Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 10:20 pm

I know the original was only available with the purchase of some catalog and he pictures one that may be the one in question but can anyone confirm or chime in on this being an original Takara? Thanks.

Also does this Botcon 2007 Mirage look to be legit too?

Just won Fracture for $32 shipped off of eBay. I'm also crossing my fingers that I dodged another KO with this one too. I've found sites selling this variant as well, packaging and all.

by **Rated X** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 8:59 am

I cant tell the difference. I own both of the KO's and the only difference between them and the Hasbro Mirage/Fracture/Drag Strip versions are looser joints and the gun post must be sanded down slightly to make it fit in the hand. Check the smoothness of the handle, that might be a give away. Also the KO of Botcon 2007 Mirage does not come with a rub decal, although Reprolabels makes them. On the flip side, both KO's are spot on and buying the originals are a waste of money. If you are lucky enough to have the originals, I hope you got a good deal on them.

News Credits: 461 · by **mooncake623** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 9:16 am

I also ebayed Electro disruptor Mirage, seller said it is legit... I too am looking for ways to tell the original apart from the KO.

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 11:26 am

mooncake623 wrote:I also ebayed Electro disruptor Mirage, seller said it is legit... I too am looking for ways to tell the original apart from the KO.

Well I took a shot and got Electro Mirage as pictured including catalog that needed to be purchased to acquire him for $80 shipped. I figured it was the real deal with the added catalog, which I guess is a nice touch in owning this guy.

And I took a shot at 2007 Botcon Mirage for $75 shipped, the seller originally claims to have paid $150 for him. When I get them I'll compare them to my Hasbro Mirage & Dragstrip. For all the cash I dished out these guys better be the real deal. Wish me luck!

News Credits: 461 · by **mooncake623** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 11:34 am

wow... good luck! keep us updated.

I won my auction on ebay for $30 bucks shipped... =/
Does this mean its KO? I've contacted the seller again. I'll update when I get it i guess.

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:08 pm

mooncake623 wrote:wow... good luck! keep us updated.

I won my auction on ebay for $30 bucks shipped... =/
Does this mean its KO? I've contacted the seller again. I'll update when I get it i guess.

Nice deal for $30 even if it's a KO. Which one did you win Botcon Mirage or Electro Mirage?

News Credits: 461 · by **mooncake623** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:21 pm

the electro disruptor

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:34 pm

mooncake623 wrote:the electro disruptor

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230887746289?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

I'm not sure if it's KO or not but again $30 even if it's KO is more than fair I think. This mold was KOed down to packaging so untill you compare to a legit version of this mold, who knows?

News Credits: 461 · by **mooncake623** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:46 pm

yea I'll have to see...
still deceptive.. i would like to compare your legit version to mine once we get it.

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:57 pm

mooncake623 wrote:yea I'll have to see...
still deceptive.. i would like to compare your legit version to mine once we get it.

We both might have a KO version, lol. Best to compare the mold with the like of a Classics Mirage.

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 3:05 pm

Just won Fracture for $32 shipped off of eBay. I'm also crossing my fingers that I dodged another KO with this one too. I've found sites selling this variant as well, packaging and all.

News Credits: 402 · by **Mkall** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 3:31 pm

I don't have the KOs of any of them (unlike a previous poster, I don't think going legit is a waste of money, but that's a tired argument he and I will never agree on), however if my memory serves, the place to tell if it's a KO or not are the vents on the knees and forearms of the robot. If they're crisp and smooth and even then it's a legit fig. If they aren't symmetrical, or the grooves aren't neat, then it's a KO.

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:13 pm

Mkall wrote:I don't have the KOs of any of them (unlike a previous poster, I don't think going legit is a waste of money, but that's a tired argument he and I will never agree on), however if my memory serves, the place to tell if it's a KO or not are the vents on the knees and forearms of the robot. If they're crisp and smooth and even then it's a legit fig. If they aren't symmetrical, or the grooves aren't neat, then it's a KO.

Thank you. I agree it's not a waste of money. Can you tell from the pictures I posted if the vent tell is apparent.

News Credits: 402 · by **Mkall** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:38 pm

Transformers Hoarder wrote:
Mkall wrote:I don't have the KOs of any of them (unlike a previous poster, I don't think going legit is a waste of money, but that's a tired argument he and I will never agree on), however if my memory serves, the place to tell if it's a KO or not are the vents on the knees and forearms of the robot. If they're crisp and smooth and even then it's a legit fig. If they aren't symmetrical, or the grooves aren't neat, then it's a KO.

Thank you. I agree it's not a waste of money. Can you tell from the pictures I posted if the vent tell is apparent.

Crasher is a little too fuzzy for me to make out properly, but the Botcon Mirage looks legit given how the grooves catch the light of the flash. However that flash is making the solid plastic on the arms and legs glow a funny colour. Compare that to one of Seibertron's photos and you'll see the colour difference. You may want to ask for a non-flash picture to make sure the solid plastic matches is the right colour blue.

That said the type of plastic used seems to be the same type used for the legit version. There's this picture where you can see the cloudyness that's in the KO:

I'm also tempted to believe the ED Mirage is legit. However I'm not 100% sure based on just the in-box image.

There's a good article written a while back that compares the legit mold vs the KO mold. Sadly the image links have expired

Still it may be of some help: Article here.

Good luck!

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 5:44 pm

Good stuff, Thanks!

News Credits: 461 · by **mooncake623** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 8:59 pm

NIce!! thanks for all the info. I've been reassured by the seller again that the one i brought from him off ebay is legit. I too do not agree KOs are the way to go to save money, because there are deals out there to be had if you look.
I will check for these differences once mine come in.

News Credits: 1 · by **Gauntlet101010** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 9:01 pm

KOs are cool for those who want KOs. But I must agree, there's just something about having an original that isn't replicated with a KO. Even if the KO is a very close copy.

Glad you got the original!

News Credits: 409 · by **Stormrider** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 4:44 pm

Let us know what you find when you get both of them.

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:16 am

I'm still waiting for electro Mirage to get here but this link is related. The arrival of my BotCon Mirage thread.

botcon-mirage-or-not-need-help-identifying-if-it-s-a-ko-p1446497.php#p1446497

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 2:57 pm

Happy to report that my Drag Strip is in and doesn't seem to be a KO.

News Credits: 461 · by **mooncake623** » Mon Dec 17, 2012 9:14 am

Happy to report my Electro disruptor Mirage appears to be legit! the mold follow all the "rules" that I've read up on and that was provided on this topic. Also the mold looks consistent with my classics Mirage. Very happy with it.

sorry no pics at this time.

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 8:47 pm

Just got this in and he's looking to be the real deal.

News Credits: 409 · by **Stormrider** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 10:54 am

That's great. It's upsetting how KO's have flooded the TF market and made it very difficult for collectors.

News Credits: 3 · by **Transformers Hoarder** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 12:42 am

Mine is the real deal but there's a little paint blemish on the front nose that needs a little touch up straight out the packaging, perfect otherwise. And the 2009 catalog it came with, that you needed to purchase to order Electro Mirage, is just crazy awesome.