STAPs (Single Trooper Aerial Platforms) are lightweight reconnaissance and patrol vehicles used by the Trade Federation army. Incorporating repulsorlift technology, the STAP is a slim, agile craft piloted by a single B1 battle droid. Sporting a pair of blaster cannons and an open design, STAPs rely on their speed and agility to dodge enemy fire and are often deployed as support vehicles in conjunction with larger craft.
It goes without saying that Sideshow Collectibles continually finds ways to impress collectors of their 1:6 Scale Figures line. Just when we think they really can’t do more to wow us, they do. In all honesty, they really don’t think that far outside the box. But when the concepts come together and an idea transitions into the fruit of their labor, the high-end products they manufacture are some of the most impressive Star Wars collectibles you could purchase for your collection. They’ve hinted at wanting to do a 1/6th scale rancor, landspeeder and many other things. They might be a little farther out on the road, but that doesn’t mean Sideshow Collectibles doesn’t have other impressive things in mind. This exactly applies to their S.T.A.P. And Battle Droid set. We didn’t expect to be as thoroughly satisfied as we were with this piece. Brilliantly designed and completely interactive with their popular Battle Droid body type, this collectible is a must for anyone who adores the Separatist Droid Army and anything related to Episode I.
The S.T.A.P. is a very simple vehicle, but Sideshow’s approach to design it is spectacular. A lot of that credit goes towards the paint job. If you looks closely at the S.T.A.P. you’ll find evidence of scratches, carbon-scoring, dirt and other imperfections that do wonders to give it a completely realistic appearance. What’s more, Sideshow Collectibles designed a super-cool display stand with a “ball-socket” center where the S.T.A.P. attaches to it and therefore gives the piece an infinite array of display angles. You’ve honestly never seen a Star Wars collectible like this before in your life. Even if you’re not a huge fan of Episode I, it’s hard to not acknowledge that Sideshow hit this one out of the park. The S.T.A.P. doesn’t have too much articulation but the most important parts (the two pedals) have multiple hinge-joints to give incredible flexibility for the included Battle Droid “pilot”. There is a lot to enjoy here for sure. The flexibility of the Battle Droid coupled with the uniquely designed base allows for some dynamic posing options.
The included Battle Droid is cool, but nothing new is brought to the table. The great news is that Sideshow Collectibles gave the Battle Droid sculpt and all-new paint job keeping him unique from all other previously released versions. We’re thankful that a licensee keeps things “different enough” with each release. (This is something that Hasbro needs to keep in mind when rereleasing the same army-builders time after time. We digress.) Loaded with 30 points of articulation (did you honestly ever expect ANY Battle Droid figure to come with this much articulation?), the Battle Droid rider is a stunning display of clever craftsmanship. The design still bugs collectors a little however that it still can stow the droid blaster in its backpack. (We feel your frustration and hope they can work that into the sculpt one day.) Battle Droid comes with the said removable backpack and a droid blaster. And he can fold down into a fraction of his height thanks to its excellent design and articulation. The S.T.A.P. And Battle Droid is a completely amazing set. We highly suggest considering it for your own collection too.
Collector Notes
S.T.A.P. And Battle Droid
Announcement Date: July 20, 2011 (officially previewed January 19, 2012).
Pre-order Date: January 26, 2012
Retail: $174.99 USD
UPC: 747720215078
Market Value: Click here to check the latest prices based on listings.
S.T.A.P.
Status: S.T.A.P. is an all-new vehicle.
Articulation Count: TBD
Articulation Details: TBD
Accessory Count: 1
Accessory Details: base
Battle Droid
Status: Battle Droid utilizes the B-1 Battle Droid body type. It is a repaint of the Battel Droid first introduced in 2012's Battle Droids (Infantry) two-pack.
Articulation Count: 30 points
Articulation Details: ball-jointed head, sliding neck, hinge-jointed neck, 2 swivel shoulder armor, 2 lateral swivel shoulders, 2 swivel biceps, 2 hinge-jointed elbows, 2 swivel forearms, 2 ball-jointed wrists, 2 double-jointed "fingers", 2 ball-socket "thumbs", "swivel" midsection (very inhibited movement - barely articulated), 2 ball-jointed hips, 2 hinge-jointed knees, 2 swivel ankles, 2 ball-jointed feet
Accessory Count: 2
Accessory Details: backpack (with two extending antennas), E-5 blaster rifle