Kai - DX (Dragon Xtreme)
njo009 · Ninjago
Masters of Spinjitzu - Pilot Season / Rise of the Snakes · 2011 - Debuted in the LEGO Ninjago Spinner sets used for the battle game.
Figure ID
njo009
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2011 - Debuted in the LEGO Ninjago Spinner sets used for the battle game.
Rarity
Uncommon. While widely produced in 2011, this specific 'Dragon Suit' variant was retired quickly as the theme transitioned into the 2012 snake-themed sets.
Head
Standard yellow LEGO head with Kai's signature determined eyebrows and smirk. It is covered by a red Ninja Wrap (part 41147) that conceals the lower face.
Torso
Red torso featuring the Dragon Xtreme (DX) design. Front printing depicts a black belt, a gold star/shuriken motif on the left, and a dragon scale pattern in the collar. The back features a large gold dragon emblem with the character's name 'KAI' written in the fictional Ninjago alphabet.
Legs
Plain red hip and leg pieces without printing. This is standard for early DX figures which focused all detail on the torso.
Accessories
Usually paired with a gold Fire Sword or a silver Katana. This specific figure was often sold with a Spinner (battle disk) and character cards for the trading card game.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic red base with gold and black accent printing. Red is the primary color associated with Kai, the Master of Fire.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and back. The gold ink used for the dragon sigil has a subtle metallic sheen. Eyes and eyebrows are precision-aligned with the wrap opening.
Variants
The original Kai (njo005) had symbols on the torso; the DX version (njo009) features the dragon; 'Kendo Kai' (njo036) adds armor; 'ZX' (njo032) adds shoulder pads and silver armor.
Condition Notes
Prone to 'torso cracking' under the arms and stress marks on the neck. The gold printing on the back can rub off over time if the figure was used for active play or battle game spinning.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8 USD; New/Mint: $12 - $18 USD. Prices remain stable due to the high nostalgic value of the original 2011 Ninjago wave.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $9.99 (Spinners) to $69.99 (Fire Temple).
Compatible Sets
2254 Mountain Shrine, 2258 Ninja Ambush, 2507 Fire Temple, and 2111 Kai (Spinner Set).
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and older brother to Nya. Originally a blacksmith's apprentice, he was the last to join Sensei Wu's team. The DX suits represent the ninja reaching their potential with their elemental dragons.
Design Notes
The DX series was the first 'specialized' variant line in Ninjago. The use of the Ninjago language script on the back was an early example of world-building through minifigure design.
Similar Minifigures
DX versions of Jay (njo010), Zane (njo011), and Cole (njo012). Also similar to the 10th Anniversary Legacy Gold Kai.
Collectibility
High for Ninjago completionists. The 2011 Pilot Season figures are considered the 'Classics' of the theme and are essential for any series fan.
History
Released at the peak of the Ninjago launch craze. Ninjago was intended to be a single-year theme but was so successful it became a 'perpetual' LEGO theme.
Interesting Facts
The writing on the back of the torso actually spells 'KAI' using a cipher. This was one of the first times LEGO rewarded fans for deciphering in-universe codes.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a 2011-era red and gold Spinner or alongside the other three DX ninja to complete the 'Dragon' squad.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist MOCs. The red wrap and torso can be used for custom samurai or historical Japanese-themed builds.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2011 Ninjago figure. While the legs are plain, the torso printing remains iconic and holds significant nostalgic value for the generation that grew up with 'Masters of Spinjitzu'.