How many pieces are in the Hydro Search Sub?

Hydro Search Sub contains 298 pieces.

When was the Hydro Search Sub released?

Hydro Search Sub was released in 1998.

🏛 Hydronauts

Set #6180

Hydro Search Sub

The Hydro Search Sub is a classic underwater exploration set from LEGO's Hydronauts theme.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Intermediate build Ideal for LEGO fans interested in vintage themes and underwater exploration.
Build: 298 pieces · about 4.5 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $49.99 list price · 16.8¢ per piece
Availability: Likely retired

★★★☆☆ 3.8 AI-generated review score, not a customer rating

Fans appreciate the Hydro Search Sub for its nostalgic value and unique design, but some find the building experience relatively simple compared to modern sets. The minifigures and color scheme are generally well-received.

$49.99

Best Price

$114.00

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Hydro Search Sub is a classic underwater exploration set from LEGO's Hydronauts theme. Released in 1998, it features a detailed submarine, a team of intrepid divers, and a menacing stingray, capturing the adventurous spirit of ocean exploration.

This set is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate vintage themes and unique designs. The build offers a nostalgic experience and the completed model is a great display piece, evoking a sense of underwater adventure.

Skip this set if you prefer modern, highly detailed models with complex building techniques. While charming, it lacks the sophistication of contemporary sets. Consider newer underwater themes like City Deep Sea Explorers for a more advanced build.

✨ New

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🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

298

Pieces

⏱

4.5h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Building the octagonal sub shape using specialized bricks
Constructing the underwater propulsion system
Assembling the diving equipment and tools
Creating the underwater environment with trans-green elements

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

↑ Trending up since release

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Hydro Search Sub presents a moderate investment opportunity. Its age and the relative obscurity of the Hydronauts theme contribute to its rarity, potentially driving up its value over time. However, its piece count is relatively low, and it lacks the widespread appeal of licensed themes like Star Wars. The rising price trend suggests growing interest, but potential investors should monitor the market closely and consider the set's condition and completeness.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Compared to other LEGO underwater themes like Aquazone or City Deep Sea Explorers, the Hydronauts have a distinct vintage charm. While newer sets offer more advanced building techniques and modern designs, the Hydro Search Sub provides a nostalgic experience and a unique aesthetic. Collectors interested in classic LEGO themes may prefer this set over more contemporary options.

4 Minifigures Included

The set includes four minifigures: three Hydronauts and one Stingray. The Hydronauts feature classic diving suits and accessories, while the Stingray adds a touch of aquatic danger. These minifigures are unique to the Hydronauts theme and contribute to the set's collectible appeal.

📦 Parts Inventory

Piece count: 298
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 88 unique parts, 279 pieces
Minifigures: 4

The piece count includes the 19 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Brick 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2357 2× Light Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 2× Black

Windscreen 6 x 6 ...

Part #: 2418bpr0001 1× Trans-Green

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 6× Light Gray

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 4× Light Gray

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2458 1× Light Gray

Brick Wedged 3 x ...

Part #: 2462 2× Black

Brick Wedged, Slo...

Part #: 2463 2× Yellow

Tool Chainsaw / D...

Part #: 2516 2× Black

Hinge Panel 2 x 4...

Part #: 2582pr0004 2× Trans-Green

Windscreen 10 x 1...

Part #: 2598 1× Trans-Green

Magnet Holder 2 x 3

Part #: 2607 2× Light Gray

Magnet Holder Til...

Part #: 2609b 2× Black

Hinge Train Gate ...

Part #: 2873 1× Black

Brick Special 2 x...

Part #: 30000 1× Dark Gray

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 1× Blue

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 6× Yellow

Brick 2 x 3

Part #: 3002 1× Light Gray

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 1× Light Gray

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 5× Blue

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 2× White

Brick 1 x 8 with ...

Part #: 3008b 4× Yellow

Brick 1 x 6

Part #: 3009 5× Black

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 7× Yellow

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Blue

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 2× Black

Cockpit 6 x 6 x 3...

Part #: 30200 1× Black

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 2× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 1× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 6× Blue

Plate 4 x 12

Part #: 3029 1× Black

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 1× Light Gray

Rock 1 x 1 Crysta...

Part #: 30385 1× Chrome Silver

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039 3× Light Gray

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039pr9985 3× Yellow

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 6× Trans-Green

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 2× Yellow

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 2× Yellow

Tile 2 x 2 with Y...

Part #: 3068bpr0021 1× Black

Tile 2 x 2 with B...

Part #: 3068bpr0059 2× Black

Tile 2 x 2 with A...

Part #: 3068bpr9881 3× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 7× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with A...

Part #: 3069bpr0038 2× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with B...

Part #: 3069bpr0057 4× Yellow

Technic Axle 2 No...

Part #: 32062 10× Black

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3298 2× Light Gray

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3298pr0038 1× Yellow

Brick Arch 1 x 6 ...

Part #: 3307 2× Yellow

Brick 1 x 3

Part #: 3622 4× Red

Fence Lattice 1 x...

Part #: 3633 2× Yellow

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3660 1× Black

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 1× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 1× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 3× Yellow

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 1× Light Gray

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 3749 4× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 4× Yellow

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 1× Yellow

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 1× Black

Wedge Plate 8 x 4...

Part #: 3933 1× Light Gray

Wedge Plate 8 x 4...

Part #: 3934 1× Light Gray

Wedge Plate 4 x 4...

Part #: 3935 1× Black

Wedge Plate 4 x 4...

Part #: 3936 1× Black

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3937 2× Light Gray

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 3× Light Gray

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 10× Black

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 4286 6× Black

Hinge Vehicle Roo...

Part #: 4315 2× Black

Box 2 x 2 x 2 [Ho...

Part #: 4345b 3× Trans-Green

Box 2 x 2 x 2 Doo...

Part #: 4346 3× Trans-Green

Windscreen 6 x 4 ...

Part #: 4474 2× Trans-Green

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4590 5× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 5× Black

Hinge Tile 1 x 4

Part #: 4625 4× Light Gray

Slope 45° 4 x 4 D...

Part #: 4857 1× Yellow

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 4861 1× Yellow

Panel 1 x 2 x 2 [...

Part #: 4864b 2× Yellow

Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [...

Part #: 4865a 8× Black

Hose, Pneumatic 4...

Part #: 5102c19 2× Light Gray

Weapon Harpoon [4...

Part #: 57467 2× Chrome Silver

Minifig Footwear ...

Part #: 59275 6× Black

Minifig Footwear ...

Part #: 59275 2× Light Gray

Brick Special Oct...

Part #: 6032 2× Yellow

Cone 2 x 2 x 1 2/...

Part #: 6039 8× Black

Propeller Housing

Part #: 6040 2× Yellow

Propeller 3 Blade...

Part #: 6041 5× Trans-Green

Brick Special Oct...

Part #: 6042 11× Yellow

Brick 2 x 4 x 2 w...

Part #: 6061 2× Yellow

Plate Special 10 ...

Part #: 6063 2× Black

Brick Curved 1 x ...

Part #: 6091 2× Black

Wedge Plate 6 x 6...

Part #: 6106 2× Light Gray

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 8× Trans-Neon Orange

Wedge, Plate 16 x...

Part #: 6219 2× Light Gray

Dish 2 x 2 x 2/3 ...

Part #: 71128 2× Chrome Silver

Equipment Suction...

Part #: 71594c01 2× Trans-Green

Magnet Cylindrical

Part #: 73092 4× Black

The Hydro Search Sub features a mix of basic bricks, plates, and specialized octagonal pieces. The black and yellow color scheme is characteristic of the Hydronauts theme. The trans-green elements add a nice touch of underwater ambiance.

🛒 Where to Buy

Garden Center Lanes

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$72.20

eBay

✓ In Stock

$114.00 →

💎 Notable Parts

Yellow Brick Special Octagonal 2 x 2 x 3 1/3 with Side Studs (11x) $3.30

Black Plate Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Type 1 (+ Opening) (10x) $1.50

Trans-Neon Orange Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud (8x) $1.60

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$6.40

💡 MOC Potential

🚢 Create a larger, more detailed submarine with interior compartments.

🌳 Build an underwater research station with coral reefs and marine life.

🚗 Design a submersible vehicle for exploring the ocean floor.

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

1 video found

BlockTalk AI

Die Kastens presents a positive review of the LEGO 6180 Hydro Search Sub, noting its 274 pieces and the high percentage of printed elements, with no stickers. The reviewer appreciates the minifigure design, especially the Stingray enemy, although his son initially wished the harpoons were functional.