Cheerble Wicked Ball AIR Interactive Dog Toy Review for Medium Large Breeds

Description

Testing the Cheerble Wicked Ball AIR: A Daily Adventure with My Dog

Owning a high-energy Labrador means constantly finding ways to keep her entertained. When I stumbled upon this smart interactive dog toy, I was intrigued by its promises of endless fun and mental stimulation. I’ve been using it for weeks now, and here’s how it performed—quirks, features, and all.

Features and Usability

The Wicked Ball AIR is not your average dog toy. It’s designed with an E-TPU outer shell that’s lightweight, chew-resistant, and eco-friendly. The ball offers three interactive modes—Normal, Passive, and Gentle—to match different energy levels. My dog, Bella, particularly enjoyed the Normal mode, where the ball bounces and rotates unpredictably. This kept her engaged for longer than any squeaky toy ever could.

Switching modes is simple, with a quick tap activating the preferred setting. The Passive mode was a lifesaver during lazy afternoons when Bella seemed less motivated to chase after it. On the other hand, the Gentle mode felt a bit underwhelming, especially for larger dogs like mine.

The toy is also USB-C rechargeable, which is a huge plus. It charges fully in just 50 minutes and provides anywhere between 1 to 3.5 hours of playtime. I appreciated the convenience of the Type-C cable, as my phone charger works for it too. Cleaning the ball is equally effortless—just unscrew the shell, wipe it down, and rinse.

Pros

• Durable and Bite-Resistant: The E-TPU material held up surprisingly well against Bella’s determined chewing.
• Customizable Play Modes: Three settings allow for mental stimulation based on your dog’s energy level.
• USB-C Rechargeable: Quick charging and decent playtime make it practical for everyday use.
• Pet-Safe Design: Knowing the materials are non-toxic and eco-friendly is reassuring.
• Easy to Clean: A simple rinse keeps the ball looking and smelling fresh.

Cons

• Limited Appeal for Large Dogs: While it’s marketed for medium to large breeds, the Gentle mode felt too tame for my Labrador.
• Requires Supervision: Without close monitoring, some dogs might try to chew on the charging port or outer shell.
• Not Entirely Waterproof: Despite its IPX7 rating, I noticed some water seepage during heavy usage in wet conditions.
• Loud Mechanism: The internal motor can be a bit noisy on hard floors, which might bother some dogs (or humans).

Experience with the Wicked Ball AIR

One of the funniest moments came when Bella first encountered the ball. She barked at it as if it were a tiny alien invading her space. Eventually, curiosity got the better of her, and she started chasing it around the living room. Watching her figure out how to interact with the toy was both hilarious and rewarding.

My neighbor’s dog, a slightly older Golden Retriever, had a different reaction. He seemed hesitant to engage with the ball, even on the Gentle mode. This highlighted how the product might not appeal universally across all dog personalities.

Comparison to Competitors

Compared to standard tennis balls or rope toys, the interactive features of this smart ball are in a league of their own. Unlike the iFetch automatic ball launcher, which requires dogs to drop a ball into the device, this toy operates independently. The iFetch might be better for dogs that love fetch, but it doesn’t offer the same unpredictability that keeps pets mentally stimulated.

Another competitor, the PetSafe Ricochet Electronic Toy, provides interactive play but lacks the rolling and bouncing action. The Wicked Ball AIR shines in its versatility, engaging dogs in various ways. However, in terms of durability, the Kong Extreme Ball might still have the edge for super-chewers.

Cost Analysis and Value for Money

While not the cheapest dog toy on the market, the Wicked Ball AIR justifies its price with its innovative features and solid build quality. The E-TPU material alone feels premium, and the rechargeable design saves you from constantly buying batteries. For what it offers—mental stimulation, physical activity, and durability—it’s a worthy investment for active dogs. That said, if your dog isn’t a fan of moving toys, it might be better to explore more traditional options.

Additional information