The Next Version of Clutch is a Swivelin Kinda Guy !!

In 1983, when the second series of figures was released by Hasbro for the GI Joe line, we got one of the greatest running changes ever, the Swivel Arm Battle grip ! The first wave of figures was re-released and the line had a slight variation to the original figures. Driving the "VAMP" (Vehicle.Attack.Multi Purpose) is Clutch v1.5.

The variation version (v1.5) has the new swivel Arms that not only bend at the elbows, but the biceps swivel making the figure infinitely more poseable. Also, the torso was changed to a thinner version that puts less stress on the O-ring, but does add to the possibility of the "Broken Crotch Syndrome" that can plague these figures. I only had the Straight Arm version as a kid, so how can I determine which version is the best ? COMBAT !!

 

 

Clutch v1.5 strikes a Boxing pose while v1 Clutch takes a Tae Kwon Do stance ..... who will prevail !?!?!

 

It's been a Clutch o Rama around here lately ...

Version 1 Straight Arm Clutch was reviewed: READ ABOUT IT HERE !!!

Version 2 TAN Clutch was reviewed: READ ABOUT IT HERE !!!

The First Version of GI Joe's Clutch is a "Straight" Guy !!

In 1982, when the first series of vehicles were released by Hasbro for the GI Joe line, we got one of the coolest vehicle drivers produced ! Driving the "VAMP" (Vehicle.Attack.Multi Purpose) is Clutch .

 

 The first version (v1) has the classic Straight Arms that only bends at the elbows. Also, the torso is the thicker version that puts more stress on the O-ring, but does not easily suffer the "Broken Crotch Syndrome" that can plague these figures. Another cool feature is that the chest is a completely original design, not reused on any of the other first series figures.

 

Clutch was one of my favorites from the first line. I got him in the Great GI Joe Birthday of '82 that completed my GI Joe collection that year. Not only did he drive the VAMP, which was a staple of my adventures, but his file card made him out to be a bit of a rebel. I used him as one of the most vital members of the team. Being the mechanic had Clutch constantly pulled into repair situations to get the team to safety, or driving like mad to exit a hot spot !

It's been a Clutch o Rama around here lately ...

Version 1.5 Swivel Arm Clutch was reviewed: READ ABOUT IT HERE !!!

Version 2 TAN Clutch was reviewed: READ ABOUT IT HERE !!!

Thats a lot of Clutchin !!