Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 1:25PM CDT

Categories: Toy News, Knock Offs
Posted by: Razorclaw0000 Views: 67,638

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Every now and again, we at Seibertron.com are notified of an upcoming Knock Off of a rare or expensive figure, and want to take the time to warn our members to exercise some caution when purchasing vintage pieces.

This time, it appears that a new batch of highly authentic looking Cassettetrons are about to be released, sporting very accurate package reproductions. It appears that Japanese exclusive Dial and Zaur, as well as Raindance, Grand Slam, Beastbox, and Squawktalk have been reproduced. As always, we encourage you to do extensive research when preparing to purchase a rare or expensive figure to ensure you are purchasing what you believe you're purchasing.

Click the above images for more details over at KOToys.com.

Seibertron.com does not condone the actions of bootleg and knockoff toy makers and are providing this message as a courtesy and warning to our members.

Credit(s): _mixmaster_, KOToys

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Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231182)
Posted by gothsaurus on May 31st, 2011 @ 1:58pm CDT

I'm glad someone is finally making these... if not Takara or Hasbro, then SOMEBODY. Been waiting a good decade. :APPLAUSE:

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231186)
Posted by ae_productions on May 31st, 2011 @ 2:03pm CDT

PURE WIN!!

These have been holy grail pieces for me for years. Just could never afford the outrageous price tag. Once again, Takara is too busy producing their 6th MP Convoy and crappy movie toys then to produce new or reissue old unreleased toys (unreleased to the USA). Takara dropped the ball again.

So happy we live in an age where there are options OUTSIDE of Takara and Hasbro.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231187)
Posted by Amelie on May 31st, 2011 @ 2:11pm CDT

I think its jumping the gun to assume that Takara will never reissue these figures.

They probably won't now the market has been flooded with KOs, though. How many people are gonna pay twice for something if they were prepared to own a KO in the first place?

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231191)
Posted by TheCrookedMan on May 31st, 2011 @ 2:17pm CDT

Derrick Wyatt's gotta be psyched about this.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231192)
Posted by gothsaurus on May 31st, 2011 @ 2:19pm CDT

As a rule, I WILL always get the official figure if and when HasTak releases it, even if I've gotten a quality KO.

I'm trying to remember if that's actually EVER happened to me, though. *hurts brain thinking* :-?

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231279)
Posted by Flux Convoy on May 31st, 2011 @ 3:51pm CDT

gothsaurus wrote:As a rule, I WILL always get the official figure if and when HasTak releases it, even if I've gotten a quality KO.

I'm trying to remember if that's actually EVER happened to me, though. *hurts brain thinking*

It's happened to me once with the high quality KO Ratbat and Frenzy(?, the blue cassette) two pack. I bought the Encores of them because official product will always win out. I had assumed, along with a large number of the fandom, that the Rumble and Frenzy molds were gone for good. I always wanted Rumble as a kid from the cartoon. Call him Frenzy all you like, he'll always be Rumble to me. So I bought the KOs.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231348)
Posted by Blackstreak on May 31st, 2011 @ 5:11pm CDT

I've always wanted a set of Dinocassettes. I may still not pick them up though, got more important things to buy.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231356)
Posted by billprestonesquire on May 31st, 2011 @ 5:29pm CDT

Amelie wrote:*sighs* Getting Overkill to go with Slugfest is going to be a minefield now.

I don't mind KOs, but its when they're packaged in replica boxes\backing cards that I get annoyed. I know a lot of people like the KOs because of this, but its starting to make vintage collecting a dangerous, depressing affair.

We all know it won't be long before people start adding wear and crumpling the boxes, or deliberatly sunfading a bit to disguise it further as well.

i agree, this totally blows. i'm happy that people will now be able to afford the Dinos because the aftermarket prices are way out of control, but i do wish that they would change the packaging and toys just a little bit. i only buy originals unless it's a completely new design or size (like the Perfect Effect Reflector or iGear Mini MP Primes). things like this make it so much harder to purchase anything, especially when it's a very, very high priced item and on Ebay where you can't examine it closely with your own eyes. oh well, crap happens.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231365)
Posted by Crisdecal on May 31st, 2011 @ 5:56pm CDT

Gauntlet101010 wrote:Friggin'. Sweet.

I might not buy them from KO Toys, but these bad boys will definately be mine when they're released. But I think I'll still get a vintige BeastBox and GrandSlam instead of the KOs of those.

If your going to buy them you might as well buy them from kotoys because the owner of the site is the one whose having the cassettes Koed. The guy's planning on selling the dino cassettes at about $40.00 + shipping a set. Wait 'till a scalper gets there hands on some and you'll be lucky if you find them for less than $100.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231367)
Posted by billprestonesquire on May 31st, 2011 @ 6:00pm CDT

Crisdecal wrote:
Gauntlet101010 wrote:Friggin'. Sweet.

I might not buy them from KO Toys, but these bad boys will definately be mine when they're released. But I think I'll still get a vintige BeastBox and GrandSlam instead of the KOs of those.

If your going to buy them you might as well buy them from kotoys because the owner of the site is the one whose having the cassettes Koed. The guy's planning on selling the dino cassettes at about $40.00 + shipping a set. Wait 'till a scalper gets there hands on some and you'll be lucky if you find them for less than $100.

i agree, if you are going to get them, why wouldn't you buy them direct from KO Toys?

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231387)
Posted by Mkall on May 31st, 2011 @ 7:01pm CDT

I am disappointed they're going with KOs of the Packaging along with the figures.

I'm still going to get the Dinocassettes though.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231394)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on May 31st, 2011 @ 7:26pm CDT

billprestonesquire wrote:i agree, if you are going to get them, why wouldn't you buy them direct from KO Toys?

There are a million reasons not to buy from KO Toys...

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231409)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on May 31st, 2011 @ 7:49pm CDT

billprestonesquire wrote:
Crisdecal wrote:
Gauntlet101010 wrote:Friggin'. Sweet.

I might not buy them from KO Toys, but these bad boys will definately be mine when they're released. But I think I'll still get a vintige BeastBox and GrandSlam instead of the KOs of those.

If your going to buy them you might as well buy them from kotoys because the owner of the site is the one whose having the cassettes Koed. The guy's planning on selling the dino cassettes at about $40.00 + shipping a set. Wait 'till a scalper gets there hands on some and you'll be lucky if you find them for less than $100.

i agree, if you are going to get them, why wouldn't you buy them direct from KO Toys?

At the time KO Toys was giving me some problems with an order and I was feeling frustrated.

But those problems have been cleared up, so I guess I'll give KO Toys another shot. However, I doubt this is a "KO Toys exclucive". Many people sell these sort of knock ofs.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231417)
Posted by Stormrider on May 31st, 2011 @ 7:57pm CDT

I've wondered if the KO dino cassettes have been around for a little bit. I thought they were rare but I am surprised to see a few every month on eBay MIB.

I was lucky years ago to find & buy Dairu loose with his guns in Japanese manga shop. the remaining dino cassettes have been on the top of my list to find.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231439)
Posted by billprestonesquire on May 31st, 2011 @ 8:38pm CDT

LOST Cybertronian wrote:
billprestonesquire wrote:i agree, if you are going to get them, why wouldn't you buy them direct from KO Toys?

There are a million reasons not to buy from KO Toys...

well, thanks for clearing that up for me. your answer makes so much sense.

Gauntlet101010 wrote:
billprestonesquire wrote:
Crisdecal wrote:
Gauntlet101010 wrote:Friggin'. Sweet.

I might not buy them from KO Toys, but these bad boys will definately be mine when they're released. But I think I'll still get a vintige BeastBox and GrandSlam instead of the KOs of those.

If your going to buy them you might as well buy them from kotoys because the owner of the site is the one whose having the cassettes Koed. The guy's planning on selling the dino cassettes at about $40.00 + shipping a set. Wait 'till a scalper gets there hands on some and you'll be lucky if you find them for less than $100.

i agree, if you are going to get them, why wouldn't you buy them direct from KO Toys?

At the time KO Toys was giving me some problems with an order and I was feeling frustrated.

But those problems have been cleared up, so I guess I'll give KO Toys another shot. However, I doubt this is a "KO Toys exclucive". Many people sell these sort of knock ofs.

now that actually makes sense.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231465)
Posted by Amelie on May 31st, 2011 @ 9:28pm CDT

Stormrider wrote:I've wondered if the KO dino cassettes have been around for a little bit. I thought they were rare but I am surprised to see a few every month on eBay MIB.

I was lucky years ago to find & buy Dairu loose with his guns in Japanese manga shop. the remaining dino cassettes have been on the top of my list to find.

This. Doesn't anyone remember the KO Cyclonus? That went a while undetected.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231517)
Posted by robofreak on May 31st, 2011 @ 10:46pm CDT

The problem I'm seeing on these is that the Packaging sample looks worn like what you'd expect from a vintage box. If this is the case then the vintage market is in trouble.

billprestonesquire wrote:
LOST Cybertronian wrote:
billprestonesquire wrote:i agree, if you are going to get them, why wouldn't you buy them direct from KO Toys?

There are a million reasons not to buy from KO Toys...

well, thanks for clearing that up for me. your answer makes so much sense.

A little research would show you that that makes perfect sense.

I've heard so many horror stories about buying from them that I avoid them. hey got a couple things I want for some customs, but dealing with them is not worth the trouble.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231565)
Posted by billprestonesquire on June 1st, 2011 @ 3:13am CDT

robofreak wrote:
billprestonesquire wrote:
LOST Cybertronian wrote:
billprestonesquire wrote:i agree, if you are going to get them, why wouldn't you buy them direct from KO Toys?

There are a million reasons not to buy from KO Toys...

well, thanks for clearing that up for me. your answer makes so much sense.

A little research would show you that that makes perfect sense.

I've heard so many horror stories about buying from them that I avoid them. hey got a couple things I want for some customs, but dealing with them is not worth the trouble.

well now, that IS an actual answer that makes sense and explains something.

i have done much "research" and "studying" on vintage toys but mostly on all things Pre-TF's. it's all explained in my personal collection thread down below. i APOLOGIZE that i haven't researched everything there is to know about toy collecting and KO's in general. i don't really buy KO replicas that often except the iGear Primes, Perfect Effect Reflector, and Junkion Blacksmith Headmaster Prime (and the last two aren't really replicas, more like 3rd party figures). SO, i wouldn't have really had the opportunity to "research" KO Toys. i posed a question and you initially gave a non-answer.

don't misunderstand the sarcasm, i do appreciate the clarification. it's just that you first answer explained nothing.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231593)
Posted by ausbot on June 1st, 2011 @ 5:43am CDT

Has/tak should have reissued these with the other cassettes, And i cannot afford the originals so it looks like this is my only chance of owning these!

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231692)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on June 1st, 2011 @ 10:44am CDT

billprestonesquire wrote:
LOST Cybertronian wrote:
billprestonesquire wrote:i agree, if you are going to get them, why wouldn't you buy them direct from KO Toys?

There are a million reasons not to buy from KO Toys...

well, thanks for clearing that up for me. your answer makes so much sense.

Let's just say that KO should stand for Krazy Owner.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1231699)
Posted by gothsaurus on June 1st, 2011 @ 10:57am CDT

I'll have to jump in to say everything I've gotten from them has been amazing quality... on par with Takara and Hasbro. Paint, plastic, packaging all fantastic. I can see being critical of them making KOs, but not the quality. (???)

I just appreciate someone going to the trouble to put out the holy-grail toys we all want. I'm still puzzled why HasTak won't pull the strings to make these... the dino cassettes, the animal headmasters, Artfire, etc.

Those characters should be available for a reasonable price... and $1000 for a one inch toy isn't reasonable.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1233925)
Posted by jasonpho on June 4th, 2011 @ 3:45pm CDT

Saw a lot of the dino sets for sale at botcon for $2500. Glad I read this post...made me very skeptical, especially at this one vendor's booth where everything else was clearly Repo G1 stuff in the repo G1 packaging. Hopefully someone doesnt get suckered into buying a KO.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1279762)
Posted by Covenant on August 21st, 2011 @ 7:11pm CDT

Sorry to bump an older topic, but; Has there been an update on this of late?

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1279797)
Posted by XenoStryker on August 21st, 2011 @ 8:32pm CDT

I'll never understand why Hasbro or Takara don't intervene an put an end to these. Especially when these KOs are being released in authentic style packaging and with the trademark stamp still intact. It really makes trying to collect vintage toys a difficult proposition. You'd think they'd want to protect their brand. :evil:

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1279898)
Posted by slugfest200x on August 22nd, 2011 @ 1:35am CDT

gothsaurus wrote:
Those characters should be available for a reasonable price... and $1000 for a one inch toy isn't reasonable.

i hear that one man, lemme get a fortress maximus now! id sink a couple hundo on it.

I'm not worried about the copyright or logo on my toy, i like them for what they are, not for how much cash Hasbro can get.i don't think they're to worried about it, considering how much loot they've got thrown at them for making a series of movies reminiscent of recent car commercials. i am, however, in disagreement of sellers trying to make a buck of the fans of these toys. i have a pretty large g1 collection and i'd be pissed to find out there were KO's amongst them.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1296060)
Posted by horus on October 3rd, 2011 @ 1:31pm CDT

Pre-Order is up guys. along with some final pics

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1296675)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on October 4th, 2011 @ 10:35pm CDT

I'm going to wait until all four Dinocombiners are ready to go. I'd rather wait, pay, and get them all at once than two at a time.

Still, these guys ... it's amazing that we're getting them. Normally, I don't care for KOs, but for the Dinocombiners I shall spend.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1296721)
Posted by horus on October 5th, 2011 @ 5:37am CDT

Gauntlet101010 wrote:I'm going to wait until all four Dinocombiners are ready to go. I'd rather wait, pay, and get them all at once than two at a time.

Still, these guys ... it's amazing that we're getting them. Normally, I don't care for KOs, but for the Dinocombiners I shall spend.

you'll have to wait for some time then.. first these two get released, then slamdance and sqwakbox and only after that the other two cassettrons.. on and there might be some recolors in the middle messing up the schedule :-?

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1296759)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on October 5th, 2011 @ 9:14am CDT

horus wrote:
Gauntlet101010 wrote:I'm going to wait until all four Dinocombiners are ready to go. I'd rather wait, pay, and get them all at once than two at a time.

Still, these guys ... it's amazing that we're getting them. Normally, I don't care for KOs, but for the Dinocombiners I shall spend.

you'll have to wait for some time then.. first these two get released, then slamdance and sqwakbox and only after that the other two cassettrons.. on and there might be some recolors in the middle messing up the schedule

Is that their release schedule? Geez ... I'll probably get these sooner rather than later, then. Although I'm still inclined to wait until they actually have these in stock ... I just might change my mind on that, though.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1296780)
Posted by Covenant on October 5th, 2011 @ 10:37am CDT

I wouldn't take any chances. Collectors have wanted the dinos for years, but we've all been in a situation of 'if you don't have them by now, you're probably not going to have them period', would put a bit of urgency on securing these..to me.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1296808)
Posted by Covenant on October 5th, 2011 @ 12:04pm CDT

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1296821)
Posted by horus on October 5th, 2011 @ 1:19pm CDT

These two will have a run of 1000 (pairs), the other two will only be in store next year according to kotoys.. with that in mind i would recommend anyone interested in getting them
sooner then later.
There's also a post on kotoys forum about some recolor options for all of them along the way, atobot paintjobs, decpeticon paintjobs.. bla bla bla.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1296839)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on October 5th, 2011 @ 2:44pm CDT

Oh ... oh .... very well. I'd rather have waited for them to actually arrive (and maybe try Aces Toy Store for faster shipping), but if there's a limited quantity ... then I guess, as a cassette collector, I can't wait. Even though I'd kind of rather wait.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1296881)
Posted by Stormrider on October 5th, 2011 @ 5:31pm CDT

horus wrote:These two will have a run of 1000 (pairs), the other two will only be in store next year according to kotoys.. with that in mind i would recommend anyone interested in getting them
sooner then later.
There's also a post on kotoys forum about some recolor options for all of them along the way, atobot paintjobs, decpeticon paintjobs.. bla bla bla.

Thanks for the heads up.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1298651)
Posted by Astronopolis on October 10th, 2011 @ 2:32pm CDT

its too much money for the novelty of owning a copy of a rare toy to me, but your mileage may vary. the boxart is so awesome for these guys that the figures themselves just look like crap to me. now if they were given a redesign a la classics i could be persuaded...

also, squawkbox (and his components) is one who id be extremely excited for, especially if given a redesign, but thats a different convo for a different thread.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1298669)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on October 10th, 2011 @ 2:59pm CDT

I'm a cassette hunting collector, so, unless I wanna pay around $5000 a pop for the real deals, these are a must for me.

Not Squawk Box or Slam Dance, though.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1298676)
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on October 10th, 2011 @ 3:12pm CDT

Gauntlet101010 wrote:I'm a cassette hunting collector, so, unless I wanna pay around $5000 a pop for the real deals, these are a must for me.

Not Squawk Box or Slam Dance, though.

The authenticate figures are around $400-$600 a pair. Extravagant, but not unobtainable. I've waffled on these guys so much I'm out syrup, but I think I've finally decided to pass, and keep the originals on my (long) list. I have more recent rarities to finish up.

Re: Buyer Beware: KO Dinocassettes and Cassette Combiners in Vintage Style Packaging (1298687)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on October 10th, 2011 @ 3:42pm CDT

Razorclaw0000 wrote:
Gauntlet101010 wrote:I'm a cassette hunting collector, so, unless I wanna pay around $5000 a pop for the real deals, these are a must for me.

Not Squawk Box or Slam Dance, though.

The authenticate figures are around $400-$600 a pair. Extravagant, but not unobtainable. I've waffled on these guys so much I'm out syrup, but I think I've finally decided to pass, and keep the originals on my (long) list. I have more recent rarities to finish up.

Really? I coulda sworn I saw an ebay auction for just one at 5 grand. Maybe I'm misremembering or maybe it was an overenthusiastic seller...

Well, that's way more than I'm willing to put down for a pair of tapes anyway. I'd say $400-$600 makes them unobtainable for me, if not everyone else.