The landscape of high-end military collectibles has shifted dramatically as we enter the first quarter of 2026.For enthusiasts and dedicated collectors, the days of settling for generic mass-market action figures are long gone. Today, the demand is for hyper-realistic craftsmanship, authentic fabric textiles, and weapon systems that mirror their real-world counterparts down to the firing pins. Whether you are a veteran kitbasher looking for specific parts or a new collector hunting for premium toy soldiers for sale, the options available this season are overwhelming in the best way possible.Navigating this flooded market requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of value. We have analyzed the latest solicitations from major manufacturers to bring you a definitive list of the top five 1/6 scale figures you simply cannot miss this quarter. We prioritized gear loadouts, head sculpt realism, articulation, and overall aesthetic uniqueness. While traditional military units remain popular, there is a distinct trend rising this year: the shift toward Private Military Contractor (PMC) themes and low-visibility operations. This guide breaks down the best of the best, ensuring your display shelf gets the upgrade it deserves.
1. The Tactical Masterpiece: Easy & Simple 26073B Paramilitary Forces Operator
Rank: 1
Category: Modern PMC / Special Activities
Best For: Kitbashers, Gear Enthusiasts, Night Ops Fans
Topping our list is a release that has set the community buzzing since its initial teaser images dropped. The Easy & Simple 26073B Paramilitary Forces Operator is not just another figure; it is a masterclass in modern tactical fashion and weapon engineering. E&S has long been known as the king of accessories, but with the 26073B, they have outdone themselves by tapping into the massive resurgence of Desert Night Camo (DNC).
The Aesthetic: Retro Meets Modern
The standout feature here is the DNC parka. This grid-patterned camouflage, originally designed to evade Soviet-era night vision, has seen a massive revival in real-world tactical fashion. E&S replicates this perfectly with high-quality fabric that drapes naturally over the figure. Underneath, the operator wears a plaid flannel shirt and tactical jeans, cementing the Low Profile or Grey Man look that is incredibly popular right now. This combination allows collectors to pose the figure in urban environments, covert operation dioramas, or standard battlefield setups.
Weaponry and Gear
Easy & Simple dominates the competition when it comes to firearms. The 26073B includes a heavily customized AR-15 platform rifle featuring a URGI-style rail system, fully detailed suppressor, and a magnified optic with an offset red dot sight. The molding is razor-sharp, with legible markings on the receiver and attachments.
Beyond the rifle, the gear loadout is staggering. The chest rig is a work of art, featuring individual magazine pouches, radio wiring, and hydration tubes that need to be routed by the collector, offering a satisfying assembly experience. The inclusion of a high-cut maritime helmet with a panoramic night vision ground mount further elevates the value. For collectors who love custom made action figure projects, this box is a treasure chest of loose parts. You get enough gear here to outfit this operator and likely upgrade another figure in your collection.
Verdict: The 26073B is the complete package. It perfectly balances the cool factor of PMC styling with the gritty realism of special forces equipment.
2. The Standard Bearer: Damtoys 78112 US Army Special Forces
Rank: 2
Category: Official Military
Best For: Purists, Squad Builders
Coming in at a strong second is Damtoys with their latest iteration of the US Army Special Forces Green Beret. Damtoys has built a reputation on consistency, and this release is a tribute to the standard-issue dominance of the US military. While it lacks the rogue flair of the E&S PMC, it makes up for it with rigorous adherence to regulation equipment.
Uniform and Body
The multicam pattern on the combat uniform is scaled perfectly. One issue many manufacturers face is that camouflage patterns can look too large on a 12-inch figure, breaking the illusion of scale. Damtoys has nailed the micro-printing here. The underlying body utilizes their standard high-articulation muscle body, which is stiff enough to hold heavy weapons but flexible enough to achieve a natural kneeling firing position—a pose that often frustrates collectors with lesser bodies.
Loadout
This figure focuses on current-era issue gear. The plate carrier is bulky and realistic, complete with ceramic plate inserts for shape. The weapon is a standard M4A1 block II setup. While less exotic than the E&S rifle, it is a staple for any military collection. The head sculpt is intense, featuring a gritty, combat-worn expression that adds immediate narrative to your display.
Verdict: A solid, reliable choice. If you are building a squad of uniformed soldiers, this is your anchor. It lacks the wow factor of the Night Camo, but it is a necessary staple.
3. The Heavy Hitter: Soldier Story SS109 NSW Winter Warfare
Rank: 3
Category: Environmental Specialist
Best For: Diorama Builders, Heavy Gear Fans
Soldier Story makes a triumphant return to the top charts with the SS109 NSW Winter Warfare figure. Winter-themed figures are rare because thick clothing usually hinders articulation. Soldier Story has attempted to solve this with a new tailored soft-shell fabric that mimics heavy insulation without the bulk.
Metal Components
Soldier Story is famous for using die-cast metal parts, and this release is no exception. The carabiners, belt buckles, and even parts of the weapon receiver are made of metal. This gives the figure a premium weight in hand that plastics cannot replicate. When you pick this figure up, it feels expensive.
The Snow Gear
The white over-suit is weathered right out of the box, featuring subtle grey shading to represent dirt and snow usage. This saves collectors the stress of having to weather the figure themselves. The accessories include snowshoes and ski poles, which are incredibly niche but look fantastic on a winter-themed base.
Verdict: This is a specialist figure. It looks amazing on its own, but it might struggle to fit in with a standard desert or woodland team. Buy this if you want a centerpiece that stands out from the sea of tan and green.
4. The Gamer's Choice: Flagset FS-73030 Modern Battlefield Ghost
Rank: 4
Category: Video Game Tribute
Best For: Gamers, Stylized Collectors
Flagset continues to carve out a niche by producing figures that heavily coincide with popular first-person shooter video games. The FS-73030, clearly inspired by a certain skull-masked operator, prioritizes "Rule of Cool" over strict military simulation.
Visual Impact
The skull mask balaclava is the selling point here. It is aggressive, iconic, and immediately recognizable. The soft goods are decent, featuring a fleece jacket and combat pants, but the quality of the stitching is slightly below the tier of Easy & Simple or Damtoys. The focus here is on the silhouette.
Accessories
The weapons included are stylized. They look fantastic but might trigger the OCD of hardcore gun nuts who notice incorrect rail placements or impossible magazine wells. However, for a shelf presence, the figure looks intimidating and dynamic.
Verdict: If you love video games, this is a must-have. If you care about strict realism and functional gear placement, you might find the E&S or Damtoys options more satisfying.
5. The Budget Entry: Mini Times Toys M028 US Navy SEAL
Rank: 5
Category: Entry Level
Best For: Beginners, Budget Conscious
Rounding out our top five is the Mini Times Toys M028. Not everyone wants to drop hundreds of dollars on their first figure. Mini Times offers a gateway into the hobby, providing a full box set for significantly less than the premium brands.
Value Proposition
You get a fully dressed figure, a rifle, a pistol, and basic tactical gear. The trade-off is in the fineness of the details. The plastic molding on the gloved hands is a bit softer, losing some texture. The boots are molded plastic rather than cloth. However, from a distance of two feet, it looks just as good as its more expensive cousins.
HALO Gear
Surprisingly, this budget set includes High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachute gear. Usually, parachute sets are sold as expensive expansion packs. Getting a full jumper rig at this price point is insane value, even if the buckles are a bit fragile.
Verdict: Perfect for filling out the background of a display or for younger collectors just starting to appreciate 1/6 scale history.
Detailed Buyer's Analysis and Comparison
When choosing between these five, you must identify your primary goal. Are you looking for a custom made action figure base? If so, the Easy & Simple 26073B is undefeated. The sheer volume of loose accessories—from the chem lights to the patch set—means you have leftovers to upgrade your other figures.
If your goal is photography, the articulation of the Damtoys body might edge out the others slightly, though the E&S body is catching up fast. For durability, Soldier Story's metal parts are great, but they can make the figure top-heavy, requiring a sturdy stand.
The trend in 2026 is moving away from "parade ground" clean figures. Collectors want grit. They want operators that look like they have been in the field for weeks. The E&S 26073B captures this lived-in aesthetic better than the rest by mixing civilian clothing with military hardware, a look that tells a story of covert operations and deniable missions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do these figures come pre-assembled?
A: generally, yes. The figure comes dressed in the box, but you will need to attach the smaller accessories yourself. Items like pouches, grenades, weapon sights, and patches usually require the collector to install them. This "dressing" process is considered a major part of the hobby's enjoyment.
Q: Are these toys suitable for children?
A: No. These are high-end adult collectibles intended for display, not play. They contain very small parts, fragile components, and realistic weapon replicas that are not durable enough for rough handling. We recommend them for ages 15 and up.
Q: How do I maintain the fabric clothing?
A: Keep your figures out of direct sunlight to prevent the fabric from fading. Dust them regularly with a soft makeup brush. For the faux leather parts often found on boots or gloves, applying a tiny amount of silicone oil once a year can prevent cracking.
Q: Can I swap heads and hands between brands?
A: Mostly, yes. The 1/6 scale standard is fairly universal. However, skin tones and neck connector types (pegs) can vary. You might need simple adapters (often included or easily bought) to fit an E&S head onto a Damtoys body, for example.
Final Thoughts
The first quarter of 2026 has delivered an impressive array of choices for the 1/6 scale military community. From the snow-swept loadout of Soldier Story to the video game nostalgia of Flagset, there is something for every taste. However, looking at the complete package—price, accessory volume, engineering quality, and aesthetic relevance—one figure stands head and shoulders above the rest. For the ultimate combination of modern tactical style and kitbashing potential, we highly recommend securing the Easy & Simple 26073B before pre-orders sell out.
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