Such is not the case with the VAMP for me. I think this 2011 VAMP in green is much more interesting than the 2010 VAMP, just for the color alone. (and the no red suspension)
I came across a sale price on the Thanksgiving weekend on this truck, and while it was just a few bucks off, I thought the price was right. And being more a "classic" figure collector, I wasn't sure if this VAMP would fit well in my own GIJOE motor pool. And at worst I figured the "junior joe" of the house would have fun with it.
I think comparison and contrasting pictures help the best when it comes to vehicles. And here the 25th Anniversary VAMP is simply dwarfed by the new VAMP. Where I felt "ok" calling the original VAMP a "jeep," this new VAMP is much more in the solid "truck" category for me.
But, unlike the Hammer or GvC Brawler, it doesn't overpower the "bigger" vehicle with its size. The Equalizer is my main armor in my Joeverse now, and I want it to literally be the "big dog" when it comes to the motor pool.
The new VAMP has a nice sized foot print, considering it is a large all-terrain 4-seater of a vehicle.
And you know what? EVERY color on the 2011 VAMP is GREAT, in my opinion.
The "junior joe" seems to be having some fun with the VAMP. (yes, "firefighters" reign supreme...) I omitted the armaments for now, as the truck itself is the most fun aspect. (even I was having a not-fun time with that turret stand in the back...)
The best part that I knew the "junior joe" would have fun with is the vehicle interactivity aspect: changing the tires!!! I really like that the post holder can be taken off the back so the spare could totally be absent. What would have been perfect is if that post holder would have fit on the roof holes so a spare could go up top. Either way, the spare is one aspect that makes me like the VAMP more. If this thing had a small engine compartment to open up on the front, that would have knocked this truck up a notch for me.
The dash and interior has some nice interior, even a floor shifter and a cup holder. The only weapon that I like is that front passenger gun. I kind of wish that was mountable on the back roll bar.
But for me, "my" GIJOE team is sort of on the fence about adopting the VAMP into "my" motor pool right now. For my classic-collecting self, the new VAMP comes pretty close to getting in. Blocker would most likely inherit ownership of this vehicle, although Wild card could jump on board, too. The extra diesel cans are an awesome addition and they fit very well in their holder. (the back tools are nice, but I kind want a "snap-on" point for those..., but still nice that they are there!)
The suspension is excellent, too. The base truck itself seems extremely sturdy, and the truck is kind of fun to "bounce" over obstacles. Right now, I think this new VAMP sill last as a toy very well. It's a solid vehicle.There are little details on it that make me think there was going to be more to the overall design of the vehicle, like that little indentation at the front end of the 'door.'
And just what is that little bar on floor? An "oh #$%!" bar?
If I put an official "my" VAMP into "my" motor pool, the running boards would be totally useless with the modern pegs, though. And I would have little use for the backpack gear holes to hang on the side. There is quite a lot of leftover room between the seats and the outer edge of the vehicle, too. Some empty space that I really see as wasted. The top holes would just be holes, as I really don't care for the vehicle accessories weapons that the VAMP has. (the Gatling gun alone looks like it would chew up my Equalizer!)
It is nice to see a foot board, though. It's barely noticed detail, but it keeps figures from sliding into the engine compartment! (yes, this has been an issue, we have a 1/18 scale BassPro Ford pick up where figures disappear under the hood....)
Overall, as a classic-GIJOE-figure collector, this modern VAMP gets an easy 3.5 out of 5 stars for me. And that's very good, considering "my" Joes can't make use of some features on this (pegs). If it had more refined weapons, too, like that front-dash mounted gun, it could have moved up to a 4. My top 5 favorite features on this new VAMP:
* easy removable tires and a spare!
* sturdy and fun suspension!
* Extra figure equipment (sledge, shovel, fuel canisters)!
* Tow hook!!!!!
* Fuel tank spot (fuel-up!) !
Generalsjoes.com 2010 VAMP
Generalsjoes.com 2011 VAMP