Cobra Condor Z25 Review

GI Joburg reviews the 1989 Condor Z25 from Hasbro's GI Joe: A Real American Hero toyline
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GI Joburg comprises a trio of South Africans - Paul, Rob, Steve and a token Yank called Cujo; and their discussions of the greatest toyline ever.
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[@lazarus30001]

That initial description was priceless! The fact you ground this stuff in reality only makes it that much better!

[@comancheviperrrr]

My top 3 G.I. Joe jets were the Night Raven, the Condor Z25 and Phantom X19. I own all 3 and I absolutely still love them.

[@gijoburg]

They are terrific toys for sure. The big jets were always premier items. So spectacular in their scale and features! GI Jelly!

[@comancheviperrrr]

GI Joburg lol G.I. jelly lol

[@Mundane05]

If I'd had one as a kid, I probably would've used the serparating function as a "break-away" feature for when it gets destroyed.

[@CGJ7755]

Someone mentioned earlier it looks cybertronian, this is definitely what I would say. Cobra was able to build a flying aircraft carrier as shown in dragonfire, and G.I. Joe the arcade game. Consider that G.I. Joe and transformers are the same universe, and cobra worked with the decepticons in several comic series.

[@gijoburg]

Great explanation. I kinda dig that while Decepticons are going out of their way to disguise their tech; Cobra be like: "don't care. We built a flying ⚓️ that can go Mach 5"...

[@CGJ7755]

GI Joburg i actually got my first condor on family vacation when I was 8.around 15 years ago, I painted it chrome, for a “raw metal airframe” look, it didn’t turn out well. Sure as hell, two years ago, I restored it to its former glory with a pure white paint job, reproduction stickers, even bomb markers to show how many missions accomplished. I plan on adding a rather risque zarana pinup to it in the style of WW2 bombers.

[@gijoburg]

Sounds awesome! I would love to see it. And the "before" pics of the chromejob!

[@TheBoglin]

I just got these vehicle for a great price still sealed and opened it up to build it. Awesome bomber for Cobra and I'm so happy I picked it up.

[@gijoburg]

Oh wow! The experience of opening and assembling a vintage is a real treat these days. I’m glad you did it!

[@AntoineJenkins80sChild]

Hell of a review, you can never go wrong with G.I. Joe ARAH figures, playsets and accessories.

[@gijoburg]

Thanks Antoine! Truer words never been spoke. These toys are the greatest!

[@MCDJACDC]

You guys were burtual to that poor Condor, thank goodness as a child I had no clue on how aircraft fly or the principles of aviation and avionics lol. Thanks Mr. Expositions jk. All I needed as a child was wings, missiles, a bad ass pilot and one heck of an imagination! Cobra!!!! 😆😜👍

[@gijoburg]

Zenhing13 I won’t lie I feel the same way, and I love the condor, the Raven and the phantom. Those birds are my babies. Thanks for the awesome comment :) -Paul

[@MCDJACDC]

@@gijoburg Hey Paul! My poor Condor had such serious self esteem concerns about being a real aircraft that I had to have the Condor dog fight and take out several GI Joe fighter's as well as out fly my Cobra Air Armanda. Lol you guys do great work and very valid points to boot...just glad mate that as I child, asking for this stylish beauty on the shelf that it was going to be the Emperor of the Cobra Air 🧐

[@raptorbandito]

There are some great GI Joe channels on KZbin, but in my opinion you guys are the best. I can tell the amount of creativity and work that goes into your videos. They are never boring and I usually end up watching them a couple times! Keep it up guys!

[@gijoburg]

Thanks man, its always great to hear. We have a lot of fun making these videos and do hope that they are entertaining and fun so when someone says they are then it makes us happy :D Glad to have you.

[@gijoburg]

Thanks Raptor. We try to carve our own niche. I'm glad there are a handful of GI Joe reviewers out there, all good; all with their different style! Good to have you on the team!

[@gijoburg]

Sincere apologies to all who viewed and commented on this vid only to have their views and comments disappear! Turns out there was a technical wrinkle. We ironed it out. So here, for ever and always, is GI Joburg's review of the Condor! Cobraaaaaaaa!

[@brianmather4048]

GI Joburg : 14 bombs, 7 torpedoes, 4 Missiles. ..

[@crownofhorns4738]

The Martin 262 B also comes to mind with the propeller in center.

[@michaelweatherford4954]

This was one of my favorite planes growing up....in fact my Joes were always stealing it away from Cobra....

[@gijoburg]

Excellent! Yep, it's too good of a plane to keep just getting shot down over and over again!

[@CarlBeatty]

Funky Cobra Jet! I wonder if hovercraft or mocassin propellers in the back would work? Love the new videos with voices and action packed sound effects! POW! BOOM! BANG! I foind myself making machine gun noises with my children and students! LOL! Great Times! Have a great day Mates!

[@gijoburg]

Thanks Carl! Gotta be honest with you, I’m battling to justify doing reviews like these anymore. The webisodes are way more fun!

[@terrancechilds3049]

Think you so very much from all of your friends in cobra

[@ronaldhof3654]

Great review guys! And yes, for this jet to work, you need your inner child's imagination. And that's a dear thing to hold on to :-)

[@gijoburg]

Long may it last. Long may we be deaf to the pressures of society. And females.

[@gijoburg]

Does that make me a chauvinist?

[@ronaldhof3654]

Chauvinism is quite something else. You've just written down some words of wisdom :-)

[@EdSiemienkowicz]

Great video, guys. Love the industrial-looking backgrounds for this.

[@gijoburg]

Had to find something different! Shooting in a studio is dull for the people making and the people watching, I believe. Thanks for the comment!

[@EdSiemienkowicz]

You bet!

[@DanimalsDioramas]

Another smashing review! When I was younger my neighbor had this bad boy. we used to fly it "backward" and actually use the front part an escape vehicle. Thanks for sharing!

[@gijoburg]

Seems pretty logical. But my question is: who got the back portion? You? Or your neighbor?!

[@DanimalsDioramas]

GI Joburg Whomever was playing Cobra that day used both. We would rotate factions.

[@chrismayer3919]

Don't have one, and I don't know if I even WANT one; that said, thanks for the review just the same, guys!

[@gijoburg]

And thank you for the comment, Chris!

[@TheVileOne]

These videos are top notch

[@CGJ7755]

Special missions issue 27... a cobra condor initiated a bombing run on a phantom stealth base in Sierra Gordo and destroyed like 10 of them on the ground, so yeah, it’s safe to say this is the bomber from that issue.

[@gijoburg]

Oh totally. Joe was just throwing those things away! I should read that issue again. Love the jet action.

[@jakezzfunk8876]

You guys are great!!

[@Skywarp-js9ne]

Cobra tech is the best there's nothing like it on the face of the Earth Cobra had the best stuff ever

[@Leolion0013]

I didn't know Dyson was a Cobra airship designer!

[@gijoburg]

Good call! I had no idea that was a thing until this comment thread. Next gen Cobra propulsion system. Very cool!

[@gazz_N7]

What's its power source, how does it stay in flight with its wings so far back, and only two small stabilizers on the whole fuselage? Who cares! It's Cobra tech! Great review guys. The Condor is a wonderful Cobra aircraft, and it's pilot, I mean he's wearing a Zorro mask for Joe sake, lol. It shot down 16 Phantoms!, I guess those Phantoms aren't as stealthy as we thought. YO! JOE-BURG!

[@gijoburg]

Hehe! This is a great comment! Happy New Year!

[@gazz_N7]

@@gijoburg Merry New Year to you!

[@walterwright8454]

How does it fly? Cobra magic, dude!

[@OldDirtyCollector]

To me I think the condor works. Especially for cobra. I mean, look at all the cool fantasy style designs we got from cobra la. It just makes sense to me that we get outlandish designs like this for cobra. This is one of the few planes I don't have from the gi joe line. One day though. Great review burg! Really dig the content! 👍😊

[@gijoburg]

Thanks bud, I bought it purely to review it... and to get one step closer to completing 1989. And it's wormed its way into my heart by just being a really fun plane. I pick it up and I want to bomb something to oblivion. It's great!

[@MrMkirk23]

These vids are off the chain good!

[@gijoburg]

Thank you so much! And thanks also for commenting! We dig that you dig that we dig our toys!

[@ProfessorHurt]

I remember I had one of these when I was a kid. The darn gun in the back broke on mine. I forget what happened to the toy. I think I traded it to a friend, but I found some of it's bombs a few months back. So I haven't a clue what became of it. This video is giving me a itch to find out the plane's fate. Not the pilot. He's one of those rare Joes who's rubber band kept together and endured after so long.

[@gijoburg]

Aaaaand because regular visits to the gym keep him in prime physical condition. Hope you can find some closure on your plane's final resting place.

[@cheeno84]

To me it looks like it was designed for outer space combat, instead of aerial combat. Because if this were to travel at high speeds, the wind resistance will tear it half. Awesome review as always, keep it up!

[@weaponlogic]

Yeah I also feel that it moves to the stratosphere and deploys the front portion as a radar proof manned missile.

[@cheeno84]

Paul Loubser Sweet. I imagine a squadron of them attacking the Defiant! If only I had them.........

[@weaponlogic]

there are 2 condors between Stephen and myself, we just need the Defiant ;D

[@cheeno84]

Paul Loubser Well you're way closer than I am to making it a reality!😀

[@gijoburg]

I'd sooner use the Condor front than the Stellar Stiletto anyday. In space, the bombs become missiles. Brilliant!

[@TeryJones]

This damn thing just has "Cybertronian" written all over it....or maybe I'm just being paranoid?

[@trevynlane8094]

They do have a couple crossovers in the comics... and that one movie crossover with Flint and Lady J's daughter in it.

[@wildonutube]

Thinking space myself

[@chrismayer3919]

That would be SO awesome! Autobot logo instead of COBRA ones!

[@tarekbatniji4918]

Such a fascinating toy review, from a fascinating time period!

[@jasonnewsham7724]

When I was kid I used it as a Cobra space plane

[@jjs3]

gi joburg u r the best👍👍👍

[@gijoburg]

Well thank you very much! Glad you like, sorry 'bout the overlap!

[@jjs3]

no problem☺👍👍

[@TheVileOne]

I personally like the translucent weapons payload

[@gijoburg]

Everything about this plane is pure fantasy so what the hell? PS, I love em too.

[@keithivey6786]

One of my favorite vehicles even though it's split apart feature is kinda strange. A pair of tail fins off the cobra mamba makes a nice option for the tail ring without having to modify your jet.

[@gijoburg]

No way! As easy as that? Do you have to mod them in any way?

[@keithivey6786]

GI Joburg When I first picked up my Condor it was missing the tail ring. Until I was able to pick one up I used a couple of spare Mamba tail fins for display on my shelf. If it was going to be a permanent fix you would have to glue them into place or make the tabs on the mamba tailfins thicker so they would hold securely in the slots. You could then use some material to cover the opening on the back of the jet where the tail ring slots in if you chose to. The tailfins for the Mamba are pretty close in height with the tail ring.

[@gijoburg]

I may actually try this! Thanks!

[@robertcraton7281]

have that

[@magnuslauglo5356]

Excellent! I like the overall aesthetic, but would prefer it more if it didn't split apart.

[@gijoburg]

Easily ignored. Just like the Mamba's similar feature. But it's shape makes it a really aesthetically pleasing and intuitive plane to hold...

[@chrismayer3919]

HA! You and me both, friend! (that kinda ruined it)

[@ralang999]

very nice review and great commentary on its aerodynamics (or lack thereof)!

[@weaponlogic]

Thanks ;D Our inner child often argues with our more sensible grown up selves so we enjoy putting that argument in the podcasts and reviews.

[@ralang999]

loved the action scene too!

[@crownofhorns4738]

It was loosely based on the WS-100 bomber . The propulsion on the Condor is weird, if you look at the center it's some kinda propfan powering it. The extra jet engine might also somehow powering it,lol.

[@legovampire5564]

And I can’t stop watching this video I want a condor so bad

[@trevynlane8094]

Hmm. I'm thinking of how the condor's design could be improved... move the main wings to the back of the aft section (I. e. more to the center of the joined aircraft is) and increase the size of the front section's wings. Reverse ailerons have been used on a few real world aircraft before (the X-29 had them) so they can do that. Add a little detailing for a main engine and you have a functional and (after dropping all the bombs to reduce weight) very maneuverable aircraft due to the reverse ailerons.

[@arlenburgin2392]

Great review! I want one..

[@thenightoffice2541]

I like the odd shape because it is a Cobra vehicle. However, the white color threw me off and I always mistook it for a Joe vehicle.

[@gijoburg]

Unique choices all around! Close to Skystriker colour. But Cobra did have the SNAKE, CLAW and Trubble Bubbles…

[@racerxgundam]

honestly..its a hokey gimmicky mess...yet...i still want one! its a plane that should be mocked, but it has a certain level of charm and "sci fi"-ness to it that makes it rise over its shortcomings. i might have to chase one of these down eventually.

[@MARINJOE87]

El mejor bombardero, genial diseño, increible hermano

[@gunsrtheanswer]

I had this back then. Laying devastation to the enemy of Cobra.

[@THEWATCHERISLOOKING]

I really never knew how this thing flew. To me it looked like it would take a lot of speed for it to take off. But yeah. I got it. I figured it was some sort of glider than jet. But as for it splitting apart feature. I would never use it.

[@gijoburg]

You're absolutely right. There's an appeal tho that this thing has that no other Jets of the line do. And it's absolutely crammed with features so to hell with logic, right? Paul always made a great point and I think it's accurate to how kids share their toys between friends. A split feature is really just a way two kids can enjoy one vehicle and that's a pretty great notion even if that's all it's useful for!

[@impossiblepie]

It's ok, not even close to my favourite, after great designs ofthe night raven and Phantom x19 , I wonder they just threw a dart at a wall for the design? Anyways great review, I'd still pick it up if I had a chance at a good price. Maybe the front piece when splitting apart should've been a rocket into space?

[@hneugiii1245]

Great video guys. I love the Condor though I can't stand the Aero-Viper, he looks too much like a Joe with a bad paint job. My Condor is manned by a pair of Strato Vipers.

[@gijoburg]

Can't argue with that. Aero Vipers are something else; totally at odds with other Cobra pilots. A removable helmet on a Cobra? Bizarre. But I got love for him regardless. Must be the mustache.

[@amcaesar]

This is an amazing review, gents.

[@gijoburg]

Wow! Thank you very much!

[@lifeofajeeper5235]

I have a couple of these they are fun.

[@jjs3]

dude please do the review of 1989 raider

[@legovampire5564]

What would you get conqest x-30 or phantom x-19

[@gijoburg]

Get em both! I think the Conquest is less fiddly and more inviting for pick up and play. But the Phantom is a beautiful thing. I’ll go Phantom. I tracked that down long before I got a Conquest.

[@thomasdodson7375]

Joburg give us the Defiant review please.

[@gijoburg]

Ah Thomas! I'm currently on vacation in Australia! But expect something really special before the end of the month. I promise! -Steve

[@faded_specter6495]

Is the ring removabal

[@gijoburg]

You betcha. And I reckon customizers could quite easily replace it with a pair of fins. But would you want to? This thing is too weird to start chipping away at the weirdness now!

[@MiXVoy]

Night Raven's cousin

[@legovampire5564]

I think a good match is the sky striker

[@gijoburg]

Depends on how you play I guess. Sticklers for the details might say the Condor is a bomber while the Skystriker is a dedicated fighter. But I reckon Cobra tech will probably be up to the challenge!

[@ShivonYoTu]

Hi buddy, one quick question - is it compatible with modern figures?

[@gijoburg]

Nothing technically barring it-no back plug or footpegs; but they might be a little cramped. It always comes down to what figure you use. Modern Strato Viper would make it I reckon. I wish I had my Condor on hand to give it a test for you tho. Sorry!

[@ShivonYoTu]

@@gijoburg Thanks buddy! Appreciate it! I saw one on ebay and immediately remembered your review video. Please do revert when you can, no issues.

[@gijoburg]

@@ShivonYoTu from the mouth of GI Joburg’s Paul: “Ok tiger force shipwreck fits in both front and rear cockpits. ME skystriker pilot Ace fits in front. And is squashed in rear cockpit. Also not I didn't finesse the poses too much. I'm sure with a bit of work ace would fit comfortably in the rear.” Um, phrasing of that last bit Paul. Yow.

[@ThaWhiteKnight777]

I guess its a good thing this was designed for kids who don't care about aerodynamics. Or practicality.

[@gijoburg]

I don’t know about that bruv. I was the kind of kid that cared deeply about those things. And this toy comes from the same line as very real-world adaptations like the Dragonfly, Skystriker, Night Raven and Rattler. But I love it a great deal in spite of its crazy design. I can’t dispute the allure of this thing.

[@4713Caine]

4:20 Watch your step.

[@gijoburg]

😂🦶🚙😢

[@jjs3]

I think I saw this video 5 hours ago

[@gijoburg]

You did, we had a technical glitch woth the upload that we had to address :D

[@cyberfrank-bx2nv]

the separation gimmick was too much, it spoiled the design in my opinion.

[@gijoburg]

I agree in that it is a major hit or miss with some guys. My main reason as a grown up collector fir liking it is that its cheaper to ship due to that feature. Ok mine was pretty cheap to ship ;D. Thankfully though it is something that can be ignored.

[@cyberfrank-bx2nv]

it did nt restrain me from buying it, just to look at it next to my raven was worth it. I agree with everything you said about it. I post my opinion just so that in time, we can see how the majority feels like, how many felt like it was cooler to have 2 bizarre planes into one, with a weird landing gear, instead of a raven-conquest beauty? I m just curious.

[@gijoburg]

In terms of Cobra aircraft its Raven first then Condor. I have em both next to each other and I'm very thankful as I love the shit outta them. Im sure Stephen may feel differently but im the one replying mwa ha ha ha CONDOR LOVE YEAAAAAH.

[@DREADNOK_RYAN]

Sorry it is still awesome.

[@gijoburg]

Agreed. We do love our Condors.

[@gdjaybee742]

No Joes or Cobra hench ever dies. Is it not accurate to say that a weapon is deadly at all?

[@gijoburg]

Mmm if your only reference is the kids cartoon, sure. But it might surprise you how many Joes and named Cobras have been killed over the years in other media.

[@gdjaybee742]

@@gijoburg Yeah, Im behind on GI Joes storied. Ive only know the 80s cartoon and the live action movie.

[@gijoburg]

@@gdjaybee742 lots of good stuff ahead of you then! Enjoy the journey buddy!

[@daveh013]

It looks completely unrealistic..... But its so sci-fi cool. I want it

[@gijoburg]

I never wanted it. Then I thought "what the hell?" I bought it. I love it.