to me, I really can’t comment on its accuracy. Putting accuracy aside, I like the style of the top, especially off-centered stripe. While I could do without the branding on the shirt, the graphics on the back and pocket aren’t bad either. However, for me, the highlights are definitely the functional pocket and buttons. These details have been lost on some of the recent outfits and I truly appreciate them.
That being said, the bowling shirt does have a notable shortcoming; it’s quite tight on even the slimmest dolls. It almost looks like it was designed for a different doll line. Also, since the fabric is rather thin, it would’ve been nice to put a camisole or tank underneath. Even though the bowling shirt can still be closed with a thin shirt, it gives a lumpy appearance.
Cropped Twill Pants
When I first saw the pants in person, I was surprised by how bright they are. I thought they would be more of a muted blue. However, despite their color, the elastic waisted pants remain the most versatile piece in the set.
Unfortunately, the pants are quite snug and fit more like thick leggings than actual pants. Additionally, the pants tend to bunch oddly below the bum on certain dolls making it look like…well, I won’t repeat what my husband said.
Bowling Shoes
Initially, I thought the Velcro bowling shoes were a bit of a cop-out to make the set more child friendly. However, a quick Google search revealed that some bowlers and bowling alleys do indeed have Velcro shoes. So, I can’t criticize them on that point.
The shoes are designed to emulate real bowling alley shoes and even have the size on the back (size 4). I thought that was a neat detail. It’s also nice that the shoes fit well and can be worn with socks. Most of the time, I’ve even been able to slide the shoes on dolls’ feet without adjusting the Velcro.
However, I was disappointed that the shoes aren’t as nicely made as some of the others. They’re not awful, but the lower quality is noticeable. They could really use a lining or something. Also, why didn’t this set come with socks? Most people seem to wear them with rented bowling shoes (and for good reasons too).
Lastly, this is sort of a petty complaint, but I wish that the shoes were blue and grey or white and grey. The pink makes the set seem a bit too matchy matchy for me, especially since these are supposed to be rented shoes.
Bowling Ball and Pins
In my opinion, the bowling pins and ball really make this set worthwhile. With these pieces, the set becomes an activity that girls can play/do with their dolls. The pieces have seen a ton of play the last few weeks and have been used by just about everyone in my family. It would have been nice if the set came with a few more pins (at least six). Perhaps, they’re offered as replacement parts.
One of the highlights of the original set is that the dolls can hold the ball using a magnetic glove. Unfortunately, the ball that comes with this set isn’t made as nicely, has very visible seams, and cannot be held by the dolls. However, it still serves its purpose.
Two Blue Hairbands
The blue hair bands don’t appear to be anything special. They look like something you can buy in package at the dollar store. I haven’t used them yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they really stretch out with use and time.
Book
The book contains ideas and tips for a bowling party. While some of the tips are fairly mundane, it’s worth paging through, especially if you’re planning a bowling event or party.
Overall, this set is okay, but not fantastic. I undoubtedly prefer the original Bowling Party Set. However, the set is a decent substitute if the original is pricy and/or could be worth getting on sale.
The Bowling Team Set doesn’t seem to be on a lot of must-have lists. Perhaps, many target age-group children find the set hard to relate to and/or are put off by the lack of versatility. I hadn’t planned on getting this set either because we have the older, more ample 2003 Bowling Party Set. However, I was able to get the set at a discounted price a few weeks back and despite a few low points, it has seen quite a bit of play.
The set includes a bowling shirt, capri pants, bowling shoes, hair bands, bowling ball, and three bowling pins. My set came with the Rock and Bowl book, but it has since been replaced by a strong charm.
Short-Sleeved Bowling Shirt
I’d be the first to admit, that I’m not at all familiar with bowling leagues or appropriate bowling attire. Therefore, although the shirt looks realistic to me, I really can’t comment on its accuracy. Putting accuracy aside, I like the style of the top, especially off-centered stripe. While I could do without the branding on the shirt, the graphics on the back and pocket aren’t bad either. However, for me, the highlights are definitely the functional pocket and buttons. These details have been lost on some of the recent outfits and I truly appreciate them.
That being said, the bowling shirt does have a notable shortcoming; it’s quite tight on even the slimmest dolls. It almost looks like it was designed for a different doll line. Also, since the fabric is rather thin, it would’ve been nice to put a camisole or tank underneath. Even though the bowling shirt can still be closed with a thin shirt, it gives a lumpy appearance.
Cropped Twill Pants
When I first saw the pants in person, I was surprised by how bright they are. I thought they would be more of a muted blue. However, despite their color, the elastic waisted pants remain the most versatile piece in the set.
Unfortunately, the pants are quite snug and fit more like thick leggings than actual pants. Additionally, the pants tend to bunch oddly below the bum on certain dolls making it look like…well, I won’t repeat what my husband said.
Bowling Shoes
Initially, I thought the Velcro bowling shoes were a bit of a cop-out to make the set more child friendly. However, a quick Google search revealed that some bowlers and bowling alleys do indeed have Velcro shoes. So, I can’t criticize them on that point.
The shoes are designed to emulate real bowling alley shoes and even have the size on the back (size 4). I thought that was a neat detail. It’s also nice that the shoes fit well and can be worn with socks. Most of the time, I’ve even been able to slide the shoes on dolls’ feet without adjusting the Velcro.
However, I was disappointed that the shoes aren’t as nicely made as some of the others. They’re not awful, but the lower quality is noticeable. They could really use a lining or something. Also, why didn’t this set come with socks? Most people seem to wear them with rented bowling shoes (and for good reasons too).
Lastly, this is sort of a petty complaint, but I wish that the shoes were blue and grey or white and grey. The pink makes the set seem a bit too matchy matchy for me, especially since these are supposed to be rented shoes.
Bowling Ball and Pins
In my opinion, the bowling pins and ball really make this set worthwhile. With these pieces, the set becomes an activity that girls can play/do with their dolls. The pieces have seen a ton of play the last few weeks and have been used by just about everyone in my family. It would have been nice if the set came with a few more pins (at least six). Perhaps, they’re offered as replacement parts.
One of the highlights of the original set is that the dolls can hold the ball using a magnetic glove. Unfortunately, the ball that comes with this set isn’t made as nicely, has very visible seams, and cannot be held by the dolls. However, it still serves its purpose.
Two Blue Hairbands
The blue hair bands don’t appear to be anything special. They look like something you can buy in package at the dollar store. I haven’t used them yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they really stretch out with use and time.
Book
The book contains ideas and tips for a bowling party. While some of the tips are fairly mundane, it’s worth paging through, especially if you’re planning a bowling event or party.
Overall, this set is okay, but not fantastic. I undoubtedly prefer the original Bowling Party Set. However, the set is a decent substitute if the original is pricy and/or could be worth getting on sale.
