Home› Collecting
Shopping at LEGO or Amazon?
Please use our links: LEGO.com • Amazon
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Redesigned Sets: When to Buy...When to Pass...

trickydicky0880trickydicky0880 Member Posts: 134
edited February 2012 in Collecting
I'm curious to know whether the newer Star Wars sets are worth their price. I'm kind of annoyed that Lego is remaking sets that they've already made because the Star Wars universe is huge and they have a large variety to choose from. Here's some examples that I'd like to know if they're better or not:

X-Wing 9493
Y-Wing 9495
Naboo Fighter 7877 (especially)

I do understand that there are some sets that are obviously worth buying like the Sith Infiltrator as well as the new Tie Fighter. If you could help me, much would be appreciated.

Comments

  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Member Posts: 3,639
    Just IMO, but this is the best looking version of the X-Wing by far.
  • monkey_roomonkey_roo Member Posts: 1,411
    in short - Yes
    The latest x-wing is actually (again opinion based) much better than the last (and the last one wasn't bad), the Y-Wing is nice. Again the new Tie is outstanding, the wings are great and the edging detail looks really good when built, as you say well worth it.
    Personally i now have 3 different x-wings (1999, 2006 & 2012) and each one has been an improvement on the last and in general i would say that each re-release or update of an SW set is a step forward, just look at the upcoming Jabba's palace, the 2003 set was nice but this one looks great.
  • vwong19vwong19 Member Posts: 1,191
    I bought the new Y-Wing, even though I have the last one because of the minifigs. I haven't assembled it yet. I plan to get the new X-Wing as well (also own previous version, but didn't get multiples) so that I can have a wing man, plus the new minifigs help. The Naboo Fighter is still something I'm considering as well.

    For some sets, I've sold my old versions to replace with the newer versions so it's never about spending more money....
  • drdavewatforddrdavewatford Administrator Posts: 6,755
    For some of the remakes the answer depends on (1) whether you have any of the previous versions, and (2) whether you care about minifigures or not.

    If you have previous versions then some of the remakes are a waste of ABS in my opinion; the current Naboo Starfighter for instance is pretty much the same as the last one and thus a totally pointless exercise if you have the previous version. The only redeeming feature is the superior minifigures, but if you're not fussed about those and have the previous version then save your cash.

    For other remakes, however, the answer is simpler. As others have said, the new TIE fighter is streets ahead of the mediocre previous (non-UCS) TIEs that LEGO have released over the years, and worth getting however many you've bought before.
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    The new X-Wing, Y-Wing, and TIE Fighter... are in my opinion heads and tails above the last ones...

    The new TIE Fighter is so much better than the last one, I'm going to pretend the last one doesn't exist. :)

    Blue? Really Lego, Blue? What were you thinking?


    I say that, as I sit here and look at 7181, the UCS TIE Interceptor, also with Blue on it... Need to swap out of those parts for light gray one of these days, it is ugly... :)
  • bellybutton290bellybutton290 Member Posts: 453
    Agree with all other posters regarding this years sets. The tie is a huge improvement, naboo fighter has always been a good model IMO so that is probably a no go. I would also add that it depends on the length of time between the redo's as that is when you see the grestest improvement, case in point the forthcoming Jabba's palace. To be honest I just want original sets from TLG really, though would like an AT-ST, a-wing and b-wing redone aswell then I'm good (as I don't own any previous versions).
  • BoiseStateBoiseState Member Posts: 804
    edited February 2012
    Ya.. Why did they use blue?

    I've bought 5 of the new Tie Fighters and have them hanging from the ceiling chasing the Millenium Falcon.
  • richoricho Member Posts: 3,830
    I would say yes, as the renditions generally are getting better. I have however absolutely no intention of buying the latest Tie & X-Wing unless I can get them for under £35. I simply have too much other stuff to build and display, so I can afford to play the long game on these ones.
  • drdavewatforddrdavewatford Administrator Posts: 6,755
    ^ That's my view on all the 2012 sets on my list - no hurry ! That having been said, with the IWOOT deal earlier in the week, Amazon.it, Amazon.es and 30% off beginning to appear on Amazon.co.uk, I'm starting to get a few, including the rather nice TIE fighter....

    I'm looking forward to comparing the newest X-Wing when I get it with 6212; my suspicion is that the incremental value will be significantly less than with the TIEs.
  • y2joshy2josh Member Posts: 1,996
    The TIE is a marked improvement over the original, but still fairly awful insofar as accuracy is concerned. The technique for mounting the radiator panels makes the wings ridiculously thick relative to the body of the ship, and the final product winds up looking very silly.

    I like the X-Wing much better than 6212 (though I'm not keen on the 'sideways' mounting for the astromechs). I think it's the Y-Wing that really stands out above the last iteration, though. Minifigs aside, I really like the design on this version and I think it looks phenomenal.
  • TheBigGuyTheBigGuy Member Posts: 69
    For me, the determining factors as to whether or not I get a redesigned set are:

    1. Whether or not I have the original. If I have the original then I consider the following.

    2. What sets, or more accurately, how many sets, I can afford to buy. (Buying Lego sets, especially Star Wars, is no longer an inexpensive exercise)

    3. Whether the redesigned set is an improvement (and here I rely heavily on reveiws on this great website).

    4. What minifigures the set has.

    If I decide I really want (and can afford) a set then I get it straight away otherwise I wait until it is on sale. (I did this with the recent Slave 1 redeisgn)

  • TwoRiderTwoRider Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2012
    I love the SW LEGO sets, but I'm getting a little annoyed with the constant reproduction of minifigures.

    With sets like Jedi Defense, should I go ahead and buy them for the TF droids and just strip Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan out, or should I skip them entirely and take care of the TF droids via battlepacks?
  • prof1515prof1515 Member Posts: 1,550
    The red battle droid in Jedi Defense II was only available in that set. The yellow battle droid in Jedi Defense II was also available in the 3343 Three-pack of droids.
  • TwoRiderTwoRider Member Posts: 27
    I'm not really concerned about the color specific battle droids; all battle droids are the same to me whether they're regular or specialized. It's the constant slew of Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Luke, Vader, ect. minifigures that annoy me. I don't want to miss any important components in any set, but if there are components in a set that aren't really necessary and the set has minifigures that have already been released multiple times, I'd prefer to skip it.

    Case in point: Lightsaber Duel. I have this set, but the minifigs and speeder bike can be found in other sets and the vaporator isn't really necessary, so I'll probably get rid of it someday.
  • prof1515prof1515 Member Posts: 1,550
    "Important" is a matter of subjective reckoning so asking advice here is really not going to help. You know better than anyone here what you want and don't want.

    As for removing the battle droids from Jedi Defense II, that only serves to lower the value of the set if you try to sell it. If you aren't concerned with the unique droid in the set, I'd say you already answered your own question regarding whether or not to acquire the set. ;-)
  • zippityzoomzippityzoom Member Posts: 86
    With all the upcoming new iterations of old sets, many of which I missed out on, I was wondering: Are the newer versions generally improvements upon the older ones (newer pieces, more details, better build techniques, etc.)?
  • TheLoneTensorTheLoneTensor Member Posts: 3,937
    In my opinion, yes, yes and yes. Of course, I do like the older sets also for nostalgia.
  • y2joshy2josh Member Posts: 1,996
    I would say 'usually.' The new Y-Wing, for example, is barely better than the previous iteration, and the third AT-AT was inferior to both previous versions. The Khettana looks to be another one where the original is superior, but I'll wait until I build it myself to judge for sure.
  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Member Posts: 3,639
    I also prefer the older CW versions of the AT-TE and Gunship versus what I can see of the upcoming versions.
  • bellybutton290bellybutton290 Member Posts: 453
    y2josh said:

    I would say 'usually.' The new Y-Wing, for example, is barely better than the previous iteration, and the third AT-AT was inferior to both previous versions. The Khettana looks to be another one where the original is superior, but I'll wait until I build it myself to judge for sure.

    I would certainly agree with this. On the plus side The newer x-wing is much better than previous versions as is the newer Tie fighter and Jabba's palace. so I would say in some cases the improvement is fairly significant (possibly as a direct result of the time passed between re-releases). Seems to me the bigger more expensive sets usually suffer from being inferior to previous versions for whatever reason, cost and reduced piece counts I assume. AT-AT and khettana mentioned above being good examples of this.

    Let's not forget aswell the minfigs especially in the SW theme are, in some cases, massive improvements over originals with much more detailed head/helmet molds and much more detailed printing on the legs and torsos not least Boba Fett, Jabba, the latest luke skywalker pilot from the new hoth set 75014 and many more. This is in addition to there being previously unreleased charecters available in the newer sets.

    Be interesting to see the new rumoured ucs x-wing and how that fairs on the improvement front, given it's the first UCS redo but been 13 yrs since the original.
  • plasmodiumplasmodium Member Posts: 1,956
    Much like all of ^ these guys have said, it depends on your definition of "better". Yes, the new ones are much more accurate than the ones made 10 to 14 years ago, but I personally like the older ones more because they have a more Lego-y feel to them. Take these for example: #7141 and #7877. I like the old one because it is built with much more classic Lego bricks, with very few specific pieces, but I can see how one might prefer the more accurate new one. As far as concerns the 2013 sets, I'm holding my judgement till I see better photos.
  • AanchirAanchir Member Posts: 3,037
    I wouldn't say all Star Wars sets get better in newer iterations, but in general they don't tend to get worse. There are, however, occasionally ones that stay more or less the same, like certain iterations of the Snowspeeder and Naboo Starfighter.

    I've really enjoyed some of the sets from the past three years, because many of them feature major improvements on older models-- examples include the latest TIE Fighter, X-Wing, Gungan Sub, and Podracers. Some re-imaginings do come with disadvantages as well-- the latest Sith Infiltrator has a gappy underside and a top flap that has nothing locking it closed-- but I still think these are generally an improvement on the Star Wars sets from back when I collected the theme (1999-2005).
  • zippityzoomzippityzoom Member Posts: 86
    As someone coming out of the dark ages recently (thanks to 4-year-old son) I haven't seen the older ones in person (my son's Lego SW Encyclopedia provides me a glimpse) so not sure what I'm missing. Some are obvious improvements (mentioned above) and I have the latest Millennium Falcon (not the UCS) and it looks way better than the older one.
    Some have said the original Jabba's Sail Barge is better than the upcoming, but pictures of the new one look pretty enticing to me.
    My other question is: As owners of older models, does it bother you or not when Lego releases a newer version?
  • prof1515prof1515 Member Posts: 1,550
    zippityzoom said:

    My other question is: As owners of older models, does it bother you or not when Lego releases a newer version?

    Yes, especially when Lego has thus far produced 4 X-Wings, 5 snowspeeders, 4 A-wings and yet not a single Royal Naboo Starship.

  • OldfanOldfan Member Posts: 706
    edited February 2013
    ^^I'd say it bothers me a little; I already have a Geonosian Fighter set ( #4478 ) that came with a sonic cannon; why should I want to buy them as two separate sets now ( #7959 and #9491 )? How many AT-ATs, Gunships, X-wings, and Falcons do you really need?

    But this is mostly from the standpoint of money and space; the more SW Lego I buy, the fewer other themes I can get. With so much Lego goodness out there, this is becoming a little more distressing nowadays. But not so much; I have a mild case of Collector's Blues, that's all.

    I've been fortunate to be around Lego from the begining of the SW theme. In the end, I support Lego re-making some of the older sets, so that the newer fans can have an example without breaking the bank on the secondary market, as long as there are a few new models in every release too ( #9500 looks so COOL!). And I'll still collect them all, even if I end up with 20 X-wings in the end...
  • AmikoAmiko Member Posts: 97
    I would have said that the new sets are inferior to the old... but I recently went on a nostalgia trip and rebuilt my Jabba's Palace (4480) as a prelude to building the new one. The memory cheats somewhat - I used to think that the old palace was the best LEGO set that I owned but the new one looks so much better. (I've still not built it though, so I can't say if it's still got that often indefinable magic).

    As for new redesigns of old sets in general, I think it's a good idea. I missed out on the Sail Barge last time so this one is definitely on my want list - better or worse, it's what I can get hold of, so in that respect it'll do and I'm glad there's some kind of re-release. When there's a redesign of old sets that I already have, I am tempted to buy again but I often can't bring myself to spend a fortune if it's only going to upgrade the minifigures - in that respect, re-releases are annoying, because I want 'em but am not prepared to pay! lol

    All in all though, for the kids, re-releases are great - there are kids buying LEGO that weren't born when the first sets came out... Call me a warm hearted fool if you like, but being an embryo is a pretty good excuse for not securing LEGO Star Wars sets when they're first available. :-)
  • prof1515prof1515 Member Posts: 1,550
    Amiko said:

    Call me a warm hearted fool if you like, but being an embryo is a pretty good excuse for not securing LEGO Star Wars sets when they're first available. :-)

    Only if you're a lazy embryo, you warm-hearted fool! ;-P


  • tmgm528tmgm528 Member Posts: 457
    Hmmm......Newer better? I would say in my opinion...in most cases.....no. Look at the new Jabba's sail barge it looks awful compared to the old one(which I own and even though I don't like it I will own both of them.) To me the new ones are smaller and more expensive.....not to mention not as well designed with the exception of figures.
  • CapnRex101CapnRex101 Administrator Posts: 2,364
    Overall I would have to say yes, although there are some exceptions to the rule in my opinion. For instance set #6210 looks to be superior to the new Sail Barge this year and I find set #4481 to be much better than the Hailfire Droid in set #7670.

    New parts generally mean better sets though when it comes to licensed themes, as more accurate representations can be achieved and the Minifigures are often more detailed, new parts almost guarantee an improved model.
  • bigjsdbigjsd Member Posts: 62
    The overall consensus seems to be it depends and I would agree. The new Sail Barge is a perfect example. The front end on the newer version looks awful. I am shying away from SW sets for now unless something spectacular comes along. I do like the newer version of Jabba's Palace but it's way too overpriced IMO. Of course my hiatus on SW will most likely end when the new movie comes out in a few years and Lego has some new source material. As much as I hope that I love the upcoming movies, my wallet honestly hopes it's a flop and doesn't renew an obsession I can't afford.
  • acedogg77acedogg77 Member Posts: 110
    It depends on the set, the new sail barge at the front looks worse, however at the same time, the new skiff that recently came out, is a 100% improvement over the old, not to mention the amazing figs that came with it.
  • Lego_Lord_MayorcaLego_Lord_Mayorca Member Posts: 619
    They WERE getting markedly better as the years went by. Sets were becoming more like what you saw in the movies, and some of the functions included have become better integrated. But after 2008 or 2009, Lego Star Wars has just plateaued. Instead of revolutionizing new designs, a lot of what is released are just slightly different variations on the same theme; a reworking of parts usage, minor detailing, and minifigure saturation to distract us from the fact that we are buying virtually the same thing that was available four years ago. It is a worrying trend, because stagnation nearly always leads to a collapse, but there is hope if Lego finds the guts (and agreement with Lucasfilm) to diversify their set roster. The Old Republic sets are a great foray into this territory. Hopefully, with the release of Episode VII in 2015, we will be ushered into a new era of LSW set innovation and design.
  • VaderXVaderX Member Posts: 220
    I think some of the new sets are great, just bought my first Star Wars sets in fact (sold another theme to take this plunge lol). I think the new Jabba's Palace is awesome and I picked it up for 88$ some of the new figs they are releasing with the new sets are just fantastic! So yes the new sets made me take the plunge, hope the answers your question.
  • graphitegraphite Member Posts: 3,275
    CapnRex101 said:

    I find set #4481 to be much better than the Hailfire Droid in set #7670.

    While these are both Hailfire Droid sets I would in no way consider #7670 to be a "newer release" of #4481. #4481 is technic/bionicle style pieces where #7670 is more "brick built" and also has significantly smaller piece count. All of those technic style SW sets they did in the past (folding droids, R2, C3PO, pop up droid etc), to me all stand alone in their own category and probably won't be remade.

  • CCCCCC Member Posts: 20,526
    I'm not really bothered by re-releases. If I feel I don't need another XXXX ship, I don't buy it. Or sometimes I will sell the old version and buy the new.

    Some of the minifigs are getting close to perfect now too.
  • CapnRex101CapnRex101 Administrator Posts: 2,364
    graphite said:

    CapnRex101 said:

    I find set #4481 to be much better than the Hailfire Droid in set #7670.

    While these are both Hailfire Droid sets I would in no way consider #7670 to be a "newer release" of #4481. #4481 is technic/bionicle style pieces where #7670 is more "brick built" and also has significantly smaller piece count. All of those technic style SW sets they did in the past (folding droids, R2, C3PO, pop up droid etc), to me all stand alone in their own category and probably won't be remade.

    True, but as it is the same vehicle, I still view it as another version of the same set. I only discount mini models from such comparisons personally.
  • GalidorneveragainGalidorneveragain Member Posts: 89
    Newer sets are more unique, greatly due to the specialized parts and the figures included, which have more molds, so this does increase the cost of a set, but the set does looks much better for having these features. This can be observed in the set #75005, where I'd imagine if it came out 10 years ago, the model would have looked horrendous.
    However I do find that newer versions of a specific ship are weaker than their older counterparts e.g. #7134 which whilst it does look a bit ugly, it has survived throughout all these years whereas when a friend showed me their #75003 set, the pieces looked more fragile and delicate.
    So to summarize older sets are stronger, but newer sets look more beautiful.

    I'd quite like to see sets in the future which have the combination of both of these two aspects.
  • richoricho Member Posts: 3,830
    edited February 2013
    The answer to this question, is, 'generally yes, but with some significant exceptions'
  • HarryPotterLoverHarryPotterLover Member Posts: 238
    I own both the 99 and 11 Sith Infiltrators (and if anybody watches the BrickQueen) I also agree I never did get the 2005 one because it was just SO bad. However this is the only one I can think of that wasn't better. Maybe the Pod Racers from 11 and 99 cause (I cant think of who owns the green one :3) the green pod was not included.
  • y2joshy2josh Member Posts: 1,996
    ^Gasgano.
  • zippityzoomzippityzoom Member Posts: 86
    Can anyone comment on whether the older ones were bigger?

    Seems like the Lego purists prefer thesets to look like bricks, while the Star Wars fans appreciate how the new sets look more true to the movies.
  • tmgm528tmgm528 Member Posts: 457
    /\ I am a die hard lego and Star wars fan but to me then new sets look less true to the movies
  • OldfanOldfan Member Posts: 706
    ^The TIE fighters and X-wings are getter larger, compared to #7142 and #7146. The AT-ATs and M. Falcons are generally the same size over the years.

    A "more realistic" look always means specialized parts, which will lessen the "LEGO-ness" and (usually, but not always) compromise strength of design. If you're looking for lots of useful bricks for future MOC building, the newer sets probably have fewer overall building options, but lots of pretty greeble-y pieces.
  • JverweijJverweij Member Posts: 16
    as others have said: generally speaking yes, but there are some exceptions. I have a problem with the new MF, as opposed to the older one (4503 or something I think). The bottom of the new version is horrible. The latest AT-AT was also way worse, because they shrunk it.
    I'm not that bothered by the new Sail Barge, I only wish they'd made it abit larger.

    The biggest improvement over all are the minifigs though, just compare the gammorean guards.

    Definitive improvements over the first versions are: X-wing;Y-wing;A-wing; Tie-Fighter; Jabba's Palace; landspeeder.

    I can only comment on OT sets though, since I don't own any other sets.
  • HarryPotterLoverHarryPotterLover Member Posts: 238
    @BoiseState What did you use to hang them with?
  • DeadareusDeadareus Member Posts: 264
    Being new to the hobby and a huge star wars fan I'm pleased that there are re-hashes of older sets.

    While I was lucky enough to find Jabba's Sail Barge at a flea market last year, I would be ecstatic about the news of a new one coming had I not been so lucky. Much like I am with the news of the new UCS X-wing.

    I'm waiting to see if the new Sail barge will indeed hold up to the old one. Who knows... perhaps in 5-10 yrs time this ship will get UCS treatment as well.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,789
    edited February 2013
    When to buy=When you like the item
    When to pass= when you do not

    If price matters, wait until a sale pops up at retailers or LEGO itself.
    I do not think anyone can tell you your tastes.
    I'm sure there are those that think earlier LEGO sets are better, but here is the thing, they will almost always improve re dos over previous versions, whether due to parts, figures in the set, or the set design overall.
    jasor
  • devilheaddevilhead Member Posts: 286
    madforLEGO said:

    When to buy=When you like the item
    When to pass= when you do not

    That's far too logical.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Shopping at LEGO.com or Amazon?

Please use our links: LEGO.com • Amazon

Recent discussions • Categories • Privacy Policy • Brickset.com

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

Sign In Register

Categories

Brickset.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, the Amazon.com.ca, Inc. Associates Program and the Amazon EU Associates Programme, which are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.