Rhinestone machines have become essential for those who want to add a sparkling touch to their hairstyles, clothes or accessories. Among them, the Blinger machine , produced by Bandai, has established itself as a benchmark on the market. Awarded the 2020 Grand Prix du Jouet in the creative leisure category, this machine seduces with its ease of use and its promise of originality. However, it also has flaws that deserve to be highlighted, especially when compared to alternatives like MagicStrass , an improved version of this trendy accessory. Here is a complete analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Blinger machine.
The qualities of the Blinger machine: a fun and accessible accessory
1. Remarkable ease of use
The Blinger machine is designed to be easy to use, even for children as young as 6. It follows a simple principle: "load, click and shine". Simply insert a rhinestone disc into the device, select a surface (hair, clothing, accessory), and press to apply a sparkle. In just a few seconds, a sparkling touch will enhance the chosen object.
- A toy suitable for children : Thanks to its intuitive and safe operation (no aggressive glue or heat), Blinger is ideal for budding little creators.
- Instant Results : The rhinestones apply quickly and stay in place all day, making the experience both rewarding and fun.
2. Varied customization
The machine can decorate a wide range of objects: from hair to handbags, clothes and even notebooks or shoes. It encourages creativity and styling, awakening the fashionista in each user.
3. An affordable price
With a price ranging between 20 and 25 euros, Blinger remains accessible to many households. This value for money makes it an ideal gift for birthdays or Christmas. We will see later that an alternative exists at a lower price: MagicStrass!
4. A solid reputation
Blinger has gained a lot of notoriety thanks to its 2020 award win and the many videos of influencers who highlight it on platforms like TikTok. It is often described as "the essential accessory to shine".
The Limits of the Blinger Machine: Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, Blinger has some notable flaws that can impact the user experience.
1. A limited quantity of rhinestones
The basic kit contains only 75 rhinestones spread over 5 discs. For an accessory intended for multiple creations, this quantity can quickly prove insufficient. For comparison, products like MagicStrass include up to 180 rhinestones in their kit, offering many more creative possibilities without additional purchases.
2. Expensive and random refills
To continue using the machine after the initial 75 rhinestones have been used up, it is necessary to purchase refills, which are not only expensive but also sold in random designs. This means that it is impossible to choose the rhinestone colors or shapes, which can frustrate users who want specific customization.
3. A system that can be improved
Some users report that the rhinestones don’t attach properly or fall off after application. This issue, mentioned in several customer reviews, reflects a weakness in the machine’s design. For example, one parent’s review states that “the rhinestones come off every other time,” while another user points out that “the system needs to be reviewed.” In comparison, MagicStrass offers rhinestones with reinforced adhesion , ensuring a long-lasting hold even during dynamic activities.
4. A box that is not very generous
Another common complaint is the contents of the basic kit, which are considered minimalist. In addition to the limited quantity of rhinestones, the lack of variety in colors and shapes is also a hindrance for users who want more original designs.
5. Slowness for great creations
Blinger applies one rhinestone at a time, which can make the process long and tedious when you want to decorate a large surface or create complex hairstyles. Conversely, machines like MagicStrass offer ergonomics designed for smoother and more efficient use.
MagicStrass : A Superior Alternative to Blinger
While the Blinger machine is a nice introduction to arts and crafts, MagicStrass stands out as a more powerful and complete solution. Here's why MagicStrass outperforms Blinger in several ways:
1. A more generous offer
The MagicStrass kit includes 180 rhinestones, more than double what Blinger offers. This abundance allows you to create more designs without having to buy refills immediately.
2. Better grip quality
MagicStrass guarantees perfect hold of rhinestones throughout the day. Unlike Blinger, which can sometimes have failures, MagicStrass rhinestones stay in place even during intense activities.
3. Unbeatable value for money
With its richly supplied kit and reliability, MagicStrass offers an excellent return on investment. Not only do you get more rhinestones, but you also get a machine that is built to last.
4. Optimized ergonomics
MagicStrass is designed for quick and effortless use, making it ideal for large creations or family time.
5. A design thought for the whole family
With an emphasis on safety and simplicity, MagicStrass is perfect for children and adults alike, making every decorating session a fun and friendly moment.
User Reviews: What Are They Saying?
On Blinger
Customer reviews of Blinger are mixed, with an average of 3.7/5 stars. Some praise the creativity it inspires, but others point to issues with reliability and limited content. Examples:
- “This is a gift that was very well received!” – Positive feedback on its appeal to children.
- "The sparkles come off half the time." – Negative review of the attachment system.
- “Not much in the box.” – Mixed reviews on the kit contents.
On MagicStrass
With an average rating of 4.8/5 , MagicStrass wins the support of parents and children. Here are some testimonials:
- “My daughter is over the moon!” – Alexandra: “She loves personalizing her creations with MagicStrass.”
- “A real moment of complicity” – Marie: “Her smile at each rhinestone is magical.”
- “Perfect for small parties” – Claire: “The rhinestones last all day, even at school.”
- “My daughter uses it alone without any worries” – Élodie: “Totally safe and suitable for children.”
- “Great family activity” – Justine: “Her smile when she puts the rhinestones on me delights me!”
Conclusion: Blinger or MagicStrass?
In summary, the Blinger machine is a creative and accessible toy that will appeal to children and fans of customization. However, its limitations, particularly in terms of reliability, content and speed, reduce its appeal for regular or intensive use.
MagicStrass , on the other hand, corrects these flaws with better quality, a more generous offer and an optimized user experience. If you are looking for a powerful and complete solution to add glamour to your creations, MagicStrass is undoubtedly the best choice.