GB Plastic Arab Spearmen and Archers

[WillieB]

Ooh! Nice! A large scale opposition for my English army for Tangiers just became affordable.

Exactly so!
A friend of mine is already looking into the possibilities of combining these with the plastic Perry Ansar.

[Hu Rhu]

But then, everyone here already knows I'm cheap

That's not what I heard. 

As for Gripping Beast plastics I fall in between like and dislike.  The Vikings Hirdmen and Saxon Thegns were pretty good for variation, although I don't like the crouched action so much.  However I agree with Captain Blood about the Dark Ages Warriors.  Too much similarity in poses (and not very good poses either) and no bows. Poor value for money I felt.  I will wait and see what the Arab sprues contain before I shell out my money.

[Mitch K]

That's not what I heard. 

As for Gripping Beast plastics I fall in between like and dislike.  The Vikings Hirdmen and Saxon Thegns were pretty good for variation, although I don't like the crouched action so much.  However I agree with Captain Blood about the Dark Ages Warriors.  Too much similarity in poses (and not very good poses either) and no bows. Poor value for money I felt.  I will wait and see what the Arab sprues contain before I shell out my money.

I think one has to be prepared to judge any kit on its merits - and these will be no different.

I always try to keep in mind the definition of quality that I was taught: "quality is fitness for purpose". In my view, the GB Dark Age warriors are eminently ideal for my purpose: that of covering the table with spear-armed rabble-like infantry at absolutely minimal cost. Therefore they precisely fit my definition of "quality"

A different end use and requirement will of course entirely alter whether or not these are a "quality " product. Which goes back to the original point: I'm cheap

[Gibby]

I always try to keep in mind the definition of quality that I was taught: "quality is fitness for purpose". In my view, the GB Dark Age warriors are eminently ideal for my purpose: that of covering the table with spear-armed rabble-like infantry at absolutely minimal cost. Therefore they precisely fit my definition of "quality"

That is a good point well made. With that outlook, I also am quite happy with mine and what they provide me. How dynamic can a man with a spear and large round shield be anyway? Just should've had more head variation!

[Araknofobia]

Two photos of assembled models at GBs Salute page. Looks like spear arms are same as Dark Age warriors.
http://www.grippingbeast.com/webpage.php?PageID=1044

[Mitch K]

Two photos of assembled models at GBs Salute page. Looks like spear arms are same as Dark Age warriors.
http://www.grippingbeast.com/webpage.php?PageID=1044

Without paint and having them in my hand, obviously you can't say 100%, but nothing I'm seeing here is putting me off using these for a Sathuli warband...

[Atheling]

For those who may not have seen them, here's the pics from the GB site:

[Neldoreth]

OH MY GOODNESS, THIS IS THE BEST NEWS I'VE HAD IN AGES!!!!

I have been waiting patiently for plastic Andalusians and these definitely fit the bill!

In fact, I'd argue that these aren't actually Arabs, but Andalusians or North Africans. They certainly are not Islamic Expansion era figures... which would fit much more closely to the SAGA timeline. The whole cover-your-face thing was really not big until the North African empires began to expand, which was much later. But hey, I'm ordering two boxes right now!

As for quality, you guys seem to forget the metalic figs: poor variety, absolutely no customization, and very expensive. If you compare these to the old metal Andalusians from GB with their bumpy surfaces and generic poses, these plastics are a million times better!

Thanks
n.

[Neldoreth]

Aw, I have to wait for salute

Oh well, I've been waiting for about 10 years, what's another few weeks?!?

Also, thanks Rotocraft for posting a link to my Andalusian light horse! I'm looking forward to building those out into an army now!!!

Thanks
n.

[Mason]

Haradrim!
 

[Mitch K]

Haradrim!
 

That too!

[Neldoreth]

Also, those straight swords and spangen helmets totally fit the the Andalusian theme as well...

thanks
n

[dm]

They look good and can see some conversion scope for other periods

[Phil Portway]

They look nice

Will be getting a few of those to fight my Crusaders

[Elbows]

While the Hirdmen box is phenomenal these don't look quite as dynamic, but since my interests lay in the fantasy realm, I think a box of these mixed in with other boxes should be quite useful.