Jetblade

Already in the ROTF lineup, we've had one subline called Autobot Alliance. What would an alliance be, however, without a good old fashioned huntdown? Which brings us the the newest subline, Hunt For The Decepticons. We being our look at the HFTD offerings with a repaint of Dirge called Jetblade.

Bio

Jetblade has been hiding out for years among human fighter planes. it was only recently that he hooked up with Terradive, and the two became instant friends, vowing to remain hidden until the time was right. Even so, the temptation to catch the slow moving Tomahawk out in the open was too much for the two dangerous Decepticons.

Strength     

Intelligence 

Speed        

Endurance    

Rank         

Courage      

Fireblast    

Skill        

Alt Mode

Jetblade eschews the brighter paintjob of Dirge for a more innocuous white and sky blue treatment. The intake ports are painted gold. The cockpit is covered with purple translucent plastic and features a cockpit chair.

The mold itself has no retooling from Dirge. That's OK, though. The jet mode is a great design and the twin launchable missiles are still present on the wings.

Alt Mode Specs

Length: 6.75in/171.5mm
Wingspan:4.13in/104.9mm
Height:2.13in/54.1mm
Scale Ratio:N/A
Wheels: 1 molded retractable nose wheel, 2 pinned retractable wheels
Detailed cockpit: Semi-Detailed, cockpit chair

Transformation

Identical to Dirge.

Robot Mode

Jetblade gets a little more color in Robot mode. The chest is a dark blue with red accenting. The head mold is unchanged. Curious why they use jeweled blue plastic for the eyes when there's no piping available.

Again, no mold changes from Dirge. The lackluster Mech Alive gimmick is still present, although no longer referred to as such. Missiles can be bolted either to the arms or the wings depending on preference. Just a pity about the arms, particularly the right one.

Articulation

Feet:Dual pin hinges, 30 degree bend and 180 degree flex
Knees:Pin hinge, 135 degree bend
Hips: Ball joint, 135 degree bend and 90 degree rotation. Pinned below hip for unlimited leg rotation.
Waist:Stationary
Shoulders:Dual pin hinges, unlimited rotation and 90 degree spread, pinned below shoulder for unlimited arm rotation
Elbows:Pin hinge, 175 degree bend
Right Wrist:Pin hinge, 45 degree inward bend
Head:Stationary

It didn't bother me much with Dirge, but the right arm is limited movement due to the cockpit can be a sore spot.

Robot Mode Specs

Height:5.12in/130mm
Width:4in/101.6mm (4.5in/114.3mm including wings)
Depth:2.38in/60.5mm
Supplied accessories:(2) Missile launchers w/launchable missiles

Verdict

Alt Mode: A very clean and stylish jet mode, now with a clean paint job
Robot Mode:Some minor articulation issues, but otherwise a fine repaint
Overall:Proof that you can never have too many seekers

Class:Deluxe

MSRP:$12

Reviewer	Blitzwing
Date	July 10th 2010
Score	(9 out of 10)
Reads	12119

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