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Star Trek Communicator and Phaser Two Pack

Today's shopping tips: "Be wise in purchasing ..... find best value one"

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Manufacturer: Diamond Select Toys
Brand: Diamond Select
List Price: $49.95
Our Price: $42.19
You Save: $ 7.76 ( 16% )
(prices subject to change)

Average Ratings:

Back by popular demand are two of the most iconic and recognizable pieces from the classic Star Trek line - the multi-purpose Phaser and the always handy Communicator.


DESCRIPTION:

Amazon Minimum Age: 60
Binding: Toy
Brand: Diamond Select
EAN: 0699788177631
Feature: A Diamond Select release
Label: Diamond Select Toys
Manufacturer: Diamond Select Toys
Manufacturer Minimum Age: 168
Model: JUL084822
Publisher: Diamond Select Toys
Release Date: 2008-08-03
Studio: Diamond Select Toys


FEATURES:

• A Diamond Select release
• Packaged together in a deluxe window box
• Each replica features working lights and sound effects taken from the original star trek series
• Use the Phaser's detachable Type 1 Phaser and the Communicator's auto-distress call for all those landing party emergencies
• Two of the most iconic and recognizable accessories used by the Enterprise crew



SIMILAR ITEMS:

• Star Trek the Original Series Tricorder
• Star Trek the Original Series Black Handle Phaser
• Star Trek - Starfleet Phaser
• Star Trek - Electronic Tricorder
• Star Trek: The Original Series - Season Two (Remastered Edition)


CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

Customer Rating:
Summary: Phaser good, communicator not quite
Comment: First the good. The phaser is very good. You have the option of using it as a Type I (just using the smaller part) or Type II (ie. docking it into the pistol part and using both). Now the bad news. The Type I doesn't dock into the pistol very well at all. This affects the "overload" function. Only through pressing down on it by hand or somehow wedging the phaser down will you get the overload to work. It's cheaply built but it doesn't mean it's not fun. The communicator however is just bad all around. The mesh screen came bent and not fitting flush to the rest of the communicator. Thankfully it's made of cheap metal so I could bend it to the right positioning. Also, don't think you can flick this communicator open just like the show. There's no friction on the hinge so it just flops around. The motor that makes the screen design slowly spin around is so incredibly loud that I went in and took out the battery. No on/off switch. The communicator couldn't be more disappointing. Save yourself the money and buy the phaser by itself if you really want it.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Star Trek 2-pack
Comment: While a big fan of Star Trek, I would not be considered a "Trekkie". However, the "replica" items are fine for my taste. They are only for display use and therefore are just fine. A more fanatical fan would probably be disappointed in the quality and design. But for the "average" fan, they are acceptable. Probably a little over-priced for the average fan.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Too shoddy for replica, too dear for toy
Comment: I must say this is a disappointment, mainly due to the quality. The communicator in particular looks rather poor. The paint job is sloppy, with some of the silver paint spilling off of the trim, or not covering the trim completely, making the new item look worn. The antenna has a frame with the mesh "cage" soldered at a few points, and where it is not soldered it does not quite meet the frame, leaving rough looking gaps. It does not fit into the casing well and won't close completely. Though only a very minor nitpick, the antenna is also a matte bronze color rather than the shiny gold in the picture (this may be more faithful to the original prop, as shiny metal can cause glares on set, but it was nonetheless a little disappointing). Mine had some sort of flaw in the display screen resulting in a big black splotch in the center. The phaser doesn't suffer quite as much, though it too has sloppy paint.

All of this is in addition to the over use of gimmicks. I knew going in that the phaser wasn't perfectly accurate, but the changes seem excessive and unnecessary. The biggest modification is the "targeting sensor". What is supposed to be the power control dial instead raises the silver mesh piece on the top to a low angle, supported by a clear plastic piece that replaces the trigger button (which has been relocated to the bottom of the piece). To change the power setting one turns the gauge on the right side. This might seem like fannish, nerdy nitpicking, but it is a significant modification of the original design, unless all the replicas I've seen elsewhere are inaccurate. Combined with the reassigning of the pistol's power control dial that is supposed to initiate a self destruct sequence (that doesn't work on mine) and a few other minor details, it really isn't accurate to brag about the authenticity.

All in all, these are not really very good for collectors or geeks who want to display or occasionally play with replicas. They might be more suitable for children, but they are awfully expensive to be thrown around by a kid, especially given their light construction. Perhaps if the makers had used fewer gimmicks and instead made the items a littler better, they might be worth it. As it is, I will be sending mine back, and will just save up for proper replicas.


Customer Rating:
Summary: great nestalgic toy
Comment: Of course if these two toys where metal that would be an improvement but for the purpose of being able to have a great replica of a childhood fantasy in your hand, this product is good. A heavier, more durrable plastic would be an improvement. The sound effects are cool. The 'hailing' setting on the comunicator is great. The phaser has an over load build up with explosion setting, straight out of the original TV show.
I always wanted these toys as a kid growing up in the late 70's but to poor to get for Christmas or birthdays, so I'm buying them now..just 'cause.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Just as much fun as you'd think!!
Comment: This was a gift for my husband, a total Trekkie, and he does have alot of fun with it.

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