Made-in-Seattle Woblong Flyer Lands Spot as Outdoor Toy of the Year Finalist

Rival Flyer Inc., a small family-run sports-toy company based in Washington State, has been named a Finalist for the 2026 Outdoor Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award, the most prestigious honor in the global toy industry.

The company’s flagship product—the Woblong® Double-Wing Flyer—features a patented, aerospace-inspired design that offers a smooth, stable, helicopter-style glide. Unlike traditional discs and rings, the Woblong is easier to throw, more stable in flight, and fun for all ages, helping families rediscover the classic game of catch.

“The game of catch is fun again, and everyone in the family can do it,” said CEO and inventor Miro Bouchakian. “Seeing people of all ages pick up the Woblong and instantly enjoy it is exactly why we created it.”

Aerospace Expertise Behind a Washington-Made Toy

During development, Bouchakian hired Major-General Herman T. Carpenter, a 3-Star U.S. Air Force General and aerospace consultant for NASA and the U.S. military, to assist in refining the Woblong’s aerodynamic profile. Carpenter’s guidance helped shape the flyer’s unique double-wing lift and stability.

“For me, the best part is watching grandparents, parents, and kids all play together,” Bouchakian added. “That’s the heart of what we wanted the Woblong to bring back.”

A Washington-Built Innovation

The Woblong is designed, engineered, and injection-molded entirely in Washington State, with tooling built by Molds Unlimited in Olympia and plastic injection manufacturing completed by Innovative Industries NW in Seattle.

“Our manufacturing approach is entirely unorthodox for the toy industry,” Bouchakian said. “I was advised to build the mold in China and ship it back here, but I couldn’t do that. Keeping everything local allowed us to fine-tune the flight as we went.”

Rival Flyer’s commitment to a fully domestic process ensures quality, agility, and supports the Pacific Northwest’s manufacturing ecosystem.

A New Approach in a Stagnant Category

The Woblong introduces a fresh “double-wing” flight profile—blending the lift of a helicopter with the glide of an airfoil—bringing meaningful innovation to a category that has seen little change in decades.

Early National Momentum

Since its launch in early 2025, Woblong has expanded to nearly 250 retailers nationwide, including specialty toy stores, sporting goods shops, and regional chains. Rival Flyer plans to grow Woblong into a multi-SKU product family, with Junior and Pro models in development.

Industry Recognition

As a TOTY Finalist, the Woblong stands alongside some of the toy industry’s largest global brands. The nomination, evaluated by leaders across the sector, recognizes innovation, play value, and long-term category potential.

Public Support Matters for a Small Washington Startup

“This nomination puts our small Washington company beside some of the biggest toy brands in the world,” Bouchakian said. “They have enormous resources, and we’re just a tiny team, so every single vote truly means a lot to us.”

“We’re grateful for anyone who takes a moment to support a small, American-made product like ours.”

Public Voting Now Open

Supporters can cast a vote for the Woblong® Double-Wing Flyer here:
https://shorturl.at/RIkdY

Rival Flyer Exploring Angel Investment

As national traction continues to grow, Rival Flyer is beginning to explore conversations with angel investors who share its vision for American-made innovation and outdoor play. The company hopes to connect with partners who value small-business ingenuity and want to help bring a Washington-built product to a wider audience.

About Rival Flyer Inc.

Rival Flyer Inc. is a Washington-based sports-toy company dedicated to reinventing outdoor play through patented aerodynamic design and U.S. manufacturing. Its flagship Woblong® Double-Wing Flyer is engineered in Seattle and protected by a 2025 U.S. utility patent.
Learn more at www.woblong.com.

Media Contact:
Miro Bouchakian
Rival Flyer Inc.
360-800-7143

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