Bandit Comparison

The Bandit from ZMW came out this past week. For those in the know, it’s a remake of a classic old buggy from Valentine Wolfe called Bandit Limited Edition. The original was supposed to be limited to 20 copies. I’m not actually sure how many made it into world, and Valentine left us a long time ago, so I can’t ask. I do know there are far fewer than 20, and the only two I know of are owned by myself and Brainy One. I helped Valentine create his buggy in a small way, and I have always loved it. I’ve been offered some big bux for it, and I always turn them down.  

The Bandit from ZMW is also a limited edition. There won’t be more than 25 built. It’s priced at 28,850 and is selling rapidly.

A side by side comparison shows the advances in buggy design since the first one came out over a year ago. At that time, it was “state of the art”, and it’s held it’s own ever since. It’s still a masterpiece in my opinion. Since then buggy designers have moved forward in shine and detail. The new buggy compares favorably with the old. I can’t think of any reason to recreate a classic unless it’s an improvement, and in most respects this is the case here. The firebird on the hood, however, is one place where the original still holds it’s own.  

Rather than try to do a point by point comparison, I’ve done a side by side “photo shoot”. It tells the story better than words. 

 

 

 

DCC Steel Cast Limited Edition Tryumph 

Recently DC Creations came out with their new Steel Cast LTD Edition Tryumph. There will only be 7 ever built, with currently available. The price is 50,000T for a high quality limited edition.  

The Tryumph hoverbike model concept was created by Dusty_Pendragon of DC Creations. Yoshitoshi did the building of the model.  He did a wonderful job on it! 

According to Cyrene, the story behind the Steel Cast started back during the alien events inworld.  DC Creations made armor clothing, bikes and buggies.  They took off like wildfire, and the clothing is still being sold to this day.  They decided to bring out 2 more models of a different variation of Steel Cast again, improving on what They had done before.  This time a buggy and of course on the Tryumph Hoverbike model.  

I asked Cyrene how they got started. She told me DC Creations was created by 2 very good friends Dusty_Pendragon and herself, Cyrene.  Basically DCC was started so they could create their own designs that they liked, submit them and the added bonus was that other people would like them and purchase them too.  They’ve been designing for almost 2 years now and have seen their designs improve each time they submit a new one. She went on to say that “We also do a vast majority of our sales in custom work.”  Please be sure to visit their showroom at the Village Market Place  and visit their website at http://www.dccreations.net
 

Banzai Bikes

Another builder of bikes is Grandmaster. His line of Banzai bikes can be seen at his display in Karuna Gardens. I’ve had several conversations with him, and here is what he has to say about his bikes:

The inspiration behind Banzai Bikes was the desire to move away from the spacecraft shaped bikes and offer a more modern model.  Granted, you can only get so close to real when your bike has no wheels.  The Banzai Bikes are based on the Import Superbikes that are used in pro racing.  These Imports have always been associated with taking the tightest turns with the greatest speed.  Being an avid biker myself, that was most appealing to me.  

The word Banzai is traditionally used in the Japanese language as a cheer.  In modern day however, it has taken on a more gusto slang and is shouted out loud as a rallying "Charge"! 

My experience with the Banzai Bikes have been nothing but positive.  From the beginning concept, to working with talented designers, to meeting other bike enthusiasts and developers, to ultimately being a part of the great biking community. It has been such a enjoyable ride.  Ultimately I have been able to help other members and help bring them into our wonderful sport of biking.   

What lies in the future of Banzai Bikes?  I would really like to see talented painters express their talents and creativity on the Banzais.  I am always amazed at how they can make good items great.  I would also like to come out with different models of bikes.

The Banzais are priced between 20 and 22k in auctions. I ended up getting the red one, and who knows? Maybe one day I’ll get the chance to paint a Banzai!!!

Next week I’ll be checking on the latest buggies as always, but we’ll be taking a look at some of the interesting hoverboats in There too. Obviously I can’t predict what different designers are going to bring in world between now and then, so there may be some new bikes and boards to take a look at as well.