LEGO Kai's Ninja Climber Mech (71812): Worth ₹6,399?

Your wallet just breathed a sigh of relief. LEGO Kai's Ninja Climber Mech (71812) is here, and while it’s not exactly a budget breaker, it’s also not exactly a must-buy either. This set lands squarely in the ‘wait for a sale’ category, especially considering the current Indian pricing.

Let’s talk about the build. It’s a mech. What else do you need to know? You get Kai, fully armoured up, ready to scale walls or punch through enemy lines. The mech stands at a respectable height, and the articulation is decent. It can strike a few dynamic poses, which is always a plus for a mech. The climbing gimmick, with the grappling hooks, is a nice touch, adding a bit of playability beyond just posing. It’s not revolutionary, but it works. The piece count is around 600, which feels about right for the price point, though not exactly generous. You get a few cool weapons and accessories, and the minifigure selection is standard for this wave of Ninjago sets.

The design itself is… fine. It’s a Ninjago mech. It looks like a Ninjago mech. It’s got the usual angular design, the colour scheme is bold, and it’s instantly recognisable as part of the theme. However, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of LEGO’s more inspired mech designs. There’s a certain chunkiness to it that feels a little less refined than, say, the recent Spider-Man mech. The climbing function, while functional, does add a bit of bulk that slightly compromises the overall aesthetic. It’s not ugly, by any means, but it’s also not going to be the centrepiece of your display unless you’re a die-hard Ninjago fan.

The play features are where this set tries to shine. The grappling hooks are the main event. You can attach them to various points, and the arms are designed to hold them effectively. It encourages a more active play style, which is great for the target audience. Kai’s mech also comes with a few smaller builds, including a little climbing rig and some enemy figures, which adds to the overall value proposition. It’s a solid set for kids who want to dive straight into imaginative play.

However, when you factor in the Indian pricing, the enthusiasm dampens considerably. At ₹6,399 from MyBrickHouse and ₹6,999 from Toycra, this set feels a bit steep for what you’re getting. It’s a decent-sized mech with a fun gimmick, but it lacks that ‘wow’ factor that would justify a higher price. Compared to other sets in the similar price bracket, it doesn’t offer significantly more value or a more engaging build experience. The Ninjago theme always commands a premium, but this one pushes it a little too far for my liking.

MyBrickHouse has LEGO Kai's Ninja Climber Mech (71812) for ₹6,399. Toycra lists it at ₹6,999. Use code ABHINAV12 for 12% off on orders above ₹500 at Toycra. That price is enough for roughly 17kg of decent Alphonso mangoes or three months of a family Netflix subscription.

For the Ninjago collector, this is a no-brainer. You’ll want Kai’s latest mech for completeness. But for the casual builder or someone looking for the best value, it’s hard to recommend at the current price. There are other mechs, other Ninjago sets, and frankly, other LEGO products that offer a more compelling build or a better price-to-piece ratio. If you can snag this on a significant discount, it might be worth considering. Otherwise, save your rupees for something that truly climbs to the occasion.

On that bombshell, it's time to say goodbye. I'll see you on the next one. Bubyee.

Verdict: WAIT. Good set, but the price will drop.