Review – Transformers Universe Drag Strip
Here we have the Transformers Universe Drag Strip* from Hasbro, a Hasbro Toy Shop exclusive from 2008 that’s simply a re-colored Transformers Classics Mirage. Unfortunately, in the end I have to say that I don’t think much of either the mold or Hasbro’s attempt to reuse the mold to bring us the Stunticon, Drag Strip.
Packaging
One thing I will say about the Transformers Universe Drag Strip* is that the box is very nice. I love the minimalist approach to the box front and the window feature — opening to reveal the toy — was an excellent touch. Quite an attractive box and if you’re one of those strange people who doesn’t open toys at least you can open the window and see the plastic inside.
Drag Strip Disappoints
I hate to say it, but beyond the immediately obvious problem with Drag Strip — the classic Generation One Drag Strip (see the TFWiki) is a six-wheeled race car while this version only has four wheels — the toy has two other flaws that make it far less cooler than I was hoping for.
- The transformation to vehicle mode on my Transformers Universe Drag Strip* doesn’t quite come together. The vehicle mode photos here show how the front isn’t quite aligning properly.
- The “weapon” is absolutely terrible. The idea of using part of the vehicle mode as a weapon is always cool . . . when it works. I think the designers would have been better off if they had used the tailpipes as the weapon instead of the front wing of the race car.
“Disappoints” Sounds Kinda Harsh
It does, I know, but for me those three problems break the charm of the toy. It would have been nice if Hasbro had crafted a new front end to give Drag Strip his classic look and if they had done that I’d be overlooking the other two problems. But everything together combines to make me sad that this toy isn’t anywhere neat as I was hoping for.
Articulation
The Transformers Universe Drag Strip* has pretty decent articulation with ball-jointed hips and shoulders, a swivel waist, hinged knees and elbows, a ball-jointed neck, and even his “feet” are on small ball-joints that really help when you’re posing the toy.
Almost a Great Look
With a long, lean look, Transformers Universe Drag Strip* almost looks incredible. The proportions of the legs to the body feel just a tad too long to me, but the real ugly spot in my eyes is the cockpit/wheel section of the vehicle that swings back behind the body and sticks up high over Drag Strip’s head and shoulders. If that had been designed to drop completely behind the back I’d be a lot happier with the toy’s look.
Closing Thoughts
When I ordered the Transformers Universe Drag Strip* I knew I was gonna be a little unhappy with the wheel problem, but the photos made him look like a toy I’d like displayed on the shelf with other Decepticons. It wasn’t until I was holding the toy in my hands that the flaws really jumped out and started nagging at me.
And having sat on this toy for several months now — I first started this review back in January — I’m confident that I’m not about to change my mind about it. That weapon and the look of the wheels over his shoulder both bother me enough to make this a toy I never should have bought. Damn. I hate when that happens.
Philip Reed now needs to review a toy that he loves. Maybe he’s got an unofficial Transformers toy around here somewhere that will blow this piece completely away and make Philip forget what a bad toy this Drag Strip turned out to be.
Nice review, but I rather like the MOLD. Yeah, the repaint as Drag Strip is just a repaint…nothing new. Mirage was much better. It’s a clever design. This version was originally an Asia exclusive, I think, along with the Grimlock repainted as Overkill and the requiste Prime and Megs. Walmart had a version that was Gobots Crasher inspired. The head works great there.
That really sucks man. The very first thing I said to myself when I saw your pictures of the box was, “Hey, only 4 wheels?!?”
To be honest, I am not a big fan of re-colored versions of existing molds in an attempt to sell more units. It is certainly cost-effective on Hasbro’s end, but it does leave the consumer a bit up the creek.
Ultimately, I’d love to see a new Drag Strip, but only if he is part of the complete team of Stunticons and can form Menasor.
Come one, you guys really expect Hasbro/Takara to resculpt the Classics Mirage mold just to add two wheels for an Asian market exclusive? We’re lucky if we get a new head mold for ANY exclusive and this choice of mold/character is one of the most acceptable breaks for repaints recently. I mean, look at Overkill from the same series; He never even HAD a robot mode before, let alone one that is just Grimlock in Ultra Magnus colors. I think knocking this figure for lack of extra wheels is nit picking.
I have this mold as the Walmart exclusive of Fracture and I think it’s great! The issue of the nose section not quite fitting right is present on her too, but not nearly to such a degree as Drag Strip shows, usually I can just push that section down and it clicks into place. I guess Drag Strip being the third or fourth use of this mold means some degradation.
As for the weapon, yeah it’s different but it’s a clever use of vehicle parts and to me it looks like some kind of hand crossbow made for Transformers.
Not to stir things up, but I think what you want is an all-new Drag Strip and you’re judging a limited release repaint most Americans would never even SEE by that criteria. And Phil, if you really hate Drag Strip that much, I’d be happy to him off your hands…
Well, I also really like this mold and repaint. I think your criticisms are fair, if not a touch shortsighted – I mean, the whole four wheel vs six wheel thing is just a matter of having an updated design, what Classics figure is EXACTLY like the G1 original, right? As for the weapon, well, I ended up with an upgrade pack that includes a purple blaster pistol for Drag Strip, so I keep the “crossbow” thing pegged behind his hip.
Still, solid and in depth review, nice work!
Okay, maybe I was too harsh with Drag Strip. But the six wheels are important to me since those really give the design a unique look and help make him more than just another race car.
@Aptkane – I’ll try the peg behind his hip for the weapon. That might be a good place to hide it. Thanks for the tip!