Background
Kicktoys introduced us to their BEit Dude project at the beginning of the year. After seeing the figures, and the line progress, they recently released their first four character designs (Rapper, Skater, Knight and DIY). Each one, with the exception of the DIY design, is available in various skin tones. This is somewhat important, for reasons that we’ll later cover.
For purposes of this review, we decided to go with the White Skater BEit Dude.
Packaging
Each figure is packaged within a plastic bag, which separates the pieces to avoid paint exchange. That bag is then placed inside of a red and white rectangular box that features the Kicktoys and BEit Dudes logos. The figure version is determined by checkboxes on the top of the box.
The Figure
Each BEit Dude stands approximately 6” in height and features 8 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, biceps, wrists, and waist). The White Skater vinyl includes a blue backpack, yellow hat and blue skateboard with yellow, turning wheels. The colors of these items differ by the skin tone you choose.
The piece is packaged with a sheet of stickers, which you can use to customize your BEit Dude, as well as a Save the Children wristband (15% of profits are donated there). There is also a small plastic template you can use to help cut out your faces.
The most interesting aspect of the figure is that you can slide a picture into a slot that is in the top of each BEit Dude’s head. This allows for an unlimited range of customization.
Our Opinion
This is one of the more interesting DIY/customizable figures available. By allowing you to print out a drawing you did, or a picture of someone famous…or yourself (for you egomaniacs), you’re given a blank slate with an unlimited number of possibilities. If you get fed up with one of designs, switch it out and - voila! - a new character!
I tested this out by using a picture of myself (I didn’t want to get in trouble for using someone else) that was printed on my nearly out of ink printer. It worked fairly well. I had to cut down the picture several times in order to get a clean fit in the face area.
If there’s any complaint, it’s a minor one about the design. The bottom of the body is about an inch (total) wider than the shirt. It makes for a weird looking ‘ledge’ on the BEit Dude’s pants. It was obviously designed this way, so it’s the look they were going for.
Overall, I think the BEit Dude line is a lot of fun. For those collectors out there who are somewhat artistically challenged…now they can get into the custom figure game.
You can pick one up at the following:
Kicktoys: $18.99
White Skater BEit Dude Grades:
Quality: 8/10
Paint: 8/10
Packaging: 7/10
Durability: 8/10
Hype: 7/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 8.3/10
Have this figure? What do you rate it?
