Review: 75191 Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive
Posted by CapnRex101,
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones has yielded just eighteen sets since 2002, the fewest of any film in the saga. 75191 Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive is the latest addition to the range and includes a Delta-7 Aethersprite-class Interceptor along with a hyperdrive booster ring, neither of which has appeared in a minifigure scale set for more than a decade.
I was therefore very excited when the set was revealed in April but the price of £89.99 or $99.99 seems rather expensive, particularly since only four minifigures are included. However, those minifigures include Jango and Boba Fett which are bound to prove popular while the subject matter of the model is very appealing.
Minifigures
At first glance the new Obi-Wan Kenobi appears identical to that which appeared in 75021 Republic Gunship but for the addition of a headset on this occasion. In fact, the torso is also printed with a new design featuring detailed Jedi robes and a reddish brown belt on the front and back. This continues onto the hips and legs which is great but dual-moulding to represent boots would have been even better in my opinion.
The head is decorated with a new golden headset, just like that seen in the film, while his dark orange beard and hair piece remain intact from the 2013 minifigure. One side includes a determined expression while the other appears concerned which is ideal for Obi-Wan's battle with Jango Fett in the Geonosian asteroid ring. He is equipped with a blue lightsaber so you can also recreate their earlier duel on Kamino.
R4-P17 accompanies Obi-Wan on his journey to Kamino and throughout the Clone Wars. This figure is identical to that which appears in 75135 Obi-Wan's Jedi Starfighter and looks great, with a dark red dome and white body which are both printed with pleasing detail. The pearl dark grey on the dome is particularly attractive and this is particularly important as only the dome is visible when the droid is mounted on the fighter.
Jango Fett last appeared in 2013's 75015 Corporate Alliance Tank Droid and he, like Obi-Wan, has undergone a subtle update. The pearl silver and blue helmet remains the same, with a dark bluish grey rangefinder fitted to the right temple and a pair of tiny arrows above the visor but the head underneath has been updated and is shown in an image below. The torso and legs are new as well, although you would be hard pressed to identify the differences immediately as they are very subtle.
The metallic silver armour on the front and back of the torso remains the same but the grey tunic underneath now features a couple more creases and is printed on a pearl dark grey component. Furthermore, the shape of the belt has been altered slightly so it now curves naturally rather than forming a straight line. The changes to the legs are even less significant as kneepad dart launchers are more defined and some holes have been added to the holster straps which were not present on the 2013 minifigure.
The face features some stubble and scarring alongside an angry expression. I think the facial hair is a little too thick but otherwise it looks perfect, although the inclusion of a hair piece would have improved the figure even further. Jango comes equipped with a pearl silver jetpack, based on the Z-6 model he wears on Kamino, as well as two WESTAR-34 blaster pistols which are represented using light bluish grey nozzle elements.
The young Boba Fett has only appeared in two past LEGO sets, the most recent being 75023 Star Wars Advent Calendar from 2013. I love that version of the character but this is even better as he now wears the correct black belt with a drawstring in the centre rather than the brown one seen previously. Otherwise, the figure is very familiar and sports medium blue Clone cadet fatigues with dark blue sleeves.
The earlier minifigure featured a delightfully devious grin and I am very glad to see a similar design on the new head. A more serious expression appears on the other side and a black hair piece completes the figure. Short legs are sometimes dual-moulded and Boba wears black boots in the film so that might have been appropriate here, although I think the plain blue design looks fine as well.
The Completed Model
The model measures almost 28cm in height and looks very impressive on display. The design of the ring is almost identical to that found in 7661 Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive Booster Ring from 2007, but for inclusion of only two engines to match the Syliure-31 module from Attack of the Clones. It works very well, closely resembling the film and ensuring structural integrity as Technic connectors are used to form a sixteen sided shape. However, the Jedi Starfighter itself is mounted above the central support structure and should have been lowered to fit more tightly within the profile of the vessel.
Each engine pod is decorated with a large sticker and includes three wheel elements which form the intake at the front and the thruster housing closer to the rear. It is worth noting that the shaping is not entirely accurate as the engine should be widest towards the centre and narrower at either end. Here it is the exact opposite but I still think it looks pretty good on the whole, particularly with the cross bar dividing the intake along the horizontal axis.
A trans-clear hand grip is constructed using Technic liftarms and occupies the space between the starfighter socket and the base of the ring. I had assumed that this would serve some structural purpose in addition to making it easier to pick up the model and fly it around. In fact, it does very little to support the ring as the existing Technic assembly is more than sturdy enough alone! It is quite difficult to remove the handle but doing so would not significantly compromise the structure of the model.
The Delta-7 is secured using four Technic axles which is a vast improvement over the original hyperdrive ring where maintaining a secure connection required gravitational assistance. This version will not be released unless intended and the mechanism is activated by pulling on a red trigger at the top of the handle, thereby retracting the white Technic pieces at the rear. It is ideally situated even for small hands to reach and a rubber band returns the trigger to its starting position, ready for docking again. Of course, the starfighter actually detaches from the underside in the film but that would have made it more difficult to activate as the trigger would have had to be placed on top.
With the Jedi Starfighter removed you can see a lot more textured detail around the socket and the dark red flaps which fold over the wings. I like the curved slopes and the colour combination is very attractive. The ring is similarly decorated in white, dark red and lime green but the grey Technic parts on the interior surface are rather unsightly. These could probably have been covered by another layer of plates but that would have increased the piece count and price enormously so on balance I favour the current design.
The Delta-7 Aethersprite-class Light Interceptor is one of the best vehicle designs from the Prequel Trilogy in my opinion and I am very pleased to see it return at minifigure scale after fifteen years. Star Wars: The Clone Wars yielded the Delta-7B which looks great too and formed the basis for several sets but I much prefer the original vessel with the Astromech droid set in the left wing. In addition, Obi-Wan's red and white colour scheme is my favourite of all Jedi Starfighters and that did not appear in a set based on The Clone Wars.
Turning the model upside down reveals the tan Technic pins which secure the fighter to its hyperdrive booster ring. These are very well hidden and do not interfere with the shape of the model at all, again in contrast with the pins on the underside of the Eta-2 in 7661 Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive Booster Ring which were a little more visible. A landing pad can extend from the front on two click hinges and is perfectly level with the dark red block towards the back. This looks rather out of place but there would not be room for folding landing gear with the engines slung beneath the wings.
Viewing the model from the side reveals the most significant issue as the cockpit is set too high in relation to the wings. It looks alright until you compare it with the source material and this is particularly frustrating since the proportions of 7143 Jedi Starfighter from 2002 were far more accurate. The angle of the wings is too severe as well and could have used ball joints rather than click hinges, although that may have compromised the extraordinary durability and play value offered by this set.
However, the additional space within the hull has been used very efficiently. Removing a curved slope from the centre reveals space for R4-P17's cylindrical body to be stored while her dome is fitted to the port side wing. This can be rotated on a turntable and the stud shooters are integrated perfectly, exactly where they are found on the Jedi Starfighter in the movie! The Republic cog on the starboard wing is accurate too and I appreciate the smaller mechanical details, although some are reliant upon stickers.
The shaping around the cockpit is borrowed from 9498 Saesee Tiin's Jedi Starfighter. This design looks tremendous and is perfect for a Delta-7B but the original Delta-7 is not the same shape so a lower angle would certainly have been preferable. On the other hand, I love the stickered designs and the stabiliser fin at the back, not to mention the impressive rigidity of this entire assembly. You can grip the model here without fear of it falling apart and the Starfighter therefore offers a great deal of play value even without the hyperdrive ring. Unfortunately, however, the spare parts canisters are not included.
The cockpit opens forwards on a hinge so you can slot a minifigure inside. It is fairly sparsely decorated inside but includes a reddish brown slope to represent the upholstered seat and a printed control console. There is plenty of headroom so the canopy can close over Obi-Wan even when he is sat upright but his lightsaber does not fit. Thankfully, the weapon is stored on clips beneath the wings instead, again maximising the use of the limited space available.
Comparing this model with 7143 Jedi Starfighter reveals the strengths and weaknesses of both designs. The shaping of the original set is more faithful to the source material and I like the three landing pads, as well as the printed elements. However, 75191 Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive is much sturdier and the colour scheme is far more accurate, due in part to a reliance upon stickers but also based on the increased variety of useful elements which are available to set designers today.
Overall
There is a lot to like about this set. I love the shape and colour scheme of the hyperdrive ring as well as the impressive swooshability and sturdiness of both models. Unfortunately, the content of the set does not justify the price of £89.99 or $99.99 in my opinion and a couple of potentially appealing characters are excluded. The Kaminoans Taun We and Lama Su have long been absent from the Star Wars minifigure roster and this was an ideal opportunity to include them. Instead the set contains just four figures which is somewhat disappointing.
Nevertheless, the minifigures which are present are highly desirable and look brilliant while the model itself contains some fun play features and is well suited to display too. The few inaccuracies are bothersome but do little to detract from my enjoyment of the set and I would therefore like to recommend it. However, the current price is difficult to justify and on that basis it is worth waiting for a reduction.
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.
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31 comments on this article
It's a decent enough set, but the price, strange cockpit, and exposed Technic elements definitely drive me away from it.
Nice review - agreed, this set needed more minifigures! But there was no Obi-Wan's Jedi Interceptor Delta 7 for 15 years so I'll still buy it.
I love it! Too bad about the price though!
This looks like a great set! While I do agree with the inaccuracies, they don't bother me very much. The price is horrible though! I think I'd have to buy this for $70 at the most, and it's unlikely that I'll find that big of a discount.
Definitely going to get this. Probably will pick it up when it goes on sale though. Nice review.
I love this set but I'll give it a pass in favor of the Hospital set (just hope that the regular City line doesn't release one AFTER I buy it).
I should rebuild my 7143... that was a great set.
why is it so expensive!? especially in scandinavia
If this set had been the same number of pieces but included Jango Fett's Slave I instead of the hyperdrive ring, I would have gladly paid $99.99. Boba's Slave I has been immensely overdone in my opinion.
Very much agree with TheMikeAwakens on this one. The Jedi Starfighter has been done to death, and the inclusion of a hyperdrive ring does nothing to peak my interest at all. If Jango's Slave 1 was included I would be very interested. I may have even bought it for a higher price had the Slave 1 been included. Yet again, that's probably the Original Trilogy fan in me speaking.
As always Capn, great review and photos. Nice set, great look. Way too expensive, though. Guess we say thanks to Disney for these high prices.
I was very excited for this set and still really like it and plan on picking it up this weekend. However, I was very disappointed when I found out taun we wasn't included. I have been wanting a kaminoan minifigures for a long time, and Lego missed a great opportunity to make one. I agree the price is steep, but I will be buying since this set won't be remade for awhile if ever. Since it is a toys r us exclusive in the US those who are looking for anything more than a 15% discount will have to wait until its discontinued.
I never really noticed this until now, but I wonder why in the world Lego decided to use light flesh for Jango and Boba (and the clones, I guess). The minifigures would look much more like the actors material if they used flesh instead of light flesh. Those have got to be the palest Maoris I've ever seen!
I don't generally collect Prequel Trilogy sets, although I have a few here and there, but I like this one so will pick it up if I see it with a decent discount.
I agree with TeaWeevil. They should've definitely went with the "darker" flesh tone for Jango and the clones.
As for the set, I think the design (mostly of the Delta-7) is very poor and never in a million years is this worth more than 60€, let alone 100€+.
Someone on Eurobricks (I don't remember the person's name) created a superb model of a Delta-7 which uses SNOT-techniques and has small stability issues, but looks fantastic. I've built that one for myself and I don't think Lego can top it with any official iteration of the starfighter, especially with all the storage space and play features they cram in.
Disappointed that this includes boba and jango. That means we won't be getting a jango slave I anytime soon...
Wow simply wow... ( I am talking about the price) 99 USD and you are like ouch! That is a bit overpriced, but if we take a look at the price in Sweden this set cost 1299 SEK. 1299 SEK is about 150 freaking bucks! That is a lot of money...
I hate that the prices here (in Sweden) are more than the US or UK! If you want to get a small set for 9.99 you can get it for about 12 bucks here but when sets gets bigger the sets cost more, a set for 70 bucks in the US costs about 90 bucks here, 100 cost 150 and so on... I don't buy Lego sets on their original price if I am not on vacation. When I see a deal on Lego it's about the same price if i buy it for the original price in the US.
Nice set, but I'm definetly waiting for it to go on sale.
I missed the last interceptor w/ hyperdrive ring, so I'll definitely be picking this up. Not until it goes on sale pretty steeply though.
That whole cockpit area is uuuugly!!!
Yeah I'm not even a big prequel fan, but I was instantly like, "wait, young Boba isn't that pale". Weird because they've used a variety of flesh tones elsewhere like in the Rogue One sets.
@TeaWeevil - I agree in part, although the Clone Trooper minifigures feature the standard flesh tone and it seems logical that these figures should match. Either they should all use a darker tone or none should in my opinion.
@CapnRex101 -- I think they should switch the Clone Trooper head colors, to be honest. It just looks odd to me, and Lego already has a history of not doing so well with Maoris!
Nice review capn. I own the old booster ring set and while the new one looks more sturdy, it's doesn't actually look that different from the original. I actually prefer 7143, although it's not entirely accurate, at least it gets the profile and proportions better than this one. The new one does not look sleek and the cockpit looks really off. Couple that with the lack of any interesting or significantly updated minifigures and it's an easy pass for me.
This set is such a disappointment. I've been looking forward to eventually getting an updated Delta-7 for years and what to they come up with... yet another Delta-7B, with the droid slot faired over this time.
Both the fighter and hyperdrive rings are far clunkier than they should be, and the price is a joke in any currency.
Perhaps they could use the same skin tone that they used on the first order officer in the tie fighter for the Fetts and the clones. As for the set though, the inaccuracies and the price ruin it for me, though I would have bought just the delta 7 had it be sold separately
This set is hilariously over priced. They'd have been much better off releasing just the starfighter, sans-booster ring, for 1/3 the price. Even better, releasing the Delta-7 and including a Slave I (but no booster) for $30 more would've been a license to print money. But no, they made this and not a lot of people will buy it. Sad!
This is badly overpriced. The ship is nice, but I would have cut out the Hyperdrive ring and the unnecessary Fett retreads.
Thanks for the great review as always. Love the attention to detail.
I was very excited about this set because I love the hyperdrive rings and haven't got one yet. I think it looks pretty good but when I saw the price I had to swallow to, 130 euro is a bit much, bit more minifigs might have made a difference (like with the Batwing, only 4 figs for such a big set? )
The review definitely makes me more convinced to buy it but I'll have to wait and find a deal, it being limited retail I is not going to make that esay though.
Well I have to disagree with most of the people here about this set, I think it is a wonderful set and for the size of it definitely makes it feel worth the price although I won't mind a slight discount at some point to pick up a second and customize that one with a different color scheme for the fighter and booster ring. I am a huge fan of the Jedi starfighters and interceptors and with missing out on the Jedi Interceptor with Booster Ring from 2007, this was a must have for me. Since I also didn't buy any of the AotC sets from 2013 I didn't have the updated versions of these characters so that was another read why I had to get this. Great review like usual and I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on the set as well as the great pictures of the different angles and such.
I was very excited to hear that this set was going to be released but I feel like the price is a bit steep. I appreciate your knowledge on Star Wars, it made your review a pleasure to read.
Love it. Just love it. It's AWESOME!