Sith Infiltrator (#7961)

When I saw this one on the Lego website, I wasn't quite sure about it. I liked the curved wings of the 7663 version because they were more movie-accurate than the first incarnation (I may end up transferring them to the new one). This is one of those models you need to see in person before you make up your mind. This is the third version of the Infiltrator and I think Lego did a good job on it.

Here is the 7663 version with the new 7961 for comparison. The proportions on 7961 are much better and I prefer the new cockpit section to the old one. This one feels sturdier as well, it doesn't feel like it's going to fall apart when you pick it up.

The minifigs... the first time we've seen Captain Panaka, an updated Padme (haven't seen her since "Anakin's Podracer" set from 1999) with an alternate expression on the back of her head, and a new Quigon Jinn with a green lightsaber (finally).

The hinged cockpit works much better on this model than on 7663 (the back had a bad habit of falling off when opened) and there's a lightsaber storage compartment as well. Much better than having to piece it together from various parts of the ship.

Darth Maul... he comes with an optional horns ring (even comes with an extra one) or a hood which can be interchanged. This new version is very good.

Here's where we start getting onto shaky ground. The front section seems like the designers were a bit rushed and didn't put as much attention here. I'm not a fan of the spy droid deployment system. They're not supposed to drop out of the ship like bombs. I don't have a problem with storing them in the front section, but the bomb levers are a bit silly. An enthusiastic 'meh' on the flick-fire missiles, but I really like the speeder storage...

...and design. It's much more streamlined than its predecessor, and fits nicely inside the ship. But because the   top section of the ship is mounted on Technic hinges, it tends to flip open if you barrel roll the ship, which ends up with the speeder falling out and onto the floor. It's like having the hood of your car flip open as you're driving down the highway, not good.

So I fixed it with a hinged brick for now. If you have it, I would recommend the hinge with a 2x2 plate on top, the standard 1x2 doesn't seem to be strong enough.

Despite a few design shortcomings, this is still a great set. It even feels better when you hold it, 7663 felt almost fragile at times. This version does not have that problem. Overall, I'd give it a solid 8.5/10.