logo
Slizer Sets
Slizer Set Comparisons

Slizer / Throwbots

slizer
In 1999 and 2000 the Technic line included a totally new theme called Throwbots in North America and Slizer elsewhere.  These were not made from traditional Technic parts, did not have traditional Technic functions, and were not vehicular scale models.  Rather, these were anthropomorphic robotic dolls.  The common function was a printed disc projectile.  Each model featured a hand or claw made of a flexible material which could grip a disc and then, after being bent back, throw the disc.  The system didn't work very well at all which may explain why this theme didn't last very long, but the basic idea of such models was continued with Roboriders and eventually Bionicle.
slizer throw
The throwing arm and disc of a Slizer model
faces
Slizer "faces"

Each model was a different color and the color matched a themed name and personality.  Many models also had a unique printed robotic "face".  Articulation of the limbs was accomplished with large ball joints held in position with friction.  The single mechanical function in each set tended to be a geared articulation point in the middle of the body.

This marked the first foray in collectible models.  Not only were buyers encouraged to "collect them all" in the catalogs, but some parts were random.  Each set came with two of the printed throwable discs, but many more variations existed.  Discs could be purchased separately as a Supplemental Set, but there was no way to know what was inside.  To get them all, you were ensured many duplicates as well.  The theme was intended to have a story of sorts, and that story is partly told by looking at the pictures on the discs in a certain order.
discs
An assortment of Slizer discs
parts
Special parts for the Slizer theme

In general, the models only had 30-45 parts, but there were also two larger models: 8520 and 8523.  Each model came with a color coded plastic case instead of a generic cardboard box.  Each case included slots for 6 additional discs, had a flip open lid, and featured a belt loop on the back for easy carrying.  These sets are a source of Technic gears in odd colors which were not available anywhere else.  The parts palette in general is highly specialized and does not use traditional Technic parts.
case
The plastic container of a Slizer model.


Sets

8500 Torch
8500

8501 Ski
8501

8502 Turbo
8502

8503 Scuba
8503

8504 Jet
/504

8505 Amazon
8505

8506 Granite
8506

8507 Electro
8507

8520 Millennium Slizer
8520

8521 Flare
8521

8522 Spark
8522

8523 Blaster
8523

 

Feature Comparison

Set
Parts
Year
Colors
Details
Special Gears
Discs
Container
8500
33
1999
Red
Black
Flame hand
Rust 8 tooth
Red 40 tooth
Rust worm
Red
White
Red cover
Black back
8501
34
1999 White
Blue
Ski pole
Blue 8 tooth
White 40 tooth
Blue worm
White
Yellow
White cover
Blue back
8502
45
1999 Turquoise
Black
Wheels
Yellow 8 tooth
Yellow 24 tooth
Yellow worm
Turquoise
Red
Turquoise cover
Black back
8503
39
1999 Blue
Light blue
Spear gun and scuba hose
Blue 8 tooth
Blue 24 tooth
Yellow worm
Turquoise
Yellow
Light blue cover
Blue back
8504
44
1999 Yellow
Black
Propellers
Black 8 tooth
Black
Tan
Yellow cover
Black back
8505
36
1999 Green
Turquoise
Sword
Turquoise 16 tooth
Green 40 tooth
Green
Purple
Green cover
Turquoise back
8506
34
1999 Tan
Dark gray
Pickaxes
Tan 8 tooth
Green
Tan
Tan cover
Dark gray back
8507
37
1999 Purple
Black
Wings
Purple 8 tooth
Black
Purple
Purple cover
Black back
8520
135
1999 Dark Gray
Red
Motorcycle
Dark gray 24 tooth
Black
Gold
None
8521
44
2000
Orange
Black
Panel wings
Black 24 tooth
Yellow worm
Glow in the dark
Orange cover
Black back
8522
35
2000 Purple
Black
Panel hand
Black 24 tooth
Yellow worm
Glow in the dark Purple cover
Black back
8523
88
2000 Yellow
Black
Double bladed sword
Black 40 tooth
Black
Yellow
None

Contact me with comments on this page.