Transformers Dark of the Moon Mechtech Leader Ironhide

Ironhide Leader class is the best of the Dark of the Moon!Ironhide comes with all the firepower you can think of to kick some decepticon ass and then some.Ironhide has awesome poseability for displaying or acting out any battle scene you can think of with great stability.The durability is also some of the best with all parts being very secure for a solid transformation back&forth.This Ironhide has the best detail of any version done with a very articulated head piece that matches the intricate decor on the arm cannons,arms,chest,and legs.What is really sweet though is that Ironhide speaks with two different sayings as his eyes light up at the same time.There is automatic conversion sounds transforming from robot to Topkick Mode as well.The Topkick Mode is as realistic as can be with a smooth paint job and premium decor from bumper to bumper.Ironhide comes with the trusted arm cannons that can be revealed in Topkick Mode on the roof and a Chest-Mounted Cybertronian Blitz Cannon that can be reavealed underneath the chest plate right above the silver autobot symbol.The weapons do make blaster and missile sounds for a realistic effect.Ironhide also comes with a knife that can be stored in a secret leg compartment for up close confrontations while having a missile gun in the other leg compartment.The transformation level is advanced meaning if you have plenty of experience with transformers there is mid-level difficulty.If you are a parent buying for a child of 5-6 or younger you will have to help in the transformation process.Honestly Ironhide is very versatile though with some patience and practice 7 and up should be able to get the hang of it.The trickiest part of the process is getting the arms folded in just right to form the cab of the truck.I'll try to explain it some to hopefully help anyone out.The arms swing back as if Ironhide was preparing to jump.The flaps then swing out while you seperate the arms from the shoulders.The flaps will eventually form the doors.The arms then rotate up so they are positioned knuckle side up on the middle of the back.The front of the Topkick then all should fit securely together.The other part to remember is to fold out the underneath flap that forms the bed of the Topkick or there will be a gap when you finish the process.The rest is clearly shown in the instructions.Ironhide is a very solid transformer all around with outstanding features.Bottom line Ironhide Leader is a well-made,high quality,10 out of 10 transformer that all fans should treasure.I highly recommend Dark of the Moon Leader Ironhide to all fans and collectors alike.Ironhide Rocks and Transformers Rule!!!

This Leader class Ironhide is finally what we have been waiting for in the Transformers movie line and it gives Ironhide the quality that he deserves. He is the most movie accurate Ironhide that we have gotten in the 4 years of Transformers Movie lines. Here are my pros and cons to this figure:

Pros:
- Very accurate robot mode and alt truck mode. In very good scale with ROTF Prime and the Human Alliance figures
- Has "Pop Out" guns on both arms that are very reminiscent of his weapons in the movie
- Has a pop out gatling gun (with shooting sounds) in his abdomen for those last resort weapons to destroy Decepticons
- Has one pop out weapon on each leg (one dagger and one firing missile gun)
- Has 2 voice sayings in robot mode that light up eyes. Includes sounds in truck mode as well.
- Is a relatively easy transformation for a leader class. Kids 7+ should be able to do it with patience. Nowhere near as hard as ROTF Prime's transformation and it is just a fun overall transformation.
- Very sturdy and solid so it does NOT feel like it will break easily. Very good for kids!
- Its Ironhide!!!!

Cons:
- Head comes glued down out of package so you have to twist pretty hard to get it to turn for the first time. (Trust me...it will turn eventually)
- Excessive triggers for the sounds in robot mode (the ones behind the head) are not needed

Overall, this is a Must Buy for Transformer fans!! If you buy one Leader class from DOTM, then buy this guy!! And be sure to go kick some Decepticon butt!! "Punk-*ss Decepticon!"

Background: This item was purchased for a 4 year old (one year below the recommended age). However, my husband did all of the transforming.

Articulation: I agree with other reviewers that there are issues with the shoulder ball joints. It is not a very secure joint and the arms constantly come loose.

Durability: One of the wheels broke off the day we opened it. We didn't have it long enough for me to comment on it's ability to withstand day to day play.

Transformation: I would not recommend an advanced level mechtech even for a 5 year old, unless a young kid has LOTS of experience transforming these types of figurines. There are a lot of steps that my husband couldn't even remember without the instructions.

Appearance: By far this is the best looking Ironhide I have recently seen in stores. Considering that my son is a 4 year old Transformer fanatic that only knows about the "new school" transformers, this one is above the best in it's class. In MY OPINION, it's more of a collectible and not to be played with. It's too large and bulky, but looks GREAT!

Customer Service: Contacted Hasbro about the ball-joint issue and the broken wheel. With no questions asked, they paid for return shipping of the item, sent us a complimentary item (2011 NYCC Exclusive Marvel Universe Compound Hulk Figure), and they are replacing Iron Hide with another Advanced Level DOTM transformer (Starscream or Optimus). Their customer service is awesome!