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I'm wanting to get into collecting some of the Masterpiece line but want to get some particulars regarding comparisons of the the various versions of figures to save on $$$.
I've read that Sideswipe (and Red Alert) are in scale with MP-10 Optimus.
Is MP-10 a good place to start if scale is a concern? What other MP's are in scale to MP-10?
Also, I know that Takara versions have better paint apps, usually, and are more cartoon accurate, but is it worth the price difference between the Hasbro version? Masterpiece Optimus at TRU vs Takara MP-10?

I just watched the video review for Soundwave and I really want to get that figure and if I get him, I know I'll be wanting more of the Masterpieces.

I appreciate any feedback on this. Thanks!

MP10's the basis of which all future MP's (including MP09 Rodimus) are based on, so you'll have no issue with the characters you've mentioned. The Hasbro MP10 is perfection at half the price
As far as paint, both Hasbro and Takara have made cartoon accurate portrails, that's entirely up to your taste on the matter. QC wise, there have been alot of issues with Rodimus (amended somewhat on the Hasbro version) misaligned panels on prime's chest and especially on Sideswipe, which have been addressed on these forums.

But strike while the iron is hot, MP prices may be prohibitive later on.

Hot Rod/Rodimus would be in scale with Mp10. I think it even shows them together on Mp10s box. I think HR looks ok with either Mp1 or Mp10.

General rule would be that the US versions will usually be the cheaper option.
Jap exclusives: Ultra Magnus, Megatron, Sleep Convoy, Black Convoy, Sunstorm, Starscream 2nd ver etc

Just buy the one you like the look of most first.

Hasbro mp-10 has cartoon colored eyes versus the takara version that has translucent eyes. I just got Red Alert and he is pretty dope. I passed on Lambor because of all the quality complaints but if I can get him cheap I will.

All masterpieces are in scale with MP-10 with the exception of:

MP-1 Prime and redecos (Ultra Magnus, Nemesis Prime, Sleep Convoy)
and MP-5 Megatron


My recommendation would be to begin with the US version of MP-10, the US MP-11 which is Thundercracker, and MP-12 Sideswipe. That will get you Optimus who is a must have, an updated seeker mold, and the smaller end of the MP scale with Swipe.

After that I would grab Soundwave while he is available, and then if you have the $$ Grimlock who is not only a superb mold, but also getting more scarce and far more pricey very fast. Three months ago he was ~$125 USD for the Hasbro version and now all versions of him are pushing $250+.

In my opinion, the only pre-MP-10 worth grabbing is Grimlock. He is not quite in scale with MP-10, as he is slightly shorter, but he can look the same height as Optimus, depending on how you pose him. And he is a great figure.

The early seekers are in scale with MP-10, but the MP-11 is far superior to the previous mold in robot form.

I don't have Rodimus, as he's not a character that I care for, but he is the same height as MP-10.

So don't feel like you are far behind, this line is just starting to get good.

If you are just getting into MP's, I would start with the new Prime. He's Optimus Prime. If you are only going to get one, that is the one to get. I would also pick up Thundercracker. You can still find him at TRU, which will save you some money later on. After that, I would buy them when they are announced or when you see them at retail. Don't wait on them because they get more expensive as time goes on.

Thanks for all the great information! I was wanting to get MP Grimlock too, as he is the only one that I have actually held and transformed (a friend of mine has him). So it sounds like Grimy would be ok with MP-10.
That sucks that MP Megatron is not in scale with MP-10 Prime. Does any one know if they plan on reissuing a Megs more in scale? I'm really focusing for my collection on pre-86 animated movie characters (sorry Roddy)

So, from what I've heard so far, MP-8, MP-10 and so on would be good to get, starting with MP-10 and probably the Hasbro version since its cheaper and it doesn't sound like you get much for the difference in price with the Takara version.

bruticus1978 wrote:So, from what I've heard so far, MP-8, MP-10 and so on would be good to get, starting with MP-10 and probably the Hasbro version since its cheaper and it doesn't sound like you get much for the difference in price with the Takara version.

Your plan sounds good.

As others have mentioned, Grimlock's price is climbing fast. Optimus seems to be as we'll, but I don't think he'll reach the same level of inflation as Grimlock. And being Optimus, he's more likely to see another release than Grimlock. That being the case it might be best to grab Grimlock first.

The only MP-10 difference I have noticed was Takara keeping a bit closer color-wise to cartoon accurate, while Hasbro's is a bit brighter. As well, Takara's "roller" is silver as in the show, while Hasbro did theirs in the same blue as Optimus' blue. not sure if there was ever a blue roller depicted in th G1 series. So that's a matter of individual preference. Grimlock has some differences (varying paint aps and sharper teeth on Tak's) but nothing as noticeable as the blue on their Optimus.

Overall for the price savings, Hasbro's are the way to go imho as well.

The new MP-11 mold is very nice, and I still see Thundercrackers on the shelf at my TRU for $75. So he should remain "affordable" for a long time to come. It's a very good mold too. Me...I'm hoping to grab an MP11 Starscream...and Takara has the only one at present...and with show accurate colors!!

Mp12 and MP13 will both hopefully see a Hasbro release in the near future...hopefully accompanied by MP14/15 the casetticons for Soundwave, though I know of no "official" announcements.

Lastly, use caution buying on eBay. Too good to be true, IS. And sellers will sometimes bid up their own auctions, so pick a price point and stick to it. In the end these are wants, not needs. (HERESY, I know!)

Huh, Its funny you posted this because just the other day I was thinking about selling all my MPs except for 1 and 4. The line has just lost its want factor for me. Only ones I care about really is my 1 and 4.


But like others have said try and get Grimlock first while the price is lower and than 10,11 and so on.