So far, I quite like DOTM’s HAB line of Targetmaster style figures. The two I got before, Backfire and Whirl, are solely for single purpose which is their weapon mode while they have good vehicle mode and mediocre robot mode. Then I thought I was done with this line but then I saw Tailpipe and it tickled me. Now let’s see why it tickled.

 

Unlike my other reviews, this time I have to start with the mini-con, Pinpointer. Yes, this pack comes with a mini-con. And why? Because this is a really cool idea, a Targetmaster who also has a Targetmaster. Pinpointer’s robot mode is very mediocre. He does not look good nor has good articulations. He can transform in to a motorcycle backbox with guns which can attach on Tailpipe’s vehicle mode. Only attaching him on Tailpipe is quite challenging. He can also transform into a two barrel weapon which can be held by Tailpipe himself or any other figures who have standard fist hole. A really nice bonus/additional piece indeed.

 

Tailpipe’s alternate mode is a standard motorcycle. While I’m typically not a fan of bike TFs (many bad experiences), Tailpipe is very well made. He is quite sturdy and well detailed. What he lacks is the colors. He is just too plain and Hasbro didn’t put much effort on painting him. Pinpointer can attach on the back as a weapon backbox but not easily, and it doesn’t attach tight enough besides the backbox is a little bit too big, too. Overall, a very decent bike mode and will be even better with more detail touch ups.

 

Tailpipe isn’t that easy to transform but not difficult enough for me to have to look at the instruction. Comparing to Backfire and Whirl, Tailpipe’s robot mode is great. He is very poseable and well balanced. More importantly, he has standard fist hole hands since he needs to hold Pinpointer as his Targetmaster. This is so much better than Backfire and Whirl who cannot hold anything. He doesn’t really have a face but four eyes. The head design is everybody’s taste and I can live with it. The two wheels are hanging on his back but they don’t cause too much trouble, plus the position of the wheels can be adjusted. The bike’s exhaust pipe can be folded on the back or put besides his waist to look like another weapon. He is a much better robot to stand along comparing to Backfire and Whirl.

 

Now since I love Backfire and Whirl’s weapon mode so much, Tailpipe’s weapon mode is quite so-so. First of all, I don’t really know what kind of weapon he changed into. He is basically a weapon with motorcycle body with two wheels as spinning chainsaw. This mode looks so much like after thought and forced into. But since he is slightly lighter than Backfire and whirl plus the handle bar is right in the middle, he can be held by single hand easily even a small figure like Classics Bumblebee.

 

The worst part of this pack is the human figures and I shall just ignore him.

 

Transformation: 7 – Not that easy and smooth but each alt mode and robot mode looks quite nice.
Fun: 9 – Motorcycle mode is nice but since the blades are inside the wheel, it doesn’t roll that well. Robot mode is certainly great. Weapon mode is somewhat disappointing. Pinpointer is excellent as a Targetmaster for anybody.
Display: 8 – All three modes look great but he need more paint jobs and touch ups.
Value: 9 – A solid figure who has pretty good motorcycle mode and robot mode plus a Targetmaster who is a perfect additional weapon any anyone who needs one. Oh, plus the human figure, $9.99 from Kmart worth the money.
Overall: 8 – I really like the idea of Targetmaster having another Targetmaster. It adds up more fun and flexibility. Human figure is still again unfortunately unnecessary and too small also but I’m not reviewing him.