Sandrock Gundam XXXG-01SRC (US Release Retooled)

Synopsis: I have only bought 4 of the latest Gundam Wing version2s and retools that have cropped up in the past few months.  Of the four, Sandrock was the most dissatisfying.

  Sandrock has never been done well as an MSiA.  Of the Gundam Wing line the 1^st version was loaded with flaws and while Altron managed to suck more then Sandrock, I was not able to excel Altron by much.  Sandrock Custom was probably the best Sandrock figure made (seeing as it was arguably the best gundam MSiA of the EW lineup).  It looked good and well proportioned, qualities not shared with its counterparts.

  This Sandrock beats out its predecessors in terms of articulation courtesy of version 2 two joints.  In fairness other flaws of the Sandrock version 1 have also been addressed.

The Figure:

  The head is probably the most disappointing feature of this figure.  While the v-antenna is streamlined there is something about the rest of the mold that make it seem blocky.  I suppose some panel lining on this section may make it better looking.  I mean the paintjob is sparse compared to the colorful main body. 

  The arms are well articulated despite the bulky shoulder armor that can get in the way if the shield is mounted.  The detailing is good overall. The Hands that this Gundam come with include 2 closed fists, two "sword" hands, and 1 gun hand for the right arm.

  The legs like the arms are well articulated because of the version 2 joints.  Unfortunately the legs share the same problem of the head, a lack of paint contrasting a colorful body.  Panel lines would probably minimize it.  The only other flaw is that the legs are hindered by the hip armor. 

  The torso has the greatest amount of detailing and paint then the rest of the figure.  The paintjob is somewhat sloppy on my figure specifically around the upper torso.  The waist can twist 360 degrees.  The hip armor is fairly flexible with the exception of the rear skirt armor.  The backpack, like that of the version 1 can be removed to fit on the forearm however this Sandrock fits the backpack in both areas snuggly and do not pop off like its predecessor.  The side thruster nozzles also move a little, a factor I discovered while writing this review.  The backpack's only failing lies in the fact that the thrusters that are removed to place the shield pop off way too easily. 

The Accessories:

  Heat Shotels:  These weapons are practically identical to the version 1.  They fit on the backpack in the same way as the old ones (the hilt or hand-guard has a flat side that fit in the slot of the backpack).

  Beam Machinegun:  Like the Heat Shotels the Beam Machinegun is the same mold as the version 1 weapon.  The difference is that the color is a gunmetal gray with a green sight and black within the mozzle whereas the original was a solid blue accessory.

  Shield:  It can fit on the forearm of both versions however this figure has the best fitting slot so the popping off problem is a thing of the past.  Detailing and paintjob are good however I cannot find the version 1 shield to compare them.

Play Value:  For the Gundam wing fan this is an improvement of the play value offered by the version 1.  The parts do not frequently fall off (except for an occasional backpack part) and the mix of melee weapons and the Beam Machinegun give the figure variation in play.

Display Value:  Gundam Wing Mobile suits are all about being decorative.  Sandrock definitely falls into that category and while a panel job would make this figure look way better it still carries an elaborate style that helps the figure stand out in your collection. 

Dollar Value:  K-mart has these guys for about $6.99.  Gone are the days of the $5.99 Standard release and most stores now range between $7-8.  For $5.99 the Gundam is worth it.  It's a good improvement to the original however unless you are a fan for this suit, grab the Heavyarms or Wing Gundam Version 2.

Conclusion:  A good improvement however compared to the Heavyarms version 2 you get the feeling they did not do enough for it.  I commend Bandai for addressing the flaws of the original however I suppose I'm being way to critical comparing/contracting it to some of the MSiAs released with it as well as what I come to expect from a Version 2 figure.  If I stand it by Altron I guess I will give this figure a 10/10 Leo Heads.