PRODUCT REVIEW

Twinkly Reindeer Review

I recently got my hands on a pair of Twinkly “Reindeers” and wanted to post my thoughts. Twinkly makes both a Stag and a Doe version of the reindeer, which each sell for around $250 (list price) in the US. Images below.

Packaging

Both deer come well packaged, each in its own large corrugated cardboard box, with the feet of the deer attached to a small platform. There was some light damage to the top of the Doe’s box, but no damage to the deer.

Assembly

Doe: The doe (female) comes fully assembled — you just take her out of the box and can immediately set her up like any other Gen 2 Twinkly device.

Stag: The stag (male) comes with his head and antlers partially disassembled due to their size. They are held in place by black zip ties that you need to cut — be careful to not cut through any of the wiring! The head attaches fairly easily, using a hook in the front and a post at the back of the neck. The antlers have metal tabs that push into slots on the head. The hook and post system don’t hold the head (or antlers) on very securely — you need to use several white zip ties to firmly connect the head to the body (there is no mention of this in the instructions, but the zip ties are included). Unless you have really small fingers, you may need a needle-nosed pliers to pull the zip ties through so you can zip them. This will take maybe 10 minutes or so.

Build Quality

Both reindeer are constructed out of the same materials. There is an internal heavy wire frame, similar to other wire frame props. There are RGB+W clear wire Twinkly lights zip tied through the frame. Then the frame is covered by a looping clear material that gives it a much more substantial and elegant look than your standard big-box lighted deer. The doe seems more stable because of the lower center of gravity. In fact, the stag includes 4 ground anchors to keep it from tipping in the wind because it is significantly taller. I will likely anchor both when I put them outside, just to be safe.

Setup

Setup is accomplished via the Twinkly app and is the same as any other Generation 2 Twinkly device. You will need to connect it to your WiFi network, then map the lights using the 3D mapping feature. The 3D map can be imported as a custom model into xLights, or better yet using Twinkly Master. You can control the colors of each deer independently, either using the Twinkly App or xLights.

Overall Impressions

• The deer both look substantial and high quality
• Easy to set up (although instructions for mounting the head on the stag could be clearer)
• The end product looks phenomenal when lit up — the clear fiber optic like material that cover them diffuse the light and make them look extra special
• Capable of animated lighting effects (reindeer do not physically move)
• Like all Twinkly products, the colors are crisp and accurate
• Works well with Twinkly Master and xLights; not sure xLights native Twinkly support incudes Reindeer

Conclusion

• These seem very competitive with other alternatives (including WS2811 or DIY options)
• All in one package, so nothing else needed to make them work (e.g. separate controller, power supplies, etc)
• Works with xLights and FPP via Twinkly Master
• I rate these as a “BUY” for Twinkly fans, xLights enthusiasts or folks who just want good looking, easy to setup deer props!

Specs

• Both include 24 watt, 24 volt power supply and Gen 2 Twinkly controller; clear wire; 16.4 foot cable lead length
• Doe: 160 RGB+W (warm to cool white) independently addressable Twinkly Bulbs capable of 16 million colors
• Stag: 240 RGB+W (warm to cool white) independently addressable Twinkly Bulbs capable of 16 million colors

Where to Buy

Available on the Twinkly Website