First off, let me say this set is a BLAST. I tested it with my niece at the park, and we couldn't stop laughing as we tried to catch those fuzzy balls mid-air. The paddles feel surprisingly sturdy in hand - way better than the flimsy ones I remember from childhood.

The upgraded velcro is the real MVP here. It's sticky enough to catch balls easily (even when my throws were terrible), but not so strong that kids struggle to pull them off. Saw immediate improvement in my niece's hand-eye coordination after just 30 minutes of play!

Major plus: The included carrying case is a lifesaver. We've taken this to beaches, BBQs, and even indoor playdates when it rained. Everything fits neatly, though I wish the case had a small mesh pocket for wet items after pool use.

Warning about durability though - while the paddles are reinforced, one did start separating at the edges after heavy use. Quick fix with superglue, but worth noting if you're rough players like us! Also noticed some water retention behind the fabric after pool days - definitely recommend drying thoroughly.

Despite minor flaws, this set delivers incredible value. Seeing kids (and adults!) of all ages engaged in active play makes it worth every penny. Just manage your expectations for long-term heavy use.