G.I. Joe Classified Series Python Patrol Cobra B.A.T. review
With a Python Patrol Cobra Officer in stores now and a Crimson Guardsman teased at the last Joe livestream, I’m feeling pretty good about my decision to include at least one faction of Cobra splinter groups. I already broke down the PP Viper so now it’s time for his wave mate, the Python Patrol Cobra B.A.T.
These are the hastily thrown together battlefield terrors that can change the tide of a fight in Cobra’s favor instantly. I thought the idea of a BAT in Cobra’s sneaky, invisible to radar crew wasn’t the best idea, but then my imagination started working overtime in how that could work to Cobra’s advantage and I was sold.
Let’s see if this PP BAT warrants constant maintenance or is better suited for the spare parts sector of Dr. Mindbender’s lab.
Package: There’s not a ton of difference from the original BATs packaging setup save an overall hue of red (which takes away a little from the fantastic artwork) and a jungle setting in the rear where Python Patrol presumably carries out its latest mission. with the Cobra red accent.
The B.A.T.s stats doesn’t change with the shift to the Python Patrol. They rank at a two in energy weapons, hand-to-hand combat and sieges. The highest ranking comes in environmental specialist at three.
The bio, which you can read on gijoe.hasbro.com states:
Cobra BATS are relentless humanoid robots developed by Dr. Mindbender. They are equipped with a variety of advanced weapon systems and can adapt instantly to overcome any resistance they encounter. Autonomous and virtually indestructible, these mindless machines of destruction carry out the cold, calculated ambitions of Cobra.
Likeness: There’s literally no changes from the original figure, which featured an awesome update of the Real American Hero design.
The head looks great with the fin and faceplate largely unchanged. This version has a little less of the faceplate showing while retaining the T-shape pattern. The helmet piece has more details with grooves and paneling to show more aspects of the construction.
With the rolled-up sleeve, we get to see the excellent work on the mechanical arms complete with intricate details like the pistons. Other details like the shoulder pauldrons and harness with two grenades, belt buckle with holster and buckles, right leg ammo strap is intact.
The default presentation of the figure shows the inner workings of the B.A.T.
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Paint: Since the Real American Hero line didn’t actually have Python Patrol BATS, the Classified Series team gets to experiment a bit with this take.
There’s a wild mix of PP colors with the dark maroon torso, yellow for the shoulder holster, belt, thigh holster and boots, grey pants and black for the arms, chest panel outline, right leg ammo belt and boot accents.
It’s a striking color scheme, but my biggest gripe is there’s no pythonization on the base figure. That makes the Python Patrol chest panel, which does feature it along with the PP logo, essential. As much as I appreciate the detail of the BAT’s inner working, his faction affiliation is more important.
Scale: The B.A.T.s are just a little shorter than Roadblock, which seems about right as Dr. Mindbender would design them taller to be more intimidating.
Articulation: Since this is the exact same mold as the original I didn’t anticipate any issues with the movement and poseability.
The PP BAT remains fun to pose even though I won’t be stockpiling him like I did the others.
My figures might have had stiffer joints than usual, but I’m not going to complain about that since floppy joints remain the worst.
Python Patrol BAT has:
- head
- neck
- shoulders (butterfly)
- elbow (double-jointed)
- wrist
- wrist hinge
- mid-torso
- torso
- waist
- hips (ball-jointed)
- drop down hips
- knees (double-jointed)
- ankles
Accessories: Python Patrol BAT is loaded with accessories.
Just like the PP Viper, the PP BAT loses accessories. In this case it’s the sweet alternate battle-damaged head sculpt with shattered face plate and the cracked torso plate.
The B.A.T. still comes with the smaller pistol, this time with some yellow paint on the grip to reflect the PP color scheme.
Hasbro didn’t shortchange the three attachments — a claw with one side having a serrated edge, a machine gun and a blowtorch. This was a nice way to encourage BAT army building thanks to the various display options.
Finally, the BAT comes with a backpack to carry all of the attachments. It would have been nice for this to have some Python Patrol marking on it.
Worth It? The Python Patrol BAT retailed for $22, but they went down at clearance for as low as $11.09. I saw other reports that folks got him for $7, which was an even better price. I got mine for $17, which is still a good price to get high quality Classified Series figures.
Rating: 10 out of 10
While the whole setup of the Python Patrol needing a BAT is wild, I do dig the unique color scheme and am now actually looking forward to building out this Cobra faction.
Where to Get It? The Python Patrol B.A.T.s are Target exclusives so that should be your first and second choice though you can get him at retail price through Amazon resellers.
As an Amazon and Target associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.