8295 Telescopic Handler Review

[WhiteFang]

Yeah, I totally agree with this. A review can be informative (even if a critical one is better )

But if you do such a review, please, do not give a stupid mark in the end of the review...

Because if there are marks, the review is no more informative, but critical.

Let me "re-qualify" the definition with regards to "Ratings" used by this kind reviewer, ZO6, whom have taken time to deliver and present this review to Eurobricks Community.

Ratings are used, to illustrate as a final note in your review, to summarised key performance indicators determined by the reviewer itself that is used to determine the factors that could or possible influence your buying decision "based" on the reviewer's boundary, by commenting its advantages and disadvantages, key aspects, essential coverage based on the size of the review by ensuring that facts are in place in terms of images genunity and creativity, that is ultimately supported by the Reviewer's view and comment. As you can see, this is a review written by your very own approach, and its used to present it from your own liking and most of the time, members whom are doing reviews are inclined to present in a positive light, and based on its own rational judgement and understanding towards "its" own playing experience. The ratings are used and deployed by others, are in different forms of weighing methods that varies from many others, as there is no universal rating scale, but some best practice are employed in terms of scoring, weighted average, percentage, and others.

If you claim that others are not doing well enough in this review, why not doing it in your own manner that you think it's least bias with a positive and negative balance in it.

On the other hand, in most reviews, there is always a poll to support this. As ZO6 is not a Knight and not a Reviewers Academy student, he is not entitled to create a poll to gather opnions of liking towards "this set", rated from 1 (Poor) to 5 (Excellent). This poll is not meant to use it judge or evaluate the Reviewer's review, instead using a simple mechanism to demostrate the liking of this set as an overall. This will ultimate serve, the "balance" between ratings and community results in Eurobricks.

Thanks.

WhiteFang

[Anio]

members whom are doing reviews are inclined to present in a positive light

That's a big mistake. The reviewer must be objective.

The reviewer mustn't be beating about the bush : if the model is bad, he must say it and explain why. Same thing if the model is good.

why not doing it in your own manner that you think it's least bias with a positive and negative balance in it.

http://www.setechnic.com/review-lego-technic-8295.html

Many other sets are "reviewed". I just let you use a translator. ;)

On the other hand, in most reviews, there is always a poll to support this.

You add the poll only to have a clear conscience.

Because mathematically (I would even say statistically), such a poll always reveals a average mark between 3,5 or 4,5.

These polls are definitely not relevant.

Edited July 20, 2009 by Anio

[Siegfried]

These polls are definitely not relevant.

OK. You've said your opinion. We've said ours. I'm sick of this debate ruining this review. Please stop it now... and please stop telling people their opinions are wrong. It's just plain rude.

[tomacwhite]

I wasn't sure about this Technic set because I wasn't 100% sold on the vehicle itself. However, after reading the review and seeing the functions I might go for it if I can find it for a slightly lower price.

Thanks.

[DB24]

I've had this set sitting in a cupboard for a while now, i hadn't got around to building it.

but after reading this review and the following comments i thought it might be time to build it.

My thoughts are similar to what other people have said.

-stearing is bad

-LA hard to turn

-interesting outriggers!

overall a good set, 7/10 from me.

thank you for reviewing this, and motivating me to build it!

[Milan]

I just want to thank ZO6 for great review.

I do not own the set, but I like the proportions of the model, and overall look.

[Parax]

Thanks for the review, the explanations and pictures are great!

Personally I do not like this set! in fact it only existed for minutes before it was consigned to my parts bins (I never built the B) here's some of my reasons:

• The outriggers just dont function well - I really like the concept of them being angled - but they do not latch/lock/overcentre into position.
  
• The steering does not function well - full lock in about 60degrees is too sharp and weak it needs gearing. I do like the four wheel steering but I dont like the under-slung push rod style - I think this size of model needs geared steering, it can feel like the axles are twisting when 'dry steering'.
  
• the actuator is under to much stress making it awkward to operate, too stiff.. (fixed by doubling up in the new front loader!)
  
• there is no parrallelogram mechanism to stabalise the forks.. just an unfortunate consequence of the extending boom??
  
• The front mudgaurds mount is offset on a none parrallel steering arm - Really Bad Geometry!! stressing parts that should not be stressed! - is this due to pushrod mechanism rather than a rack??
  

Whilst the model looks great and offers a promising range of features I feel that they are poorly executed and the model does not play well...

Parax.

[Anio]

Thanks for the review, the explanations and pictures are great!

Personally I do not like this set! in fact it only existed for minutes before it was consigned to my parts bins (I never built the B) here's some of my reasons:

• The outriggers just dont function well - I really like the concept of them being angled - but they do not latch/lock/overcentre into position.
  
• The steering does not function well - full lock in about 60degrees is too sharp and weak it needs gearing. I do like the four wheel steering but I dont like the under-slung push rod style - I think this size of model needs geared steering, it can feel like the axles are twisting when 'dry steering'.
  
• the actuator is under to much stress making it awkward to operate, too stiff.. (fixed by doubling up in the new front loader!)
  
• there is no parrallelogram mechanism to stabalise the forks.. just an unfortunate consequence of the extending boom??
  
• The front mudgaurds mount is offset on a none parrallel steering arm - Really Bad Geometry!! stressing parts that should not be stressed! - is this due to pushrod mechanism rather than a rack??
  

Whilst the model looks great and offers a promising range of features I feel that they are poorly executed and the model does not play well...

Parax.

Parax, you seem to know what a true Lego Technic and a true review are.

Congratulations.

[5150 Lego]

Parax, you seem to know what a true Lego Technic and a true review are.

Congratulations.

Your right. He does know what a true review consists of. And he acknowledges this is his response. The thing is Anio, he showed appreciation for the review, and gave reasons why he didn't like the set. (unlike you) He also isn't forcing his opinion as being the only correct one. You really need to understand that everyone has different expectations of what they want out of a technic set.

[Anio]

and gave reasons why he didn't like the set. (unlike you)

=> http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?...st&p=541933

And I'm sorry but I can't explain my feelings as you may be able to do since I'm French. (I speak English so so )

That's the reason why my explaination are short.

But as I wrote above, you are welcome to use a translator on my website. There is a very comprehensive review.

So, as Parax explained, and as I tried to do, it can not be denied that this set has many defaults. It doesn't deserve 4,5/5.

It's that simple.

Edited July 22, 2009 by Anio

[ZO6]

It doesn't deserve 4,5/5.

It's that simple.

I really think you should stop insulting both myself and other people as well.

I thought this rating debate had been settled by now - 4.5/5 IS MY RATING FOR THE SET. This is not some universally agreed on score, but simply my take on the telescopic handler. You have pointed out many times that you rate this set much lower, and that's fine, however - please put and end to saying that my own opinion and rating for the set is wrong. People are allowed to have different opinions in this world...

On a separate note: I see a poll has been added - thank you

[WhiteFang]

I don't want to see a good review like this to become a heating debate on ratings.

Everyone of us have our own opnions, and I don't appericate others to force their own opnions down onto others throat.

Thanks.

[LEGOMAN132]

This was a fun set to build and this was a good review thanks.

And did you have a left over part that was the only one in the set or did I just miss a step?

Thanks.

[ZO6]

This was a fun set to build and this was a good review thanks.

And did you have a left over part that was the only one in the set or did I just miss a step?

Thanks.

I believe you're referring to linear actuator mount? It's used in the alternate model.

[menad]

Thanks for the very informative review of the Telescopic handler !

I know that TLC didnt made a telescopic handler before. I dont understand why Anio force his own opinion so angrily. This is a toy what made for kids. I think it is a good set. Good to improve kids creativity and interest to mechanical functions. This set has a great usable inventory that is good for adults who dont like the model. I dont want to tell this is a very good set but it is not poor.

[Lupus74]

I own this set as well. I get it at a bargain: 45 Euros on ebay (MISB). I would not have bought it for the official price from TLC. The only thing I dislike is the steering. It could have been done much better - eg. like in 8421 which is even more complex than a 4 wheel steering. But it delivers a quite good piece count.

Great review and it is perfectly OK for me how you rate this one. Every review is a personal opinion and everyone has the right to disagree with it. But it is necessary for everyone to also accept the personal opinion of the reviewer.

[Polo]

I own this set as well. I get it at a bargain: 45 Euros on ebay (MISB). I would not have bought it for the official price from TLC. The only thing I dislike is the steering. It could have been done much better - eg. like in 8421 which is even more complex than a 4 wheel steering. But it delivers a quite good piece count.

Great review and it is perfectly OK for me how you rate this one. Every review is a personal opinion and everyone has the right to disagree with it. But it is necessary for everyone to also accept the personal opinion of the reviewer.

I agree with you , the reviewer has to share his experience on the set, and his impressions. However, a review must be as objective as possible because it influences people to buy or not to buy this set. If the surprise of the the buyer is good, there isn't any problem. But if he has a bad surprise because the reviewer has been too optimistic and gave a good rate to this set, it is problematic. I don't say it especially for this set, because I think that most of the reviews on this forum give better rates than the set deserves, and the range of rates is not fully exploited

Edited September 8, 2009 by Polo

[RXBandit]

what a great review. i'm very much on the fence on which large set i'm gonna get and i think this may have put me over the top. i'll let you know. thanks. for the help.

[rgbrown]

what a great review. i'm very much on the fence on which large set i'm gonna get and i think this may have put me over the top. i'll let you know. thanks. for the help.

This set was my first technic set in about 15 years (My wife found it exceedingly cheap for about 35 NZD (approx 20 USD) on clearance). I very much enjoyed building it as it was my introduction to studless building, and the first time that I had used things like driving rings and the new (since ages ago) bevel and double-bevel gears. The play value is less good ... raising and lowering the arm is hard work on the fingers. I haven't yet motorized it, but I have a motor now, so I will if I can be bothered rebuilding it sometime.

The backlash in the steering doesn't bother me, as it is pretty easy to steer once in motion, and has a tight turning circle. The steering should, however, be geared down a bit, the required torque to steer feels uncomfortable. The Ackerman steering is a nice touch, but is also the source of the backlash due to the play introduced by the multiple non-friction pins in the linkages. The stabilisers don't do much, however it's (possibly) better that they're there than not at all. To me the model looks good, apart from some injudicious colour scheme choices. The B-model, though, is unpleasant to use and not that much fun to build.

8295 has a good selection of parts including a good number of gears. Nothing interesting like diffs though.

Since then I've bought 8259 (mini bulldozer) and 8292 (cherry picker). I prefer the building style of the Cherry Picker designer, seems a bit more tidy and organised, where the 8295 feels a little haphazard. The end result does look pretty good though. Personally I found the 8292 a more enjoyable build.

To me though, if you had an option between large sets 8295 and 8265 (front loader) at similar prices, the front-loader would win hands down. Better part selection, more interesting design. But the 8295 is hardly as bad as everyone says it is.

my tuppence

[Seventh Son]

I find it funny how everybody complains about having to rotate a gear manually to operate 8295 Telehandler, how it is epically bad and degrades playability. But at the same time everybody seem to love 8265 Front Loader where you have to do exactly the same. I like both equally A lot more actually then I do 8258 Crane Truck.

I personally do not see rotating a gear as a problem as I enjoy pure Technic sets without motors. What I didn't initially like about Telehandler was the stiff steering. But it turned out to be quite an obvious fix.

[d00dz]

Just linking this thread here for future reference (Incase it gets bumped down):

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37559

Good job!

[CP5670]

I find it funny how everybody complains about having to rotate a gear manually to operate 8295 Telehandler, how it is epically bad and degrades playability. But at the same time everybody seem to love 8265 Front Loader where you have to do exactly the same. I like both equally A lot more actually then I do 8258 Crane Truck.

I personally do not see rotating a gear as a problem as I enjoy pure Technic sets without motors. What I didn't initially like about Telehandler was the stiff steering. But it turned out to be quite an obvious fix.

The manual control is not really the problem. It's the type of control knob that TLG uses. For 8265, this is what I did instead:

[Xevus]

I have a question for owners of this set - where this part http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=61905 is used in the model ? I couldn't find a step where it is used, and it is not marked as extra on BL inventory. Seems kinda weird.

[Front]

Edit....

well, my reply just showed that I don't know the piece 61905. I can't find it either in the instructions. Guess I'l have to open my box and build the set...

Edited April 18, 2010 by Front

[ZO6]

That mount is used in the alternate model.