Modern Era Conquest X-30 Review

[Shin Densetsu]

Fans have been anticipating the Conquest since it was announced earlier this year. It is $24.99 and exclusive to Target. The Conquest has been reissued over the years, but not in its original color scheme. Like most joe toys, the original color scheme is the most beloved and iconic. Was it worth the wait?

The new Conquest comes in a darker grey than the original, and in a glossy finish. I like this as it looks better darker, and the gloss finish reminds me a lot of the early RAH vehicles. Everything else is the same color as the original, black canards and vertical stabilizers, as well as yellow missles and grey drop tanks. The canopy is darker as well.

[Shin Densetsu]

The removable panels sport no differences other than the materials used to make them. The plastic is softer, significantly different to the touch, than the plastic used on other versions, like the 98 TRU version. The Conquest features a removable dorsal hatch, removable engine panels, and the rear horizontal stabilizer section can be removed to show the interior. Features like these were non existent on the "new sculpt" vehicles of 2002-06, so its great to see these again. It would have been great to see molded engines in the rear bay, since its just an empty space with the hollowed out underside of the engine piece seen from the engine panel.

The Conquest has new tabs added to the vertical stabilizers, and new notches molded into the slots in the fueselage to aid in alignment. On previous versions, there wasn't anything like that, so this is an improvement. However, there is less friction this time around, so it is not as secure as previous versions. Better alignment, so it will stay in the right position better, but whether it does not stay in place better.

The canard slots have a tab added on that is supposed to keep the canards more secure, however this did not work in execution. The canards are made of a softer plastic, and the tabs on mine are uneven, on the left side the canard stays in place much better than on the right. Its not symmetrical. This might be an isolated issue. On the 98 version, the plastic is stiffer for the canards, and I have no such issues. Is it mold degradation? Who knows. The mold is 21 years old, and maybe its finally showing its age.

The landing gears are made of a softer plastic. The gears stay in place, but the rear gears do not spread as far as they are supposed to. This might be attributed to the softer plastic. My 98 version can have the gear spread just fine, and sit upright. Perhaps loosening the screws for the rear gears might help.

The dimmer canopy looks great but stays secure only by friction. The tab used in the front does not lock into place very well. The canopy will stay down but the tab doesn't do much.

The missles have been retooled. Pictured are the missles from the new reissue, and the 98 version. The missles are prone to falling off, they are much less secure than the 98 version. This is very annoying. I had to reattach the missles many times while photographing the Conquest. This might be mold degradation rearing its ugly face yet again. Its irritating to have to reattach the missles while you have the Conquest dogfighting with Wild Weasel. If you have kids, make sure you keep track of the missles, these pieces are easy to lose since they detach so easily. While on display the missles will not fall off, but once you start playing with the toy, thats when you need to be careful.

[Shin Densetsu]

Slipstream is a concoction of Wild Weasel's arms and torso, Tripwire's head with a mustache painted on, and Ace's legs. It is not completely faithful to the original, but its good enough. I wish Airborne's head could have been used instead, as it would have been much more accurate, but since Airborne is not being released til wave 11, the tooling may have not been on hand just yet. There are fans who always wanted to see Slipstream with his visor on, so for those of you that did, you got your wish. Besides it looks better like that, he looks ready for battle this way. A removable helmet like Airborne's would have been best for us, since it would give us more options.

Since Slipstream utilizes body parts that were made later in the line, he has an excellent range of motion. Sculpt wise, he looks like a fighter pilot ready to lift off and dogfight his way into Cobra territory. Unfortunately, since the head is made of a soft plastic, it is prone to getting scratches and unintentional indentations. Check the closeup shot of the head to see what I mean. Its not enough for me to be enraged, or want to return it, but it is dissapointing nonetheless.

The Conquest always had a lot of room in the cockpit so its not hard for Slipstream to sit in there at all. The cockpit was compatible with anniversary figures to begin with.

[Shin Densetsu]

The stickers included on this plane have the exact same designs of the original. I love the designs, but am not a fan of the quality of these stickers. These stickers feature a matte finish. The originals, and the 98 version had gloss. Gloss stickers tend to stick much better. The 98 version I have barely has any sticker degredation, and its a 10 year old toy! It has also been through much play, yet is still in one piece and its stickers are still on.

For the most part, the Conquest stickers on the new version have stayed on but you can tell by putting them on that they are not as good. I recommend using a blow dryer to heat up the stickers after you have applied them, and to gently rub them in place. The heat makes the adhesive more prone to sticking. Do this especially if the edges start peeling, as this sometimes helps in preventing them from peeling again. Thankfully, I have not had to do this much on the Conquest, nowhere near as much as the Rattler. The Conquest has stickers mainly on flat surfaces, so that might be the reason why they stick better than on the Rattler.

Also, the shark mouth stickers have been configured in 2 ways. I go with the old school way, connecting both stickers under the nose. Hasbro has shown this way, and another in the ads where the stickers are on the sides of the front landing gear bay. That way looks okay, but I prefer the original way, it looks much better.

[Shin Densetsu]

In conclusion, the Conquest reissue is a worthy purchase. If you loved this plane as a child, love gijoe planes like me, or want a joe plane in your anniversary collection, this plane is for you. While it does have improvements to the mold, sadly these work better on paper than in execution. Despite that, the toy has not be downgraded severely. It still remains highly durable, it isn't fragile at all. The missles are the most annoying pieces. It looks better than the original due to the darker gloss grey, and we have not seen this released in v1 colors for nearly 20 years. Back in 1986, this was the most unique jet that the joes had in their arsenal. It was based on the X-29 but was a design that showcased the originality of the design team to utilize their influences, and make something new out of it. The sticker quality is not as bad as the Rattler, thank goodness. It was worth the wait, and I hope it is a sign of things to come; bigger aircraft/vehicles for years to come.

[gilborrego]

Excellent review! Thanks for all the pics! I bought a Rattler and had the Conquest in my hand and decided against it. I have the original and saw so little difference that it didn't seem worth the $25. Now that I read your review, I feel less guilty about not buying it. I'll use the money for some of the new figures coming out instead.

[Black-Op]

Your right about the screws, if you loosen them up just a little the gears spread out more.

[Cksport]

I honestly think I like the conquest more than the rattler!!!

I just want a huge squadron of these!

[Fingers]

My gear was screwed in so tight both pegs shattered and the gear was loose in the box. There hasnt been any restock for me to replace, Im trying to find a longer screw to try and fix.

[SNAKE EYES]

I honestly think I like the conquest more than the rattler!!!

I just want a huge squadron of these!

Me too!


Off topic alert! :)
Just noticed your avatar said reprint the Marvel run you know they are right, the first trade comes out in January from IDW.
Here is the link:
http://www.hisstank.com/forum/g-i-joe-news-rumors/18067-marvel-gi-joe-trade-paperbacks-reprinted-idw-available-pre-order-target.html

Back on topic:
Great review and great pics thanks Shogi

[RolandofGilead]

I always liked this plane as a kid, but I don't have the room now that I'm all growed up. I do appreciate the kindness of a fellow 'Tanker who was willing to sell me an extra Slipstream. The figures have always been more important to me than the vehicles and I really like this update for the 25th.

[Dark Vapors]

what? no 8/10 or somtin like what ya done wit the other reviews.

[Monkeywrench]

Great review. This is the best review you have done so far

[Shogi]

Back on topic:
Great review and great pics thanks Shogi

what? no 8/10 or somtin like what ya done wit the other reviews.

Hey guys, Just thought I'd chime in that this is Shin's review, not mine. There are three of us working on these reviews now :)

Great review man!

[Monkeywrench]

Hey guys, Just thought I'd chime in that this is Shin's review, not mine. There are three of us working on these reviews now :)

Great review man!

I like many others didn't even notice. I just assumed you did it Shogi. Either way all 3 of you guys should do the ratings.

[Shin Densetsu]

Guys, I did the review, and thanks to those who commented. I'm not sure just yet what rating I would give this plane, I haven't done a "out of 10" review in a while. It's definitely not a 5/10, definitely not 9/10, or 10/10. It's not horrible, and not perfect, but definitely worth purchasing if you want a v1 Conquest and don't have one. If you have previous Conquests and don't favor the original colors as much, you don't need this one. Definitely one of the best vehicles in the anniversary line for sure. The older Conquests have better stability, and while I do miss the tension that held the vertical stabilizers in place on the old ones, the securing tabs and slots on this new one are good to have. Just add the tension from the old ones, and it would have been great. The main thing going for this is that it has not been seen in this scheme for nearly 20 years.

Out of all the Conquests, this one took the hit for quality but by all means it's not a bad toy at all. It's just not the best Conquest, quality wise, that's all. It's a rugged toy, your kids aren't likely to break it, but they might lose the missles/drop tanks. The landing gears do stay retracted when folded up, and I heard this was a problem with the original, but the 98 version and this one do not have that problem.

There is a new ad for this in the latest Toyfare magazine and it is awesome.

[Dutchmaster29]

It may be blasphemous to say but I always like the Conquest better than the Skystriker. Smaller, more agile, and cooler looking. Just an opinion of mine...

I see the guns on the forward area. They look molded. If so it would have been a nice touch to include either paint on the cannons to distinguish them or a different part where the guns insert.

I'm not a customizer but I may have to add a little detail to mine when I get it. Still, a great looking plane if you ask me.

[BILL]

I have seen two at some stores and four at many others. Seems these are everywhere like i thought they would be. The rattler is nice but the conquest missles fall off when you touch it and the plane its self falls apart at the slightest touch. Overall conquest is not worth the money and the rattler is.

[spacemonkeymafia]

I painted the Missiles Black as I did the yellow Thrusters or what ever you call them.........

[Shin Densetsu]

the plane its self falls apart at the slightest touch.
Which parts? The stabilizers don't fall off unless you nudge them with some pressure so long as they are inserted all the way in. Same goes for the canards.

I think it is worth the money, its significantly larger than all of the other anniversary vehicles, comes with a figure, and has the v1 color scheme.
I see the guns on the forward area. They look molded. If so it would have been a nice touch to include either paint on the cannons to distinguish them or a different part where the guns insert.
I would have liked that.

Still, a great looking plane if you ask me.
Definitely, the V1 and Python Patrol were the best paint schemes for this. The mold itself is an awesome design, just when you thought Hasbro would just make an X-29 with missles and call it a day, they gave us this beast.
It may be blasphemous to say but I always like the Conquest better than the Skystriker. Smaller, more agile, and cooler looking. Just an opinion of mine...

There are some fans that like it better. It looked more futuristic, more maneuverable, optimized for dogfighting, and the only thing lacking was the canopy which gave the pilot horrible vision to the rear. What I loved is that Slipstream is the ideal pilot for this fighter plane.

[BILL]

its the missles mostly that fall off. as well as the rear tail wings (what ever you call them i'm not sure). also the slip stream takes some wiggling to get him to fit so you can close the canopy/cockpit not to mention another figure that i need to make a figure stand for. i just think the rattler (other then the fact that with a figure in the turit gun it cant move) is a much better made plane then this cheap made x-30. and yellow , yellow , yellow ???

[Shin Densetsu]

i just think the rattler (other then the fact that with a figure in the turit gun it cant move) is a much better made plane then this cheap made x-30. and yellow , yellow , yellow ???
The Rattler is definitely the better toy this time around, except for the stickers being a lot worse.
also the slip stream takes some wiggling to get him to fit so you can close the canopy/cockpit not to mention another figure that i need to make a figure stand for.
Not really, just make sure you bend Slipstream's legs, if you leave them straight with the ankles pointed forward, the canopy will not close all the way. There is plenty of room in that cockpit, you just have to make sure the figure's legs are bent and the ankles are not pointing forward.

and yellow , yellow , yellow ???
Yellow isn't realistic, but to me, I like the way it complements the plane overall. It could be nostalgia for me.

[BILL]

You do a good review and i like that you answer all other posts. Nice job

[SNAKE EYES]

Shin sorry for crediting Shogi I just thought it was his review my bad. Shogi thanks for pointing out my mistake. So let me give credit where credit is due great review and pics Shin :)

I hope we keep getting these great reviews from all 3 of you guys for a long time to come.

[samantha]

The Missiles falling off of the conquest can be easily fixed by taking a very small piece of paper and placing it over the Missiles tabs underneath the jets wings. The added size, thanks to the paper, helps to hold the Missiles securely in place.

[Artifex]

Thx for the review, but - is it me or you didn't give a grade for the Conquest and Slipstream?

[Shin Densetsu]

Thx for the review, but - is it me or you didn't give a grade for the Conquest and Slipstream?
I didn't, read my post on the 2nd page, I haven't done an "out of 10" review in a while.
The Missiles falling off of the conquest can be easily fixed by taking a very small piece of paper and placing it over the Missiles tabs underneath the jets wings. The added size, thanks to the paper, helps to hold the Missiles securely in place.
That's actually a proven trick that has been tested time and time again, thanks for reminding me! This tip does work. I use it a lot to tighten loose joints on figures, but it works wonders on vehicles too! Receipt paper might be good for the missles.
Shin sorry for crediting Shogi I just thought it was his review my bad. Shogi thanks for pointing out my mistake. So let me give credit where credit is due great review and pics Shin

I hope we keep getting these great reviews from all 3 of you guys for a long time to come.
It's cool man, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

You do a good review and i like that you answer all other posts. Nice job
Thanks man!

[MAJOR WOLF]

Wow! Cool review! Great job!

[orl1979]

my conquest had some shoddy workmanship. there appears to be some dried glue or other chemical by the nosecone. I put the long black sticker on it and smoothed it out but the stain leaves an impression below the sticker so I can make it out where it is on the plastic. You can feel it with your fingernail. Not horrible, but it's an inconvenient place to have it and I wasn't going to break out the chemistry set to fix it.

[Steel Brigade]

Finally opened these. I think I am going to get some stickers from CobraStickers.com instead of using these...

There is no gun from Slipstream?!?!??!

[Shin Densetsu]

There is no gun from Slipstream?!?!??!
Not that I could find. Wild Weasel came with one though.

Also, the dorsal antenna is different from previous releases. Not sure why.

[Fast_Draw]

I had this one as a kid and love the 25th version. I've had no problems with my stickers (just in a couple spots on the Rattler, but nothing major). The missiles are a little loose, but they're not terrible on mine. The planes are 2 of the best things they put out so far IMHO. Oh, and I just gave Slipstream a silenced Uzi from Marauders.

[KREXX]

hi ! , so , when can we see the rattler review and hi-def pictures?

[Shin Densetsu]

hi ! , so , when can we see the rattler review and hi-def pictures?
Soon, there was a lot of rain and wind these past couple days.

[KREXX]

thanks Shin , I have been thinking why it wasn't the first vehicle to be reviewed, it's an all time favorite , over that ugly conquest

[Shin Densetsu]

thanks Shin , I have been thinking why it wasn't the first vehicle to be reviewed, it's an all time favorite , over that ugly conquest
No problem. The Rattler review is up. The Conquest was up mainly because it was the first one I opened, and I had an itch to review it before the Rattler.

I don't think the Conquest is ugly, that all boils down to opinion. The Rattler has a larger following, due to it being a unique VTOL CAS aircraft for Cobra, and being the 1st Cobra jet. Even now it's a damn unique toy. Playability wise, it trumps the Conquest because it simply does more. Nonetheless, though the Rattler turned out better toywise this time around, both are worthy purchases. The Conquest is not as popular as the Skystriker but it is definitely the 2nd most popular joe jet. It is a great design and indicative of the creativity possessed by Hasbro's design team during the mid-80's. To make a design influenced by the X-29 and yet make it into an original design is impressive. In fact, after the Skystriker, Conquest, and Phantom X-19, you'd be hard pressed to find any joe plane afterwards that is better than those three. The Ghoststriker is impressive, but not as good as those three. The Storm Eagle is too small to compare. The Thunderwing doesn't even come close. The 97 A-10, and the Sky Patrol Sky Raven don't count because they are repaints of Cobra aircraft.

[Elite Force Cobra]

w0w good to know about the screws was un aware of it thanks for the heads up!

[Shin Densetsu]

w0w good to know about the screws was un aware of it thanks for the heads up!
I loosened the screws a couple of days ago. Make sure not to loosen the screws too much, since the gears stay in place mainly due to tension from the screws. The rear gears can now sit level, but are not very secure. Fortunately they are not flimsy. The 98 Conquest still has the superior rear landing gear, because the gear are nice and tight, yet sit level.

[HonestAbeJoeHooah]

just curious if anyone has had the same thing on theirs or not. We just got one but, it has a sticker on the left side (if facing forward) of the canopy/cockpit of 4 small red Cobra sigils (emblems) in a row!!

thought it was pretty strange but, this could be how all the X-30's have been packaged. The box is sealed and shows no signs of any tampering either. Anyone have a clue on this??

Thanks!

[Shin Densetsu]

We just got one but, it has a sticker on the left side (if facing forward) of the canopy/cockpit of 4 small red Cobra sigils (emblems) in a row!!

thought it was pretty strange but, this could be how all the X-30's have been packaged. The box is sealed and shows no signs of any tampering either. Anyone have a clue on this??
They are kill marks, each symbol represents a cobra aircraft shot down. I believe the Phantom X-19 had kill markings as well. It takes 5 kills to become an ace, so that means Slipstream is just 1 short. It's a rather nice detail as it is something kids most likely overlooked, but something you could appreciate when you grew up and realized what it was. I think it's brilliant.

[nic28]

I got my Conquest in the mail the other day along with the Rattler. The stickers for the conquest were easy to apply and look great the missles don't want to stay in place but clear finger nail polish works wonders. Being that i never had this plane as a kid makes me glad to have it now!

[code_red_shockwave]

Ever since I first saw photos of this figure, I said to myself, that would have so much potential as a custom Rock Viper. And I still think he'd look good enough to be used as one. The vehicle looks good but I can't really get any at the moment because I don't have enough space.