Claw with Cobra Pilot G.I. Joe Modern ERA Review [Archive] - HissTank.com

Shogi

09-29-2008, 12:41 AM

When I was little, I always thought it was odd that the Claw had wheels. I always saw it as a lightweight jet propelled glider. I never saw the need for wheels and apparently Hasbro now agrees. This is an all new mold that looks like the Claw. The handlebars are changed to look more like handlebars rather than landing gear like the original. There are 4 pegs for missiles, but only two missiles come with the Claw. I'm assuming the extra space is to put two of the red missiles from the Fang on there. The small canards still rotate like they used to but that's the last of the moving pieces. They did away with the extending wing tips. Which I'm thankful for, I never understood the reasoning for those anyway. The Ailerons no longer move either. These I wish still did move. Also, the gun and gun cover are the same piece of plastic as the top of the Claw. Also, the box it comes in has a nice picture of Cobra Island.

The new Claw reminds me of something you get from a cereal box. It has the spirit of the original, but it just feels a little cheap. If this was a pack-in, or some bonus vehicle, I'd feel better about it.

Vehicle Rating: 4 1/2 out of 10

Shogi

09-29-2008, 12:46 AM

The box art and the vehicle instructions show this figure sitting in the Fang and the Claw, However he was packaged with the Claw. (He doesn't fit into the Fang anyway, back peg is too small) This is a Cobra Trooper body with Officer harness and Air Trooper helmet. The body has thin red lines running down each sleeve and leg. The knee pads, boots and harness are all a dark blue that looks good against the regular cobra blue of the uniform and the red stripes make this generic mold have a flight suit feel to it. Unfortunately the bright red helmet takes all of that away. At least the head underneath has painted on hair. I feel if they made the helmet in the same dark blue they made the harness in, it would have brought this whole figure together. Cobra Pilot comes with removable Helmet, removable Harness, Machine Gun and Cobra Stand.

I like the color scheme for the body and the fact that they included the same gun that came with the twins. (Even though mine had some issues while being made and looks like it exploded after a backfire) I've always loved the sculpt of the Air Trooper helmet, I just don't think a red one was needed for this figure.

Figure Rating: 6 out of 10

Bernit69

09-29-2008, 12:52 AM

Cool...thanks...I don't own one yet but I think I may like the new scale size. It's appears to work better for the 4 inch. The old school versions will always have a place in my heart, but it looks too heavy to strap on your back.

Thanks

Barefoot Jedi

09-29-2008, 01:08 AM

Shin-Gouki

09-29-2008, 01:15 AM

You have just convinced me to track down a vintage one. Poor Execution Hasbro!

Barefoot Jedi

09-29-2008, 01:55 AM

You have just convinced me to track down a vintage one. Poor Execution Hasbro!

Well, at least it's not as bad as the Swamp Skiier.

Are there any stickers to put on the CLAW or FANG or all they already added in-package?

sgt.bludhound

09-29-2008, 02:43 AM

Great review! not too fond of the newer vehicles...

MAJOR WOLF

09-29-2008, 03:09 AM

Great Review. I like the new Claw! and the Trooper looks okay.

mandingo_rex

09-29-2008, 03:53 AM

Never had the original, so I don't have anything to compare it to... Can't wait to get it though, even if it's sub-par compared to the original...

Again, another paint variant on a trooper... How hard is it... (continues to beat the pile of horse pulp)

Rogue

09-29-2008, 06:16 AM

Thanks for the review. Very disappointed in this one, which I was really looking forward to. Sad that a toy from over 20 years ago wails the ass of a toy made in the 21st century. And I see that Hasbro is still using the "diaper crotch" version of the Cobra Soldier mold. THD(

And why are the arm stripes on the underside of the figure's forearms?

quintonarledge

09-29-2008, 08:05 AM

The CLAW looks like dog-crap! I hope the CLAW from the "best of" DVD pack will be better.

As for the trooper, he'll be a welcome part of my 25A collection sans his stupid helmet.

Gung.Heaux

09-29-2008, 09:03 AM

never a big fan of the CLAW....IF i pick this set up it will be for the FANG.....and the claw will become a dog toy.

Shogi

09-29-2008, 09:27 AM

Well, at least it's not as bad as the Swamp Skiier.

Are there any stickers to put on the CLAW or FANG or all they already added in-package?

Both the Claw and the Fang have many stickers, I just don't like my vehicles too cluttered up with them.

The CLAW looks like dog-crap! I hope the CLAW from the "best of" DVD pack will be better.

As for the trooper, he'll be a welcome part of my 25A collection sans his stupid helmet.

It's probably the same Claw and I don't have a problem with that as it would be a pack in in that set. I just felt a bit jipped paying the price of a single vehicle for this Claw

badgumbo

09-29-2008, 10:06 AM

It's probably the same Claw and I don't have a problem with that as it would be a pack in in that set. I just felt a bit jipped paying the price of a single vehicle for this Claw

I kind of feel like the new CLAW is a bonus vehicle/"large accessory" packed in with the excellent new FANG we are getting, so I dont really feel like it was a rip off.

I must be the only one on here who likes the new CLAW better. I always thought the original was too big when compared to the cartoon and comics...I did like the fact that it was more functional and had a lot of play value but I was 8 years old then. The new one would be more for display now which I think it does well enough.

And great reviews as always Shogi!

ParatrooperCarbine

09-29-2008, 10:21 AM

I would almost like the pilot if not for the red Air Trooper helment. As it is I will probably trade him.

ChaplainAsst

09-29-2008, 10:30 AM

It looks like Hasbro decided to eliminate the landing gear and just put two missile "stubs" on there. Just a thought, but will the old CLAW missiles fit on the new CLAW?

paulpratt

09-29-2008, 10:34 AM

I always used the CLAW as a UAV... I was hoping to get a new one that looked just like the old one, landing gear and all, for that reason. It was small enough and had just enough firepower for a great infantry support role.

Oh well. I can still use the old one for that.

mech-grunt

09-29-2008, 10:42 AM

I have mixed feelings on the CLAW on one hand I agree that it was a good move to get rid of the landing gear. Like I stated before I believe that the reason that the original one had it was because it could operate as a UAV. On the hand I do not like that top gun is the same color is as the rest of the mold. Those extra pegs under the wings are getting to me. For such a small vehicle I would think it would destabilize it if it had any more or larger missiles. The Air Trooper will probably grow on me over time or I will just swap the helmet for one of the blue one’s. After reading the file card on the Air Troops it makes sense to me in having a Cobra generic all purpose air orientated trooper.

Commander17

09-29-2008, 10:58 AM

Monkeywrench

09-29-2008, 11:14 AM

Thanks for the review. I plan on getting one of the troopers

Tracker

09-29-2008, 11:29 AM

I didn't realize the CLAW was an all-new mold.

I like the way the pilot looks, sans helmet. Mine will be helmetless.

I always thought the wheels were for when it was launched as a remote to drop the bomb.

I agree the claw seem to be duel function weapon. one the be flow by a person and secondly to be flown remotely

The new claw looks very disappointing next to the original

DPrime

09-29-2008, 11:37 AM

I agree the claw seem to be duel function weapon. one the be flow by a person and secondly to be flown remotely

The new claw looks very disappointing next to the original

Agreed, I guess this will be a CLAW Mk II for me, without the UAV role.

stride23

09-29-2008, 11:40 AM

Looks cool and the colors and everything will probably grow on me.

Qui-Gon Jim

09-29-2008, 12:33 PM

When I was little, I always thought it was odd that the Claw had wheels. I always saw it as a lightweight jet propelled glider. I never saw the need for wheels and apparently Hasbro now agrees.

I too always removed the wheels from my CLAW as a child. This new version is a lot closer to what I envisioned it to be from the comics and later cartoons. I know the moving parts aren't there, but I still think this is really cool.

Xerofall

09-29-2008, 01:35 PM

I'm soooo gonna kit bash a model plane for the landing gear, then attatch them in the closed position, non-functional, but still make it look like the original.

stewbacca

09-29-2008, 01:48 PM

Came across this news story today. A Swiss man flew across the English Channel this weekend on a "flying wing". Looks just like the CLAW.

Swiss man flies over Channel on jet wing - Boston.com (http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/09/26/swiss_man_flies_over_channel_on_jet_wing/)

THis one includes Video...

BBC NEWS | UK | Pilot completes jetpack challenge (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7637327.stm)

Maybe we will get to see a hiss tank one day after all

ChaplainAsst

09-29-2008, 02:24 PM

miscreant

09-29-2008, 02:57 PM

They did a pretty major hack job on the Claw, and i don't need another Fang.

This one is a pass for me.

Artifex

09-29-2008, 03:00 PM

Thx for the review, Shogi.

I was always a fan of those "wing-like" flying devices, so I tend to like the new CLAW - although it is cheap, mainly if you compare it to the vintage one. I'm looking forward to get one.

Porkchop Sandwiches

09-29-2008, 03:26 PM

Disappointed in the new mold and red helmet but will troop build all the same.

paulpratt

09-29-2008, 03:31 PM

Snow cat

09-29-2008, 05:03 PM

Thanks for the review. The figure is not as bad as the viper with the fang. Im going to hold off for awhile on this one.

darthdoug

09-29-2008, 08:15 PM

Red Rocket!!! Red Rocket!!!

Jbluez

09-29-2008, 08:22 PM

If this was a pack-in, or some bonus vehicle, I'd feel better about it. [/COLOR]

Uh...isn't it?
>.>
<.<

Shogi

09-29-2008, 09:01 PM

Uh...isn't it?
>.>
<.<

I can't view it as a "pack in" in this set because the Fang is a smaller vehicle to me unlike the Firebat, Vamp, Hiss, etc... Since I paid $15 for a two pack set with the Armadillo, Air Chariot (both small vehicles) and two figures, I have no problem paying the same for a Fang, Claw and two figures. However, this Claw is much less than just a small vehicle. It's more akin to the Push cart with the 3 elements we got in the DVD set.

Now, I'll have no problem with this vehicle when it's included as a "pack in" in the "Best of" DVD set, but paying $7 for this Claw and a figure feels a bit like a rip off.

murphbri

09-29-2008, 09:37 PM

I can't view it as a "pack in" in this set because the Fang is a smaller vehicle to me unlike the Firebat, Vamp, Hiss, etc... Since I paid $15 for a two pack set with the Armadillo, Air Chariot (both small vehicles) and two figures, I have no problem paying the same for a Fang, Claw and two figures. However, this Claw is much less than just a small vehicle. It's more akin to the Push cart with the 3 elements we got in the DVD set.

Now, I'll have no problem with this vehicle when it's included as a "pack in" in the "Best of" DVD set, but paying $7 for this Claw and a figure feels a bit like a rip off.

Thanks for the review, I like how you have pics/descriptions of how the CLAW differs from the vintage version.

Yeah, when you compare it to the previous two-pack you can really see how Hasbro cut corners. What kills it for me is the cheesy molded-on (in the same color >.<) gun on the top. Like Shin I will have to track down a vintage one on Ebay one of these days.

...and I'm gonna swap that red helmet for the regular Air-Trooper helmet first chance I get. :-P

mister_e

09-29-2008, 09:55 PM

Now, I'll have no problem with this vehicle when it's included as a "pack in" in the "Best of" DVD set, but paying $7 for this Claw and a figure feels a bit like a rip off.

Well, single carded figs cost $7+ at most places these days so it's still kinda like getting the vehicle as a pack-in :)

JR0d28

09-29-2008, 09:59 PM

Claw looks cool pilot I would say ditch the Air Trooper helmet for a plain officers or trooper and U got a winner.

Steinberg

09-29-2008, 10:00 PM

This negative press will mean a surplus of the cobra pilot floating around, which will give me a much needed source of affordable black officer type webgear.

Barefoot Jedi

09-29-2008, 10:06 PM

In defense of the new toy, I can't recall ever seeing the CLAW "land" on its wheels - nor used as drone. Maybe this is why Hasbro went in this direction: the old toy wasn't relevant to the comic or cartoon.

I don't recall it being used as a drone (the packaging said something about that) but I seem to recall seeing them on wheels in the COBRA carrier in the beginning sequence of the 1987 movie. I even think COBRA Commander launches his CLAW this way. I could be mistaken. I'd re-watch the intro on YouTube but I'm at work and YouTube is blocked here.

VIPER 48

09-30-2008, 01:02 AM

I am not that excited over this one. I will have to wait and see for myself. Good review...

Shin-Gouki

09-30-2008, 01:38 AM

You have just convinced me to track down a vintage one. Poor Execution Hasbro!

Well, at least it's not as bad as the Swamp Skiier.

Yeah but if it came with a single carded figure I would not feel jipped like I will when I buy an overpriced FANG and get this McDonalds toy with it.

Xerofall

09-30-2008, 02:18 AM

^^ The McClaw, hahaha!!!

verzeihen

09-30-2008, 04:16 AM

happy meal BULLSHIT! just pick one up today. THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST THING THAT HASBRO HAS COME OUT WITH IN THIS LINE. SOMEBODY MOST OF BEEN ON SOMETHING WHEN THEY DREW THIS SHIT UP. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY!

tigpoppa

09-30-2008, 08:02 PM

great review they all are thanks!

this thing looks like its made for losers. small and puny. haha

the original rocks and their on ebay for pennies on the dollar!

Dutchmaster29

10-01-2008, 02:29 AM

I'll buy the set but the Claw looks like a death machine. Kinda like being the ball turret gunner in a B-17. You'd get thrashed on a landing. Still, it's pretty sweet. Pilot is kinda cheese though. Repaint city...

Elite Force Cobra

10-02-2008, 03:22 AM

the vintage one in my opinion was better this one was a little weak i guess they had to have 1 good solid fang next to it atleast and have a filler like this to save on the cost....but the pilot was a simple repaint....:(

flywheels

10-03-2008, 06:40 PM

It should've came with 4 missiles...

mandingo_rex

10-05-2008, 03:15 PM

Wow, for some reason, I missed the original pic, and man, the original looks SO much better! Bigger, better detailing...

The new one, while stark white and crisp with the markings, just feels... less than the original.

The wheels on the wings on the original seem like a nice detail, but rather unnecessary if you ask me, but it seems like instead of putting missiles on the wings in place of the wheel, they just put a peg and half-assed it.

Sure the old missiles fit, and I guess the ones from the F.A.N.G. fit, but then what are you going to do on the thing you borrowed the missiles from? I'd rather have no peg than a peg that looks empty/requires you to steal from some other vehicle.