Buckyballs is dead. Long Live Buckyballs.


Q: Where can I buy real Buckyballs?
While genuine Buckyballs by Maxfield & Oberton products still exist with many consumers, a search for 'Buckyballs' these days turns up a plethora of imitators taking advantage of the unprotected 'Buckyballs' trademark. Some imitators appear in the similar packaging as the original Buckyballs, though often packaged without any warnings or instructions.
Neoballs are compatible and of equal or better tolerance than what real Buckyballs were.

 However, Speks are the true spiritual sequel to Buckyballs. Speks is co-founded by, and operated by, Craig Zucker the ex-CEO of the Buckyballs company (Maxfield & Oberton). You can find and purchase Speks here in the Neoballs Marketplace, as well as in hundreds of retail stores in a variety of colors. We, Zen Magnets LLC, are the other founders of Speks.

Q: What happened to Buckyballs?
Maxfield & Oberton, the original Buckyballs company, was brought to an end in May 2014, upon the settlement of unprecedented proceedings brought forth from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Those who have been with us since 2009 probably remember some drama that went down between Buckyballs and Zen. But as fate would have it, Zen Magnets and Buckyballs became allies against the CPSC, much more so than had ever been rivals in business. Though the CPSC ultimately forced every major domestic seller of magnet spheres - except for Zen Magnets Company - off the market, the Buckyballs company fought fiercely and valiantly before their demise.

 

Q: Are Buckyballs banned?
Yes, and no. There was indeed a ban of magnet spheres from 2014 to November 2016. In September 2014, while the Zen Magnets recall case was still pending, the CPSC enacted an all ages nationwide ban on sales, manufacturing, and importation on all sets of high powered magnet spheres in the US. Through much effort and legal cost, Zen Magnets LLC challenged the CPSC "safety standard" in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. We won. (And in fact were the first to overturn a CPSC rule in 32 years.)

 

However, genuine Buckyballs are technically not allowed for sale as part of their recall settlement agreement. Recalled products are illegal to sell, manufacture, and distribute. Whether or not the counterfeit "Buckyballs," which are the only ones available now, are banned in any manner is a matter of legal uncertainty. What is certain, is that the CPSC has done nothing to stop equally dangerous knockoffs of the recalled Buckyballs.

Q: How were Buckyballs different from Zen Magnets or Neoballs?
Short answer: magnet coating and milling consistency. Zen Magnets are as perfect as technology will allow. Electroplated Neoballs and genuine Buckyballs are similar in quality, and much better than most magnets sold as "toys" on the internet. Click here for a more detailed comparison, or see for yourself. Camaraderie aside, we're still proud to call Zen Magnets the absolute highest quality magnets available since 2009. Neoballs will always be very good quality magnets that are aggressively priced. If you're looking for for quality magnets and the largest selection, the Neoballs market place is your one stop shop.