Voltron Legendary Defender Metal Defender Diecast Combining Lions Review

Let's Voltron podcast co-host Greg Tyler reviews all five Metal Defender Lions from Playmates Toys. These lions contain diecast parts, and they combine to form an 8" Voltron as seen in Dreamworks' Voltron Legendary Defender on Netflix.
Each Metal Defender lion has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $15. The Metal Defender lions will be made available first at San Diego Comic Con 2017, with a wider release later in 2017.
For this and other Voltron merchandise reviews, check out the Let's Voltron KZbin channel. To listen to Let's Voltron: The Official Voltron Podcast, go to letsvoltron.com.

[@MelanieMitchellmelmeiko]

I am grateful for the info! I think I might prefer all plastic action figures too, but the diecast ones do look really sleek! And eee!!! Cute Hunk impression at the end~!!

[@chocobochicken]

I love how the Voltron assembly was properly ordered. A true novice might have put the head in position first while manipulating the Black Lion, connected the feet next for ease of balance, and then connected the arms as a last step. But this demonstration was clearly done by someone who watches and appreciates the finer details of the show.

[@gavinblack]

You have the wings in the opposite sockets. If you switch the wings when in Voltron mode they spread out nicely.

[@Nicks-Toy-Pics]

After watching your legendary lions video, and this one. I went and got both sets due to both having so many differences that I can totally warrant owning two sets. Absolutely loved your videos on these. Incredibly in depth, informative, and your editing is on point. Thanks for doing these and I look forward to watching more!

[@yayagazab4449]

Excellent review! I am always afraid of breaking the toy by manipulating it in the, wrong direction or using too much force so your instructions helped me assemble this Voltron with confidence. Also, I prefer all die cast toys as plastic can break, bend or dry rot.

[@flpanhead]

Thanks for the video. We have one blue lion and didn't know what series it was. We looked for two days and finally your video helped us identify it. Now we can get the rest.

[@aremdvnasophia]

Thanks for making the review. I love that you included basic lions and legacy lions comparing size.

[@astromotive6047]

I hope they do Classic Metal Defender Voltron as they did for the larger scale.

[@dylanmcconnell2723]

The legs falling off isn't a problem if you push them in until it clicks. You still have the double knee joints too. The only complaints I have about this set are the wings and no sword storage when not in Voltron... but for its size, it still looks really great in Voltron or individual lions. It feels right at home with all my Voltron figures (Even with the black sheep of Voltron... yes I'm looking @ you Vehicle Force... lol)

[@moomoo9926]

+1 for the use of food tray as a display table/360 display, extra retro-ism!

[@louiswilkerson2747]

This is the figure I wanted. I mean now the bigger one will be cheaper depending on where you buy it, but I could not justify something that large and child-like on my shelf. This will do wonderfully.

[@ri3m4nn]

Instead of going through all the inventory info in the video, I recommend putting it in the video description and letting the audience know they can find it there if interested.

[@Staycool1330]

Thank you for this review, your opinion on the Voltron figure made my decision much easier. I'm picking one up today.

[@keithburdo5599]

oh... forgot... Thank you for the review, very informative. Glad I finally got to see this. I hope to see more.

[@danielhardy7467]

Just picked the set up and I like this scale better. Mostly because space is limited and couldn't keep the larger one on display. Awesome review!!!

[@SquishedTia]

Just to clarify a couple of bits of misinformation (or lack of knowledge on the part of the person performing the combining): 1) On the red and green lions, it's actually easier to fold the front legs up completely first, and *then* bring them into the empty bay inside the metal casing. You'll have far less chance of damaging the legs that way. 2) On the blue and yellow lion connection to the black lion's legs, the person in the video fails one very critical connection point: the final click. To get the legs to stay on for good, you have to hold the lion by its rear section and push HARD onto the black lion's leg. You'll get a VERY distinct and noticeable "click" and the leg will stay put until you pull it off. And pull you must - it will take some serious force to remove the blue and yellow lions once they're properly connected to the black lion's legs. 3) Both the blue and yellow lions' necks are extendable, but the instructions in the video fail to mention that they have two distinct latching points. That is, when pulled out, you do so until you feel the "click", at which point the neck will stay extended until you push it back in. The same goes with pushing the neck in. In order to prevent it from moving outward easily, you push in until you feel it click. Once it's clicked into place, it won't move again until you pull fairly hard. For this reason, it is advised to hold both at the neck and pin joint of the head simultaneously (fat fingers) or just the neck (tiny fingers) to prevent shearing the head itself off from the pull force. That said, these smaller versions have one huge HUGE advantage over the larger ones: they stand up more readily because the blue and yellow lions' front legs are much, much stiffer than the VLD 16" counterparts. So much so that I had zero problems getting the MDV to stand up whereas the 16" VLD I have requires *precise* positioning and woe be me if I knock into the dresser or something and shake it. Having metal ratchet joints would really have helped there, but thankfully the size of the MDV is small enough to not need such things. Woulda been awesome though for counterbalancing purposes.

[@keithburdo5599]

While I'm a huge fan and glad they made a diecast version, BUT they only thing about it I like is the articulation. More diecast would be nice, more weapons, the ears moving and would have been great if was the same size as the 80s version. I hope they make a Robeast to battle with it.

[@WertyTT4]

I vaguely remember getting the full set on Christmas, felt good, since i had a full head on interest in the voltron series, i rediscovered it today, and there’s a bunch of problems with it. Yellows head doesn’t stay up. Blues jaw doesn’t stay in one place. Reds sticking peg doesn’t stay in place (the arm doesn’t stick in the air, it just falls down.) greens peg feels a tad bit unstable. Black has multiple paint defects (caused by me of course, because of how much i used it.) The wings were basically almost just 1 color, As i said, the moment i rediscovered this good relic is to just reorganize the toy box stashed away in my closet. A few hours later i pick it up again, played with it again, reds whole stick peg fell off, This is actually the 2nd time my red lion did this, the first time, EXACTLY where the part where my first red lion broke, broke again. The same spot, some manufacturing error probably caused the sticking peg to be a random weak point and is the easiest to break. I’m sad seeing one of my beloved toys go. I’m planning work at my dads work just to earn cash. I’m wondering, should i get a Nintendo switch Oled model? Or 50 Bucks less for the full set that i can possibly snatch on eBay. I don’t even know. I’ll decide when it comes to it.

[@amd098]

Thanks for the review. Looks like I'll stay with the other two LD voltrons as the wings look a bit out of place without that third joint.

[@theonionkid9905]

man, that 90s lion force Voltron was my favorite toy. I still miss it.

[@TheMagicRobot]

My one true complaint is that Voltron's face doesn't hide in its lion form.

[@christianna3561]

Thank for the review. Pretty awesome set for the money. Sad they cut corners in the Black Lion. Actually I would have gladly paid $19.99 for the Black Lion if it meant we would have had some added articulation. People are used to paying a little for the Black Lion anyways so it would not have been a big deal. Can Voltron turn his head left and right? If so, awesome, if not a wasted opportunity.

[@jakfuki]

Well, they didn't come out too much later than you said. I picked up a full set at Walmart.

[@jeremypickard2372]

jakfuki me too!! just got the last 2 i needed last night. go voltron force. lol

[@sithlord519]

I see i am not the only one with the black lion problem with the wings. I emailed playmates but of course i got no answer. I really hope they do make new wings for the black lion. The only other grip is the price is too high for the 5 pack. 50$ would have been much better especially since u can get the original 5 pack for $100. You are probably better off getting the original than the metal ones. But the metal ones are cool. Great video.

[@changye9604]

Sad that Voltron Force never got one.

[@devablacs17]

I recently bought the black red and blue lion yesterday from toysrus... Was nervous at first but I love them. Next is green and yellow lions

[@nataliesolondz4304]

Thank you so much. My black, green, and red lions came yesterday and there amazing! The yellow lion is on its way and I still have e to order the blue lion.

[@MrEliaspalacios6]

Great review. Very clear. I like the comparisons. Thank you.

[@Ominouspopsicle]

this guys voice kinda reminds me of the peter francis geraci commercials

[@toms1480]

I ended up returning the die cast lions for the bigger plastic ones mainly because of the legs falling off all the time when holding Voltron. It's too bad they didn't include the same locking and unlocking mechanism from the bigger Voltron.

[@jeremypickard2372]

got mine last nite. not great to tinker with but love the heaviness . good for the collection

[@daryl4225]

really wish they made a metal version of classic 84 of this size, but with the shoulders properly fixed....

[@BKTCharlie]

Thank you very much for the review. Almost went in on it but they did cut a few corners. This set is worth about $75. I would be in on that. Anything above.. not worth it.

[@BKTCharlie]

Just subscribed.

[@davidhunt9685]

I would love to see an all metal Voltron and Transformers alike. And yes I’m too a huge Voltron and TransFormers fandom. I would love to see how Voltron sizes up with TransFormers in real life.

[@wuschu6116]

The legs snap in place. You just really have to push until they snap and lock in.

[@aremdvnasophia]

If this was the same size as the 1980's Voltron this would have been a must have. The non folding black lion ears is disappointing.

[@landonkirsch2149]

i was going to get the plastic legendary lions but in 2020 there really expensive but I found a set of these diecast lions for pretty cheap so I think im gonna get these guys

[@artclaws8501]

on the parts where it might be loose or fall off I like to picture this is Cannon because it said that in the original show from the 80s that if a bad guy hits one of the limbs hard enough it would fall off so instead of looking at it just a little con or disadvantage of a metal toy I see it as as a little accurate to the show

[@aremdvnasophia]

Can you hide Voltron's face when black lions mouth is open like with the Legendary Black Lion combiner?

[@shoestringscifi]

arem dvna No. Voltron's face is "stuck" to Black Lion's lower jaw. Black's head is too small to accommodate a separately articulated Voltron face without downsizing the face.

[@aremdvnasophia]

Gregory Tyler That's disappointing. They were able to add that feature to Jollibee's Kids Meal Black Lion.

[@nekromex87]

I gotta get some of these!

[@teamprojects13]

I got my set today! I went to target after a jobsite and there were there. I got five lions separate and also the metal defender lions of voltron set. On target prices each one cost 17.99 I would think be around 11.99 due to their size... cost the same as the huge one!. The metal set cost 69.99 that one came with all five lions???

[@shadygradyredZ]

teamprojects13 got mine from walmart on sale 11 from 15 each

[@nakobass28]

DAMN IT, the Voltron Head can't turn again! I was really hoping they fixed that this time.

[@DarthOwenZ]

i hope they make this available in the Philippines too :)

[@Toylympics]

ohh, why don't the wings fold out properly!

[@dbzispimpin]

Thank you for the video review... I managed to find these at a liquidation store... they had all 5 lions for $7.99ea, an I was seriously thinking of getting them, but you totally convinced me otherwise... I haven't seen the Netflix series, and my memory of the original Voltron design was a bit fuzzy, but I thought this newer Netflix one did look weird, and now that I've seen this Metal Defender next to the CLASSIC Voltrons, I see exactly why I felt weird about it... it's a pretty bad design...

[@trtx84]

These figures look fantastic, but *man* I can't believe the Black Lion's ears don't fold. I know it's a small detail, but the cartoon has always made a point of the head opening/ears folding so it's hard not to notice now that you've pointed it out. Not a deal breaker, but an annoyance...

[@frankthepug3103]

Which set of figures would you recommend the most to a casual collector who loves the new Netflix show?

[@YungXin]

tbh i prefer the plastic ones cause its not really full diecast and its a lot smaller

[@Suffocate007]

at 11:58 its like the two exact Voltrons, one just bigger... Which is the one your doing the review on...

[@kungpaopizza2126]

Cosmetically, this is "Piñata" Voltron to _me_ .. the freakin parts even fall off like candy 🍬 🍥🍭

[@striderstache99]

I've been looking for diecast lions forever. Are there still some being sold?

[@a100nick]

Is it sad I got mine at Ollie's discount store for $7

[@robdcollector2808]

No comparison with the Mattel Voltron??

[@TheTylerjoy04]

When do you think they will make the force vehicles voltron?? I've always wanted to get that as kid, but my parents couldn't afford..😔

[@nicholasgrayeagle6525]

i ought to save to get this set :3

[@rubytheater6330]

🐲Futuristic🌿 Thanks LV

[@Garrick270279]

I realized that the die cast version in a promo video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIKpppSvhLKGgdU) is very different from the one that was then released (ex. The ears of the black lion and the wings have an extra articulation, the red lion and the green one have more black colored parts in the torso). I wonder if there will be a more collector version in the future!

[@ghost19101]

Where did you get those because I want them to!

[@tanlee4451]

LJL Chin u can buy them on Ebay or target

[@honeycrispsnail4032]

i got my red lion from walmart!

[@jeremypickard2372]

i got mine at Walmart. $15.98 each. the black lion cost same unlike the bigger version

[@callmenate9009]

walmart11.00

[@SubsNoVideos-yd8ep]

I Got Mine For 72 Bucks At Amazon

[@beast9839]

Does anyone have issues putting the red lion onto the black lion? It won't go on for me. Please help!

[@brandonniles7147]

230$ on Ebay my ass! Hopefully they'll make a version between the original and die cast.

[@saltsea9499]

So, metal voltron or plastic legendary voltron?

[@redtyphoon8971]

Could someone help me? I can't decide between the smaller scale metal defender Red Lion and the bigger scale legendary defender Red Lion. Which one should I get? Thanks!

[@timothelambert5147]

I have the orginal metal with chrome legs

[@matdonlod]

may i know what are the differences between this set that are in seperate boxes with the other set that contain all 5 in box?

[@zhangyi9496]

Where are the diecast metals locate?. Cuz i can't feel the cold spots on the Black lion?.

[@TMan978]

Zhang Yi put them in a cold place first

[@zhangyi9496]

TMan978 I found where the diecasts are located. Oh man. So little.. no wonder it took me a long time to find it.. smh.

[@PrinceTrexus]

How do you make Voltron hold his shield?

[@ChinHobbyToys]

it's nothing compared to playmates advertisement.. the black lion's back wings is missng the back plates.

[@jkrowan]

okay but how do i insert the legs into the black lion, it just falls out, it doesnt stay in

[@jeremypickard2372]

John Egbert like he said in vid. you have to really use some force but dont worry you wont break anything

[@daryl4225]

Hmm seems like pure laziness on playmates part for this iteration. If there is no engineering improvements then this has to be priced much lower else they original large plastic lions are much more attractive

[@alexmckinley6959]

This helped was having trouble with my blue lion transforming to leg

[@pmcminecraft1]

Man I would love to have a Transformer like one of the Transformer animated Transformers because I only got two when they were originally out I got Cybertron Optimus Prime and I got ratchet but it's his Earth version

[@trijan78]

why are the legendary so huge

[@PrinceTrexus]

Anyone else having Trouble getting the legs attached???

[@SubsNoVideos-yd8ep]

Are These Really Small?

[@r10t49]

So can i get one of these online?

[@hermanhakenstad7673]

WHERE YOU BUY?

[@AuraLeafstorm]

I really want this set, but can't seem to find them online for a reasonable price (I'm outside the US). If anyone knows where I can find the set at or around retail price, I'd appreciate it.

[@kriticalreviewer9580]

Aurablasé go to Walmart each cost about $14.98 Target is selling the whole set For about 70$

[@jacquezchristiancj]

Wal-Mart

[@jobinantony4266]

hey pls tell me were to buy

[@Ixchelongas]

I don't get it.The lion from the right, the big ones, how I can find them on amazon. The metal one and the basic ones, I can find them, but the bigger one, i just don't seem to find them. Do you know how to find it on amazon. I am just checking prices. Thank you

[@YungXin]

search on amazon voltron lions. the first ones with the blue lion pictures would be it. if u want to make sure, check the information. the info would say it combines into 16' inch voltron. instead of 8' inch which is the diecast one

[@Ixchelongas]

Yung Xin thank u!

[@YungXin]

Ixchelongas welcome if you still don't get it I can send you the link

[@Ixchelongas]

Yung Xin thank u so much for helping me with this. But, i think i already found it. Thank u anyway

[@YungXin]

Ixchelongas hahaha anytime

[@TMan978]

I am extremely disappointed by the lack of articulation and paint. With no electronic gimmick I expected better neck articulation and a waist joint. The fact that the limb lines barely have any paint on their bodies makes them look like a cheap knockoff. I'm happy you're happy but I'll probably get the giant plastic ones again or just wait for them to improve the design.

[@BabyRobby]

am from the uk and at smthiths stores there 9.99 just for a tiny toy

[@MrJohnscream]

Strange is this their prototype??? This diecast version does not tally with the version this vid is showing kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5ncc52eZb5rbdE It be disappointing if they downgrade the diecast version.....

[@LetsVoltron]

The ones at toy fair are prototypes. Our video review was done after the actual versions had been released.

[@pimphandgamester]

I got it at Target for $65...it's a POS. Barely any metal, wings don't fan out and the red lion's front legs are so weak, it won't hold itself up. The sword is an ugly joke. Ultimately, I've always preferred the original, large Voltron that came with the figures and the black lion's key. I think it's from Panosh Palace or something. As a kid, I had the die cast version and no clue why it's the choice of collectors as it never resembled the cartoon as closely as the large one did.

[@isiahbaniel7964]

What's the difference with the metal defenders with the not metal one besides it's medal and the ears or stuck and that it's much worse lol and smaller and should I keep going? Voltron looks like booty compared to the legendary defender one lol I'm done now

[@derekgingras]

Check out my instagram pics of voltron legendary in different positions

[@LogHeadGaming]

not that impressed was hoping full diecast

[@johnballard5547]

🙂👍🏽📽

[@porterhousessealanternmoos8984]

Dobthey get rusty

[@jackkoffe_133_]

Keith body pillow

[@JuggyBohab]

all this....and he still can't look left or right....such and immediate downfall of metal defender and the huge combining one...one frigging neck joint is all that's needed..

[@robdcollector2808]

+Marion Dorsey My favorite is the big Mattel Voltron that was sold on Mattycollector. I had sold my toynami voltron long ago.

[@BlamoStramo]

Plastic is better

[@jdmanreviews9383]

not really interested to die cast ita small figure. where is the diecast here? just the body? and everything sis made of plastic and rubber? and it doesn't allow you to twist the waist? weak and waste of money imin the version. just my perception

[@shoestringscifi]

cheap_ collector727 The % of die-cast content is similar to that of many of the 1984-1985 Transformers toys.

[@JuanGarcia-vh7zo]

YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY "METAL DEFENDER" EVERY TIME YOU MENTION A LION! WE KNOW WHAT THEY ARE! WE ARE NOT IDIOTS! THAT IS SO ANNOYING!

[@paulituhh]

ROBLOX