Review: 71700 Jungle Raider
Posted by CapnRex101,
71700 Jungle Raider appears reminiscent of the recent 70665 Samurai Mech. These sets contain fewer elements than their notable predecessors but this vehicle loses exceptionally little detail in that transition and the new model may improve upon 70755 Jungle Raider from 2015.
This suspension mechanism, for example, looks more advanced than the earlier design and almost every detail from the original model has been replicated here. The price of £8.99 or $9.99 seems appealing too and this minifigure is only otherwise available with the substantially larger 71699 Thunder Raider.
Minifigures
Legacy sets allow graphic designers to update past minifigures and this version of Lloyd Garmadon takes inspiration from his Tournament of Elements attire. While various essential features of the 2015 figure remain intact, certain aspects have been updated quite significantly. For instance, Lloyd's chest is now covered with light bluish grey bands and the colour of his belt has changed as well.
Furthermore, the original metallic gold text across his chest has been replaced with current NINJAGO letters and reads 'MANTER' which seems odd. I love the decorative emblem on the reverse of Lloyd's torso though and his sleeveless arms are identical to the previous minifigure. This is probably the most distinguishing trait of the Tournament of Elements robes.
The hair piece and double-sided head have both been swapped for modern equivalents though. I am satisfied with this hair component but black eyes would be more appropriate for minifigures which are supposed to resemble any characters produced before 2017. Lloyd carries a pearl gold dao into battle and this accessory returns from the 2019 range.
The Completed Model
70755 Jungle Raider was released during 2015 and contained 188 pieces. This succeeding model is therefore considerably smaller, including just 127 pieces, but I think both vehicles appear comparably detailed and the reduced size has entailed limited alterations in functionality. The lightweight structure also remains unchanged and this compact design feels more appropriate for the environment in some respects.
Green bodywork dominates this vehicle and looks superb, complementing its driver. Three stickers are applied across the front, forming air intakes and the animalistic symbol which also appeared on Lloyd's robe. However, the model does not seem excessively reliant upon stickers, including several pearl gold blades which return from the earlier set but are suitably scaled down on this occasion.
The hinged roll rage remains unchanged too, although the large space between these bars provides ample room for the minifigure to slot inside without opening them. I like the printed control console and trans-clear lights flank the cockpit, corresponding with the original vehicle. The light bluish grey bars are also taken from the previous design but I think black components would have been better.
Mechanical detail becomes more prevalent towards the rear of the Jungle Raider. The combination of black and dark bluish grey pieces is excellent and I like the 4x4 wedge slope with bars which was also found on 70755 Jungle Raider, along with the same pearl gold katana. The black flaps above the back wheels are similarly effective in my opinion.
Further to impressive detail, this model includes an ingenious suspension mechanism! Two rubber Technic beams provide cushioning for the rear wheels and become compressed when the model is pushed downwards, as demonstrated below. This rudimentary design works nicely and offers greater motion than the original model, due in particular to the separate axles for each wheel.
Overall
Despite containing fewer pieces than its predecessor, 71700 Jungle Raider is extremely satisfying. I appreciate how aesthetic features from the other model have been scaled down and the functionality has actually been improved with the refined suspension! The price of £8.99 or $9.99 therefore seems very reasonable, halving the cost of the previous set.
However, reducing the price has also entailed omitting the Anacondrai Cultist. Some opposition for Lloyd would have been welcome to increase the play value and those villains are not found in other Legacy sets, unfortunately. Nevertheless, this model of the Jungle Raider is marvellous and I think it might even surpass the larger 70755 Jungle Raider because of its compact design.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your opinion of the set in the comments below.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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13 comments on this article
Nice to see it in the primrose 'jungle'!
Interesting that both this set & 31101, reviewed by Viperius the other day, use the same springs for their suspension; has it been used officially before this year...?
@bananaworld said:
Interesting that both this set & 31101, reviewed by Viperius the other day, use the same springs for their suspension; has it been used officially before this year...?"
I don’t remember ever seeing it before 2020
Such ingenious and new idea for the suspension design! As always with Ninjago sets, colors, action, and a vehicle ready to go out for adventure. I was not even thinking about this one, but this rear suspension system has changed my mind. And for the price, I wonder if I won't get it soon, via Brickset link to LEGO.com of course. Thank you for the informative review.
@gabrisermig said:
" @bananaworld said:
Interesting that both this set & 31101, reviewed by Viperius the other day, use the same springs for their suspension; has it been used officially before this year...?"
I don’t remember ever seeing it before 2020
"
Element 4198367 (Damper 2M) appeared since 2003 in 137 sets. So no, it isn't new at all.
I really like the outdoor picture-it looks as if Lloyd just drove into the shot!
The set looks better than the older one honestly. I’m not much of a Ninjago fan, but the vehicle seems pretty large and interesting for a $10 set. And, of course, that photo is beautiful. For some reason, I love seeing LEGO sets in the elements (although you shouldn’t keep them outside for too long).
@ericlego321 said:
" @gabrisermig said:
" @bananaworld said:
Interesting that both this set & 31101, reviewed by Viperius the other day, use the same springs for their suspension; has it been used officially before this year...?"
I don’t remember ever seeing it before 2020
"
Element 4198367 (Damper 2M) appeared since 2003 in 137 sets. So no, it isn't new at all."
I think he meant the suspension technique
Great little set, definitely one of the best 10 dollar sets this year. Nice size, nice colors, suspension, Lloyd, basically nothing to complain about. The lack of an anacondrai fighter/warrior is just nitpicking imo. If you're buying this set it's mostly because of the buggy, Lloyd is in many other bigger sets. Plus, having a buggy to chase a fighter without any vehicle doesn't really make that much sense so removing the figure was just a fair move
@Bhahouighf - The letter 'E' should really include more space above the crossbars but that does seem likely. I have updated the article accordingly.
^ Manter/master, presumably a schoolboy error by the designer...
Really cool set!
Does it not have a steering wheel?
Lloyd’s dragon mech from the movie used the same element as a shock absorber in its tail, essentially in the same way.
70755 Jungle Raider is light-years better IMO.
Especially the front wheels on 71700 are insanely ridiculous for a "Jungle Raider".