DOTS Bracelets
Posted by CapnRex101,
Five colourful bracelets are available within the DOTS range and these interesting accessories have definitely elicited attention. Their material permits impressive flexibility and connects with standard LEGO tiles, unusually.
Sample bracelets were available from the DOTS unveiling event, providing an opportunity to inspect these distinctive products more closely and assess their potential versatility. Find out more about the new bracelets after the break...
Each bracelet includes 28 studs. These are made from rubber but feel almost completely solid, only featuring slight indentations on the reverse. The studs accordingly behave like standard plastic rather than rubber and provide ample clutch power for attaching 1x1 tiles. However, components which cover multiple studs will become easily disconnected when the band is twisted or bent.
The bracelet measures 20cm in length and was evidently designed for children but it does fit around adult wrists. Furthermore, the size is adjustable. These five holes are the correct size to accommodate studs but there is very little clutch power and they are not positioned in accordance with the LEGO system. The holes are too far apart for adjoining studs but too close for separation by 1x2 jumper plates, as demonstrated below.
Gaps appear between the tiles when the bracelet is worn, although these elements remain absolutely secure. I appreciate the great variation in colour between different bracelets and this black example is included with 41903 Cosmic Wonder. Medium azure, magenta, medium lavender and teal shades are also available.
These bracelets are accompanied by 32 colourful tiles which should provide reasonable variation in design. Of course, collecting more tiles or introducing some from your own collection will offer further possibilities and wearing multiple bands would enable the creation of broader patterns. I think the 2x14 designs are suitably versatile though.
Please ask any other questions you might have about these bracelets in the comments and I shall do my best to answer them.
Our review of 41906 Pencil Holder is available here.
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34 comments on this article
What was the range of size adjustability like? I imagine that'll be a big concern for adult fans who will have larger wrists than the main kid audience.
all it needs is 28 of the 1x1 pyramid 22388 in chrome for that retro 80s punk style ;)
This is very reminiscent of the Flexo line of products from the standpoint of introducing new materials and flexibility into the building and design process. It'll be interesting to see what new ideas this sparks as it has the potential to reach a wider audience than a small New Zealand company might. I'm sure I'll have to pick up a few and see how well this bracelet material might work in conjunction with the Flexo domes.
I am eager to see these bracelet bands being used in MOCs. I have several ideas going in my head right now.
I can't wait to get my hands on these — and these on my wrist(s).
Can you connect two bracelets together with 1x4 plates? Or even multiple with longer plates? Or can a minifigure stand upside down on it?
The article mentions collecting more tiles..
I was at the local Lego store a couple days ago and (based on a quick visual scan and memory) I'd say probably 60-70% of the element types/colors shown in the top photo are on the PAB wall. Store stock may vary of course, but if you're only interested in Dots for the tiles go get a giant cup full on the cheap!
So many parts to get!
I don't plan on wearing one of these, but I think if I did I'd be quite stressed about losing a piece or two while out and about.
Oh people will find an use in MOC's for them.
Does the brick remover tool work with the bracelet? What would one do to clean it if, say, a beverage splashed it? Are the “sample bracelets” of the same colors as the retail range?
I’d like to use some 1x1 clips to have some Technic hoses or hot dogs.
Try wearing a LEGO Dots bracelet for a while with different kinds of tiles and see how many tiles you lose. I'm pretty hopeful the quality of the clutch power is good, but I'm wondering how it stands the test of time wearing it, knocking it into the corners of walls, going to the gym and exercising with it, etc.
Those 1x1 elements will not drop off if you bend the bracelet piece too far?
" I think the 2x28 designs are suitably versatile though."
Isn't it 2x14 though?
I think if you're really worried about losing pieces, you could... glue them on... After all, the bracelets are $4.99; buy two- one to glue.
Two joined together with 1 by 4 plates!
Personally I'm a little disappointed they didn't go for a linked design similar to the old Scala sets. That had several advantages like fitting tiles up to 2x2, less risk of losing tiles due to flexing, could be made any length*, and could be covered entirely in tiles without the unsightly bare area around the clasp.
As Agent00Z says, you should really try wearing it for a few days to see how many tiles actually falls off, they may seem sturdy during quick testing but still fail under actual use. Like Mister_Jonny, I imagine constantly having to see/feel if tiles were about to come off, making the whole ting quite a nuisance.
*My wrists are 21-22 cm around, and therefore slightly too large.
@Lyichir - My wrist measures 19cm in 'circumference' and the bracelet fits comfortably, but snugly, when attached with the largest size.
@Squicman - You cannot have bracelets directly adjoining and connected because there are narrow gaps along either side. However, they could be joined with 1x3 plates. Minifigures can attach to the studs, as usual, but they would be knocked off very easily.
@ArielHairRaph - Yes, brick separators are perfect for removing the tiles and the samples were only available in black, matching 41903-1 Cosmic Wonder. Given their material, I think these bracelets may be wiped clean but would advise against submerging them in water for an extended period.
@jeanloup said:
"all it needs is 28 of the 1x1 pyramid 22388 in chrome for that retro 80s punk style ;)"
Exactly, who says you only have to use tiles on these why can't regular build techniques be used.
How about a Micro skyline.
@CapnRex101
Can the sorting trays be stacked?
Would be cool if they did Dots Apple Watch straps.
I may have missed this somewhere but what is the expected release date for DOTS in stores? Right about now I'm planning a bracelet for myself :D
@chrismajor2124 said:
"I may have missed this somewhere but what is the expected release date for DOTS in stores? Right about now I'm planning a bracelet for myself :D"
1st of March on the Lego webstores in Australia and the US
@AddictedToStyrene said:
"1st of March on the Lego webstores in Australia and the US"
Thank you! I'll be waiting with my $5.
First thing I can think of is losing most of the pieces pretty quickly.
I'm gonna load these up with 1x1 cones for my Black Metal band photos.
@Lyichir said:
"What was the range of size adjustability like? I imagine that'll be a big concern for adult fans who will have larger wrists than the main kid audience."
I mean, they are made for kids.
Oh, I suspect this flexible bracelet "piece" will lead to to some extraordinary MOC designs...
I need to get on of these. I immediately think the bracelet can be used for a rope bridge, maybe a temple of doom moc. I also love all the little tiles, really good for micro and brickheadz!
Thermal detonators...
@CapnRex101:
So...7.5" in Standard? Mine measures 6.5", so I guess I could wear these without maxing out the holes.
Very intriguing these DOTS are...
^^^ or the Ninjago Skybound 1x1 round tiles with the Ninja's faces, that went on sword hilts...
I want to buy one of these and a cheap Apple Watch band in a similar color and attempt to kitbash the two together to make a Lego Dots Apple Watch band.