How does the High Striker Test Your Strength Funfair Stall work?
The High Strike Test Your Strength funfair stall, also called the Strongman Challenge amongst numerous other names, is a beloved favourite; the rules are simple and it’s a game recognised across the world as a classic fairground attraction. Hit the target with a hammer or mallet as hard as you can and try and send the weight or light to the top to ring the bell and win a prize!
But how does it work? Well you’ll be pleased to know there’s no trickery involved - even with the more elaborate units with the electronic readings. With more traditional high strikers, when a player hits the target, kinetic energy is transferred to a weight which is launched upwards. Think of it like applying sudden force to the raised part of a weight scale, anything on the lowered end will be jolted into the air.
The heavier the hit the more kinetic energy transferred - and the weight will have more behind it to fight the other force at play: gravity. At its core, the game is just simple physics, so can be as educational as it is fun!
Traditional vs Modern High Striker Strongman Challenge games
Traditional high striker games are typically constructed from wood and have internal mechanics. With modern versions of the funfair stall, the manual weight transfers of the traditional version are replaced by a high tech software system. This allows a precise reading of the strike, and rather than just ringing the bell at the top, there’s the added challenge of getting the high score! This adds to the effect of the game, as more prizes can be on offer.
Electronic ones also have the added feature of flashing lights and sound effects, which helps to draw a crowd. You might even see the Test Your Strength game as a branded exhibition stand game!
Beating the Test Your Strength game
It may be called Test Your Strength, but don’t be fooled but this - it’s not about strength, or at least not entirely. This may seem surprising, but having good technique can be as effective as a lot of strength and bad technique. It means some people you wouldn’t expect can be surprisingly good - and again it’s all about using physics to your advantage.
If you hold the mallet at the end of the handle, swing with a loose arm and allow the momentum of the dead weight at the end of the mallet to do the work only bringing force into it at the final moment, you’ll see a major difference. Don’t believe us? Ask any lumberjack or carpenter about the best way to swing an axe - or better still, try it yourself next time you’re at the funfair!
Well there you have it, a simple game that’s been entertaining us for hundreds of years! Now that you’re equipped with this information why not put it all to the test at your next high striker experience and who knows, maybe walk away with a prize! Remember to thank We Are Tricycle when you get the chance to show off your skills.