Toynami Voltron Lion Force Gift Set – Unboxing

This is actually the plastic version of the popular Toynami Voltron Masterpiece Edition.  I just couldn’t get myself to shell out for that version though, despite being an avid diecast fan.

Several key factors that convinced me to buy this instead of the Masterpiece version:

• the same mold was used in creating both versions of the toy, so they are essentially the same
• price: $55 vs. $150
• hearing from a friend that the diecast version wasn’t very posable in robot mode.  The weight of the individual pieces (mostly the arms) supposedly put a lot of strain on the joints.  I never did validate this though

The package comes with the five lions, the blazing sword and shield.  They are held in the box within a styrofoam tray, which was quite nostalgic since it reminded me of the toys I had in my childhood that were packaged in the same manner.  Most of the Transformers I’ve been purchasing recently are encased in clear plastic shells held by wire ties, so this was definitely a blast from the past.

Transformers Alternity Megatron Out in Japan

Yay more non-movie related news!  The Nissan Fairlady Z, or 370Z for us in the US, incarnation of Megatron is out in Japan.  That means it will soon be available over at the folks at Frank & Son.

Megatron should be a cheaper purchase that Prime, since I’m pretty sure I’ll only be getting the silver/grey one.  The samurai swords are a nice touch.

And now that I look at it more, I think the black GT-R Prime is calling my name too.  No!!!  I already have the red and silver!  Must resist…

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

I still remember calling in to KROQ and winning early screening tickets to the first Transformers movie in 2007.  I was on the 91 driving to work, and I decided to pull over on the shoulder before they started giving me the details on how to get the tickets. The screening was a fun experience over at The Grove in LA.

Now it’s already time for the second movie.  As I’ve previously voiced out, I’m not a big fan of the movie robot designs, but this sequel is ramping up to be a good popcorn flick with lots of great action sequences.

I’ll surely be watching it in the theaters, possibly even IMAX, but don’t look for me opening night.

Rob’s 2006 WRX

Itech GMF50

Not very many NHL goalies still use the helmet-cage combination; Osgood and Hasek are the only two that come to mind right now.  This probably contributes to the difficulty in finding these items out in retail.

The pieces that comprise this combo, as Osgood wears it,  have typically been the Cooper SK2000 helmet and HM30 mask/cage.  From what I’ve read recently, Bauer has taken over production of the HM30.  The final piece to this group would be the HM30 chin strap – it doesn’t really cup your chin, but provides more of a wrap-around cover which then stabilizes the cage in place.

The cage is usually the piece that takes the most beating during use, so I’ve gone through several over the years.  I originally did have an HM30, but since having difficulty finding it recently, I’ve picked up the Itech GMF50.

The Itech GMF50 has the main characteristic that I like on the cage, which is the cat-eye pattern.  It is not without difference from the HM30 though.  The GMF50 is narrower than the HM30, so the helmet feels a bit tighter with the GMF50 cage on.  I find myself pulling on it every now and then to widen it, but not too much so I don’t completely bend it out of shape.

The actual cage patterns aren’t exactly the same either – the HM30 seems to have a more open design.  The HM30 has at least one less bar than the GMF50, but it’s not noticeable at all once you’re wearing it.

Despite the differences, I do think that the Itech GMF50 is a good alternative to the HM30, especially if you like the cat-eye pattern for more visibility.

Brand new Itech GMF50.  Notice the chin strap it comes with is different than that on the HM30.

Itech GMF50 sideview.

GMF50 with experience.

Rookie GMF50.

New Itech GMF50 attached to the Cooper SK2000 with the HM30 chin strap I’ve been using – I need a new HM30 chin strap too, but can’t seem to find one on ebay.