Review: LEGO Star Wars 75415 Kylo Ren Helmet
Posted by CapnRex101,
The return of the Helmet Collection provides an opportunity to fill some gaps in the series, after its short hiatus last year. Kylo Ren was a notable absentee and 75415 Kylo Ren Helmet definitely looks impressive in official images.
In addition, no stickers are required, as printed elements are used for the metallic silver details around the visor.
Summary
75415 Kylo Ren Helmet, 529 pieces.
£59.99 / $69.99 / €69.99 | 11.3p/13.2c/13.2c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Kylo Ren's helmet looks superb on display, but feels expensive for its 529 pieces
- Almost faultless sculpting
- Perfect use of printed parts
- Quite expensive, for its size
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Kylo Ren's helmet is fairly distinctive, which is an important quality in the Helmet Collection. Its construction is simple, but I think the model looks excellent and the use of printed elements for silver areas of the mask is effective, with designs continuing almost seamlessly from one piece to another. As ever, the nameplate attached to the plinth is also printed.
Notably, this helmet is smaller than many others in the collection, reminiscent of 75305 Scout Trooper Helmet. Nonetheless, like that Imperial design, the smaller size is accurate to the film because Kylo's mask fits quite tightly around his head onscreen. The consistent scaling across this series is impressive.
Kylo Ren's helmet features intricate silver patterns around the lenses, so I wondered how they would translate to LEGO form. Thankfully, printed parts do the job well, across twelve tiles and curved slopes in total. Ideally, the few light bluish grey elements would also be metallic silver to match, but the two blend quite effectively.
For complete accuracy, the lenses should narrow from above and below, but I cannot see how the subtle curvature along the top could actually be recreated, so focusing on the shape along the bottom was a good decision. Similarly, the texture around the nose looks great and makes use of another printed piece, so stickers are avoided altogether!
While the rest of the helmet is plain by comparison, its overall shape is superb. This section is constructed much like 75304 Darth Vader Helmet and I understand some will dislike the many exposed studs, but I am not sure what alternative there was. Using plates with very occasional tiles affords more flexibility to sculpt the helmet and proper shaping is more important than the texture for me.
Overall
I was slightly concerned by the prospect of 75415 Kylo Ren Helmet because I imagined this to be a particularly hard subject for the Helmet Collection, given the complex patterns on the face. However, decorated elements make light work of it and I think the model looks fantastic. Maybe the repaired helmet from The Rise of Skywalker would be more visually interesting, with its red weld lines, but this design is simpler and arguably more iconic.
The only real problem is the price, which seems expensive relative to other helmets of roughly equivalent size, although the number of unique printed parts was doubtless a factor. Of course, not everyone will be interested in a Sequel Trilogy helmet, but for fans of Kylo Ren, I think this is a nice model.
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38 comments on this article
Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place? I dipped out after TFA and was pretty drunk when I saw that movie in the theater (didn't help).
@WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place? I dipped out after TFA and was pretty drunk when I saw that movie in the theater (didn't help)."
AFAIK he wore the helmet to emulate his grandfather and after renouncing his (light side of the) family and Jedi heritage. Plus, it looked cool, of course.
Respect for tapping out after episode seven, but I am not sure that being drunk was a detriment to watching any of the sequel slosh. In fact, come to think of it I wish I was drunk throughout all three movies...
All of this is subjective, of course, but there’s no way this blob of black elements is a) a product or b) worth £60.
It’s just a bit studdy. I like studs, but this, well, it’s just not worth $70. Both the Kylo items are just way too much, I dunno what they have on him.
This might be the first helmet set I could actually see myself getting (at a discount, of course).
All of the printed parts are really nice, and they got the shaping down. All of the studs don’t really bother me. I agree with the Capn that it would’ve been neat to see the TRoS helmet variation as well, but I’ll take what I can get; I’m just glad LEGO’s coming out with some Sequel stuff again.
Looks like crochet with all these exposed studs.
@Spike730 said:
"Looks like crochet with all these exposed studs."
That would have been a much more productive use of Kylo's time than angsting, I mean, meditating on the Dark Side of the Force. Good parent/child bonding activity too.
Good review and good set overall, though I don’t like the drastic change from the smooth front of the helmet to the completely studded sides and back of the helmet. Gives me vibes from the dark trooper “helmet”
I can see what CapnRex appreciates about the consistency of the helmets. They do at least go together as a collection.
What I have never appreciated is how they are consistently the size of softballs, far too small for helmets, and at premium prices. The first time I saw one built years ago I was literally shocked. At my house we are big on Star Wars, but own zero of the helmets.
At least, if they(Lego) had done the broken - then repaired helmet, there would be streaks of red here and there and would probably be more appealing. Not for me but to each his/her own...
are pictures not loading for anyone else, or just me?
@colay said:
"are pictures not loading for anyone else, or just me?"
Just me. WiFi is suddenly blocking them, 4g data is fine. Carry on ????
The exposed studs make the helmet look like Michael Jackson's hair, circa 'Thriller'.
I appreciate that.
@BabuBrick said:
"This might be the first helmet set I could actually see myself getting (at a discount, of course)."
Yeah, as soon as I saw the review on the homepage, I was like, "This isn't a set that everyone will like, but I can think of two Bricksetters who will! The other being a user whose name I cant find in the member search, but is KyloBen, and then some number.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @BabuBrick said:
"This might be the first helmet set I could actually see myself getting (at a discount, of course)."
Yeah, as soon as I saw the review on the homepage, I was like, "This isn't a set that everyone will like, but I can think of two Bricksetters who will! The other being a user whose name I cant find in the member search, but is KyloBen, and then some number.
"
You know me so well! Although, you could probably say that for most LEGO sets, lol!
I know who you're talking about. His name is @KyloBen1012 .
@TheOtherMike said:
" @BabuBrick said:
"This might be the first helmet set I could actually see myself getting (at a discount, of course)."
Yeah, as soon as I saw the review on the homepage, I was like, "This isn't a set that everyone will like, but I can think of two Bricksetters who will! The other being a user whose name I cant find in the member search, but is KyloBen, and then some number.
"
“Arrrrgh Billy! An I like it too.” - Capt. Highliner
@WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place? I dipped out after TFA and was pretty drunk when I saw that movie in the theater (didn't help)."
There's some material in the Marvel Comics about how Ben fell in with the Knights of Ren and I'd like to think the helmet came from that. I really don't remember it very well. I mainly remember that "Kylo" was his own portmaneteu of "SKYwalker" and "SoLO." So, that.
@WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place? I dipped out after TFA and was pretty drunk when I saw that movie in the theater (didn't help)."
I’m pretty sure the sole point of the helmet is so he could destroy it when he had his whingey little toddler tantrum. And the booze almost certainly improved the film. Pity I don’t drink, so I had to endure it sober.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
" @WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place?"
There's some material in the Marvel Comics about how Ben fell in with the Knights of Ren and I'd like to think the helmet came from that. I really don't remember it very well. I mainly remember that "Kylo" was his own portmaneteu of "SKYwalker" and "SoLO." So, that."
Ooh, I don't read the comics, so I didn't know about that detail. Very interesting.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
" @WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place? I dipped out after TFA and was pretty drunk when I saw that movie in the theater (didn't help)."
There's some material in the Marvel Comics about how Ben fell in with the Knights of Ren and I'd like to think the helmet came from that. I really don't remember it very well. I mainly remember that "Kylo" was his own portmaneteu of "SKYwalker" and "SoLO." So, that."
I wouldn’t question its origin given the fact that nobody asks how Palpatine was able to design Vaders menacing life support suit so quickly
@CommanderR3x said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur said:
" @WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place?"
There's some material in the Marvel Comics about how Ben fell in with the Knights of Ren and I'd like to think the helmet came from that. I really don't remember it very well. I mainly remember that "Kylo" was his own portmaneteu of "SKYwalker" and "SoLO." So, that."
I wouldn’t question its origin given the fact that nobody asks how Palpatine was able to design Vaders menacing life support suit so quickly"
Glad I'm not the only one who's noticed that, lol!
@PurpleDave said:
" @WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place? I dipped out after TFA and was pretty drunk when I saw that movie in the theater (didn't help)."
I’m pretty sure the sole point of the helmet is so he could destroy it when he had his whingey little toddler tantrum. And the booze almost certainly improved the film. Pity I don’t drink, so I had to endure it sober."
I think the primary point was to get a menacing autotune for the new baddie.
@PurpleDave said:
" @WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place? I dipped out after TFA and was pretty drunk when I saw that movie in the theater (didn't help)."
I’m pretty sure the sole point of the helmet is so he could destroy it when he had his whingey little toddler tantrum. And the booze almost certainly improved the film. Pity I don’t drink, so I had to endure it sober."
There used to be a member named 'Legos&whiskey,' or something of that sort. I'd like to get his take. I seem to remember his comments were usually interesting.
R.I.P. @Ridgeheart ! Lost, but not forgotten.
Dave you may not drink. But, I imagine you've provoked a swig or two in others.
This set could really use a comparison photo especially given the critique about size.
@ScholtzTKO said:
"I can see what CapnRex appreciates about the consistency of the helmets. They do at least go together as a collection.
What I have never appreciated is how they are consistently the size of softballs, far too small for helmets, and at premium prices. The first time I saw one built years ago I was literally shocked. At my house we are big on Star Wars, but own zero of the helmets."
There is no way you are getting an adult sized helmet made from LEGO at these prices.
@WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place? I dipped out after TFA and was pretty drunk when I saw that movie in the theater (didn't help)."
Yes, the explanation is that the bad guy in the original trilogy wore a black mask, and JJ
Abrams only makes movies that are 99%
nostalgia for old movies and 1% furry goats running across the hulls of spaceships. Which I just realized is probably a callback to furry Ewoks throwing rocks in Jedi. So, 100% nostalgia.
I know it's not a "helmet," but I would love to see a Plo Koon head in this series.
@yellowcastle said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @WokePope said:
"Was it ever explained why he had a helmet in the first place? I dipped out after TFA and was pretty drunk when I saw that movie in the theater (didn't help)."
I’m pretty sure the sole point of the helmet is so he could destroy it when he had his whingey little toddler tantrum. And the booze almost certainly improved the film. Pity I don’t drink, so I had to endure it sober."
I think the primary point was to get a menacing autotune for the new baddie."
Or a laughable soccer mom’s SUV taillight for a face?
@StyleCounselor:
That’s the wrong question. The question you need to ask is how many of those people inspire countless others to drink, too. To wit, there were a couple people who were very vocal about wanting to block posts from me, but the instant that feature was added, almost everyone stopped replying to their posts. So, they got their wish, and apparently got their own posts blocked by a bunch of people for their effort.
I miss @PurpleDave.
:o)
These helmets sets should not be any more than $50
@yellowcastle said:
"I miss @PurpleDave.
:o)"
And I miss…um…sorry, forgot what your name is. Remind me again, @yellowcastle?
/Unshun PurpleDave
aka 375-2
/reshun PurpleDave
Cool set. Pity about the MSRP as per ushe.
If you gotta ask why Kylo Ren wears a helmet, you weren’t paying attention to TFA and your opinion is discarded.
Peace.
@PurpleDave said:
" @yellowcastle said:
"I miss @PurpleDave.
:o)"
And I miss…um…sorry, forgot what your name is. Remind me again, @yellowcastle?"
Who are you people talking about? For that matter, who are you people, anyway?
@TheOtherMike said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @yellowcastle said:
"I miss @PurpleDave.
:o)"
And I miss…um…sorry, forgot what your name is. Remind me again, @yellowcastle?"
Who are you people talking about? For that matter, who are you people, anyway?"
Almost all of my communications entail whispers into the ether.
Sequel fans, it’s time for you to put your money where your mouth is.
@Prof_Physika said:
"Cool set. Pity about the MSRP as per ushe.
If you gotta ask why Kylo Ren wears a helmet, you weren’t paying attention to TFA and your opinion is discarded.
Peace."
Well, Tifa just wasn't very useful in the original end-game, mostly because her ultimate weapon was unfortunately bugged. She wasn't -bad-, it's just that other characters were... oh, "TFA"? Sorry.
I wasn't paying attention.
@StyleCounselor said:
" @TheOtherMike said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @yellowcastle said:
"I miss @PurpleDave.
:o)"
And I miss…um…sorry, forgot what your name is. Remind me again, @yellowcastle?"
Who are you people talking about? For that matter, who are you people, anyway?"
Almost all of my communications entail whispers into the ether."
Yes, we all know you listen to the voices in your head.
Glad to see printed elements—that should be the standard for these sets and the Starfighter collection.