Review: 75276 Stormtrooper
Posted by CapnRex101,
Stormtrooper helmets are definitely among the most recognisable images within Star Wars and 75276 Stormtrooper looks excellent, replicating the intimidating aesthetic of these soldiers. The curved shape appears particularly effective and reflects the onscreen characters.
However, such significant distribution of visible studs has not always proven successful on past models and I harbour some concerns about their integration with curved slopes here. I think the sculpted shape looks brilliant though and I expect to encounter various unusual building techniques, following the magnificent standard which was established by 75277 Boba Fett.
The Completed Model
Corresponding with other models from the new Helmet Collection, this Stormtrooper helmet measures 18cm in height. That size seems appropriate for display in my opinion, enabling the designer to include extensive detail and achieve remarkable accuracy when compared with the original characters. I am particularly impressed with the curves which are reminiscent of 75187 BB-8.
Various colourful window frames and bricks with studs on the side are found inside, creating a robust core for the helmet. Fortunately, these colourful elements are completely hidden when construction is complete. Attaching different sections of the model is enjoyable as they come together perfectly and it is not always obvious what you are assembling until connecting that panel to the central structure.
Each helmet is displayed on an attractive plinth and this example matches 75277 Boba Fett. I like the simple colour scheme and printed plaque, both of which contrast with the white helmet and complement other sets within the collection. Some people have expressed disappointment with the plaque but I think this design looks good, given the limited space that is available.
The shape of Boba Fett's infamous helmet is comparatively basic but the Stormtrooper seems more complicated. Almost every surface is curved or features sharp angles and those unusual shapes have been replicated beautifully here. The narrow gap along the centre of the model is particularly interesting as this appears much more pronounced in official images than it does in person, where the shadows are less harsh.
Furthermore, the mouth grille is perfectly designed. Printed 2x4 tiles form the innermost black and dark bluish grey stripes while the pointed ends are represented by stickers. Printed pieces are always welcome but using stickers does ensure some flexibility in their application, allowing you to reduce the gap between these stickers and the printed sections of the mouth.
Several additional stickers depict dark blue vents along either side of the helmet. Once again, printed elements would have been ideal but the stickers are easy to apply and the result looks effective in my view. The stepped structure between these 1x4 curved slopes is fairly awkward but I am not sure whether any alternative techniques would have been more successful, given the complexity of the source material.
Curved slopes continue across the reverse of the helmet. I was initially concerned about the sharp contrast between these smooth elements and the studded surfaces but they look great reasonable because the delineation between them is clear. The dark bluish grey filters appear accurate too, matching highlights on the sides of the model.
Light bluish grey 1x2 ingots represent auditory sensors beside additional ventilation systems. These details correspond with the onscreen Stormtroopers and I like the angled lenses which are accurately situated under the guard strip. They nestle comfortably between armour panels and I am equally satisfied with the integration of two circular induction filters on the chin.
Overall
Despite my concerns regarding the quantity of visible studs, 75276 Stormtrooper has proven extremely impressive. These helmets feature numerous multidirectional curves and elaborate shapes which have been replicated with remarkable accuracy, most notably around the mouth grille and on the reverse of this model where the curvature becomes more subtle.
Furthermore, there are few unsightly gaps on the Stormtrooper helmet. The disparate sections combine neatly and any small gaps, such as those behind the induction filters, are unavoidable in my opinion. Like with 75277 Boba Fett, the price of £54.99 or $59.99 is slightly too expensive but not necessarily to the extent I had envisaged, given the dense construction of these models.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your opinion of the set in the comments.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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19 comments on this article
This looks better from the front.
I actually really like this one, maybe more than Boba Fett. I know that some people have been fairly critical of this one, but as a Lego fan rather than a Star Wars fan, this one just looks better as a model in my opinion. Anyway, very nice review, thanks for sharing
Fett's is nice, but this is ugly - a valiant effort, but still ugly. wouldn't even pick it up at 50% off, personally
Just an impressive set all around. Creative and fun. But I get why people show up here to b!t€h about the helmet sets (and others). To be fair to Lego, they advertise that these sets are for adults. The complainers should wait a few years. They’ll have a better appreciation when they grow up.
Meh...
I'm a 501st Legion TK, and having built a helmet myself I know how difficult it is to replicate the intricate curves and angles with LEGO elements. I think the designer did a fantastic job and this set just arrived on my doorstep. I can't wait to put it together and display it next to my actual TK helmet.
I'll likely get the other helmets, as well.
I usually favour SNOT techniques, as on most display-type sets the studs can make the model feel somewhat unfinished.
However, this is an example where the sea of studs of the top surface gives a wonderful texture. Yes, texture and quite a rough one at that. This is especially strange as the surface it models is meant to be ultra smooth and polished. Weird eh? I’m not sure how it works but to my eye it works, and works well.
Admittedly, it does have more and less favourable viewing angles, but overall this is a solid rendition of an iconic object.
They should make some clone trooper helmets. A Commander Cody or Captain Rex helmet would prove immensely popular.
It's good to see some proper studful building!
Thanks for the review & great photos.
Remind me of a Brickheadz, just more pieces
I don't understand how people are saying that this is too expensive I want to hear other people saying that the d o is reasonably priced when it has less pieces and hardly anything to it
I have no problem with visible studs! After all this is LEGO!
There's no denying that these sets make great display pieces but for their size and price... it's just not worth it. These types of sets I'd love to build but the price just keeps on rising in Australia and for no apparent reason, the May the 4th UCS sets used to cost $300 but now they're $330, these sets cost $90... let that sink in for a moment. If you wanted to buy all three to complete the set it would cost $270 and assuming they're going to make more of these your looking at $90 per release. I'm sorry LEGO Star Wars team but you've lost me as a regular consumer. These sets are targeted at ages 18 and up but 18 and up don't have the disposable income to splash out on sets like these.
I might just add... May the 4th be with you.
I love the look of visible studs, but still think the source material doesn't lend itself for such a model.
Plus, at that price at least the stickers on the sides should have been prints. Or better still, printed and unprinted versions of the same part plus sticker sheet. Then everybody would have been happy. But oh no, that would have meant 10 cents less profit for TLG, so no chance.
Me likes. Roll on Darth Vader, Kylo Wren in the next wave
Quite ugly for a display piece. Not my cup of tea at all.
@LJ_McGowan said:
"There's no denying that these sets make great display pieces but for their size and price... it's just not worth it. These types of sets I'd love to build but the price just keeps on rising in Australia and for no apparent reason, the May the 4th UCS sets used to cost $300 but now they're $330, these sets cost $90... let that sink in for a moment. If you wanted to buy all three to complete the set it would cost $270 and assuming they're going to make more of these your looking at $90 per release. I'm sorry LEGO Star Wars team but you've lost me as a regular consumer. These sets are targeted at ages 18 and up but 18 and up don't have the disposable income to splash out on sets like these."
I feel a lot of teenagers and younger are much less likely to have that much disposable income. Wouldn't adults be the prime target for higher priced sets?
I really love this set - I was a little skeptical at first from the box art, but it is one of those sets that looks awesome built. I have changed my name-plate slightly to add a Stormtrooper minifigure in-front. Still waiting to receive the other two. I do hope they continue this line - would love to see a Darth Vader, First Order Trooper and Biker Scout helmets and even a C-3PO head would be cool!