Target Exclusive Modern Era Cobra Rattler Review [Archive] - HissTank.com

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 08:13 PM

The Target exclusive Modern Era Cobra Rattler w/Wild Weasel is a long awaited reissue, and fan favorite. It is on shelves now, and retails for $24.99. The mold itself has not been released in it's iconic v1 colors since the early 80's, and it has finally made it's return! This release has been retooled to fit anniversary/modern era figures and has been sought after since it's first appearance on shelves last month. The last time the Rattler was reissued in 2003, it turned out to be a dissapointment. How did this one turn out? Read on!

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 08:19 PM

The Rattler comes with a full arsenal of air to air missles(4), bombs(6) on triple ejector racks(2), cluster bombs(2), and two stage missle/bombs(2). The two stage missle/bombs have been retooled with full pegs, as opposed to the peg halves of previous versions. The plastic for these pegs feels like a thick rubber, like the kind on rubber mallets. This is an improvement, since the missle halves stay on much better than on previous versions. The four air to air missles have been retooled with blunter tips. Obviously this was done due to stricter child safety laws. Some might say these look more realistic, as they resemble the seeker heads found on some heat seeking missles like the AIM-9 Sidewinder. The missles stay on better than before, and are not prone to cracking at the insertion points, like on my 97 version.

On the pictures below, the 97 versions of the 2 stage missle halves/air to air missles, are on the left, the modern era Rattler's 2 stage missle halves/air to air missles are on the right.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 08:24 PM

The cannon used for the total decimation of G.I. Joe tanks is the same as before. By swiveling the ridges of the cannon, you can simulate the Rattler firing the cannon and destroying absolutely every joe vehicle and personnel on the ground.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 08:29 PM

There are two wing mounted engines, and one rear mounted engine. The turbines on all 3 are detailed. I'm impressed something like this was even thought of back in 1983. Nothing has changed from previous releases. The engine panels on the wing mounted engines are removable. By removing these panels, you can see the detail molded on the individual engines. The pieces used for these engines are the same for each wing. The nozzles for both wing mounted engines are detailed with indentations between each flap.
The rear engine nozzle is a jetpipe, and is a different mold.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 08:40 PM

The landing gear on this toy are detailed, with logos sculpted onto the tires themselves. The gear doors are simple. The gear are much firmer and more secure than on previous releases, such as the 98 version that I have. The rear landing gears on older versions collapses easily over time, and has always been the weak point of the Rattler.

This time around, it's different. The gear stay in position and do not collapse. You can definitely feel the difference. Time will tell if this lasts, and I hope it stands the test of time. It feels like it might loosen up over time, but overall, this is completey different than the 97 version, which got loose quick. My 97 version's rear gears loosened up not too long after I got it during Christmas 97, and at this point, it cannot even sit level on the ground, the nose points up! Even if these gears do loosen up on the modern era Rattler, it's going to take a long while to do so. The nose gear is made to be more firm, and it didn't even need to be, but I'm glad Hasbro improved it anyway. The improvement to the landing gear is impressive. One weakness of the original Rattler has been finally overcome.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 08:50 PM

V.T.O.L.(Vertical Take Off Landing) mode works just the same way as before, without being prone to asymmetrical alignment, a problem that plagued older versions. To enable this mode, simply swivel the wings up ninety degrees. This is yet another improvement found on the modern era Rattler. Thus far the wings on mine have stayed symmetrical, on the 97 version the asymmetrical alignment is clearly obvious. This modeis one of the creative aspects of the design. It makes the Rattler unique. It is quite fitting for Cobra's main C.A.S.(Close Air Support) aircraft to have VTOL capabilities, as it gives it the ability to land, take off, rearm, and refuel anywhere on the battlefield. The Joes never had anything like it(til they got themselves a repainted Rattler in 97 during the 15th anniversary). What Cobra has here is a deadly CAS aircraft, combining the decimating qualities of the A-10, with the ability of the Harrier to basically deploy anywhere. This plane needs no runway! The Cobra ground forces definitely benefit from the Rattler. As proven in Wild Weasel and Ace's famous dogfight in the Marvel run, this is also a deadly aircraft close in, it is not a slouch in a dogfight.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 09:07 PM

The designers of this plane in 1983 incorporated many design elements that enhanced the sense of realism. A dorsal bump towards the rear, on the underside could be a laser designator or ECM jammer. As a child, no one would probably know what it was, but as I got older, I was impressed by that being sculpted on. Four swappable panels are included; 1 cockpit panel, and 1 side panel, and battle damaged versions of each. The battle damaged versions are underneath the plastic tray in the box, so make sure you do not forget those pieces before you throw the box away! Some members have accidentally thrown away the box before getting those pieces. I wish the pieces were inside the plastic bag with the stickers/instructions instead, as they are very easy to miss!. The pieces themselves are impressive. Back in the RAH days, removable panels were pretty much standard on vehicles, but battle damaged, swappable panels were not. The Rattler is one of the rare vehicles that incorporated those pieces. It's great to see them again, the battle damaged pieces feature sculpted bullet holes. All the more reason to still hope for a classic Skystriker to recreate the famous battle between Ace and Wild Weasel, that resulted in a draw.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 09:14 PM

The gunner cockpit has been retooled, and unlike the disssapointing 03 version which was missing the canopy entirely, the canopy is intact here! Unfortunately, it relies on friction to stay closed, as the tab that is supposed to secure it in the closed position does not stay in place well.

The gunner cockpit this time around can fit anniversary/modern era figures, even those without fixed crotches! The Rattler feels heavier aft of the gunner cockpit, possibly due to the retooling of the rear landing gears and the gunner cockpit. The gunner cockpit was one of the defining aspects of the Rattler and I'm glad to see it back! Luckily the tension on the hinges keeps the canopy down, I'd be extremely dissapointed if it didn't, as would all of you.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 09:17 PM

The front cockpit has also been retooled to fit the anniversary/modern era figures. Even though the Wild Weasel figure included still has the belt, the figure still fits in the cockpit! The cockpit was the main thing all anniversary fans wanted fixed on the Rattler, and they finally got their wish. Speaking of the fitting Wild Weasel in the cockpit....

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 09:21 PM

...Wild Weasel is a slight repaint of the previously released version in the comic pack with Ace. The only difference is that the neck is bright blue, like the vintage version. To get Wild Weasel into the cockpit, simply lift the legs up as high as they can go, and point the ankles/toes forward as far as they can go. This figure is excellent, the mold itself has a superb range of motion, indicative of Hasbro taking into account the fan's desires for unhindered range of motion. It does not hurt at all that the figure is highly accurate to the vintage version. Like the comic pack version, this one comes with a pistol and a removable visor.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 09:28 PM

The stickers included in this set are dissapointing. They are low quality stickers with a matte finish. Why are they low quality? Well, the adhesion is not great for these stickers. They do not stick well. Notice the raised edges, peeling, and nonadhered portions of the stickers in the pictures. I've pressed the stickers on against the surface it significant force. Even using the blowdryer suggestion I've suggested earlier in my Conquest review does not help much(my suggestion was to use a blowdryer to heat up the stickers which in turn makes the adhesive bond better to the surface, but in this case...it didn't help much). On the Conquest, you have more flat surfaces, so that might be the reason why the blowdryer trick worked better. On the Rattler, there are curved surfaces, panel lines, and raised surfaces all over the place, places that happen to be where the stickers should be placed over. I miss the gloss stickers that Hasbro used years back, which not only looked better, but stayed on the toy much better. The design quality of the stickers is great, everything is legible and intact, but don't expect these to stay on well. It sucks to find the sticker edges peeling once again, after using the blowdryer to help keep them back on. Notice that the antiglare shield sticker on the nose, the big black sticker, even has ridges and air pockets underneath, and will not stay flat! I hope that in the future, Hasbro goes back to stickers that were actually sticky, and with a gloss finish. Us joe fans want gloss finish, sticky stickers, and clear backing instead of paper! Speaking of which, my 98 version had paper backed stickers, while the modern era Rattler has clear backing, which is an improvement, I just wish the darned things would stay on better!

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 09:38 PM

The Rattler is Cobra's most iconic and popular combat aircraft. It was relevant both in the cartoon and the comics. It was a long awaited release for the Modern era line, and one that is still highly sought after. It is Cobra's most unique combat aircraft. This is the first time since the early 80's that it has been produced in it's iconic vintage colors. It features improvements that sound great on paper, and worked well in execution, unlike the modern era Conquest. It features improvements that make it a better mold than previous Rattler incarnations, and compatible with anniversary/modern era figures. It is a bit heavier, and more durable than previous versions. It comes with a pilot who is a favorite amongst fans both as a character, and as a figure. This set turned out better than the Conquest set, so if you have to choose between the two(I wanted both but I realize some of you are in this situation), I would choose the Rattler. Honestly the only thing lacking here are the stickers. What we have here is a fine addition to anyone's anniversary/modern era collection, and a must have.

Monkeywrench

10-01-2008, 09:49 PM

awesome review. Very detailed and great pics

Synthoid69

10-01-2008, 10:15 PM

I love the Rattler. Always looked so awesome. I really hope the remake the Cobra Night Raven as well.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 10:16 PM

awesome review. Very detailed and great pics
Thanks man!

I love the Rattler. Always looked so awesome. I really hope the remake the Cobra Night Raven as well.
I hope so too, as unlikely as it might be. There is a classic influenced Night Raven in the movie next year, so lets hope the toy is a great substitute!

Fast_Draw

10-01-2008, 10:19 PM

excellent, well detailed review. the only issue I had with the stickers was on the bombs and missiles. I use some scotch tape, wrapped it all the way around once, and now they stay fine. I'm really happy with both planes. They are 2 of the best things so far to me.

The vehicles have been hit or miss so far really. I am disappointed with the Awe Striker, Serpentor's Chariot, Trouble Bubble, Ram, and Armadillo. I'm not buying the Fang and Claw, but from what I've seen the Fang is the only thing good out of that whole package (figures and Claw are terrible). I'm quite happy with the planes, Firebat, both Sharcs, and both Hiss Tanks.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 10:36 PM

excellent, well detailed review.
Thanks man!
I'm quite happy with the planes, Firebats, both Sharcs, and both Hiss Tanks.
I have noticed that the best vehicles leaned on the larger side.

VIPER 48

10-01-2008, 10:38 PM

Wow, what a review! You covered every aspect and detail. If i was seeing this for the first time, i would know everything i would need to in order to decide if it was worth buying. Great review!...

Bandalero

10-01-2008, 10:39 PM

I do believe you just sold me on this vehicle. I have no space for planes but hell, this one is so iconic it would be a crime not to get it.

vadersquest

10-01-2008, 10:45 PM

That was a fantastic review! Thanks for the time you put in and all the photos! Now I have to open one of mine!

IronMan76

10-01-2008, 10:46 PM

I LOVE the new rattler! I have four of them loose and am considering buying more! I agree with your comments about the landing gear, finaly its functional! Although I still think that Wild Weasel could fit in the cockpit a little better.

Shin Densetsu

10-01-2008, 10:46 PM

Wow, what a review! You covered every aspect and detail. If i was seeing this for the first time, i would know everything i would need to in order to decide if it was worth buying. Great review!...

That was a fantastic review! Thanks for the time you put in and all the photos! Now I have to open one of mine!

I do believe you just sold me on this vehicle. I have no space for planes but hell, this one is so iconic it would be a crime not to get it.
Thanks guys! Trust me, this vehicle is worth getting...look at it this way.

-when are we ever going to see the Rattler in it's vintage colors again?
-For the price you pay, taking into account the mold improvements, inflation increases from the 80's til now, and that it is an exclusive, you are only paying $5 more than the msrp of the 2003 version, and that version was severely lacking in many areas. $24.99 is not that much considering what you are getting.
-It's a anniversary/modern era figure compatible vehicle.
-It's cobra's most iconic, and possibly most important combat aircraft.

It won't take up that much space, and even out of all RAH vehicles, it is still one of the most unique. You'll probably love it man.
Although I still think that Wild Weasel could fit in the cockpit a little better.
Definitely. He fits in well, but I wish he had more room so he could have a more natural looking seated position in the cockpit.

COBRACOLLECTOR

10-01-2008, 11:32 PM

Bravestarr

10-02-2008, 12:18 AM

I Gotta be honest i had to choose between both sets and when i seen them in person i had to go with the Conquest

the Rattlers i seen looked like there were very cheaply made i could be crazy or maybe i just saw a bad batch that got beat during there travels

but i cant lie if i had the bread id get both it was a nice looking plane just when i seen it in hand things looked off and i went with the conquest after wanting the Rattler for so long when i heard they were comming out

if there around for a while im sure im gonna scoop one up anyway

well thanks 4 the review and great pics

That's where we agree to disagree, then.

The Rattler was one of my favorite toys as a child, and I love having a squadron of them now.

I also like the Conquest X-30, but I hate those ugly yellow colors.

It's quite possibly the worst color for a tactical aircraft like the Conquest. Why couldn't Hasbro roll with tactical colors like they did with Cobra's Rattler?

Gung.Heaux

10-02-2008, 12:31 AM

that "pilot" torso hasbro's been using makes the figures all look like they have a beer gut.

Xerofall

10-02-2008, 12:49 AM

My Rattler didn't have that arm attached to it.

I_solo_blacktemple

10-02-2008, 01:19 AM

I mostly just had to have the Target Rattler. Not big on the Conquest. Now, if they happen to remake a Skystriker, Im all over that one. Putting together a collection of new and old is and will be a lot of fun. Now they just need to hurry up put me some new Water Moccasins out there so I can have to go with my misb '84 Moccasin. Overall, the new Rattler looks great and yes the stickers were a little lackluster, but still a great plane and packaging.

badgumbo

10-02-2008, 01:30 AM

Excellent and detailed review Shin! I cannot figure out why Hasbro went with matte finish for these when all of the other recent releases use the glossy coat. My only issue with the planes.

Jbluez

10-02-2008, 01:34 AM

Doesn't it seem like it is more Purple now, than the brighter blue of the vintage version? I'm not sure calling it "Vintage colors" is altogether accurate.

Pimp Daddy Darklon

10-02-2008, 02:02 AM

Great review, very detailed.

And yes, you convinced me to get one.

psycho_klown66

10-02-2008, 02:20 AM

Excellent review... just bought my 2nd Rattler today! :D

Shin Densetsu

10-02-2008, 02:41 AM

I'm not sure calling it "Vintage colors" is altogether accurate.
It's close enough. If you see this on shelf, in person, you definitely know what Hasbro was aiming for, it might be a more violet tone, but it's definitely recognizable as a vintage influenced color scheme. It's much more of a vintage color scheme than anything else. Nothing like the gold from 2003, or Tiger Force version. It's like the recent Conquest, which is darker than the original but everyone knows what Hasbro was aiming for.
the Rattlers i seen looked like there were very cheaply made i could be crazy or maybe i just saw a bad batch that got beat during there travels
Looks are deceiving. The Rattler is of higher quality, because the improvements on this one work in execution, whereas the Conquest has improvements that sound good on paper, but don't work out as planned in execution. The Conquest's stickers stay on better, but thats about it, the missles fall off much easier on the Conquest, and the rear landing gear are inferior to the 98 version. The Rattler is definitely the better of the two, toywise, this time around.

It's quite possibly the worst color for a tactical aircraft like the Conquest. Why couldn't Hasbro roll with tactical colors like they did with Cobra's Rattler?
I think they were trying to keep it accurate to the original, which had yellow missles too. If they were going for realistic, I wouldn't paint the missles black, I'd have the engine nozzles in metallic silver, and the missles in bluish grey with bands painted on them.
Excellent and detailed review Shin! I cannot figure out why Hasbro went with matte finish for these when all of the other recent releases use the glossy coat. My only issue with the planes.
Same here man. The glossy stickers are far superior. The sticker quality is a sad aspect of these planes, because the designs look so damn good, but the adhesion is dissapointing.
Great review, very detailed.

And yes, you convinced me to get one.
Glad I could help!
Now, if they happen to remake a Skystriker, Im all over that one.
I think all of us are with you on that! I can see it now...fitting in the same size box as the movie Night Raven next year...I remain hopeful!
My Rattler didn't have that arm attached to it.
Yeah I have two of them.
Overall, the new Rattler looks great and yes the stickers were a little lackluster, but still a great plane and packaging.
Definitely.

Thanks for the comments guys!

Elite Force Cobra

10-02-2008, 03:19 AM

awsome 100% great review well done Shogi thanks

Shin Densetsu

10-02-2008, 03:35 AM

awsome 100% great review well done Shogi thanks
The review was by me.

Mr. X

10-02-2008, 03:44 AM

Is there such thing as a review of a review? Cause I'd give ya a five star. Loved reading it. Very well thought out. Awesome job dude.

sambo_p

10-02-2008, 07:28 AM

Very complete and detailed review. I hope there are some left when i get back to the states. Thanks for the time you put into this. That kind of effort is why I love getting my Joe news here. Keep up the fantastic work.

quintonarledge

10-02-2008, 08:04 AM

VERY detailed and well done review, Shin!

I love my 25A Rattler, but the decals are crappy. That's the only blimish on an otherwise perfect toy. Even the packaging and background art was cool.

Hannibal

10-02-2008, 10:44 AM

I was confused in your review saying that joes didn't get a VTOL plane until the repaint of the rattler in newsculpt stuff, I had the tigerforce, :)

Then you mentioned it, :)

Anyway, you've sold me, now to find one.

Gunzlingr

10-02-2008, 10:49 AM

I always wanted the Rattler.

jacranky

10-02-2008, 11:11 AM

What a great review. I haven't bothered applying the stickers on to my 25A Rattler yet..I just might not altogether.

While I love this Rattler, I still have a huge problem with it: Its completely NOT-TO-SCALE with Wild Weasel. It looks absolutely silly for the figure to be standing infront of the plane. I wish they would have made a Rattler that was TO-SCALE with the figures. It would not only resolve the tight fit of the figures in the cockpit, but you could actually display Wild Weasel standing infront of his plane. Oh well.

NeoDragonKnight

10-02-2008, 11:45 AM

man I hope they come to Canada soon!

C.I.A.D.

10-02-2008, 03:40 PM

Great review, Shin! Makes me want to go out and buy one right now (so uh, send me $30 :D).

Shin Densetsu

10-02-2008, 06:50 PM

Is there such thing as a review of a review? Cause I'd give ya a five star. Loved reading it. Very well thought out. Awesome job dude.
Thank you!
Very complete and detailed review. I hope there are some left when i get back to the states. Thanks for the time you put into this. That kind of effort is why I love getting my Joe news here. Keep up the fantastic work.
There should be man, there are 46,000 on order at Target, not sure if that is the number for the Rattler and Conquest together, or for each. The Rattler is the harder one to find because it is simply more popular, and toywise, it is the better of the two planes. With that said, the planes are becoming easier to find.

Thanks for the kind words everyone!

Shin Densetsu

10-02-2008, 06:59 PM

While I love this Rattler, I still have a huge problem with it: Its completely NOT-TO-SCALE with Wild Weasel. It looks absolutely silly for the figure to be standing infront of the plane. I wish they would have made a Rattler that was TO-SCALE with the figures. It would not only resolve the tight fit of the figures in the cockpit, but you could actually display Wild Weasel standing infront of his plane. Oh well.
At true 1/18 scale, a Rattler would be huge. Not even the 1/18 military toy companies such as BBI, 21st Century toys, and Admiral toys have made an A-10. BBI was rumored to make one in 2005, 21st tooled up a prototype, but as much as the A-10 is a beloved design, no one has made one in 1/18 scale yet, and unfortunately, it does not seem likely in the future either. With that said, while it would be an awesome item for the joes, I don't think Hasbro will make a true to scale one. Even the planes that are popular and close to it in size have not even been made by the specialty companies.

The vehicle is definitely out of scale with Wild Weasel, but what it does do well, is disguise it. Notice how the canopy is not bloated, and that the proportions of the jet are not sacrificed at all, what Hasbro did was take a smaller scale toy, and made enough room for the cockpit for a 3-3/4" figure to fit in. They did this better during RAH. Compare the Rattler and Skystriker to the likes of the VVV Thunderwing and Skysweeper. You will be horrified. One would think that 20+ years later that the same integrity of proportions and design would stay true, but sadly, the Thunderwing and Skysweeper are not up to par with the Skystriker, Rattler, and most RAH jets. Not even close. The Rattler looks like a smaller scale VTOL A-10 derivative with enough room to house a figure. Basically without the figure, the plane doesn't look out of scale, it only looks out of scale when placed next to a figure, of if a figure is placed within. Same goes for the Skystriker. It looks like a 1/32 scale F-14, with room in the cockpit to house 2 3-3/4" figures. The Thunderwing? It is an F-22, that is fat, not sleek, bloated, has tiny wings..or stubs...and has room for 2 figures. The proportions are incorrect, unlike the Skystriker and Rattler.

So we have had much worse in the past. The Skysweeper is a joe version of the F-117, but ends up looking like a squashed private aircraft.

Echo7Solo

10-02-2008, 07:36 PM

great review.

steelbrig

10-03-2008, 12:08 PM

great review.

Can't agree with you more!
The Rattler is one of my favorite Cobra aircraft!
I'm glad they came out with this new version!

Artifex

10-03-2008, 01:48 PM

Thx for the review - if I still had any doubts on getting the Rattler, they are no more.

jacranky

10-03-2008, 03:55 PM

At true 1/18 scale, a Rattler would be huge. Not even the 1/18 military toy companies such as BBI, 21st Century toys, and Admiral toys have made an A-10. BBI was rumored to make one in 2005, 21st tooled up a prototype, but as much as the A-10 is a beloved design, no one has made one in 1/18 scale yet, and unfortunately, it does not seem likely in the future either. With that said, while it would be an awesome item for the joes, I don't think Hasbro will make a true to scale one. Even the planes that are popular and close to it in size have not even been made by the specialty companies.

The vehicle is definitely out of scale with Wild Weasel, but what it does do well, is disguise it. Notice how the canopy is not bloated, and that the proportions of the jet are not sacrificed at all, what Hasbro did was take a smaller scale toy, and made enough room for the cockpit for a 3-3/4" figure to fit in. They did this better during RAH. Compare the Rattler and Skystriker to the likes of the VVV Thunderwing and Skysweeper. You will be horrified. One would think that 20+ years later that the same integrity of proportions and design would stay true, but sadly, the Thunderwing and Skysweeper are not up to par with the Skystriker, Rattler, and most RAH jets. Not even close. The Rattler looks like a smaller scale VTOL A-10 derivative with enough room to house a figure. Basically without the figure, the plane doesn't look out of scale, it only looks out of scale when placed next to a figure, of if a figure is placed within. Same goes for the Skystriker. It looks like a 1/32 scale F-14, with room in the cockpit to house 2 3-3/4" figures. The Thunderwing? It is an F-22, that is fat, not sleek, bloated, has tiny wings..or stubs...and has room for 2 figures. The proportions are incorrect, unlike the Skystriker and Rattler.

So we have had much worse in the past. The Skysweeper is a joe version of the F-117, but ends up looking like a squashed private aircraft.

Don't get me wrong. I think they did an amazing job with the Rattler. I love it on its own, without any figures near it.

I just can't stand that its not to scale with Wild Weasel or any other 25A figure. If not completely true to scale, they could have made the plane somewhat bigger so that its at least closer to scale. Wild Weasel sitting in the Rattler just looks plane silly and we want to see him in there; not an empty plane.

Shin Densetsu

10-04-2008, 05:49 PM

I just can't stand that its not to scale with Wild Weasel or any other 25A figure. If not completely true to scale, they could have made the plane somewhat bigger so that its at least closer to scale. Wild Weasel sitting in the Rattler just looks plane silly and we want to see him in there; not an empty plane.
You might like the PTE/Elite Operations A-10 at TRU better, it is more to scale, much bigger, and you can sit Wild Weasel in there so long as you carve away some of the interior cockpit panels. I do understand where you are coming from, and you are not alone in wanting a larger, new Rattler based on the original.

Shin Densetsu

10-04-2008, 05:51 PM

Can't agree with you more!
The Rattler is one of my favorite Cobra aircraft!
I'm glad they came out with this new version!

Thx for the review - if I still had any doubts on getting the Rattler, they are no more.

Thanks guys!

Sergeant Slaughter

10-04-2008, 06:42 PM

The Rattler is perfect. I'm in awe that Hasbro gave us one and one so perfectly done. Scale is silly to complaint about in my view, but I guess not everyone will be satisfied.

My only complaint is that I spent MUCH more than this on crap busted old Rattlers and a red-gold Rattler right as the 25th line started never expecting to get a Rattler.

Jambi

10-04-2008, 07:05 PM

I feel the same way. The used old beat up one will not draw $10.00 now. I bought three new Rattlers and every time I am in Target I have to make myself walk away before I end up with 10 of them.

Viper6

10-04-2008, 07:07 PM

i got mine and i am in awe...save the shitty stickers. love, LOVE this thing. who makes the best repro stickers for the money?

Viper6

10-04-2008, 07:11 PM

maybe the rattler is supposed to be small so it can fit so many others in the hidden hangers of cobra bases and that massive cobra headed flying monstrosity thing...what was that called anyway? anyone?

Shin Densetsu

10-04-2008, 08:02 PM

i got mine and i am in awe...save the shitty stickers. love, LOVE this thing. who makes the best repro stickers for the money?
Cobrastickers.com from what I've heard, pre cut.
maybe the rattler is supposed to be small so it can fit so many others in the hidden hangers of cobra bases and that massive cobra headed flying monstrosity thing...what was that called anyway? anyone?
No it was made small to fit into the constraints of the 1980's toy retail market. No company dared to make true 1/18 scale vehicles till 2000, and even then, it is a market that has become idle, due to companies changing philospophies, shifting towards the smaller 1/32 scale, and change of management/leadership. Back in the 1980's, no vehicle for 3-3/4" was ever really to scale, look at the X-wing, TIE fighter, both of which did not get anything close to true scale til 1997(x-wing), and past 2000(TIE). Basically back in the RAH days for a kids toyline, a 1/18 Rattler and Skystriker would be too huge, too expensive for kids to buy. Maybe adults would buy them, and yes it was less risky back then than it is now due to the current economy and mass retail dictated market, but I doubt the joe line would have lasted as long as it did if it did not compromise the scales all throughout RAH (82-95).

One important thing to remember is that the Rattler, and joe vehicles in the comics cartoons did not follow the scale of their toy counterparts(or shouldn't, most of the time it was dictated by the proficiency of the artists drawing the vehicles). The vehicles in the comics and cartoons are supposed to be true to scale of the characters.

My only complaint is that I spent MUCH more than this on crap busted old Rattlers and a red-gold Rattler right as the 25th line started never expecting to get a Rattler.
Man this is the same reason why I have not bought Skystriker parts or more busted Skystriker carcasses; because I have hope that eventually we see it again.

The only thing that the old Rattlers have over the new one is higher sticker quality. The new Rattler is the best of all the Rattler molds. It is not like the Conquest where previous versions actually did certain things better(aside having better stickers).

nic28

10-06-2008, 10:52 PM

i got my rattler today and conquest x-30 my early birthday presents. the only thing bad about the rattler is the way the stickers were placed in the box. The sticker sheet was folded in the middle which has put a crease in about 6 to 7 stickers. the stickers in the conquest box were nice and neat but the rattler's sticker were folded must have been a joe supporter who packed my rattler and it's decals lol!!!

Shin Densetsu

10-07-2008, 03:42 AM

The sticker sheet was folded in the middle which has put a crease in about 6 to 7 stickers.
That sucks man, I'm sorry to hear. Honestly, those stickers do not adhere well to begin with, so while the crease makes it worse, it might not make it worse by much. The stickers are very prone to peeling.

toolrocks302

10-07-2008, 05:19 AM

Great review and I agree this plane is a must have. I love this thing. Never had one as a kid so I'm enjoying the h*ll out of it.

toolrocks302

10-07-2008, 05:22 AM

I feel the same way. The used old beat up one will not draw $10.00 now. I bought three new Rattlers and every time I am in Target I have to make myself walk away before I end up with 10 of them.

Yeah same here, my wife already wants to kill me cause I got 4 of them. They are to hard to hide, but at $25 I want to get more. Hopefully, they re-release them the Hiss and I'll have an excuse to get a couple more.

toolrocks302

10-07-2008, 05:23 AM

That sucks man, I'm sorry to hear. Honestly, those stickers do not adhere well to begin with, so while the crease makes it worse, it might not make it worse by much. The stickers are very prone to peeling.

Yeah tell me about it, mine were folded in the middle too.

Shin Densetsu

10-07-2008, 02:15 PM

Since the mold was retooled significantly, I hope we see repaints in the future. I think back during 2002-05, Hasbro ran a survey at conventions asking what repaints they would like to see, I know a desert Conquest was on the pamphlet for sure, and I think a red Rattler. A red Rattler in Python Patrol camo would be awesome. Or it can be a crimson command rattler with generic cobra pilots.

firefox

10-16-2008, 05:11 AM

I just got my rattler and X30 (i live in Europe, takes a while to get here) and i must say, the rattler is a piece of crappy workmanship.

A few complaits:

* The bombs fall off by just touching it
* The new soft(child proof) tips of the missiles are crap, they bend like noting.
* The wing is missing HALF of it, the underpanels are gone, making the wing floppy and plain stupid looking, making the plane lighter in my eyes, not heavier.
* Wild weasel can barely fit the cocpit, you need to cram him in just before the point of fracture
* The landing gear on mine had allready stress marks, not even being used Once, that won't last long.

As i opened the X30 first i was releaved that hasbro didn't completely ruin it or redesign it, but with the Rattler it's very different. I always wanted a blue rattler, i only gad the GIjoe vs cobra gold exclusive, which missed the second canopy, but at least it was solid.

This rattler is therefor the biggest vehicule letdown so far, right before the flight pod, but as they probably laugh at Hasbro's :"Fans do buy ANYTHING!"

If i had to give it a score it would het 2/10. It's a ripp off.

Shin Densetsu

10-16-2008, 04:52 PM

* The wing is missing HALF of it, the underpanels are gone, making the wing floppy and plain stupid looking, making the plane lighter in my eyes, not heavier.
Are you talking about underneath the wings? Those have always been hollow. The plane is heavier than other versions, especially around the middle, significantly heavier than my 98, which used the old tooling. Either that or your plane might be missing something, care to take a pic of the parts in question?
* Wild weasel can barely fit the cocpit, you need to cram him in just before the point of fracture
He can fit in mine, you have to angle the feet all the way forward.
* The bombs fall off by just touching it
Mine stay on just fine, much better than the Conquest.

It honestly sounds like yours is defective, because I have had none of the problems you mentioned and I handled mine quite extensively before, after, and during my review(I love joe/cobra planes). If yours is defective, I'm sorry to hear, that sucks man.