Recon Ironhide

Yep, more 2007 figures are coming with fancy new repaints. However, our review subject today gets more than paint add-ons. Recon Ironhide has been outfitted for almost any terrain.

Bio

Stalking through the jungles of Southeast Asia, Ironhide moves in absolute silence. The only sound is the dripping of the never ending rain from the broad leaves of immense trees. Yet he knows Decepticon Bludgeon is here somewhere, waiting for him. He has come to this verdant place to hunt the Decepticon martial artist and finish the job the other Autobots left undone. He has come to track and destroy a dangerous Decepticon warrior, once and for all.

Strength     

Intelligence 

Speed        

Endurance    

Rank         

Courage      

Fireblast    

Skill        

Alt Mode

Ironhide's recon package adds alot of aftermarket goodies to his GMC Topkick alt mode. Included in the upgrade is a beefed up armored front bumper (complete with dual foglights), a roof mounted Hella lighting system, roof racks, and vertical bed rails. In case you thought he wasn't well armed before, he now also comes with 2 additional guns and two combat knives. These weapons attach to the bed rail when not in use. There are also changes to the mold itself.

The doors are refortified with crossbars. The rear doors now have grated windows. For the final touch, he now has tubular step rails for entering the cabin. Yet for all these extra add-ons, the details were left sparse. He is almost entirely black sans the zebra like silver stripes. All the new add-ons are simple PVC gray. Much of the detail that the 2007 model had (painted tail lights, corner lamps, etc) is all but gone now. I suppose that's what's meant by a compromise.

Comparison vs 2007 Figure

Alt Mode Specs

Length: 7.38in/187.5mm
Width:3.25in/82.6mm
Height:3.38in/85.9mm
Scale Ratio:32:1 (est)
Wheels: 4
Detailed cockpit:N/A

Transformation

For the most part, Recon Ironhide shares the same transform sequence as the 2007 figure. There are 2 differences. Whereas the rear doors used to fold into the front doors in 2007, Recon's doors lift up like gullwings. The rear kibble also situates differently, rotating and laying against his back instead of simply tucking in. All other aspects of the transformation, including the automorph feature in his legs, remains intact.

Robot Mode

The core robot mode changes little from the 2007 model besides the paint scheme. Recon mostly makes do with black paint and silver apps. One area of improvement is with the head, which sports more paint detail this time around.

The big change with this version is the weaponry. The 2007 model had a battery of 4 launchable missiles along with a 4 barrel cannon. To start with, Recon Ironhide trades in for a gatling gun for his right arm but makes due with a single missile launcher for his left arm.

You can combine the serrated combat knife with the scoped rifle and outfit both onto the gatling gun, giving you one serious weapon. If that seems just a bit too crude, no worries. The serrated knife/rifle combo (or just the knife or rifle for that matter) can be wielded by itself in either hand.

Combining the front bumper with the launcher will turn it into a crossbow. Even with the crossbow, you still have enough room to fit his other combat knife in his left hand. Talk about being prepared, he's ready for anything!

Articulation

Feet:Stationary
Knees:Pin hinge, 90 degree bend. Pinned above knee for unlimited lower leg rotation
Hips: 9pt ratcheting for 205 degree bend. pinned for 90 degree spread.
Waist:Stationary
Shoulders:16pt ratcheting for 360 degree rotation, pinned for 105 degree spread. Pinned below shoulder for unlimited arm rotation
Elbows:Pin hinge, 90 degree bend
Hands:Pinned for unlimited rotation
Head:Ball joint,, 60 degree rotation and marginal tilt

A pretty solid poser, even without articulated feet.

Robot Mode Specs

Height:7in/177.8mm
Width:3.88in/98.9mm
Depth:5in/127mm
Supplied accessories:(2)combat knives, (1) scoped rifle, (1) gatling gun, (1) missile launcher w/missile

Verdict

Alt Mode: Beefier than before, but the lack of paint apps makes it look like a prototype.
Robot Mode:Armed to the teeth.
Overall:With a little detailing, you'll forget he ever had a 2007 figure. As is though, a bit drab in the vehicle mode.

Class:Voyager

MSRP:$23

Reviewer	Blitz-Wing
Date	December 29th 2009
Score	(8 out of 10)
Reads	20296

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