Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I didn't believe all the other reviews that this Slinky is NOT the slinky you remember from your childhood. Well, it's NOT!!! It appears that the Poof Slinky brand, which originated in the great state of Pennsylvania, has been bought by the Alex Products toy company. The original Slinky, according to wikipedia, had 98 coils. This slinky has 87 coils. It is not long enough to climb down stairs, which was the express purpose for which I purchased this product. While, to Alex Products' credit, this product is still made in the USA, Alex should return to the original design or there will be a whole generation who simply can't understand why the Slinky WAS one of the coolest toys ever! After receiving this item, I contacted Alex Products and they sent me this reply: "...I would like to clarify. The Original Slinky design is from1945 and is still being made in Hollidaysburg , PA on some of the original equipment of James Industry. Poof-Products acquired James Industry in 1998. Over the years only two changes have occurred to the Original Slinky. End clamps have been added for safety and the length has been shortened from 96 coils to 83 coils. Length did not change the walking ability. The diameter has never changed. Alex brands is following the same guidelines as Poof Products now Poof-Slinky, LLC. Below is what you need to make the Slinky walk. 1) Steps cannot have carpet on them and they have to be 7 5/8 -8” deep. 2) A ramp can also be used 4’ long and 10” high. After checking with our factory all Slinkys walk down several stairs into their boxes off the line." First of all, my steps are not particularly deep, and they measure 8 1/2 inches. But the slinky I purchased when my daughter was little (probably 15 years ago) went down the same set of steps perfectly fine. And, I DO believe that reducing the number of coils has changed the ability to go down stairs. A greater number of coils allows the slinky to stretch longer. But whatever ... Alex Products told me to return the product directly to Amazon, so I guess I will.