#994 SET REVIEW: 75273 Poe Dameron's X-wing Fighter
Today we’re reviewing a set that some might call 'just another x-wing': 75273 Poe Dameron's X-wing Fighter. We were very grateful to be sent this by LEGO to review but our view is unbiased and we aim to provide a unique review from the perspective of a MOC builder and fan of building techniques. We score sets we review out of 100 based on building techniques, part selection, creativity, value for money and minifigures.
So without further ado, let’s jump into the review! Overall, we really liked the set and enjoyed the build as well as the final aesthetics. The model features some nice upgrades in terms of techniques and part usages, a fancy new colour scheme and some great new minifigures that, in our opinion, lift this beyond just another x-wing set.
But now let’s take a deeper dive into the set by starting off with the new(ish) wing mechanism. Just like the 75218 X-wing, the wings can be folded into the classic X shape by pushing a lever, snapping them into place. Featuring two sets of rubber bands compared to the previous versions of Poe's X-wing's that used only one, this makes the the wings stronger and under less pressure due to equal pressure on both sides. These bands are gripped by 1x1 clips and make sure the wings stay in place. However, the downside of this mechanism is that it does very abruptly snap into place instead of their being a smooth transition, which can even cause the spring loaded missiles to shoot off.
Next let's talk about some other comparisons to the previous X-wings. Like we said, it has some great upgrades such as using new curved slopes pieces, especially to create more accurate engines. These pieces work together to create a sleeker, more accurate ship, although in our opinion the rear section of the blue X-wing is cleaner, featuring some great curved slopes. In terms of colour scheme, we personally like the orange, white and blue as a nice change to the normal colours of Star Wars sets. However, we will admit they clash and won't be liked by everyone, but the designers had to make it accurate to the movie.
Next up let's talk about some of the more general techniques used for X-wings that are also featured in this set. An accurate nose shape is created with both jumper tiles and swivel bricks as shown, and the standard landing gear is included. Nothing fancy or new, but appreciated nevertheless - why fix it if it ain't broke?
Onto part selection now and say what you like about the colour scheme but it's great to get some new recolours of parts such as those shown below. As briefly mentioned above, we appreciate the new 3x3 curved slopes made specifically for this set, showing just how far new parts can go in improving previous models.
Lastly, the minifigures. Not our focus in these kind of reviews, but important all the same. We get 4, with 3 being new (R2 is a new print according to Bricklink) and although we love getting Jannah and a new Knight of Ren, we can't help but want just one Resistance trooper or Final Order trooper to give this set a bit more value for it's price.
Before closing this review let’s go back to our scoring of the set – the techniques feature some both new and old techniques that work almost as well as we could want and the parts included are both new and unique, making the set attractive to MOC builders. The creativity is something that's hard to judge on Star Wars sets, but we judged it as best we could on the vibrant colour scheme and inclusion of some new techniques. The price however, like a lot of Star Wars sets, is where this brilliant set seems to slip. Of course there's licensing fees with Disney and inflation, but it would have been nice to stabilise the price at £79.99 for us here in the UK. However, we wouldn't advertise letting that put you off - if you can get the set on discount or you're happy with the price then we would definitely recommend this set.
If you've reached this point then thank you for taking the time to read our review and we'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on the set and/or our review in the comments of any of our social media posts.