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Review Summary
We give iFetch Automatic Dog Ball Launcher a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars.
The iFetch Automatic Dog Ball Launcher is a solution to a first-world problem. Instead of playing fetch with your pup, this device stands in for you, with your pet doing their part to keep the game going. The toy tosses the ball at an adjustable distance, so your pooch can retrieve it and drop it back into the launcher. The manufacturer bills it as an electronic dog sitter. The idea is clever, considering some pets don’t know when to stop.
The adjustable distances make it suitable for indoor and outdoor play as long as it’s well-placed. The distances are decent for each size, although 10 feet seems a bit far for using it indoors. The story of the product speaks to its use to fill a need, which the launcher succeeds in doing admirably. Overall, the concept is really great.
We love the idea that the award-winning product is a grandfather-grandson project. We can’t think of a better way for a teenager to learn the ropes of running a business. It’s also an excellent selling point for prospective buyers. It’s truly a family business, and it’s sure to make your pooch happy.
iFetch Automatic Dog Ball Launcher – A Quick Look
- Adjustable distance
- Interactive toy
- Family-owned business
- Two sizes
- Random launch distance
- Pricey
- Some build issues
- Problematic for dogs that slobber
Specifications
| Brand name: | iFetch, LLC |
| Sizes: | Small and large |
| Dimensions: | Small: 11 inches L x 8 inches W x 8 inches H; (Large: 14 inches L x 13 inches W x 12 inches H) |
| Weight: | Small: 3 pounds; Large: 8.5 pounds |
| Launch distance: | Small: 10, 20, and 30 feet; Large: 10, 25, and 40 feet |
| Power source: | Plug-in power for rechargeable battery |
| Materials: | Plastic, rubber |
| Age range: | All life stages |
Distance and Cycling
Each size of this product has varying distances, with 40 feet the maximum for the large size. If you think your pet might get bored, don’t fret. The launcher can cycle through the distances and even add a random one to mix things up for your pup. The figures are decent for outdoor play, although we think that even the lowest setting is sketchy for using it indoors.
Power and Usage
The launcher has a rechargeable battery that can deliver roughly 250 throws. Your pup will undoubtedly get tired before it runs out of juice. We like that it uses standard tennis balls. You probably use them already to play fetch with your dog. It’ll be a smooth segue for many pets, although you may have to show your pooch how to use it.
1-Year Limited Warranty
The 1-year limited warranty covers the manufacturer’s defects with the ambiguous “normal use.” Consumers will receive a new or refurbished model as a replacement. While we understand it’s a small company, we didn’t like the idea of a used product in exchange for something we bought new. We were also curious why taking the device out of the United States would void the warranty.
The product has a 30-day guarantee if you are not satisfied with the launcher. You must return it in its original condition. You can get a refund minus shipping charges with an added $15 restocking fee. Before shipping it back, you must contact the company to get a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. The warranty on the website is lengthy and has a lot of small print, so it’s going to take some time to read it.
Cleaning the Slobber
It is unavoidable sometimes, as slobber is something that simply happens with some dogs. Unfortunately, that is a problem with the launcher. It can interfere with the product working properly. We probably don’t have to go into too much detail about cleaning it. Suffice it to say it is a problem for some users. It’s an issue the company must address in the next version of the product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do You Clean the iFetch Launcher?
The manufacturer suggests wiping off the tennis ball occasionally. You can also switch to squash balls, which are often plastic. The company also produces a Foaber slobber-proof ball, which may solve the problem.
Can You Use Other Balls With the Launcher?
It will work with any standard-size tennis ball, although the company sells replacements. You can use it with any ball that measures between 2.4 inches and 2.7 inches in diameter.
How Long Does It Take to Charge?
The battery is fully charged after 2–8 hours. It is ready to use when the charger light turns green. How long it lasts depends on the intensity of its use.
What the Users Say
We have researched what dog owners thought of the iFetch Automatic Dog Ball Launcher in reviews and forums. Pet owners agreed with our initial assessment of the concept. It’s excellent! Many lamented how their pups have more energy and persistence for playing fetch than they do. They thought the product offered a decent solution.
Another frequent comment touched on slobbering dogs and how that affected the product’s use. After all, that’s probably one reason pet owners took a second look at the device despite the relatively high price. Who wants to pick up a spit-covered ball? Unfortunately, the launcher has a problem with it, too, which affects its performance.
Other issues users mentioned were the distance claims not living up to the hype. Another concern was a lack of a sensor if your dog figures out how to drop the ball into the launcher. The device doesn’t wait for the pet to get out of the way. Off it goes! Ready or not!
Overall, the reviews were mixed. Most loved the idea, but some were disappointed that it failed to deliver as promised. The company got started with over 1,000 backers, so many others agreed. Its website states that the launcher was prototyped in the United States but has since moved assemblage to China.
Conclusion
We love interactive toys, especially ones that encourage pets to be active, such as the iFetch Automatic Dog Ball Launcher. There is no doubt it can keep your pup running, particularly after they have figured out how to use it. The device strikes us as one that needs to go back to the drawing board. The reviews highlighted some deal-breaker flaws. However, not all is lost.
We can see a few tweaks putting it back into the dealmaker category. Quality control should be at the top of the list. When the launcher works, it is a lot of fun for pets and owners. Slobber-proof balls, a sensor, and better reliability would go a long way to fulfilling the company founders’ vision.
Featured Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock
