LEGO, the world-renowned Danish toy company, has created countless unique and iconic elements that fuel the imagination of builders of all ages. Among the vast library of LEGO components, some stand out for their versatility, design, and functionality. One such part is LEGO Piece 98989, also referred to in LEGO circles as the “Hero Factory Armor“ piece or “Chest Armor with Ball Joint Connection”. Despite its modest size and somewhat niche origin, this piece has proven itself invaluable in various MOCs (My Own Creations), mech builds, action figures, and even architecture-inspired designs.

In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the origins, specifications, uses, color variations, part compatibility, and fan community reception of LEGO Piece 98989. Whether you’re a seasoned AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO) or a new builder discovering specialized parts, this guide will offer everything you need to know about this unique piece.

What is LEGO Piece 98989

LEGO Piece 98989 is a unique component that first gained attention through the LEGO Hero Factory theme, which was a spiritual successor to Bionicle. This part was originally designed as a piece of armor or a structural element for figures in the Hero Factory line.

What makes it stand out is its ball joint connection point, allowing it to fit seamlessly into Technic ball-and-socket systems. Its sleek, curved surface and attachment style enable builders to use it as armor, shoulder plates, or even decorative elements in MOCs. Over time, fans have embraced this part beyond its intended use, incorporating it into robots, vehicles, sci-fi landscapes, and more.

Design and Dimensions

The overall design of Piece 98989 is both aesthetic and functional. Its main characteristics include:

• A smooth, curved outer shell, which gives it a polished, futuristic look.
• A ball joint socket on the back, compatible with LEGO Technic ball joints.
• Two Technic pin holes on the sides, allowing it to be further integrated into builds.
• Lightweight ABS plastic construction that is durable yet easy to manipulate.

Its relatively compact size makes it ideal for small- to medium-scale builds while its geometric curvature adds detail and dimension to flat surfaces. While it is not often used in traditional brick-based builds, it shines in Technic, Bionicle, Hero Factory, and custom mecha or robot builds.

The Origins in Hero Factory

Piece 98989 made its debut during the Hero Factory era, a theme that ran from 2010 to 2014. Hero Factory featured robotic heroes and villains engaged in sci-fi conflicts, and the sets focused on articulated joints, armor elements, and customizable builds.

This particular piece was used extensively as chest armor or shoulder pads for Hero characters. Its integration into the Technic-based building system was key to providing flexibility and dynamic articulation, especially in combat-based builds or figures that required a high range of movement.

Though Hero Factory has since been discontinued, many of its innovative parts, including 98989, have lived on in fan builds and even in other LEGO themes.

Compatibility With Other LEGO Parts

One of the most attractive aspects of LEGO Piece 98989 is its cross-theme compatibility. Because it uses the Technic ball joint system, it works perfectly with components from:

• Bionicle
• Hero Factory
• LEGO Technic
• LEGO Ninjago (mechs and dragons)
• LEGO Star Wars (especially in creatures and robots)
• LEGO Exo-Force
• Custom LEGO MOCs

It is also compatible with LEGO System bricks through intermediary connectors like Technic pins or axle connectors. While not commonly seen in more traditional city or architecture sets, creative builders find innovative ways to blend this part into diverse themes. In mechs and robotic builds, it’s commonly used for chest plates, shoulder guards, or thigh armor.

Color Variations of LEGO Piece 98989

Since its introduction, LEGO Piece 98989 has been released in several different colors, depending on the set and character it was associated with. Here are some of the most common and notable colors:

• Silver Metallic – Often used as armor in Hero Factory and sci-fi MOCs.
• Black – A versatile color, perfect for mech and stealth-themed builds.
• Gunmetal Gray – Adds a mechanical or industrial look to robots and tech builds.
• White – Used for space or futuristic themed MOCs.
• Red / Blue / Green / Yellow – These vibrant colors were common in Hero Factory sets and are now favored by MOC builders for accents or highlights.

The wide color palette allows builders to match this part with virtually any color scheme. Custom builders often use paint or dye to expand their creative options even further, although purist LEGO fans generally stick to official LEGO color variations.

Common Uses in MOCs

LEGO Piece 98989 has gained a lot of traction in the MOC community for its adaptability and clean aesthetics. Here are some of the most popular applications:

Mechs and Robots
Due to its armor-like appearance, this piece is often used in creating mech suits or robotic limbs. Builders use it for shoulder pads, chest armor, leg guards, and even for decorative spinal components.

Vehicles
Some creative designers incorporate this piece into hovercrafts, spaceships, and futuristic motorcycles. It serves as a sleek side panel or a streamlined engine cover.

Creatures and Aliens
Thanks to its organic curves, it is sometimes used as part of alien creatures or fantasy beasts, particularly for creating textured skin or armored scales.

Armor Detailing on Figures
For larger, articulated minifig-scale models or custom figures, 98989 is used to simulate armor or cybernetic enhancements.

Sci-fi and Cyberpunk Themes
Builders who specialize in cyberpunk environments love using this piece for futuristic infrastructure, robotic elements, or high-tech architecture.

Rarity and Availability

Even though this piece is not in current production lines, it is still widely available through secondary markets like:

• BrickLink
• Brick Owl
• eBay
• LEGO fan marketplaces

On these platforms, you can find LEGO Piece 98989 both as a single item and as part of bulk Technic or Hero Factory parts. Pricing typically ranges from $0.20 to $2.00 depending on the color and condition, with metallic and discontinued colors fetching a premium.

Builders who are looking to use this piece extensively in MOCs should consider buying in bulk or searching for used sets that feature this part.

Tips for Builders Using Piece 98989

For those unfamiliar with Technic or Hero Factory components, integrating Piece 98989 may seem daunting at first. Here are a few practical tips for getting the most out of it:

Use Ball Joint Connectors
Make sure to use compatible ball joint connectors for structural strength. LEGO Part 32474 or 98170 is ideal for connecting this piece securely.

Combine with Angled Technic Panels
For aesthetic builds, combine it with angled Technic panels and armor plates to enhance its shape and create more fluid surfaces.

Layering
Try stacking or layering multiple 98989 pieces in staggered positions for a ribbed or overlapping effect, commonly seen in dragon or alien designs.

Hidden Attachments
Because the piece has Technic pin holes, it’s easy to hide functional components like lights, wiring (for advanced builders), or axles behind it, keeping the build clean and futuristic.

Color Coordination
To avoid visual noise in your builds, coordinate the color of this piece with adjacent armor pieces or structure panels. Matching it with rubber tubing or custom stickers can enhance the final aesthetic.

Community Feedback and Legacy

LEGO Piece 98989 has gained cult status among certain segments of the LEGO community, particularly mech builders and Bionicle revivalists. Its detailed surface, compatibility, and versatile usage make it a go-to part for those working on large-scale models.

In online LEGO forums like Eurobricks, Reddit’s r/lego, and Flickr LEGO MOC groups, this piece regularly appears in high-quality MOCs. Many users celebrate its balance between form and function, which is rare in Technic armor pieces.

Fan reviews and discussions often highlight how this part has transcended its original purpose, going from a Hero Factory chest plate to an essential element in modern sci-fi and fantasy builds.

Comparisons to Similar Parts

To fully appreciate Piece 98989, it helps to compare it with similar LEGO components:

LEGO Part 87421 (Bionicle Chest Plate)
This part is bulkier and more detailed but lacks the clean, symmetrical look of 98989. It’s also less flexible due to limited connection points.

LEGO Part 24126 (Technic Panel Fairing)
Though this Technic panel is similar in size, it lacks the socket feature, making 98989 superior in articulation builds.

LEGO Part 90641 (Armor Add-On for CCBS)
Used in newer constraction sets, this piece is lighter but more limited in shaping. 98989 wins in terms of curve and design potential.

By offering a unique blend of socket connectivity and sleek curvature, Piece 98989 stands out even among similar functional parts.

Future of LEGO Piece 98989

As LEGO continues to evolve and introduces new themes and building systems, parts like 98989 may either be phased out or rediscovered through new set integrations. While it may not return in official sets, its influence and utility in fan builds guarantee that it will remain relevant and sought after for years to come.

The demand for retro and niche LEGO parts is growing, especially as LEGO MOCs become more artistic and complex. Piece 98989’s form factor, usability, and adaptability position it as a timeless tool for creative expression.

Final Thoughts

LEGO Piece 98989 is far more than just a Hero Factory relic. It’s a testament to LEGO’s ability to produce parts that transcend their initial purpose and gain a life of their own within the creative community. Its curved design, ball joint compatibility, and color options have cemented its place in the hearts of MOC builders worldwide.

Whether you’re crafting a towering mech, a sleek spaceship, or a futuristic cityscape, this part offers both structural support and aesthetic enhancement. It’s a shining example of how LEGO parts, even the obscure ones, can unlock new levels of creativity and design potential.

For builders who enjoy working outside the box and experimenting with form and function, LEGO Piece 98989 is truly an essential element worth collecting and exploring.