Energy Layer - Unicrest U2

Unicrest U2, known as Unlock Unicorn in Japan, is an Energy Layer released as part of the Burst System as well as the Dual Layer System. It debuted with the release of the B-56 Booster Unlock Unicorn Down Needle on August 6th, 2016.

Description
Unicrest U2 is a round Energy Layer designed for defense that features ten blades, nine of which are made up of clear plastic and make the "mane" and one which is made of colored plastic and makes "the horn" of this Layer's namesake, the mythical Unicorn, featured in the center.

The clear blades of the "mane" are smooth, compact and placed in a manner that deflects oncoming attacks, creating a low recoil design, while the single "horn" is shaped differently to create this Layer's gimmick; counter attack. Since the horn is much thinner and rests at a much higher angle than the rest of the blades, it creates a sizable gap that is, in theory, meant to provide Smash Attack to Burst the opponent and/or drain their stamina. However, in practice the angle and direction of the horn is ill-suited for such a purpose and instead creates a point of recoil, that is more recoil heavy when off balance, that drains Unicrest U2's stamina.

This problem is further exacerbated by the teeth featured in the Takara Tomy release, which are very short and weak. While they can withstand the low recoil provided by the mane, the recoil provided by the gap makes Unicrest U2 very prone to Bursts.

While the weight distribution of Unicrest U2 does lend itself well to stamina purposes, this does little to compensate for the recoil and teeth issues.

Overall
While Unicrest U2 does have some capabilities for stamina, it is still outclassed by other by new and God Layer Sytem Energy Layers such as Guardian Kerbeus and Alter Chronos, plus the recoil of the self-destructive counter attack gimmick and the weak teeth of the Takara Tomy release render this Layer outclassed for competitive use.

Unicrest U2 is thus suitable for collection purposes only.

Differences in Hasbro Version
The Hasbro release of Unicrest U2 features strong slopes that grant the Layer high burst resistance. The weakness of the Horn still applies but the threat is significantly reduced due to the aforementioned slopes. However, the Hasbro release of Unicrest U2 has significantly less stamina, now only on par with Kerbeus K2. Due to the reduced stamina and the recoil inducing horn, Unicrest U2 is outclassed by Unicrest, Kerbeus K2 and other Top-Tier Stamina/Defense layers. Despite being a risky choice, Unicrest U2 can be used in Defense Customizations.

Use in Defense Customizations
Unicrest U2 can be used in Defense Customization Unicrest U2 Gravity/Knuckle/Down/Heavy/Spread  Press/Needle/Defense/Survive/Revolve. While not the best choice but in absence of other Top-Tier Unicrest U2 can be used for Defense Customization. Press/Needle/Defense give this customization good KO resistance while, Survive/Revolve can be used for better stamina and burst resistance. While using Heavy/Gravity increase KO defense, using lighter disks can increase burst resistance.

Overall (Hasbro)
Overall, despite being outclassed by Other Top-Tier Stamina/Defense layers, Unicrest U2 can be used in Defensive Customizations in absence of better options.

Thus, it's a welcome addition to any blader's collection.

Takara Tomy

 * B-56 Unlock Unicorn Down Needle (white)
 * B-67 Unlock Unicorn Quarter Accel (Random Booster Vol. 5) (translucent red)
 * B-67 Unlock Unicorn Upper Trans (Random Booster Vol. 5) (translucent black)
 * BG-05 Random Layer Collection Vol. 5 (translucent light blue)

Hasbro

 * Starter Pack: Unicrest U2
 * Double Pack: Doomscizor D2 v. Unicrest U2

Trivia

 * The anime portrayal of Unicrest U2 features a much longer and sharper horn point than the actual Energy Layer.