Review: 75327 Luke Skywalker (Red Five) Helmet
Posted by CapnRex101,
Enclosed helmets are usually easier to replicate than open-faced examples, containing stronger internal structures and focusing detail upon the exterior. However, the distinctive Rebel Alliance flight helmet definitely warrants recreation and therefore joins the collection.
75327 Luke Skywalker (Red Five) Helmet seems remarkably effective, perhaps overcoming the design challenges associated with open-faced helmets. The colours look fantastic, but the shape presents potential issues in official images.
Summary
75327 Luke Skywalker (Red Five) Helmet, 675 pieces.
£59.99 / $69.99 / €69.99 | 8.9p/10.4c/10.4c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
This model is predominantly excellent, weakened only by the inaccurate brow design.
- Distinctive subject
- Perfect proportions
- Exceptional detail and decoration
- Awkward brow shape
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Luke Skywalker's helmet from the Battle of Yavin features vibrant colours and therefore differs from previous Helmet Collection models, so complements those helmets on display. The scale also remains consistent between them as this creation reaches 19cm in height, matching other sets. I think this scale works nicely for display, without occupying too much space.
Construction of this helmet is obviously quite different to previous designs, since the ubiquitous studded box only fills the upper section of the helmet. Nevertheless, the prominent ridge which runs around the helmet requires remarkable complexity, as multiple segments with 1x4 curved slopes on top combine to form a beautiful curve!
The presentation stand appears consistent with earlier Helmet Collection sets, varying only as this stand continues within the helmet. The base remains identical though and its black colour contrasts perfectly with Luke's flight helmet. Moreover, the requisite printed plaque is included and also matches other models in this series, along with the promotional lightsabers.
The proportions of this helmet look absolutely superb, including the rounded dystonic motivator housings on either side and the aforementioned ridge on top. The open interior looks excellent too, avoiding the unsightly support structure which affected 76182 Batman Cowl last year. The brow is noticeably raised though, relative to the source material.
Dark bluish grey curved slopes form padding inside the helmet, which looks marvellous. Their smooth shape conveys the appearance of soft material and the 2x2x1 curved corner slope is new in this colour. The adjustable comlink microphone and chinstrap are also accurate, even though they feel rather fragile.
The trans-orange polarising lenses provoked some criticism when this model was announced. That surprised me because I think they look fantastic! The shape is not perfect and seams between elements are visible, although avoiding such issues would require a unique piece. Sometimes new parts are necessary, but I think the existing 1x4x3 curved bricks is adequate here.
However, consulting the onscreen helmet reveals the most significant problem with this model, as the angle of the brow structure seems too steep. Its position beside the decoration on both flanks is appropriate, but the curved elements above the visor should be closer to horizontal. This problem is particularly disappointing because the helmet otherwise looks outstanding.
Unfortunately, I think the issue derives from the presence of flexible yellow hoses flanking the ridge. These are based upon stripes visible onscreen, but their flexibility is restricted and their curvature could not necessarily be stretched any further. The yellow stripes immediately above the visor are welcome though, beside printed Rebel Alliance symbols.
Nine stickers decorate the helmet, including three that represent squadron markings on each side. Several printed elements are also provided though and the most important are definitely those across the ridge. These red 1x4 curved slopes feature white decoration, so reflect Luke's onscreen helmet. The colour matching between that white printing and the neighbouring parts leaves something to be desired though.
Overall
As mentioned at the beginning of this review, open-faced helmets introduce design challenges not present for enclosed designs. César Soares has expertly avoided those potential problems with 75327 Luke Skywalker (Red Five) Helmet though, faithfully depicting Luke's classic helmet. I am particularly pleased with the integration of the presentation stand and the decoration across this model.
The brow shaping is disappointing though and significantly detracts from the helmet, which is wonderfully detailed in other respects. Nevertheless, Luke Skywalker's helmet has surpassed my expectations and is a worthy addition to the Helmet Collection, despite the expensive price of £54.99, $59.99 or €59.99.
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19 comments on this article
Will we get a photo of all 8 with the last review?
I must admit to be one of those who thought the visor looked odd when the set was first revealed. And seeing how wrong the front of the helmet is, shows why that is the case.
I took it to mean that the helmet was tilted backwards on the 'stand'.
I think I can just about forgive the inaccuracy of the brow.
I had reservations about this one. After reading this review it looks a lot better than I first thought.
In spite of the problems, it’s honestly the only helmet that has grabbed my attention. I have had no thoughts of buying any of the others, but this one I want.
"Perfect proportions" yet, chinstrap, visor, brow and top are all off. If LEGO still cannot print white on red properly they should just include stickers instead. Those few more wouldn't change the overall half baked look of this helmet.
Can not wait to get this one!
I like it more than I initially thought. It's not perfect, but if I wanted perfect I'd buy a prop replica.
It’s not perfect, but the brow isn’t that big of a deal for me. I still may buy this one If Amazon puts it on sale.
@MZ_1 said:
"Will we get a photo of all 8 with the last review?"
I am intending to publish a summary of the Helmet Collection so far and will include some group photos there.
I feel like tilting the helmet forward a bit on the stand may fix the brow problem. I would like to get this set, and will definitely experiment with that if I do.
X-Wing Pilot Luke is my sentimental favorite minifigure of all time so I was excited when I first saw this. I would have preferred a yellow or tan face built into the helmet but I can accept that it's an empty helmet. However, it's the brow shaping that is keeping me from getting this - as CapnRex pointed out, it's wildly wrong to the point that it looks cobbed together. It's Lego, so I could alter it to my liking so maybe if I find it on sale or clearance at some point.
Thanks for the reviews and I am excited for the summary article. The brow issue is significant. I love the goggles, but they should be a bit bigger. Still, overall, this is amazing!
@EverybodyLovesReyna said:
"I feel like tilting the helmet forward a bit on the stand may fix the brow problem. I would like to get this set, and will definitely experiment with that if I do."
The brow is very frustrating. @CapnRex101 - any recommendations on potential easy modifications to redress this?
Wow, yeah, that side view kind of ruins it for me... I think if it weren't for that brow, I would make this my first helmet set.
Seeing a screenshot against the set, I do see that the brow is about 45° off, where before I wasn’t sure if it was just the angle of the helmet. You really need to compare it to the decorations on the ear covers to be certain. The brow should be parallel to the top and bottom edges of that little red box that would end up near the jawline. They yellow hoses wouldn’t have to bend to a tighter radius, though. They just need to be longer and follow the same curve another 3-4 studs. If what’s there works now, just adding more length wouldn’t increase the amount of stress they exert upon the connection points (new flex tube will naturally try to open up when pressed into a tight radius), and leaving it built like that will fairly quickly give the flex tube a tighter curve than what came out of the box.
But the goggles look just as bad because there’s no gap for Luke’s nose! There should be a 1-2 stud transition section between the two lobes of the goggles.
I don’t know of a better solution, but the Rebel logos look pretty bad with a white stud cutting through the narrow part. Printing white on red would have fixed this, but then you’d have a red ring around the logos because they can’t print on the edge of radar dishes.
@yellowcastle:
Tilt your head 45° to one side?
I'm still buying this day one. OT helmets all the way. Hopefully someone comes up with an easy fix for the brow.
"The trans-orange polarising lenses provoked some criticism when this model was announced. That surprised me because I think they look fantastic!"
100% agree! I was very confused at JANGBRiCKS' extreme displeasure towards it.
I get it, it doesn't look perfect, but for what they had available I think it was perhaps the best option.
The only other thing I could think of that they could have used something flexible made from the same sort of material they use for tents and the Khetanna's (Jabba's sail barge) sails.
@JJ_Binks:
I don’t know what issues he had with them, but look at any pair of glasses. The lenses have a gap between them to make room for the nose. This pushes the two loves of the lens right up against each other. Look at a head-on shot of Luke from Ep4, and you’ll see that there’s a middle section that’s just missing, with a small inverted curve that should fit above Luke’s nose. With this design, the lenses would be digging into the sides of his nose, distracting him to the point where he’d crash in the trench, the Empire would have time to install shielding on the vent, and Leia would eventually end up as Sidious’ new apprentice after taking out Vader. Or you space the lenses out so they fit Luke’s face, he saves the day, and everything’s fine for a few more decades before Disney mucks things up.