Retailer | Price | Diff | Lowest Found |
---|---|---|---|
Sold Auctions | Avg: $231.23 | +$216.24 (+1443%) | $163.45 |
Buy It Now | Avg: $224.24 | +$209.25 (+1396%) | $104.99 |
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This Skystriker (XP-14F Combat Jet) toy was added on April 2021 and originally released in 1983 with a retail price of $14.99. This action figure is part of the G.I. Joe genre within the A Real American Hero series and included in Wave 2. With an average selling price of $231.23, this toy is highly collectible as it's selling for 15x over its retail price. Hundreds of collectors have this toy (126) in their user collections, so it does seem to be very popular. AFA auctions are considered in determining the value of this item, potentially leading to a greater variance in the price range.
It may have been a toy, but the quality craftsmanship prevalent in the details make it stand out from the crowd. Its swiveling wings, two-seater cockpit equipped with an additional action figure known as Ace, upped its allure, contributing to its immense popularity and increasing collectability.
The Skystriker comes equipped with retractable landing gear, an opening cockpit canopy, and adjustable wings that can be positioned for takeoff, flight, or landing. It also includes a removable engine cover, revealing detailed engine components underneath. The jet is armed with two removable "Phoenix" missile launchers, each carrying six missiles, and two removable fuel tanks.
The Skystriker is piloted by the character Ace, a skilled fighter pilot and a member of the G.I. Joe team. In the G.I. Joe storyline, Ace is known for his exceptional flying skills and his ability to remain calm under pressure. The Skystriker is often depicted in aerial combat scenarios, engaging with enemy aircraft in high-stakes battles.
One unique feature of the Skystriker is its ejection seats. In the event of an emergency, the seats can be launched from the jet, allowing the action figures to parachute to safety. This feature adds an extra layer of playability and realism to the toy.
However, the Skystriker wasn't devoid of flaws. The landing gear and wings were connected to a common lever and operated simultaneously, limiting the play experience. Furthermore, the cockpit's canopy was a bit of a struggle to manage, often breaking at the hinge and unable to hold open.
Even though there were no official Top Gun toys from the movie, the Sky Striker filled that void perfectly, its design closely mirroring the US Navy’s F-14 Tomcat, the aircraft featured in the film.