Toy Review - Studio Series 86 JAZZ

[GoktimusPrime]

MEISTER
Series - Studio Series
Sub-line - 86
Size/class - Deluxe
New/remould/redeco - New
Wave - 1
Released here - December 2020
Approximate Retail Price - $30
Approximate Size - 14cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - It's Jazz
Main Features/Gimmicks - Gun can plug onto car roof
Main Colours - white, black
Main Accessories - x1 photon gun, x0 missile launcher, x0 missiles

Thoughts
+ The most cartoon-like G1 Jazz toy to date.
+ The most Porsche-like post-G2 G1 Jazz toy to date (outside of reissues and Smallest TF)
+ The way that the doors and rear window panel tuck in to reduce kibble is nicely done.
+ Be sure to push the knee tabs in all the way to securely lock them into place. I find that this is best done by pushing in on the back of the knees. This will keep the knees secure up to a 90? bend, but any more than this will cause the knee tabs to disconnect.
+ Some of the vehicle decos aren't G1 accurate but are likely done to circumvent licensing issues. Most notable are the lack of racing stripes above the rear wheels, no Martini logo on the doors, and the racing number is now fourteen instead of four. Fourteen being the original G1 Jazz's Diaclone number and number on the 1984 catalogue.
+ Much like Siege Jetfire, this toy has two different shades of white - one is bright white while the other is kinda yellowed. :/ Don't like it.

Overall
Weird patches of pre-yellowed white parts aside, this is a pretty nice Jazz toy. A massive improvement over the RTS/United Jazz toy as the chest locks into place and the ankles aren't permanently sculpted at an ankle (this Jazz of course has ankle tilts). Highly recommended. :)


https://i.ibb.co/py40GkP/86studioseries-jazz01.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/gPB8Z7V/86studioseries-jazz02.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/CtZPcZv/86studioseries-jazz03.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/4NP8cVh/86studioseries-jazz03a.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Vw0V3zq/86studioseries-jazz05.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1rS7ys4/86studioseries-jazz06.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/xXvThMq/86studioseries-jazz07.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/JsCG2zH/86studioseries-jazz08.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Pzwr2y9/86studioseries-jazz09.jpg

[SMHFConvoy]

SS'86 Jazz is great, a solid little guy.

[Deano85]

Looking forward to the set of Toyhax stickers for this Jazz

[SMHFConvoy]

It's really cool how all of the SS'86 figures have ports on their backs and feet to interact with the WFC play pattern.

[Kyle]

Really looking forward to getting this.

[kovert]

Jazz looks great. Relieved this is a general retail release and not a web/store exclusive.

[reillyd]

Seeing the comparison pics, I think I prefer the original G1 Jazz toy. Unless reprolabels does a fix, I?ll pass. And why 14 instead of 4? Licensing issue?

[SMHFConvoy]

Seeing the comparison pics, I think I prefer the original G1 Jazz toy. Unless reprolabels does a fix, I?ll pass. And why 14 instead of 4? Licensing issue?

We don't talk about the 14, but yes licencing issue

[GoktimusPrime]

Seeing the comparison pics, I think I prefer the original G1 Jazz toy. Unless reprolabels does a fix, I?ll pass. And why 14 instead of 4? Licensing issue?
Yes, licensing issues. 14 is also a reference to:
Jazz's Diaclone number.
Jazz's number on the 1984 catalogue.

https://i.ibb.co/DwZPXKd/temp.jpg

[SMHFConvoy]

I just noticed two small cracks caused by having to reattach the rear window because it popped off during transformation

[klystron]

This was NOT on my radar at all. But it has really surprised me how much I dig it (based on photos and reviews - I've not found it in shops yet). Never managed to nab the RTS version, so I do need a Jazz in my collection.
As Deano85 mentioned, some Tayhax labels is really going to bring this to life.

[Deano85]

https://dm2305files.storage.live.com/y4mSTOCjqgerrUx4fpPcIrkEZAYXwAsIvEG5S-_eLp3OnC85EkSu7yNoA1pXWVgNj1hNwLMl6qxes_0sG6KEzkkx pO5aC91BLlLt2oH_aYQvR19L6BA6DxZaLfFjcJKpAE2yhJn_oE XFRjNfFfPZ4nvhY2YL-2WRVpDOWp8tRRPDxI0Hboh_mZj45WEcrig54hT?width=854&height=600&cropmode=none

https://dm2305files.storage.live.com/y4m8YqvDQyOVFRonKrhB9bRnTq45xgoV2geCnE_7vvE1haTFvH vu1ppslilg_LSn0TdB5Br-0hAP0YNvI_3boB4f3Z4SsYnEFJHmZQVF1hkBV0PMqUXBhPXQDC SSvw2CvzGXc1idxpGdoEGMEjF8o9sIVUCxFmD5yqwWjkgMGN02 z86aFSGtjvFhBeZQ22B1fX8?width=694&height=700&cropmode=none

[sideswipes brother]

I really like the look of this figure and will pick him up if i see him in the wild but i strongly agree with the majority of comments about reprolabels coming to the rescue!

[Seraphim Prime]

https://dm2305files.storage.live.com/y4mSTOCjqgerrUx4fpPcIrkEZAYXwAsIvEG5S-_eLp3OnC85EkSu7yNoA1pXWVgNj1hNwLMl6qxes_0sG6KEzkkx pO5aC91BLlLt2oH_aYQvR19L6BA6DxZaLfFjcJKpAE2yhJn_oE XFRjNfFfPZ4nvhY2YL-2WRVpDOWp8tRRPDxI0Hboh_mZj45WEcrig54hT?width=854&height=600&cropmode=none

https://dm2305files.storage.live.com/y4m8YqvDQyOVFRonKrhB9bRnTq45xgoV2geCnE_7vvE1haTFvH vu1ppslilg_LSn0TdB5Br-0hAP0YNvI_3boB4f3Z4SsYnEFJHmZQVF1hkBV0PMqUXBhPXQDC SSvw2CvzGXc1idxpGdoEGMEjF8o9sIVUCxFmD5yqwWjkgMGN02 z86aFSGtjvFhBeZQ22B1fX8?width=694&height=700&cropmode=none

I was always wondering how well Jazz would fit in with the Earthrise figures, and these photos really help. Overall, the moulding seems to fit perfectly, but the paints are more pastel compared to the vibrant colours of the Earthrise / Netflix figures. and is a close but imperfect match.

[Autocon]

Maybe the pastel colours are to get around copyright for the original paint job.

[yoshi594]

Love this jazz but I still love United jazz too. Only gripe is how the feet is displayed in car mode (same issue with earth mode iron hide which I didn?t get).

[Kyle]

Really like this new Jazz. A funny little figure :)

https://i.ibb.co/JKL4g9m/2021-01-13-10-30-12.jpg

[klystron]

Very simple figure that does what it needs to do - look fantastic in both modes. There's nothing fancy or surprising here (in fact I found it a little underwhelming at first). After mucking with it a bit I can say that its a neat, fun figure, bot mode poses very well, and I'm very pleased with it overall.
Joints on mine were crazy tight. First transformation was downright scary. Couple transformations later its now fine.
Only gripes -- few bits would have benefited from tabbing into place (backpack!), and the left knee on mine does not tab in at all (right one is fine tho).
Pleased to finally have a Jazz!

[reillyd]

Well I finally have G1 Jazz in hand. I?ve always *loved* the G1 character, and was somewhat disappointed with the Reveal the Shield version released many years ago. Although it did have the right number, and won?t need a reprolabels to correct.

So given my love of the character, it was always going to be a low bar to pass for me to love the figure...... and yet...... Hasbro doesn?t fail to disappoint. I?m not good with camera skills to take a photo, but Kyle?s photo just above is perfect for illustrating.

My gripes

Compare G1 Jazz to Studio Series Jazz. Remember that its supposed to be movie accurate. In robot mode, he?s missing his doors (which I always used to think were little wings) which were prominent on the original toy. Yes technically its more animation accurate, but when you place the two toys side by side which I did tonight, you see it just doesn?t resemble the original toy much at all. If you?re going for animation accurate though, his blue visor is the wrong shade, as is the blue bonnets stripe. At least Reveal the Shield got the colours right.

In vehicle mode, there?s a stark discrepancy with the type and width of the rear spoiler. You can notice it when you compare G1 toy Jazz with this one, or when you look at footage of the cartoon. My guess is its all intentional, because they cheaped out and didn?t want to license the Porsche. For a Studio Series figure that?s disappointing.

These might seem like really minor nitpicking gripes. But I?d take G1 toy Jazz over this guy anyway. Maybe I?ll feel better once I?ve snickered him up but it doesn?t live up to my expectations. I?m so glad I was able to pick up a encore reissue of Jazz though, so I have a decent rendition of the beloved character.

[SMHFConvoy]

Toyhax just tweeted the release of their sticker set for SS'86 Jazz


My guess is its all intentional, because they cheaped out and didn?t want to license the Porsche. For a Studio Series figure that?s disappointing.

I love how you immediately assume it's Hasbro's fault, Porsche may not want sell the licence to Hasbro. Anyway, it doesn't matter, the toy has been released.

[Tha_Phantom]

Toyhax just tweeted the release of their sticker set for SS'86 Jazz
Looks sooooooo goooooood! I'm keen.


Porsche may not want sell the licence to Hasbro.
Definitely this. There were attempts to do a Binaltech Porsche Jazz back in the day but then he became a Mazda, so it's not as if HasTak haven't tried. They've obtained licensing from the likes of Lamborghini and even Volkswagen in recent years.

And because this always comes up, no, VW and Porsche being under the same parent company doesn't matter.

[G1Optimal]

Becareful with the clear plastic canopy on jazz i have seen photos of it cracked after transforming him

[kovert]

In terms of sculpt, the resemblance to the cartoon model is excellent. For the price ($35 and even less on sale), Jazz is pretty much perfect. For deco, some solid blue stripes on the rear wheel arches would have been nice. The tight joints make the toy seem very solid and well-made.

[Deano85]

With the Toyhax stickers

https://dm2305files.storage.live.com/y4mIbmoLLjD3hJW7skX-Dwm0xnwgfExAlt7hxypi7x2VrL0T4SkBpaL24Gt_tsypRnhc45 QVvJpTMoM7eouRvyYCudAXEG56dMIAH9NXAaBV-UVPN3G8ZUv5_1osN7Xu3j0D5jnxNz6pL4bNNCrgQYlR4r5Hmup kMwKLfozeUF7tEkKiif5ryZgMwsby-fZXpjC?width=1599&height=1088&cropmode=none

[Choos]

With the Toyhax stickers

https://dm2305files.storage.live.com/y4mIbmoLLjD3hJW7skX-Dwm0xnwgfExAlt7hxypi7x2VrL0T4SkBpaL24Gt_tsypRnhc45 QVvJpTMoM7eouRvyYCudAXEG56dMIAH9NXAaBV-UVPN3G8ZUv5_1osN7Xu3j0D5jnxNz6pL4bNNCrgQYlR4r5Hmup kMwKLfozeUF7tEkKiif5ryZgMwsby-fZXpjC?width=1599&height=1088&cropmode=none

That is gorgeous! I just got this figure from Saviers and contemplating getting another one and this Toyhax set.

[Deano85]

That is gorgeous! I just got this figure from Saviers and contemplating getting another one and this Toyhax set.

I have a spare SS86 Jazz still in box. Bought the Kingdom Jackpot version. Will probably get the orange G2 Legacy version.

[Choos]

I have a spare SS86 Jazz still in box. Bought the Kingdom Jackpot version. Will probably get the orange G2 Legacy version.

I am quite keen to get a second one now, I have ordered the Toyhax labels and some Jazz rifles from them. I also am keen to get the crazy orange G2 Legacy version.

[GoktimusPrime]

Here are images of Jazz from the Dramatic Capture 3 pack.

https://i.ibb.co/gJvnGPV/86studioseries-jazz-dramcap-02.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/yqrL1bX/86studioseries-jazz-dramcap-01.jpg

It mostly retains the original SS86 decoes, but also carries over the following decoes from the Autobots Stand United 3 pack:
+ rear wheel hub racing stripes
+ painted kneecaps
+ black spoiler sides
The Autobot logos are also larger and bordered in silver instead of white.

[DELTAprime]

I just read SS86 Jazz's TFwiki info. Apparently the 14 is a combination of his G2 and G1 versions and the Diaclone thing was a happy coincidence. The designer expected people would customize Jazz and remove the number they didn't want. I'm left wondering, if you're creating a figure in a line that is meant to be screen accurate why would you even consider adding something not screen accurate???

[Magnus]

I just read SS86 Jazz's TFwiki info. Apparently the 14 is a combination of his G2 and G1 versions and the Diaclone thing was a happy coincidence. The designer expected people would customize Jazz and remove the number they didn't want. I'm left wondering, if you're creating a figure in a line that is meant to be screen accurate why would you even consider adding something not screen accurate???

This one was discussed in a showcase event a few days ago. (https://youtu.be/Hc5mkAAGzyE?t=381) Evan Brooks said that Jazz got that 14 because of a request to change the number to avoid having to secure a licence for the car - as it is, the toy is skirting the edges of what would be legally permissible to make without having to secure a licence. Look at Studio Series Jazz and then look at the #4 Porsche 935 Turbo that won the Six Hours of Mugello race in 1976 (https://www.erneslot.es/html-ing/scratchbuilding/porsche/porsche_935mugello.html) and you'll see that the toy is pretty close. Brooks found that #14 was the catalogue number for Jazz back in the day, and it was also a Takara product number.

[GoktimusPrime]

This one was discussed in a showcase event a few days ago. (https://youtu.be/Hc5mkAAGzyE?t=381) Evan Brooks said that Jazz got that 14 because of a request to change the number to avoid having to secure a licence for the car - as it is, the toy is skirting the edges of what would be legally permissible to make without having to secure a licence. Look at Studio Series Jazz and then look at the #4 Porsche 935 Turbo that won the Six Hours of Mugello race in 1976 (https://www.erneslot.es/html-ing/scratchbuilding/porsche/porsche_935mugello.html) and you'll see that the toy is pretty close. Brooks found that #14 was the catalogue number for Jazz back in the day, and it was also a Takara product number.
Ooh, I didn't know about SS86 Jazz's livery number referring to the original Hasbro catalogue's numbering. That's cool.

I don't think it refers to the original Meister's Japanese numbering though. As far as I can tell, Meister's number was 6.
Japanese box:
https://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/78/99/85bf8a354b1dcdbb70673cccab47a650.jpg
Japanese catalogue:
https://hobby.dengeki.com/ss/hobby/2016/09/b276735a394c321c84236007f317d224.jpg
I wonder if he was assigned number 6 because the car won the Six Hours Mugello race in 1976? Or maybe it's just a coincidence. :p

[DELTAprime]

This one was discussed in a showcase event a few days ago. (https://youtu.be/Hc5mkAAGzyE?t=381) Evan Brooks said that Jazz got that 14 because of a request to change the number to avoid having to secure a licence for the car - as it is, the toy is skirting the edges of what would be legally permissible to make without having to secure a licence. Look at Studio Series Jazz and then look at the #4 Porsche 935 Turbo that won the Six Hours of Mugello race in 1976 (https://www.erneslot.es/html-ing/scratchbuilding/porsche/porsche_935mugello.html) and you'll see that the toy is pretty close. Brooks found that #14 was the catalogue number for Jazz back in the day, and it was also a Takara product number.

So TFwiki is wrong again. lol.
As a motorsport fan and sports car nerd I'm extremely aware of the Martini Porsche's and that Jazz was based on the number 4 Porsche 935. I always assumed the 14 was a copyright dodge, especially given how Porsche are notorious with their licensing. So the explanation on TFwiki was news to me, but turns out it's not real.

[DELTAprime]

Ooh, I didn't know about SS86 Jazz's livery number referring to the original Hasbro catalogue's numbering. That's cool.

I don't think it refers to the original Meister's Japanese numbering though. As far as I can tell, Meister's number was 6.
Japanese box:
https://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/78/99/85bf8a354b1dcdbb70673cccab47a650.jpg
Japanese catalogue:
https://hobby.dengeki.com/ss/hobby/2016/09/b276735a394c321c84236007f317d224.jpg
I wonder if he was assigned number 6 because the car won the Six Hours Mugello race in 1976? Or maybe it's just a coincidence. :p

Diaclone catalogue number, not Japanese G1 or Hasbro number.