Review of Biker Scout and Speeder Bike action figure
Star Wars Black

Introduction

The 6" scale Star Wars Black series has moved from regular releases to 'deluxe' with the new Jabba the Hutt and Biker Scout with Speeder Bike. Collectors will recall that Jabba came with Salacious Crumb as the SDCC 2014 exclusive, but like Boba Fett the year before, a regular release version is now available, minus Salacious.

I'll be covering the slimmer, trimmer, and so much better looking Biker Scout with his Speeder Bike tonight. You can expect to pay around $40 each for these at major retailers.

Packaging - ***
I really, really like the packaging for the standard figures, but these larger boxes aren't quite as spiffy. The basic black design starts getting dull - and more often damaged - in a larger size, but the packages are still very collector friendly.

The only thing holding the trooper and his bike in the tray is the design of the tray. You can easily pop him out and pop him back, depending on your mood or inclination.

However, the scout and his vehicle are pretty tightly packed, as you'd expect, which means any deviation in his placement in the tray will result in bent limbs, handlebars or other thinner pieces.

Sculpting - ***1/2
I'm sure if you're a true Biker Scout aficionado, you'll find something off with the details of the helmet, or the internal scale, or how the packs are place. But for those of us that only have an Associates Degree in Trooper Armor and Design, this guy is rocking.

There is a little weirdness with the limbs, where the upper arm and leg are a bit elongated. This works well with the bike pose, but he can seem a little 'off' in hand when you're posing him. They also used the softer plastic again, which can add to the wonkyness.

The bike looks terrific as well, and scale is decent. There's also enough detailing on the exterior to give it some visual pop, and you should have no trouble getting the trooper and the bike to pose nicely together.

Paint - ***
The paint work is subtle, but very clean and neat. The bike has the appropriate small details, as well as some simple wear and damage added through paint.

The Scout has some very nice work on the small details of his uniform and helmet, but I did find the dirt effects somewhat off putting. The majority of the outfit is very clean - squeaky clean. But then there is heavy dirt in the creases on the chest, and heavy dirt on the boots. The dirt on the boots goes up about a third of the way, and then abruptly stops - no transition at all, just very dirty to clean white.

Still, the overall look works great, and the light touch on the finer details makes up for any problems with the mud.

Articulation - ***1/2
The bike itself has one articulated spot - the gun on the bottom. This blaster can turn 360 degrees. The bike attaches to the stand with a true ball joint as well, so you can tilt and lean it to your heart's content.

The scout has all the same articulation as the usual figure in this line. Ball joints galore allow for a good range of movement, especially in the neck, hips and shoulders, and double pin elbows and knees allow him to almost - *almost* get in a perfect sitting position on the bike.

The waist and chest articulation is a bit restricted by the packs he wears around the mid-section, but otherwise the posability is solid.

I will mention the soft plastic again - as I said earlier, this soft plastic has been a hit or miss problem in the line, and with the trooper, it's definitely an issue. It results in more warping of the joints while in the tray (the left knee on mine is wonky and will need some work), and can spark fears of damaging a post or disc when freeing up a tight joint.

Accessories - ***
I'm not counting the trooper or the bike as an accessory - they are each one 'figure' in a double pack. But the Scout does have a squirt gun style itty bitty blaster that he stores in a holster on his right calf. It fits fine in his hand as well.

The clear stand for the bike is also an accessory of sorts. You don't *have* to use it - kids won't when they are playing with the bike. But it does make for a better looking display on the collector's shelf.

It comes packed with the large V shape facing forward, but I found that if you actually use it that way it tends to topple over backward with the scout in place.  That's because  all the weight is in back, but if you turn the V around, you'll have no trouble leaning the rider and bike all the way back, no topples.

Fun Factor - ****
While there might be the occasional nit to pick, these are still really excellent action figures, the best overall right now on the mass market shelves. If you have kids into Star Wars, introduce them to these - you can't go wrong.

Value - **1/2
The regular series figures are $20 each. Here you're getting a figure with one accessory, plus a vehicle with a stand for $40 - seems about average to me.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.

Overall - ***1/2
I'm enjoying this overall line so much that I actually broke down and headed to the 'bay to pick up the last two SDCC exclusives. And I never do something like that.

This guy looks great on the shelf, due in large part to the well designed stand. Obviously, we need a Luke and Leia in their speeder gear along with the bikes to complete the diorama, but now that Hasbro has spent the money on tooling for the bike, I'd be very surprised if we don't get them as well.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - ***
Fun Factor - ****
Value - **1/2
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth has him for $40.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Just last week I checked out the new Clonetrooper and Anakin Skywalker. Before that there was Bespin Luke, the Stormtrooper and Obi-Wan, Slave Leia and Boba Fett, Han Solo and Greedo, and Darth Maul and the Sandtrooper, as well as X-Wing Pilot Luke and R2-D2.

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