Forge World’s newest Mecha construct theTau XV109 Y’vahra is poised to make a splash on the 40k scene with it’s innovative weapons and defense systems. Forge World just started shipping out the XV109, last week so let’s take a closer look.
Like its sister suit the R’varna, the XV109 is basically a FW resin upgrade for the existing Riptide kit, and goes for about $115 USD.
I’ll admit I was a little disappointed that for $115 I didn’t get all the sprues to the Riptide kit with the Y’vahra, however that’s really just personal preference.
The model itself from the detailing of the components. to their fit onto the plastic sprues is excellent.
There’s a ton of recesses, vents, and smaller details covering this model that were both very well digitally sculpted and molded by Forge World.
Don’t forget the Riptide itself can be posed a number of ways, by cutting the retaining nobs on it’s knees and ankle joints.
I also really like the inclusion a definable head on this model, and not the recessed sunken head we saw on the R’varna. That one really reminded me of Cherno Alpha from Pacific Rim.
For more on the Y’vahra, checkout my tactics article and enjoy the video unboxing below! -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 the Las Vegas Open, each of which attracts thousands of 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 2011 Adepticon 40k Team Tournament. He was even featured for his painting in issue #304 of Games Workshop’s White Dwarf Magazine.
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.
