HISS Tank Reviews The Sky Striker XP21F

[Shin Densetsu]

http://www.hisstank.com/forum/attachments/g-i-joe-toy-reviews-quick-feedback/87775d1311127866-hiss-tank-reviews-sky-striker-xp21f-sky-striker-xp21f-review-4.jpg
Sky Striker XP21F Review

In the early 1980's, 3-3/4" figures usually consisted of Star Wars or Microman. In 1982 a game changer was on the horizon in the form of GI Joe. Substantially more articulated than their main competition(Star Wars), GI Joe also had another thing going for it; vehicles based on/inspired by real-world vehicles used by the US military. In 1983, the F-14A Tomcat based Skystriker XP14F made a big splash into toy aisles and the hearts of GI Joe fans.

In the years since, the Skystriker has been the subject of countless discussions. At one point, it was destined to return as a Toys R Us exclusive, part of the GI Joe VS Cobra line. It even made an appearance in some of the 1st GVC commercials. With anticipation building, imagine the dismay when fans found out that the Skystriker would be replaced with a Spy Troops Conquest X-30 repaint, retooled with Sound Attack weaponry.

Rumors spread. "The design team couldn't figure out a way to add the Sound Attack weapons". "It didn't pass the drop test".

A few years later a rumor that became solidified as the final word(unofficially) came in the form of this: Funskool's neglect for the loaned Skystriker molds resulted in a degraded mold beyond repair.

Years later, during the GI Joe Q&A sessions, Hasbro revealed that the mold was destroyed. In a session last year, they suggested that it was better to seek out vintage samples rather than wait on them to make a new one based on the original(bear in mind by that time, vehicles like the Sky HAWK and Water Moccassin had been remade with new molds as the Ghost HAWK and Sting Raider respectively).

So with the Skystriker having been absent from the 25th Anniversary line(which many thought was the ample opportunity to re-release it), and the subsequent answers/suggestions by Hasbro in Q&A sessions, the Skystriker seemed like a lost cause. It was either go vintage or go home....

Until Toy Fair 2011. Toy Fair 2011 took fans by surprise as they had no idea Hasbro was going to show off that much new product. They also had no idea that...

The Skystriker was finally going to make its long awaited return

What shocked fans further was the MSRP($29.99). In the day and age where the substantially smaller Rise Of Cobra Night Raven was released for $44.99, seeing a $30 price tag was a shock(at Target the Sky Striker is $34.99). The armchair generals were convinced that any Skystriker reissue would be $50-60+.

There seemed to be good news breaking left and right for GI Joe during Toy Fair. Fast forward to this past weekend, where fans were able to score the 1st new Sky Strikers at Target. The question is, was it worth the wait? Read on...

[Shin Densetsu]

For the most part, the Sky Striker XP21F shares the same silhouette as its Skystriker XP14F predecessor. There are distinct differences though:
Matte finish
Plastic has rougher texture
Vertical stabilizer tabs are all new, no longer tiny tabs, these are thin rectangular slabs(much more sturdy)
Horizontal stabilizers are now designed to detach(push them in all the way, you will here 2 clicks, and they should sit flush with the fuselage)
Weapon pylons are thicker
Engine nozzles now have scribed detail(albeit inaccurate; they have the detail of the F110 GE400 engines from the F-14B/D yet the shape of the TF30 engines from the F-14A/Skystriker XP14F)
Single seat cockpit
All new cockpit details, and HUD(Heads Up Display)
Wings are now 2 pieces
Cockpit is separate from the body, no longer molded as part of the body
Wheels no longer have the sculpted text details
Canopy hinge is all new, the part where it plugs into is now raised above the fuselage aft of the canopy.
Vertical stabilizers are now black
Canopy frames are now painted
Body is molded in gray
Aside from these changes, there is another major difference:

The new Sky Striker XP21F is much more durable and sturdy, definitely built to last

I never had the original Skystriker but I had the Night Boomer, or what was left of it(neighbor broke it when I was younger). The new Sky Striker is a lot less prone to breakage. Some parts, like the airbrake, are substantially thicker than they were on the original. The wings now have supports near the main body. It's a rugged toy overall.

Drop test? If you dropped the original upside down or on its side, you were almost certain to break off the vertical stabilizers and possibly crack off the horizontal stabilizers. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers on this new one are designed to detach if excessive force is applied. This, aside from the fact that the plastic used is very very sturdy, further prevents breakage. Hell the way the vertical stabilizers are inserted, you'll encounter some resistance trying to remove them. They stay in position well, as do the horizontal stabs. The latter are easier to knock out but I have not had that happen to me unintentionally. Again, make sure they are inserted all the way and flush with the fuselage. Their insertion tab should not be sticking out at all.

I wouldn't say this thing is as tough as the hefty brick we call the Valor VS Venom Thunderwing, but it is certainly tougher than the Conquest and Rattler reissues from 2008-09, Power Team Elite jets, and True Heroe jets.

This is one you can give to your kids and not really worry about, aside from the missles falling off. More on that later.

[Shin Densetsu]

The big thing that stuck out on the original Skystriker XP14F was the fact that the wings and landing gear were interconnected. Sweep the wings forward, and the landing gear are lowered. Sweep them back, and they are retracted.

This has not changed on the Sky Striker XP21F. When asked why, Hasbro said their intent was to make the new Sky Striker close to the original. This was the main thing fans wanted changed.

I thought it would bother me more, but now that I have the Sky Striker XP21F in hand, it doesn't bother me so much. Part of it is because when compared to the real Tomcat, the landing gear are in the wrong places to begin with. The other is that the landing gear aren't distinctly long on the Sky Striker. So having the landing gear out is apparent, but not terribly apparent.

Fortunately, due to the design, the landing gear aren't all the way out when the wings are swept midway, as seen in the images.

In any case the retained wing/landing gear connection wasn't a dealbreaker for me. Should Hasbro decide to retool the Sky Striker, and make the wings and landing gear function independent of each other, that would be great.

[Shin Densetsu]

The Sky Striker XP21F comes with the following:
AIM-9 Sidewinder missle x 2
AIM-7 Sparrow missle x 2
AIM-54 Phoenix missle x 2
Engine cover x 2
Removable engine x 2
Gunpod x 1
Pretty much the same as the original. Yet there are differences. The smaller missles seem slimmer, in fact, the Sparrow missle, had it had a longer randome, looks more like an AMRAAM missle(the Sparrow's replacement).

I mentioned differences. I mentioned missles falling off earlier. Why? The missle hardpoints/pylons are short, and the connection points for the Phoenix missles are shallow. Combine these 2 and you have missles that are easier to knock off, especially under the intakes.

The connection points on the Sidewinders and Sparrows go through the body, so they stay on better. Not so on the Phoenix missles. I've also found that the Phoenix missles stay on better underneath the nose.

The sad thing is that the Phoenix missles have added rubber coating on their connection points, to provide a more secure grip on the pylons. However, the short pylons and shallow connection points work against this.

I usually deck my Sky Strikers out like this:
Sidewinders under the glove area
Phoenix missles under the intakes
Sparrows under the nose
I don't like the look of the Sidewinders under the nose as the Tomcat never carried them like that. The Tomcat never carried the Phoenix missles under the intakes either, but since Tomcat 21 was supposed to be able to carry munitions there, eh I can overlook that. The Sparrows were usually carried either between the engine nacelles or under the bottom wing hardpoints. So having them under the nose on the Sky Striker works for me.

The gunpod is the best fitting weapon of all, but substantially easier to remove than the original. It will be the last weapon to fall off should someone manhandle the Sky Striker.

The engines, as mentioned earlier, have scribed detail on the nozzles which look like the F110 GE400 engines used on the F-14B/D but with the shape of the TF30 engine nozzles used on the F-14A and original Skystriker. Weird. Nonetheless, the new nozzles are substantially more detailed than the original Skystriker engine nozzles. They also retain their turbine details.

The engine covers are still removable. They stay in place well. To remove them, pull inwards.

[Shin Densetsu]

Here we take a closer, detailed look at the Sky Striker XP21F. As noted earlier, the text details once sculpted on the wheels are not longer present. Would've been cool to have, but it doesn't bother me much. There are panel lines all over the plane, retained from the original.

There are a lot of stickers, 2 big sheets of them are included. I was surprised at how many stickers were included. For the 1st one I opened, I opted to use the regular Sky Striker logo on the vertical stabilizers, and "Aces High" stickers for the nose. The alternate stickers on the decal sheet, near the Sky Striker logo are better off as nose art. You can't even see some of them if they are on the vertical stabilizers because the stabilizers are black. Also, the alternate stickers are too small to be on the stabilizers. So on the nose they went.

Some stickers are optional, with no place shown to put them. The stickers for the most part, are of a higher quality than the POC vehicles. They tend to stick better too. However, the front windscreen sticker does not have a cut out in the middle, to account for the raised area on the windscreen. Due to this, I witnessed creases on that sticker. To begin with, creases are hard to avoid on that area due to the curvature of the randome, but that raised area only complicates things. Adding to that, the gun grill/vent doesn't make anything easier.

The cockpit seats only 1 figure due to the new parts that Hasbro crafted within. These parts include:
All new seat
Ejection ring handles
HUD(Heads Up Display)
MFD(Multi-Functional Display)
Sidestick
Throttle
Hasbro would often say that there wasn't enough room to seat 2 figures, leaving out the part that this is due to the new parts put into the new cockpit. Later, in a GI Joe Q&A session (http://www.toyark.com/news/gi-joe-toy-news-11/gi-joe-2011-qa-round-2-answers-4190/), they stated that:

The two seater was indeed considered, however, it would have been very very difficult to fit the second pilot in the cockpit. Luckily, the new cockpit is indeed modular and a new, two seater cockpit could be designer at a future date to accomidate two (albiet, very awkward) seated pilots. Currently, there are no plans to revise this design.

I've heard many fans say they wanted a more updated Sky Striker, Pursuit Of Cobra(POC) style. Surprisingly enough, this cockpit is where we see the modernization. The Tomcat never had a sidestick, yet this new Sky Striker has it. The sidestick was an innovation introduced on the F-16, and made for ease of use. The original Skystriker never had a joystick, let alone sidestick, nor throttle. Early production models of the F-14A Tomcat sported a HUD screen, but were taken off, and an advanced one later appeared on the F-14D Super Tomcat. The original Skystriker XP14F never had a HUD screen, which makes sense as neither did most production F-14A's.

The new Sky Striker also has a central MFD(Multi Function Display) which the Super Tomcat also had. However there is also another panel molded but which is blocked by the HUD. Personally, I angle the HUD backwards a bit, because if it is against the cockpit panels, it doesn't look right.

The F-14D Super Tomcat had 2 MFD's in the front cockpit, 1 central, while the F-14A and B models had 2 CRT's in the middle. If you take out the HUD, it looks like the Sky Striker XP21F has the configuration of the F-14A but the central MFD from the F-14D.

In a way this is countered by Ace's new HMDS(Helmet Mounted Display System), the helmet that F-35 pilots use, as the F-35 does not need a HUD due to that helmet. I guess we can view the HUD on the new Sky Striker as a backup should the helmet electronics fail or something.

Where the cockpit seems like a step back can be found with 2 areas:
Ejection seat rings
Seat placement
The ejection seat rings are those of the F-14A ejection seat. The F-14D Super Tomcat had the NACES ejection seats which lacked those rings. Neat details, but inaccurate. Yes this is toy based on the Tomcat and has other inaccuracies to begin with, but I would be remiss to not point this out.

The seat placement does bother me, but not terribly. Ace is too far back. Due to this, his head sits directly under the canopy frame. For example, should he eject through the canopy(this has happened before), it would be a reinactment of what happened to goose in Top Gun but possibly worse.

Anyways that could have been rectified had the middle frame of the canopy been absent. That snag aside. it would have been preferable to see Ace seated further forward in the cockpit. That way, the middle canopy frame issue would not be an issue, and it would look more realistic. Why can't he sit further forward? The new cockpit panels prevent him from going that far. You could possibly take the cockpit apart and carve out said panels.

Ultimately, the new cockpit is far more detailed than the sculpted random dials/guages on the original Skystriker. Is it better? Yes. The original cockpit was only better in the respect that it could seat 2 people(adds to playability in my opinion), and had the front seat further forward.

The fact that the new Sky Striker is a one seater could be seen as an advancement. Maybe the Joe team was able to secure enough funding to turn an older Skystriker into a one seater.

Historical sidenote: Grumman did make a 1 seat F-14A Tomcat for spin/High AOA(Angle Of Attack) testing. The space for the rear seat was taken up by instrumentation. The Blue Angels also considered the Tomcat for a time, and wanted a 1 seater. However, Grumman found that it was actually more expensive to convert a Tomcat to 1 seat use rather than to keep it a 2 seater. The cockpit workload is huge and that is why it necessitates a 2 man crew. In fact, aside from the aforementioned Test F-14A, the Tomcat cannot take off without both crew members at the controls.

So maybe by 2011 we can presume that the GI Joe team found some way to integrate advanced avionics into an old Sky Striker to make it flyable by one person. In many ways, the Sky Striker XP21F comes off with similarities to one of the planes that Ace first flew before joining the Joes, the F-16, especially with the sidestick, HUD, reclined seat, and reclined seat. By the end of the GI Joe A Real American Hero line, he had flown the Ghoststriker X-16, also F-16 based.

Speaking of seats, the seat is reclined. A reclined seat is actually preferred for fighter planes as it increases the tolerances of G load on the pilot. More on the cockpit after we get through with Capt. Ace...

[Shin Densetsu]

For fans who wanted a modernized Ace figure, we got one in the form of Capt Ace who comes with the new Sky Striker. Gone is the fishbowl helmet of V1 Ace, in is the new HMDS that F-35 and other fighter pilots will use in the future. Unfortunately the front top half of the helmet is not painted(but it should be).

Ace uses the same head sculpt as GI Joe 25th Anniversary Ace and same vest. Other than that, the body is that of Skydive from GI Joe Pursuit Of Cobra Wave 4. Aside from his flight vest, helmet and harnesses, he comes with a pistol, which can be stored in the holster on the left ankle.

The figure works not only as a modernized Ace but a modernized V3 Ace, the one that came with the Ghoststriker X-16. The eyes also lack the "freaking out" look of the 1st 25th Anniversary Ace(from the comic pack with Wild Weasel).

[Shin Densetsu]

I mentioned that Ace was too far back in the cockpit, and that there was a reclined seat. In a number of images we had seen before release, Ace looked like he was lying down in the cockpit. The thing is, he doesn't have to. All you have to do is push his body forward a bit. Check the attached images.

[Shin Densetsu]

Here are some shots from different angles, showing the Sky Striker XP21F. After over 2 decades absent from US retail shelves, the Sky Striker finally returned this summer. Now that you've gone through this review, you're probably wondering, is it worth getting?

Honestly, yes, it is. For one thing you are getting a large vehicle for $35+. Look at the $20 VAMP, HISS, Black Dragon VTOL, then compare them to this, and you tell me which one is a better bargain. This vehicle is substantially bigger and heftier than the aforementioned vehicles. Compare this to the small ROC Night Raven which sold for $10 more. The ROC Night Raven was a small vehicle sold at the pricepoint of a large one. The new Sky Striker is a large vehicle sold at a pricepoint that's "just right". You are most definitely getting your moneys worth with the new Sky Striker. If you want this, do not wait for this thing to go on clearance/go to ROSS.

I did not feel ripped off at all buying this for $35+. It is worth it. I think the pricing of this was a good decision on Hasbro's part. Why?

I was one of the folks questioning why was it that Power Team Elite and True Heroes could come out with big planes like the F/A-18 Hornet and F-22 Raptor respectively, for $30 at Big Lots and TRU. Yet substantially smaller vehicles like the ROC Dragonhawk would go for $24 and the ROC Night Raven was $40-44.

I felt like I was getting my moneys worth with the F/A-18 and F-22, and felt like I was overpaying with the Dragonhawk and ROC Night Raven.

Yet with the new Sky Striker, the price is right, and to me, Hasbro has now raised the bar for $30+ large vehicles. While the quality on the PTE F/A-18 and True Heroes F-22 is generally good, and while they are sturdy, the new Sky Striker is even moreso. The new Sky Striker is more robust, and more durable.

While the ROC Night Raven may have lost retailers' faith in large GI Joe vehicles, I think the new Sky Striker will restore it. Now is not the time to wait for it to go on clearance. I could justify waiting for most of the Rise Of Cobra vehicles to go on clearance. Many of them were overpriced, even by Brian Goldner's public admission.

Yet the Sky Striker? No, don't wait. It's worth it at full price.

On a personal note, since the early 2000's, I was a fan eagerly excited for the planned Skystriker reissue at Toys R Us for GI Joe VS Cobra. I refused to buy vintage samples with the hopes that Hasbro would finally reissue the Skystriker. By 2010, after years of rumors, and Hasbro's revelation that not only was the mold destroyed, but that it was better to seek a vintage one, I had pretty much discarded the thought of ever seeing it reissued. This, after countless debates over the years on why it should be reissued/retooled, why I thought it had a chance at succeeding.

It is now Summer 2011. I now have a new Sky Striker in my hands. Was it worth the wait? YES!.

Now some folks have asked why start with the a Sky Striker based on the original, why not make it futuristic? I have a feeling a futuristic one is inevitable. Why? Look what Hasbro did to the GI Joe 25th Anniversary Ghost HAWK for the Pursuit Of Cobra line. Nearly all the modular parts on the 25th Ghost HAWK were swapped with new parts for the POC release. My gut instinct is that this is what will happen with the Sky Striker eventually.

However would a futuristic Sky Striker make a bigger splash at retail than the classic one? I highly doubt it. In fact, had tables been turned, had a futuristic one been released in lieu of the classic, I have a feeling while the classic would've been planned for release eventually, it might've not made it onto shelves much due to the futuristic one not selling as much, and retailers losing confidence. This is not to say that a retooled futuristic one won't sell, I think it will(and hell, I want one!), but timing is important. GI Joe NEEDS a hot selling item right now. Having the classic Sky Striker pave the way for potential futuristic retools and other large vehicles at the same pricepoint is a step which I think is vital. There's something to be said about brand recognition, and the classic Sky Striker has it.

I'm sure Hasbro will love to recoup the money made invested in cutting the new tools for the Sky Striker, so repaints and retooled releases are not out of the question. Maybe the box art with red missles is a hint(was it an accident? Or subliminal message that the Night Boomer is on the way?.....). Or maybe a Toys R Us exclusive repaint in white with retooled cockpit with 2 seats and vintage box? Hmm...I wonder..

GI Joe II is said to be the primary GI Joe product of next year. Enjoy the 30th Anniversary while it lasts. Hasbro had a hell of a way to kick it off with the Sky Striker! Glad to see it finally return!

I give the Sky Striker XP21F an 8 out of 10

Tighten the missles connections, cut out part of the front windscreen sticker, and have Ace seated further forward and it would be close to a 10. Wings that could sweep independent of the landing gear would be cool too!

http://www.hisstank.com/forum/attachments/g-i-joe-toy-reviews-quick-feedback/87868d1311186058-hiss-tank-reviews-sky-striker-xp21f-sky-striker-xp21f-review-62.jpg

[Shin Densetsu]

http://www.hisstank.com/forum/attachments/g-i-joe-toy-reviews-quick-feedback/87879d1311187580-hiss-tank-reviews-sky-striker-xp21f-sky-striker-xp21f-review-73.jpg
Sky Striker XP21F Alternate Stickers

Here are some shots of the Sky Striker using the alternate stickers. I used the yellow/black trim stickers and Snake Eyes nose art but placed it aft of the canopy(more for symbolism, not so much the name). Also put the POC logos on the side of the nose. I had always planned a movie/POC themed Sky Striker and this release was ample opportunity to make one. Not to mention, a lot of folks were asking about the yellow/black trim, so here you go:

[Zartanman]

Awesome review. I can't wait to get my hands on a few of these. So much awesome potential.

[galactron22]

I just got mine today, and it's pretty cool, I wasn't too crazy about the cockpit beng only a single seater but on a second look, I got past that, and it makes it pretty cool.

[sharky]

Great review. Love all the detail pics. Can't wait to tear into mine and put it all together. I really like the yellow stickers compared to the red. Roy Focker special, hmmm. :D

A pic of the sticker sheet(s) would be good to add to the review. I haven't opened mine yet. I assume there is no Jolly Roger skull and cross bones.

[Shin Densetsu]

Great review. Love all the detail pics. Can't wait to tear into mine and put it all together. I really like the yellow stickers compared to the red. Roy Focker special, hmmm. :D

A pic of the sticker sheet(s) would be good to add to the review. I haven't opened mine yet. I assume there is no Jolly Roger skull and cross bones.

No skull and crossbones, there is a small skull with beret and crossed shotguns for Flint, but they are too small for the fins.

[danielgogeta]

top notch, very detailed review bro! :)

[solid.wii]

I didn't see it mentioned but are the wheels made of rubber?

[FIREFLY21]

LOLOL further evidence of Target's inconsistant policy: yesterday I called a store that I knew had the SS, nice lady eventually tracked them down BUT told her "team leader" said NO, they HAVE TO hold them till the reset. I said many stores are selling them already. He doesn't care what other stores do!
Today I went to the SAME store, went to the service desk, told the girl the scanner says u have them but there are none in the aisle. She called the back room, 10 minutes later I walked out with 3 Sky Strikers, LOL. YAY for Target!!

btw, if someone near north side of Chicago feels in need, pm me I might have 1 or 2 of them for sale at cost if my friends aren't interested

figured I'd copy this here from the other thread, mainly for the second part

[solid.wii]

LOLOL further evidence of Target's inconsistant policy: yesterday I called a store that I knew had the SS, nice lady eventually tracked them down BUT told her "team leader" said NO, they HAVE TO hold them till the reset. I said many stores are selling them already. He doesn't care what other stores do!
Today I went to the SAME store, went to the service desk, told the girl the scanner says u have them but there are none in the aisle. She called the back room, 10 minutes later I walked out with 3 Sky Strikers, LOL. YAY for Target!!

btw, if someone near north side of Chicago feels in need, pm me I might have 1 or 2 of them for sale at cost if my friends aren't interested

figured I'd copy this here from the other thread, mainly for the second part

I can't believe they hit Illinois but not Indiana yet. I can't wait for these to hit WM and TRU. At least it will even out the playing field.

[Skipper]

Great review Shin. Something to think about, since the nose is separate, Hasbro could easily change out the cockpit seating and make it bare bones with simple 90 angle chairs with the bunny ears, that is the only way to fit two larger Joe figures in there. I wouldnt really go for the parachute option either but the removeable egress chairs would be fun and offer up a new exclusive...for someone.

[Skipper]

Hey Hasbro, you would have scored a "10" had you just made the swing wings independant of the landing gear. Sooooo close.

[the Scream Man]

Excellent review Shin! It looks great, no doubt about it :)

[David Mercury]

I have never really been into the Air Force or flying when it comes to War. My preference has always been on the ground. But after seeing the Sky Striker at the Orlando Convention and reading this Review. I really want one. Want the Starscream version more, but I really do want one. It looks so accurate and detailed (especially the cockpit) I could definately put that on displayed.

[Ixz72]

Shin, can you take a pic of the Sky Striker next to the PTE F-22? Also, awesome job on the review.

[samantha]

Yes buy this jet. I have 3 now and will have many more. Great review.

[Shin Densetsu]

Shin, can you take a pic of the Sky Striker next to the PTE F-22? Also, awesome job on the review.

Thanks, and I can once I find out where I put it.

[Daver]

The only thing that bothers me about this one is the fact that it's not a 2-seater plane.
They could've easily fit 2 seats in that cockpit if they'd only put the seat more upright.
For all else,it looks like a decent piece...

P.S.
what's the estimated retailprice on this one ?

[Shin Densetsu]

The only thing that bothers me about this one is the fact that it's not a 2-seater plane.
They could've easily fit 2 seats in that cockpit if they'd only put the seat more upright.
For all else,it looks like a decent piece...

P.S.
what's the estimated retailprice on this one ?

MSRP at Toy Fair was $29.99, Target has it for $34.99. Not sure how much TRU and Walmart will charge but I *think* Walmart may get competitive with it come Christmas time.

For those of you asking for images of the sticker sheet, I may shoot some soon and post them.

....and yes I used all of the "no step" stickers. Took me an hour to sticker up the 1st one.

[HueyCobra AH-1]

great review, Shin.
am anxiously waiting for mine while these gluttonous Joe fans run around town and grabbing all they can.
can't knock em for it, just makes me drool having to wait longer than others.

i want to hang mine from my ceiling along with my Rattler for old skool dogfighting fun.

[Shin Densetsu]

great review, Shin.
am anxiously waiting for mine while these gluttonous Joe fans run around town and grabbing all they can.
can't knock em for it, just makes me drool having to wait longer than others.

i want to hang mine from my ceiling along with my Rattler for old skool dogfighting fun.

Speaking of the Rattler, compared to the 25th Rattler and Conquest, the new Sky Striker is much much more durable. The 25th Rattler and Conquest were not fragile, in fact they are good, but there is a very notable difference with the Sky Striker.

[wormser]

guys, this thing is bad ass! so much cool detail. but the best part of it, its easy to find!!! im laughing at all the people who preordered it for the fact they thought they would never see it on the shelf. you over paid!

[Shin Densetsu]

guys, this thing is bad ass! so much cool detail. but the best part of it, its easy to find!!! im laughing at all the people who preordered it for the fact they thought they would never see it on the shelf. you over paid!

Not everyone who went out to look for it found it. When you factor in the gas they spent driving to Target, and coming home empty handed, the preoders don't seem overpriced.

[cobralalalala!]

I really like the yellow stickers compared to the red. Roy Focker special, hmmm. :D

I assume there is no Jolly Roger skull and cross bones.


I was thinking the same thing. The VF-103 Jolly Roger insignia would have been badass. Carrier Air Wing 7 FTW.

[Shin Densetsu]

I was thinking the same thing. The VF-103 Jolly Roger insignia would have been badass. Carrier Air Wing 7 FTW.

I would love to see VF-103 Jolly Rogers decals in black with bright white, looked pretty bad ass.

[MLos1]

just picked up 2 today at TARGET...love it.

[wertdog91]

Wow, great review man

[cobralalalala!]

I would love to see VF-103 Jolly Rogers decals in black with bright white, looked pretty bad ass.

Yep, like this, too bad this photo is so grainy. I'll have to find a better one.

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Alleyviper82nd/f14_vf103.jpg

[lilmonster777]

Cool review thanks

[Keiichi]

Great review Shin, I really like the added information about the F-14. One small thing; isn't the gun pod actually a fuel drop tank?

[Shin Densetsu]

Great review Shin, I really like the added information about the F-14. One small thing; isn't the gun pod actually a fuel drop tank?

The way Hasbro designed it on the original, it had the shape of a drop tank but they labeled it as a gunpod. I just went with that for the review. It adds to the power, as the Sky Striker already has a cannon in the nose. gunpod would be good for CAS(Close Air Support) missions.

[vermillion21]

Damn Shin - amazing review!!!
Thank you!!

[Keiichi]

The way Hasbro designed it on the original, it had the shape of a drop tank but they labeled it as a gunpod. I just went with that for the review. It adds to the power, as the Sky Striker already has a cannon in the nose. gunpod would be good for CAS(Close Air Support) missions.

Ahh, gotcha. If there's one thing I wish the Sky Striker had, it'd be a blueprint like the 25th vehicles had, hehe.

[Shogi]

Ace uses the same head sculpt as GI Joe 25th Anniversary Ace and same vest. Other than that, the body is that of Skydive from GI Joe Pursuit Of Cobra Wave 4. Aside from his flight vest, helmet and harnesses, he comes with a pistol, which can be stored in the holster on the left ankle.


Hate to nitpick but there's a bit more to Ace than what you described:

Head - 25th Ace
Torso - Resolute Jetpack Duke
Arms - Skydive
Upper Legs - 25th Ace
Lower Legs - Skydive

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c260/Shogi88/Skystriker%20compare/SkystrikerAceCompare.jpg

[oliverbox]

I don't know if anyone has tried this... but is there a way that a clever customizer could somehow disconnect the landing gear from the "wing-sweep" action?

[Shin Densetsu]

I don't know if anyone has tried this... but is there a way that a clever customizer could somehow disconnect the landing gear from the "wing-sweep" action?

You could dremel the gear teeth off of the wings, but that leaves the wings able to sweep independent of each other. Also Shogi, Thanks for the heads up.

[nerdsgetchicks]

That is one FUGLY helmet.

[Shin Densetsu]

That is one FUGLY helmet.

It's practical though. With that helmet, you no longer need a HUD in the plane since it's built into the helmet. It may not look appealing but for folks that wanted a modernized Ace, there you go.

[Crosshair]

I never had the original Skystriker but I had the Night Boomer, or what was left of it(neighbor broke it when I was younger). .
Wait a minute. Wait one darn minute! This is the same Shin who's been asking for a re-released Skystriker for YEARS, right? Way back on Joebattlelines (heck, it might even have been SgtSavage back then) I remember that you would always be posting threads about the Skystriker (unless I'm completely mistaking you with someone else, always possible). And you never even had the original?!?

Learn something new every day! :D

[Shin Densetsu]

Wait a minute. Wait one darn minute! This is the same Shin who's been asking for a re-released Skystriker for YEARS, right? Way back on Joebattlelines (heck, it might even have been SgtSavage back then) I remember that you would always be posting threads about the Skystriker (unless I'm completely mistaking you with someone else, always possible). And you never even had the original?!?

Learn something new every day! :D

Dude that was me, and now you know why I always asked for a re-released Sky Striker!

[Fast_Draw]

Shin, did you paint the black line/cable/wire/whatever on the tube attached to the helmet? Mine is all gray.



I just opened this last night. I put it together, but didn't put the stickers on yet. This thing is awesome and definitely worth the price. I may have to get another once they saturate. Oh, and my missiles have been staying on fine so far.

[Shin Densetsu]

Shin, did you paint the black line/cable/wire/whatever on the tube attached to the helmet? Mine is all gray.



I just opened this last night. I put it together, but didn't put the stickers on yet. This thing is awesome and definitely worth the price. I may have to get another once they saturate. Oh, and my missiles have been staying on fine so far.

Nope I didn't paint a thing, what you see is all stock. BTW I love how sturdy the plastic feels. It really is a notable difference when compared to my old Night Boomer. Even when compared to the 25th Rattler and Conquest. In fact, barring the Phoenix missles, everything stays on the Sky Striker better than the 25th Conquest. Quality wise, I think the 98 Conquest is the best Conquest.

From the 25th Anniversary-present, the Sky Striker is the highest quality vehicle we've gotten. It was definitely worth waiting for.

[Fast_Draw]

Damn paint app error then. My hose is entirely gray and missing that little detail of black. Oh well. It's better than 2 of the same wing.

[Skipper]

Hey Shin, any word on how successful or not the XP-21F Skystriker is?

[Skipper]

That is one FUGLY helmet.

I wasnt really loving the helmet all that much either, switched out for a Pilot Ace from VvV era--the grey one, Slipstream looks the coolest tho and if you take out that reclining seat, 2 figures could definately fit from the VvV era, the larger new anniv Joes might look a bit squeezed in.

[Shin Densetsu]

Hey Shin, any word on how successful or not the XP-21F Skystriker is?

Too early to say. The fact that some stores are selling out of all they have initially is a promising sign though.

[Jaybird]

Excellent review, Shin! I can't wait to get my hands on one of these.

[wowtirrus]

Fantastic review, Shin. I bought my SS last weekend and have been in love with it ever since. Were you surprised by the lack of decals for the cockpit? It looks to me like several of the surfaces in that space are flattened specifically for the application of stickers, yet none come with the ship. Sure, there are already 2 pages of stickers, but even so, there seems to be room on those pages for a small number of decals of computer screens, switches or other controls. All other joe PoC vehicles have at least one decal in their cockpits. Why do you think they didn't include stickers for this one? Perhaps they were not sure what the cockpit would look like when the made the sticker sheets?

Dave

[Shin Densetsu]

Excellent review, Shin! I can't wait to get my hands on one of these.

Fantastic review, Shin. I bought my SS last weekend and have been in love with it ever since. Were you surprised by the lack of decals for the cockpit? It looks to me like several of the surfaces in that space are flattened specifically for the application of stickers, yet none come with the ship. Sure, there are already 2 pages of stickers, but even so, there seems to be room on those pages for a small number of decals of computer screens, switches or other controls. All other joe PoC vehicles have at least one decal in their cockpits. Why do you think they didn't include stickers for this one? Perhaps they were not sure what the cockpit would look like when the made the sticker sheets?

Dave

Thanks folks! Dave, in a way not surprised since most of the money seemed to go on the new tooling and alternate stickers, also the HUD piece covers up a lot of the new panels, leaving only space for 2 stickers in the middle, one for the MFD and the other for ths VSD if that's what it's supposed to be. This may be why there were no cockpit stickers included. In a way, since Ace comes with the HMDS, the HUD isn't exactly needed, so you could just fold it down. Interestingly enough, when that's done, the panels behind resemble the cockpit interior of the TV VF-1 from Macross. Not sure if that was the intent.

I am surprised that no big skull and crossbone alternate stickers were given for the vertical stabilizers.

[Steel Brigade]

Really sweet detailed review & pics Shin!! I got the Skystriker yesterday & I love it!!

[nighthawk]

I know I wanted it to be a 2-seater, but I think (for myself at least) that he would have looked more natural if they moved his seat upa little. If you look at an F15, the pilot sits in the middle of the cockpit and there's still a lot of room behind him. I wish they did that instead of sitting him all the way back. It just looks weird to me.

[steelbrig]

Awesome review Shin! I can't wait to get my hands on one of these. I love the modernized Ace figure. It looks great!

[1982]

Missle fix- If you take a little bit of super glue and go all around the pegs, let it dry, then put the missles back on they hold alot better.

[Tman]

Very detailed review. Much appreciated -it's clear that you put a lot of time, effort and research into it. I take it that the kibble on the underside of the wing-root doesn't bother you so much? I just noticed it on a youtube review and am worried that it is a big detractor. I realise this as a case of Skystrikers are winging their way too me. Oops. Is that joint ugly or what?!

[Shin Densetsu]

Very detailed review. Much appreciated -it's clear that you put a lot of time, effort and research into it. I take it that the kibble on the underside of the wing-root doesn't bother you so much? I just noticed it on a youtube review and am worried that it is a big detractor. I realise this as a case of Skystrikers are winging their way too me. Oops. Is that joint ugly or what?!

Doesn't bother me at all man it's not too noticeable, and those supports help make the wing more sturdy.

[Shin Densetsu]

I know I wanted it to be a 2-seater, but I think (for myself at least) that he would have looked more natural if they moved his seat upa little. If you look at an F15, the pilot sits in the middle of the cockpit and there's still a lot of room behind him. I wish they did that instead of sitting him all the way back. It just looks weird to me.

After staring at the cockpit more, as well as a Tomcat model I have, the seating wouldn't look too far back if the cockpit console was placed further toward the windscreen. As is it ends up halfway there, if it was to the edge of the windscreen, it would lok more accurate and Ace wouldn't look like he's sitting that far back. It would also help if the HUD was placed a little higher. I'm sure someone could mod the console to sit further back, I may check next time I take one of mine apart.

Also, if you were to cut the rudder pedals/footrests off of the internal seat frame Ace could be positioned further forward in the cockpit.

[Mog]

I picked one of these birds up last Wednesday (thanks to that Target link posted up here on the 'Tank).

Reallly, really enjoying the hell out of it.

But I do have one significant nit-pick: I really wish they took the time to mirror image more of the stickers.

I know they didn't do that with the original. But things like the tailfin emblems, the "100"s that are slanted in only one direction, and the "RESCUE" arrow bug the hell out of my anal-rententive self. (I've probably been spoiled by all the Macross and Mospeada related planes I've stickered up over the years).

It would have been nice if BOTH of the eagle tailfin emblems were pointed towards the front of the plane. The slanted 100 looks all kinds of wrong when applied on the right side of the cockpit. And you can't make the right and left sides of the cockpit look similar with the arrows of those two RESCUE stickers pointing in the same direction.

It wouldn't have been that hard of a change to just mirror image a few of these things (Heck, I could do it right now on MS Paint).

Also, Cobra kill-marks would have been a cool addition to go along with all those custom pilot stickers.

Make no mistake, I'm absolutely loving this new Skystriker. But the stickers were a bit of a letdown.

[Shin Densetsu]

I picked one of these birds up last Wednesday (thanks to that Target link posted up here on the 'Tank).

Reallly, really enjoying the hell out of it.

But I do have one significant nit-pick: I really wish they took the time to mirror image more of the stickers.

I know they didn't do that with the original. But things like the tailfin emblems, the "100"s that are slanted in only one direction, and the "RESCUE" arrow bug the hell out of my anal-rententive self. (I've probably been spoiled by all the Macross and Mospeada related planes I've stickered up over the years).

It would have been nice if BOTH of the eagle tailfin emblems were pointed towards the front of the plane. The slanted 100 looks all kinds of wrong when applied on the right side of the cockpit. And you can't make the right and left sides of the cockpit look similar with the arrows of those two RESCUE stickers pointing in the same direction.

It wouldn't have been that hard of a change to just mirror image a few of these things (Heck, I could do it right now on MS Paint).

Also, Cobra kill-marks would have been a cool addition to go along with all those custom pilot stickers.

Make no mistake, I'm absolutely loving this new Skystriker. But the stickers were a bit of a letdown.

Agreed man! Surprised the kill markings were left out....it IS Ace's bird after all!

[Mog]

Agreed man! Surprised the kill markings were left out....it IS Ace's bird after all!

Oh don't worry: I did rectify that particular problem.

Once I get some free time, I'll post pics of the minor custom touches I did to the Skystriker and to Ace.

[rcjunkie]

Awesome review. Do you review other joe items? +1 on the extreme detail and effort you go into reviewing the SS.

I found the SS by accident today shopping for some camping supplies at Target.

Now one will remain sealed in the box and the other one will be opened and played with.

Question, for those that picked up a SS and kept one new in box for collecting reasons, did most of you get nice dent free boxes? All the ones at the store had major creases on the edges or stress marks.

[Shin Densetsu]

Awesome review. Do you review other joe items? +1 on the extreme detail and effort you go into reviewing the SS.

I found the SS by accident today shopping for some camping supplies at Target.

Now one will remain sealed in the box and the other one will be opened and played with.

Question, for those that picked up a SS and kept one new in box for collecting reasons, did most of you get nice dent free boxes? All the ones at the store had major creases on the edges or stress marks.

Thanks man, yes I have other reviews, I reviewed the True Heroes F-22, and both Conquests and Rattlers from Target from a few years back.

I was able to get the my Sky Strikers in a factory case, 1 of the boxes was still dented. I opened all of mine and got rid of the boxes.

[nighthawk]

After staring at the cockpit more, as well as a Tomcat model I have, the seating wouldn't look too far back if the cockpit console was placed further toward the windscreen. As is it ends up halfway there, if it was to the edge of the windscreen, it would lok more accurate and Ace wouldn't look like he's sitting that far back. It would also help if the HUD was placed a little higher. I'm sure someone could mod the console to sit further back, I may check next time I take one of mine apart.

Also, if you were to cut the rudder pedals/footrests off of the internal seat frame Ace could be positioned further forward in the cockpit.

Yeah, I actually looked at some pictures of the seat removed from the Skystriker. I think I can mod something to move the seat forward. The problem is I actually have to get my hands on a Skystriker...haha. The other alternative as you said is to move the console closer to Ace, but I think that would be harder based on the pictures I've seen, unless someone can make an add on one that just adds to the one that is on there.

[omega145]

One of the most detailed reviews ive read on here. Excellent job! I'd give it a 7. Would like to have seen some updates to it as its almost identical in my eye to the vintage Skystriker.

[geekacres]

Hey Hasbro, you would have scored a "10" had you just made the swing wings independant of the landing gear. Sooooo close.

Agreed. Its an awesome piece, but wings swept and gear down is the optimal positioning for display on The Flag. Just sayin.

[bagera3005]

got my hands on one few weeks ago miss the twin seat cockpit

[blksuperman2]

Thanks for the review. Just ordered this from amazon + the starscream version. Best part, I had so many rewards points that they were both free.

[VSpec]

just picked up a Skystriker... should I bother with the stickers or wait to buy some from Cobrastickers?

[arch2b]

in my opinion, don't waster your time with the stock stickers. i have both stock and CS versions installed and CS matte finish looks so much better and fit better.

[Clobbertron]

I gave it a four. Please don't take offence to my opinion. I think it's big and dumb

[HueyCobra AH-1]

^ hrm.
your opinion wasn't offensive until the end.

[Fred Broca XIII]

...still wishing this was a two-seater...would have been a 10 for me if it was, but it's my only real complaint and it's a minor one since I bought 2 of them...

[Dangerjoe]

if it was 2 seater i would give it a 10, i gave it an 8

[Skipper]

What I dont understand about the new Sky Striker, the old one sat two (you had to buy the second figure hence more sales) These larger figures, while the sculpt and articulation are great, why not just make a slightly bigger cockpit before you make it almost exactly like it was. The front fuselage did have alot of room and once you got rid of the panel by the feet, it was good to go (see Bar's version). The wings still bother me when the ACTION feature could have just been the landing gear, everyone for years has been on and on about displaying the skystriker with the wings in and gear down. I totally get the cashing in on the Vintage and I think its great Hasbro brought the Sky Striker back. I hope Target does an Exclusive with it in Flat White, two seater and two pilots ACE and SLIPSTREAM in regular flight Gear, hell, I would even be down with the VvV Slipstream figure and a copy with Ace's head. I dont know how sales were, but I do know they have a mold that they can re-use again and perhaps get it even better the second time around.

[Shin Densetsu]

What I dont understand about the new Sky Striker, the old one sat two (you had to buy the second figure hence more sales) These larger figures, while the sculpt and articulation are great, why not just make a slightly bigger cockpit before you make it almost exactly like it was. The front fuselage did have alot of room and once you got rid of the panel by the feet, it was good to go (see Bar's version). The wings still bother me when the ACTION feature could have just been the landing gear, everyone for years has been on and on about displaying the skystriker with the wings in and gear down. I totally get the cashing in on the Vintage and I think its great Hasbro brought the Sky Striker back. I hope Target does an Exclusive with it in Flat White, two seater and two pilots ACE and SLIPSTREAM in regular flight Gear, hell, I would even be down with the VvV Slipstream figure and a copy with Ace's head. I dont know how sales were, but I do know they have a mold that they can re-use again and perhaps get it even better the second time around.

Hasbro can retool it in the future, they basically said as much in one of the Toyark Q&A's last year.

As far as sales, it depended on your area. For me, I saw these things sell, but they sat more at TRU than they did at Target. However...

By Christmas each store I went to pretty much sold out of them. Even at Target they sold after Xmas at full price. The thing a lot of us have to remember too, there was nothing pushing this at retail. If you were a hardcore GI Joe fan you knew this thing was coming.

The average Joe didn't know about it unless they happened to look at Toy Fair coverage last year or saw it in the aisles at Target or TRU. There were no commercials, no ads, et al. In addition, Walmart did not carry it, which I think, hurt the sales. This toy basically depended on fans to buy it and whatever kid/parent randomly saw it and thought it was cool.

Ultimately I think it's the best item we got from the 30th anniversary line, simply because it was something that we had been told numerous times over the years, wouldn't happen. The fact that the build quality was better than the original, and that Hasbro released it without charging $50-75 was a surprise. Only qualms are:
TF30 engine nozzles
Not a 2 seater
Wings not independent of landing gear
Weapons don't stay on well, and not compatible with ARAH weapons(I loved putting the Rattler weapons on my Conquest and intended to do the same with my XP21F).

[cobracobra]

About it being a two seater, the new Rip Cord with second helmet would have been perfect in the back seat.
Ripcord flew plane or flew in the helicopter during the cartoon?

[Shin Densetsu]

About it being a two seater, the new Rip Cord with second helmet would have been perfect in the back seat.
Ripcord flew plane or flew in the helicopter during the cartoon?

Not sure if he did. BTW, he either barely fits, or can't fit in the cockpit as is due to the leg straps or something. I remember trying to get him in there a few weeks back.

The helmet is bad ass.

The toy has the space to be a 2 seater but since Hasbro wanted the detailed cockpit parts, the new seat and whatnot took up the space.

[Viper6]

i voted 9 rather than 10 because no parachute and only single seater. but i love this thing. even bought a few for gifts during the yule time to share the wealth w/ friends and toys for tots, if they clearance soon i may pick up 2-3 more since im negotiating a flagg purchase here in the comming weeks.

[Shin Densetsu]

i voted 9 rather than 10 because no parachute and only single seater. but i love this thing. even bought a few for gifts during the yule time to share the wealth w/ friends and toys for tots, if they clearance soon i may pick up 2-3 more since im negotiating a flagg purchase here in the comming weeks.

Have any of you tried using the PTE parachute, or parachute that comes with the Captain America deluxe figure, in the cockpit? I am thinking about trying that.

[Shin Densetsu]

Finally figured out how to disconnect the wing-sweep mechanism from the landing gear yet retain their functionality:
http://www.hisstank.com/forum/g-i-joe-customs-general-discussion/217130-operation-wing-sweep-disconnecting-wing-sweep-mechanism-landing-gear.html