I purchased this product for xmas 2008.  My son has since played with it and never broken it or lost any of the pieces.  It still works as intended.  It is a wonderful toy for Star Wars fans that like to play lightsabers.  I was very impressed with this toy.  It looked a little daunting at first, but my then 10yo easily grabbed pieces and began making different lightsabers for each Star Wars character.  As fast as boys grow, this is a wonderful present to them as they will use it a year or more so far!  It just keeps on being a favorite toy with all the combinations they can make.  Highly recommended!