Review: 70365 Battle Suit Axl
Posted by CapnRex101,
All five Battle Suits are constructed around two new cockpit elements but 70365 Battle Suit Axl looks quite distinct from the other sets in the range. Its bulky design reflects the appearance of its pilot and Axl's exposed position is unique.
I was concerned that the five mechs would be identical but for their weaponry and colour scheme so was delighted to see such distinct features on this model. Furthermore, I like the flame yellowish orange elements and there are a number of new pieces included, many of which have the potential to be very useful.
Minifigure
Axl is my favourite of the Nexo Knights and this version is unique, featuring simple robes to match the other Battle Suit minifigures which are visible beneath his bulky chest armour and on the legs. I like the flame yellowish orange torso and this is decorated with the bull insignia of Axl's family. The arms are attached using Technic pins and can be articulated at the shoulders in just the same way as a standard minifigure, although the hands are fixed in place.
I like the horned design of the helmet and its colour scheme is consistent with the rest of the figure so it looks great. Lifting the visor reveals Axl's double-sided head which is printed with smiling and frowning expressions as well as a prominent brow and a single visible tooth.
Four studs are left exposed on the back of the minifigure and these could be used to attach additional weaponry, as they are in 70336 Ultimate Axl from last year. I would have liked to see an accessory included so Axl could dismount from his Battle Suit and rush into battle himself, although you could easily build your own if you wish.
The Completed Model
This mech appears squatter than the others, reflecting Axl's stocky body shape using a few simple techniques. The feet are three studs wide and therefore present a larger surface area than those in the rest of the Battle Suits, ensuring that the model remains stable at all times. The angular toes look splendid and the thigh sections are very short in relation to the size of the body which effectively gives the impression of a hulking structure.
The prominent handlebars are another obvious feature which distinguishes this set from others in the range. They are perfectly positioned for Axl to grip them and I like their mechanical appearance which is consistent with the dark and light bluish grey pieces found on the arms and legs. Axl's unique crest is printed on a 2x2 curved slope which adorns the chest of the mech, matching that on the pilot's torso.
Opening the cockpit reveals a 2x2 brick for Axl to sit on, thereby raising his upper torso beyond the chest armour. Minifigures in the other Battle Suits are seated on the base of the new cockpit element and only their head is left exposed so it is nice to see something different in this set, particularly since it does not interfere with the hinging of the cockpit at all. The arms are mounted on either side using ball joints so are highly poseable and the hands are similarly articulated. I like the curved shoulder armour and it is also nice to see a couple of the new 2x2 wedge plates in dark bluish grey.
The legs also include a pair of brand new 1x2 slopes with cutout which are only available elsewhere in 10255 Assembly Square at the moment. The figure looks quite reasonable from behind and an orange click hinge is left exposed to upgrade the Battle Suit with weaponry and equipment from other Nexo Knights sets in the latest wave and the instruction manual suggests that a few more compatible sets will be released in the summer.
All five Battle Suits are equipped with a Combo Nexo Power shield. This hexagonal piece is packed with connections points including studs, clips and a Technic pin hole so has the potential to be very useful. It looks great when used as a shield and is even better for the addition of some colourful Nexo Powers, five of which are included. Shining Axe, Banana Bombs and Metal Minotaur are affixed to the shield in the image below while Tone of Power and Charging Attack are shown in the photo below that.
The Battle Suit is armed with an enormous axe which includes a brand new axe head component. I love the textured areas on the cheeks and the angular shape looks splendid. A couple of attachment points are set into the edge of the blade but these are not used on this occasion. The trans-neon orange colour scheme is consistent with other Nexo Knights weaponry and this offers a striking contrast with the relatively plain grey haft.
Overall
70365 Battle Suit Axl is my favourite of the five Battle Suits released so far. I love the bright colour scheme and the uniquely stocky design looks absolutely brilliant. Furthermore, the selection of new pieces is impressive and I am particularly keen on the large axe head which is currently exclusive to this set.
This Axl minifigure is also exclusive and he looks fairly similar to the standard figure, unlike the Ultimate version, so will fit alongside the other Nexo Knights who have appeared in some of the smaller sets. At a price of £7.99 or $9.99 I highly recommend this set and am looking forward to seeing whether the range will be expanded with a couple of villainous characters in the summer.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your thoughts on the set in the comments below.
55 likes
14 comments on this article
Definitely will be getting this one. Thanks for the great review.
Looks awesome, but I already have this set. Will you be doing reviews on all the Battle Suits?
This might be the one battle suit I actually purchase!
Great review!
I bought it as soon as I laid my eyes on it earlier this year. Now it's on a shelf waiting for the rest of the battle to join in.
Also, price is $9.99, not $8.99 :-)
Your review has me decided; Axl is definitely the first one of these I'm going to get!
Bought all five lf these awhile ago. Axl's mech is by far my favorite, I just love how unique it is. But they're all amazing. And they're very good parts packs!
Looks awesome, this Mech suit is great for a costum MOC.
I have it!
Am I the only one that wishes TLG would 'fix'/'tweak' Axl so his hands could twist/rotate? Seriously it would make him even more amazing than he is, and more add to Lego's 'evolutionary' scale: wrapped baby, small baby (park/babysitter vers.), larger baby/toddler (Maggie-ish), Kid (torso w/short leg),...
gonna have to model this someday :)
@brick_r I just got my first Axl figure in the Fortrex and was quite surprised to find they hadn't made it possible for his hands to rotate. I suppose it's a refinement too far cost-wise, but it'd be really cool.
Best one from the new mech sets!
I also was RE ALLY disapointed when we learned his hands don't move.
Echoing others, Axl would be one of my favorite figures period if his hands would rotate.
I'm having so much fun customizing these mech sets. They provide a perfect base for making more complex mechs!
Anyone know if the 5 power blind bags have any of the same powers that you can already get from a normal set? Or are all 35 completely new never before seen powers?