Well another release has once again washed over us, so it’s time to take a look at the new models.
Today I have for you spankin’ new video unboxings of the sweet new Tau models; Riptide Battlesuit, Pathfinders, Broadsides, Cadre Fireblade, and the Sunshark Bomber.
There were some re-releases as well, like the Hammerhead/ Skyray combo kit and the “new” three pack of the Crisis Battlesuits, but I didn’t really take a look at them since they have been around for years already.
With this release, once again Games Workshop seems to have raised the bar with the new multi-part plastic kits like the Riptide suit (small head notwithstanding) and the Broadsides. In terms of assembly and design these both kits are very versatile, and can be posed a number of ways which leads to some great looking armies!
I especially like the new Broadside kits, but personally I still would have liked to have seen the Railguns shoulder mounted still. Maybe they tried it and it was just too big (or top heavy again), and it just would not work. But I kinda miss the old look, for me there was just something about it.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the new design too it’s very modular and most of the pieces can be push fit even! The new kit is still great and I’m sure it will see a ton of use for many years to come!
Checkout some of a local customer’s models. These are the new designs assembled (and re-posed in the case of the Riptide).
Rounding out the release are the Pathfinders (finally in plastic) that come with a great deal of weapon and drone options, and the Cadre Fireblade clampack. I think this guy would make a great Darkstrider model with a few quick bit swaps from the Pathfinders kit, but he doesn’t really do it for me as-is.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Sunshark Bomber combo kit that pretty neat and features a lot of articulating parts. The pop-up seeker missile launders I dig, as well as the Interceptor Drones themselves.
Overall I think a pretty solid release model-wise, but unfortunately it will always be marred by whatever is going on internally at Games Workshop.. Speculation aside I wish them well and hope the we can all move on and learn something good from this episode for the next big release.
Please enjoy my video unboxings of the new models below, and be sure to checkout my review of the Tau Codex, as well! -MBG
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
