Biker Scout - TBS [P1] - Basic (#07)

This Imperial biker scout chases a Rebel strike team on the Endor moon.

So, you’re probably asking yourself did Star Wars collectors really need another Biker Scout. We probably didn’t. But each time Hasbro tackles what we had deemed as a definitive figure, they go and do something even better to it to blow the previous version out of the running. The 2006 VTSC Bike Scout figure really changed how collectors viewed this character in the basic figure line. The packaging clearly was a huge part of that figure’s success, but so was he sculpt and deco. Hasbro then used the sculpt a few more times, even retooling parts for various releases, but the next time this figure made it into the basic figure lineup was in 2009’s Legacy Collection. Released as Biker Scout (BD12), Hasbro just improved upon the deco a bit more and this became the definitive version of the Biker Scout/Scout Trooper for the next few years. All of that changed with the release of 2012’s SW [TPM 3D] Speeder Bike With Scout Trooper which was released as a Toys R Us exclusive. It brought all of the fine parts from the 2006 VTSC Biker Scout and then added new splendor to create the consummate Biker Scout/Scout Trooper action figure – despite some deco issues.

The great news is that Hasbro has now released the Biker Scout as a basic figure for those looking to army build this great revised sculpt. We want to say that it’s the same exact figure as the one packaged in the Toys R Us exclusive, but we are going to say instead that it’s the same figure, but Hasbro repositioned the lower legs by removing some of the bowing. This was necessary for the pack-in figure to sit atop the speeder bike more naturally, but they had to remove that subtle curvature for the basic figure. As a result, Biker Scout (#07) is the definitive figure. With an incredible 15 points of articulation (the Biker Scout has a double ball-socket head joint), the inclusion of premium ball-jointed hips has done a great deal to an already excellent sculpt. You’ll have a blast posing the Biker Scout in every which way possible. He can truly attain almost any position you desire. The bonus is that he fits in nicely with the other VTSC based figures. Its not like there’s a drastic difference like the one that exists with the new and old sculpts of the clones.

Even at the start of shipment, a variation exists on this figure. Some of the Biker Scout figure have black straps that connect the pouches while others have the strap detail missed and it remains white like the pouches. As you can see from our photo gallery, we secured the “missed” paint operations version. But we have a comparison picture of The Black Series figure next to the 2012 SW [TPM 3D] pack-in figure and you can see that this detail wasn’t missed on that version. Admittedly, the Biker Scout is a “boring” addition to an inaugural new line look of Star Wars action figures. To put it bluntly, Hasbro has been there and done that. A release like the Biker Scout would be best reserved for a repack and repaint wave. Or maybe that’s exactly what the first wave of The Black Series is. Hopefully Hasbro has great and more exciting characters in store for The Black Series because so far the reception from Star Wars fans is lukewarm at best. If you’re a one of everything collector, clearly this one is for you. But if you’re passing on this one, hopefully you will get reacquainted with the Star Wars line from the figures in the next wave.