J2 Un-DS: MP-28 Hot Rodimus

Initiating Unbox Therapy

Acquiring a Masterpiece Hot Rod (Hot Rodimus, Rodimus Convoy or Rodimus Prime to some) has sat on the bottom of the list for quite some time. 1) Because a 2009 MP-09 model is difficult to come by nowadays, 2) They resell for nearly twice to three times as much, and 3) Many toy collectors have experienced QC issues that left them disappointed. While many loved the MP-09 for his trailer and size, he was apparently plagued with sensitive and easily breakable parts which made it frustrating to transform and to pose.

My only option was to look into buying third party. With the many QC issues that third party toys do have themselves, DX9 Carry wasn't all that bad based on the reviews I've read. But alas, I preferred a Takara product and I patiently waited. 

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Air Max 98 TL: Bring Them Back

These need to be retro'd. Bring 'em back Nike. 

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J2: Nike Kobe XI (11) EM 'Carpe Diem' Review

It's been awhile since I've written one of these. I'm currently not in basketball shape by anymeans, but I do know footwear. I know footwear inside out. I love shoes after all. So this is my review of the Nike Kobe 11 'Carpe Diem'. My last review was recapping the 'love 'em or hate 'em' Nike Kobe VII System, to which didn't work out for me. The interchangeable cushioning just didn't make the cut for what could have been a new addition to my regular rotation. This tech was the first of it's kind for a Nike Signature. I emphasize Nike because Jordan Brand touched on it with the Air Jordan 22 back in 2007 with interchangeable pods of Zoom Air and Encapsulated Air. And then went up a notch by incorporating that same feature in an entirely removable and interchangeable midsole/insole combo on the Air Jordan 2011 which became the flagship sig for Dwyane Wade.

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J2 Un-DS: MP-27 Ironhide

Minimalist Takara Box

If you're a fan of the 1980s G1 Transformers, you're probably the most amped up for Takara's release of the MP-27 Ironhide. Although a Nissan Vanette isn't exactly the best looking alt mode out of the bunch, the past 3 decades of Ironhide G1 and G1-esque toys left collectors and toy buffs something to be desired. Because until now, we've never really seen an accurate version of his G1 cartoon counterpart. More after the jump.

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J2: WDYWT?

Classic 1999 Air Jordan 4. Can't mess with a good thing. Love the Swoosh.

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J2: 'Happy'

Adidas Originals Stan Smith Vulc 'Happy'

In light of "420", which is way behind us already, BAIT and Adidas Originals came together for a special mock-up of the classic Stan Smith to commemorate the unofficial weed holiday. Dubbed "National Marijuana Day", April 20th marks the unofficial holiday for marijuana advocates, medical stoners and recreational stoners alike.

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The Unlaced Podcast: Episode 1

Arjay and I have decided to re-up the podcast. Nothing serious, just something to do for fun on our spare time. In addition to wearing sneakers and the fact that it's enveloped our life at some point, one way or another, we thought it'd be fun to talk about the them and share it with people.

For any comments, constructive criticisms (or hate mail lol) or if you'd like to be a remote guest on the podcast in the future, be sure to hit us up at unlaced.the.podcast@gmail.com. Stay tuned as we try and churn out more episodes in the coming weeks and get the ball rolling on social media. For now, please have a listen to Episode 1 on SoundCloud.

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J2: All Aboard The Kobe Hype Train!

I've been trying to sell my Kobes for years now. And now that he's retired, all these "Die-Hard Kobe Bryant Fans" come out of the woodwork. Since his last game, I've received maybe 10 texts and a string of e-mails asking if I have Kobes for sale still. No harm in that for me, because now people want them and they will pay a pretty coin to get them.

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J2: Goodbye, Kobe. Hello Kobe XI.

It's been 20 years since Kobe first stepped on the professional hardwood. And what a career it's definitely been. We all know his ups, his downs, his highs and his lows. His fans, his haters, and his teammates and the 20 seasons, 2 Olympics, 33643 career points and 6306 career assists. We know it all.

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J2 Un-DS: Transformers Masterpiece Edition

The more I age, the more I want cling onto and  re-live the better days of my childhood. As we grow older, we seem to drift apart from that with having children, moving up in our careers, and major life events like marriage and getting the keys to our new homes. Yes, I've accepted the fact that the good old days are behind me. And yes, I do look forward to what the future holds for me and my future family. And yes, I do deal with the harsh reality of real life and adult responsibilities. But no, I'm not going to totally grow up. Yet, anyway.

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I'm back...

At least for the moment. It's been almost 4 years since my last post and some of you may be wondering "Why did you come back?". I'm leaning into my chair sipping my routine Tim Horton's Dark Roast Regular whilst staring blankly at my random array of vinyls displayed on my desk (toys, not records). For the life of me, I can't seem to think of a reason. In doing so, I found that there is no reason for me to come back to this.

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J2: Nike Kobe VII (7) System Review

Nike Kobe VII (7)

I haven't done one of these in awhile, probably because I haven't stepped on a basketball court in ages, due to hockey season. But in light of the recent release of the Nike Kobe VII System, I just had to step on the hardwood again to try them out. For those not familiar with the Kobe System and it's satirical and comedic advertisements, it's the concept of customizable basketball footwear based on user preference for both comfort and performance. The same design concept applied by Jordan Brand in their successful Air Jordan 2011, which upped the ante even more so for their 2012 model (I'll probably review that as well once I find a colorway I like).

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Air Jordan XI (11) Commercial

In light of the Air Jordan XI (11) 'Concord' dropping this Friday at retailers everywhere, I'd like to leave it here. Remember this commercial?!

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J2: Why Jordan Brand sucks

I've been collecting J's for about 12 years now. And I've been wearing Swooshes and Jumpmen on my feet since I was born. Literally. I also still own and wear Air Jordans. So in light of that, the title may be a litte contradicting on my part. You also may be thinking, "What a hypocritical bastard, to say such a thing". Although I still wear J's on a regular basis, my statement still holds some truth. Because most of my J's don't suck, but the guys who make them do.

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J2 is going to Las Vegas!

via fiftybest.com

Yep. I will be in Las Vegas starting Thursday at exactly 7:39pm MT. Pretty excited, but I don't know what to expect. It will be my first trip with a fairly large group of people. The last couple times I went, we were 4 guys doing whatever we wanted. This trip, although I myself, am single, seems like a couples retreat. Hopefully, it doesn't turn out that way but it sure is looking so.

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J2: The NBA is Back

via RealGM

After a new collective bargaining agreement, the lock-out is finally being lifted! The NBA and the Players Association get ready for a 66-game 2011-2012 season. Thank God. I watched quite a bit of basketball last season, and because of the lock out, I'll be watching even more this season, albeit the short schedule. You really don't know what you have until it's gone.

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J2: Random Pic

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The Wrestler

via ESPN

When I was a kid, I looked up to alot of people on TV. I used to watch WWF alot. I used to buy the magazines, posters, tickets for events, toys and of course, catch them on Monday nights and PPVs. Other than Bret Hart, I had very few childhood wrestling heroes. One of those few, was Razor Ramon. The first 'bad guy' or 'heel' (wrestling term for villain) that I liked in wrestling. Obviously, wrestling back in the day wasn't like what it is today. Wrestling, in my opinion, was so much better and Scott Hall was partly the reason why.

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The Avengers Trailer

Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been quite busy as of late. The ball is finally rolling at work, which means I get home later in the day, where I have to do my article posts for Sneaker Files, eat dinner and play hockey. And in the in-between time, I'd devoted a few hours a day to playing NBA 2K12. Haha.

Any who, I'm working on a post, which I will have ready pretty soon. In the mean time, enjoy the The Avengers movie trailer.


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J2: Random Pic vol. "Bench"

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