Review: 75349 Captain Rex Helmet
Posted by CapnRex101,
Unsurprisingly, I have been hoping that Captain Rex might join the Helmet Collection since the subtheme was introduced! This valiant character features a distinctive helmet and 75349 Captain Rex Helmet closely reflects the animated design, on the whole.
However, the curvature of Phase II helmets may instigate certain challenges, as recreating those complex shapes required compromises with 75276 Stormtrooper Helmet. Nevertheless, the model does feature impressive details, combined with some interesting building techniques.
Summary
75349 Captain Rex Helmet, 854 pieces.
£59.99 / $69.99 / €69.99 | 7.0p / 8.2c / 8.2c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Captain Rex's helmet could be outstanding, but for one significant flaw
- Predominantly accurate
- Attractive detail
- Disappointing mouth design
- Some awkward shapes
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Reference
Source - starwars.fandom.com
The Completed Model
Captain Rex's iconic helmet measures 19cm in height, excluding the rangefinder and matching 75350 Clone Commander Cody Helmet. The general shape of the helmet appears accurate and captures suitable curvature around the base, combined with the Phase I visor which separates Captain Rex's customised design from other Phase II Clone Troopers.
The construction is familiar though, as various panels enclose a core of bricks with studs on the side. The sunken cheeks are interesting in particular, as those are constructed in layers and the result looks superb. Otherwise, the angled visor and sculpted shapes are reminiscent of 75276 Stormtrooper Helmet, as expected given the relationship between Phase II helmets and those worn by Stormtroopers.
The 1x4 curved slopes employed along either side, creating the rounded respirator housing, are slightly awkward, but they appear reasonable from a distance as the stepped structure becomes less visible. Moreover, I am unsure whether any other building techniques could have been used because these compound curves are far from easy to replicate with LEGO elements.
Fortunately, the circular induction filters on the front of the model look perfect, making ingenious use of rubber tyres. Unfortunately, the mouth grille is probably the weakest aspect of this whole helmet. The printed elements are certainly effective, although the mouth is much too narrow and severely detracts from the broader design.
The transition between the blue stripes around the visor and the vertical stripe underneath looks awkward too. Maybe the 1x2 slopes on the chin could have been decorated to match the stripes above. However, the stickered welding lines, where Captain Rex has combined sections of both Clone Trooper helmets to take advantage of their differing qualities, look superb.
Additionally, I love the dark bluish grey filtration nozzles on Rex's cheeks, while the blue border around his visor looks good too. Perhaps most remarkable though, are the brick-built Jaig Eyes above the visor. These honours, of Mandalorian origin, are awarded to Clone Troopers for noted heroism on the battlefield and their integration with the curvature of the helmet is impressive.
The model does include seventeen stickers though, which is more than other Helmet Collection sets. While fewer stickers would be nice, the tally marks, vents and welding lines were difficult to recreate by other means. The adjustable rangefinder is excellent though and certainly improves upon the version from 75277 Boba Fett Helmet, especially given its slim structure.
Also, the light bluish grey band around the back of the helmet is perfectly smooth, making clever use of 2x4 curved slopes, which are placed at an angle. The clear delineation between studded and smooth surfaces is appealing as well, although the sunken sections should probably appear more pronounced.
Overall
75349 Captain Rex Helmet presents many qualities, including exceptional detail and innovative construction methods, despite the relatively extensive use of stickers. The model looks fantastic from the sides, undoubtedly, but the inaccurate mouth shape spoils its appearance when viewed from in front, in my opinion.
Admittedly, I cannot immediately identify any alternative techniques that would have been more effective, but the issue is noticeable. The expensive price of £59.99, $69.99 or €69.99 is equally inescapable, sadly. Between this pair of Clone Trooper officers, 75350 Clone Commander Cody Helmet is my favourite, although both are welcome additions to the Helmet Collection.
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20 comments on this article
You'd think with all the new curved and tube pieces they could make something better (or at least using the current techniques make it more subtle) but nope. The blue parts are great though.
The Jaig eyes look fantastic! Otherwise, the mouth really bothers me. If I were to get one, I would still get Cody. The opportunities for customization are too tempting.
Looks okay but it looks like a cat head/helmet.....even the orange helmet has a cat face feeling.
That rangefinder looks a bit too high to me…
I still believe that Cody's helmet is better than Rex's. But you know what we need now? We need Bad Batch helmets. Imagine how cool those could be.
"Hey, listen. Is your mouth tiny and small? Then why don't you come to Lil' Bits!"
"Lil' Bits..."
I can honestly say, there is no one in the world who I would rather have review this particular set.
Mick and Rorty?
$70 for 17 stickers pushes it outside of my acceptable range.
The mouth does look a lil squirrely, but it'll look nice next to the others- which were all purchased on severely reduced sales!
A great helmet of one of my favourite Star Wars characters! I'm not too bothered about the mouth and will definetly be picking this one up! Thanks @CapnRex101 for another great review!
@CapnRex101 said:
"However, the stickered welding lines, where Captain Rex has combined sections of both Clone Trooper helmets to take advantage of their differing qualities..."
I've seen every episode of The Clone Wars (original 2003 shorts, the movie-length premiere episode (in the theater!), and the 7 season show), and I never noticed that, nor knew he did that! TIL
Helmet, helmet, mask, helmet. smh
Honestly I think the small mouth has a certain charm to it, and as you said, there aren't any immediately identifiable techniques that the designer could have employed instead, so I'd say this helmet looks pretty good.
Originally when the official images were revealed I enjoyed Cody's helmet more on the basis that the overall shape looked better. However, I'm generally not a Phase I helmet fan (especially not the Clone Wars version) and this review has swayed me over to Rex's side.
I'm hoping that I can pick this one up for May 4th, if they've run out I wouldn't mind Cody's.
By the way, will you be reviewing 75337 AT-TE Walker? I sure hope so.
I think both helmets look quite impressive. Difficult shapes captured surprisingly well, IMO.
Pity I don't want either--even at a discount.
Double pity that the mask/helmet I *would* like costs quite a hunk of money more.
So.... does Huw get his own helmet to review?
Nice review for a nice helmet.
I'm sure they'ld look amazing altogether but Helmet Collection is not my thing.
This review is meta...
@CapnRex101
How's the sticker color-matching? ;)
Those containing the hash-marks don't look great.