The Energon Pub

Cobotron wrote:Hey Cram!!!!

Hey Cobs!!

Cram! You at work today? The wife has the day off and we just returned from our trip last night. In the midst of a medium grade snow storm, we have declared today, "STAY IN YOUR JAMMIES AND PLAY WITH ALL THE NEW TOYS DAY!!". So far things are going according to plan.

sasquachijaki wrote:

Cobotron wrote:If I were you I would just go ahead and wear two pairs when he comes.

Or... none at all

Ya, just strip down and lay out a tarp.

squishyjeansjaki][quote="Everlasting Cobstopper wrote:I was hoping you would one day see that Tigertron. I knew you would appreciate it.
So much new. So much to catch up on. So glad to have you coming back around.

I can appreciate a good beastie, and I've been watching Tigatrons for a spare gut gun.[/quote]After memories of your amazing tales and some well done research by WJ, we have all taken a safari through the jungle, and emerged victorious.



@DS
First off, Shajaki is a great resource when it comes to MPs, so take his advice above all others.

A couple of other things:
The customs you go through on your return from a trip is an entirely different thing than the customs the mail passes through. Same federal entity, but a much different process. Also customs is always going to freak out over a weapon being transported. Not so much a toy.
I have had no issues with customs so far, and I have had about 10 or 12 orders come from over seas this past year.

Feel free to let your folks know that this advice is coming from adults who deal with financial issues just as they do, and share the same concerns about fraud. I wouldn't order from Amiami if I didn't feel it was secure.

But also, it dawned on me, are you looking for advice on how to get MPs, or which MPs to get? That's a different question all together.

Lastely, if I had to guess (which is what we are all doing here) 2016's Hasbro MP releases will be Sideswipe and Skywarp. Maybe Smokescreen, but it is well known that Lamborghini has granted licensing to Hasbro USA.

@DS Yeah, customs is not the same thing. Toys get through no problem and the US gets no customs fee so thats awesome for you guys. You would be saving an easy 40$ so importing is worth it fo wheeljack (and the others if available). And anyways HLJ is ALSO a japanese import store so its the same thing with them.

So to make it easy, here is what you do:

Get paypal to do safe online business with ALL webstores.

Preorder Wheeljack here: http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

Get Optimus here: http://hlj.com/product/TKT39840/Sci


Now remember, you have to factor in shipping. Pick SAL for both options. Wheeljack should cost an extra 10$ to ship and prime should cost between 25-30$ to ship

If you want magnus, you can get him either here : http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

or here: http://hlj.com/product/TKT80320/Sci

Because these are big toys, to save shipping its actually best that you ship them seperately SAL (since smaller packages get the cheaper rates).

Cobtacular Coboman wrote:Cram! You at work today? The wife has the day off and we just returned from our trip last night. In the midst of a medium grade snow storm, we have declared today, "STAY IN YOUR JAMMIES AND PLAY WITH ALL THE NEW TOYS DAY!!". So far things are going according to plan.

Of course I'm at work, but I'm hardly working, sticking it to the "man" and such

That's awesome that you are having "Holiday Snow/Toy/Jam 2015". We didn't do much this weekend, but I feel like we did a lot. Grocery shopping and returning excess stuff is time consuming at this time of year

Decepticon Sunstorm wrote:For the mold thing, I'll consider it if it is a new character, like Sunstorm or Red Alert, but not if it is the same character, like Bluestreak or G2 Bumbleee.

Where was it said that Sideswipe is coming to TRU? If so, I'd like to grab that.

I would get Bumblebee, except I don't really like how small he is compared to the rest (I know that's what the scale is, but I just don't like it).

Now Soundblaster's BBTS price, I can handle.

I would very much like to get Star Saber at some point, but he is a bit out of my range (as I have to juggle this with collecting the main Generations line as well).

EDIT: Looking at your HLJ link, and clicking on some other Masterpieces, it seems that, if I can convince my parents to shop at HLJ, then Magnus is in my budget, being a mere $120 US.

I forgot! Maggy was reissued! Then yes, go get em. As for Bumblebee, if you're not into him then its just more money to spread around. It's nice to see you mention BLUEstreak though. That version is hands down best of the Datsuns, his blue is stunning and I can't recommend him enough.

Anyone else wanna back me up on the TRU sideswipe?

shajaki wrote:Anyone else wanna back me up on the TRU sideswipe?

Scroll up!

Cobotron wrote:

shajaki wrote:Anyone else wanna back me up on the TRU sideswipe?

Scroll up!

I keep hearing the "Hasbro/Lamborghini yeah it's gonna be issued" but guess what? I bought Takara Sideswipe. I was tired of waiting and it still hasn't happened. I wouldn't mind a Hasbro release, with a legible to me bio and stuff

Cobotron wrote:

shajaki wrote:Anyone else wanna back me up on the TRU sideswipe?

Scroll up!

Dur... hadn't turned the page yet

Skywarp was confirmed for TRU? I'd say where was I, but y'know

shajaki wrote:

Cobotron wrote:

shajaki wrote:Anyone else wanna back me up on the TRU sideswipe?

Scroll up!

Dur... hadn't turned the page yet

Skywarp was confirmed for TRU? I'd say where was I, but y'know

Nothing has been confirmed. Just using logic + hunch + crystal ball = strong "maybe?".

Cobotron wrote:(snip)


@DS
First off, Shajaki is a great resource when it comes to MPs, so take his advice above all others.

A couple of other things:
The customs you go through on your return from a trip is an entirely different thing than the customs the mail passes through. Same federal entity, but a much different process. Also customs is always going to freak out over a weapon being transported. Not so much a toy.
I have had no issues with customs so far, and I have had about 10 or 12 orders come from over seas this past year.

Huh. Well, given that I've never had anything shipped from out of country (or even been out of the country, for that matter), I was just assuming.

Cobotron wrote:Feel free to let your folks know that this advice is coming from adults who deal with financial issues just as they do, and share the same concerns about fraud. I wouldn't order from Amiami if I didn't feel it was secure.

I'll try.

Cobotron wrote:But also, it dawned on me, are you looking for advice on how to get MPs, or which MPs to get? That's a different question all together.

I'm asking for advice on which ones to get.

Cobotron wrote:Lastely, if I had to guess (which is what we are all doing here) 2016's Hasbro MP releases will be Sideswipe and Skywarp. Maybe Smokescreen, but it is well known that Lamborghini has granted licensing to Hasbro USA.

So, if this is just speculation at this point, why Skywarp and not Thundercracker?

Cobotron wrote:First off, Shajaki is a great resource when it comes to MPs, so take his advice above all others.

I missed this compliment, thanks brah [img]http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b201/sakuramota/Emoticons/fistbump.gif
[/img]

Decepticon Sunstorm wrote:Huh. Well, given that I've never had anything shipped from out of country (or even been out of the country, for that matter), I was just assuming.

One thing I can't comment on is shipping, being in Canada. But the only surprises charges I get is when stuff crosses from the States to Canada for some reason. I don't think I've ever been dinged for overseas stuff.

Decepticon Sunstorm wrote:So, if this is just speculation at this point, why Skywarp and not Thundercracker?

Because of this

Cobotron wrote:Nothing has been confirmed. Just using logic + hunch + crystal ball = strong "maybe?".

Sound logic though, I had actually forgotten about that old TRU Cracker. I wasn't actually that thrilled with Takara's Skywarp. Maybe ol pappa Hasby will give me one with a richer pruple

shajaki wrote:

Cobotron wrote:First off, Shajaki is a great resource when it comes to MPs, so take his advice above all others.

I missed this compliment, thanks brah [img]http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b201/sakuramota/Emoticons/fistbump.gif
[/img]

Decepticon Sunstorm wrote:Huh. Well, given that I've never had anything shipped from out of country (or even been out of the country, for that matter), I was just assuming.

One thing I can't comment on is shipping, being in Canada. But the only surprises charges I get is when stuff crosses from the States to Canada for some reason. I don't think I've ever been dinged for overseas stuff.

Decepticon Sunstorm wrote:So, if this is just speculation at this point, why Skywarp and not Thundercracker?

Because of this

Cobotron wrote:Nothing has been confirmed. Just using logic + hunch + crystal ball = strong "maybe?".

Sound logic though, I had actually forgotten about that old TRU Cracker. I wasn't actually that thrilled with Takara's Skywarp. Maybe ol pappa Hasby will give me one with a richer purple

What about the fact that Hasbro had done several MP Grimlocks in the past, but they did another one in this newer line?

shajaki wrote:
Anyone else wanna back me up on the TRU sideswipe?

I would like to but I don't think it will happen. I say that because Hasbro had announced MP Sideswipe 2 years ago (at least) and it had to come out since then when they had the lamborghini license which they used for AOE Lockdown. The fact that it didnt come out last year means that we wont see it for a while since Hasbro would first have to get that pricey license again. There was a mishap somewhere, he was already supposed to come out. That tells me that Hasbro would rather release something else than the Lambor mold which turned out to be troublesome for them for some unknown reason.

DS, as Shajaki showed, MP Thundercracker already came out from hasbro so we probably wont see him.

So if you look at what already came out and doesnt need a license you end up with pretty much Skywarp and Nemesis Prime (without trailer to fit with that new box format they have). I wouldnt be surpised if Smokescreen comes out as well since Hasbro and Nissan seem tight (hence why I am certain we will also get Ironhide in the next 3 years).

So yeah my bet for next year is: Skywarp and Nemesis Prime (or Smokescreen)
And for 2017: Ultra Magnus and Ironhide
2018: Rodimus and Ratchet

Wheeljack and Sideswipe require some fancy licenses so I am not sure about those and Shockwave turns into a gun.

Those are my thoughts on what Hasbro will most probably release, it is all just guesses and nothing has been confirmed or even rumored yet.

But let's address DS's question about WHAT he should get.

It's all personal preference really, but I have a risque answer. Prime is a wonderful toy. Probably the best Optimus Prime toy we have ever gotten. (Maybe second on my list. My fav is Cybertron Prime. ) But I would urge that before you race out to get MP-10, try to acquire at least one version of the first three cars. Lambor, Datsun, and Lancia. These three figures, in any character are some of the most fun Transformers I have ever played with.

I highly recommend Ultra Magnus. And I got Sound Blaster because he was much cheaper than Soundwave, and I couldn't be happier. I think he looks awesome in black.

One more pound on the "order from Japan" nail. I just paid for Road Rage through Amiami, and with shipping she came to $51.84. That's opposed to BBTS's pre-shipping price of $74.99.
I bet your parents like to save money DS!

Cobotron wrote:But let's address DS's question about WHAT he should get.

It's all personal preference really, but I have a risque answer. Prime is a wonderful toy. Probably the best Optimus Prime toy we have ever gotten. (Maybe second on my list. My fav is Cybertron Prime. ) But I would urge that before you race out to get MP-10, try to acquire at least one version of the first three cars. Lambor, Datsun, and Lancia. These three figures, in any character are some of the most fun Transformers I have ever played with.

I highly recommend Ultra Magnus. And I got Sound Blaster because he was much cheaper than Soundwave, and I couldn't be happier. I think he looks awesome in black.

One more pound on the "order from Japan" nail. I just paid for Road Rage through Amiami, and with shipping she came to $51.84. That's opposed to BBTS's pre-shipping price of $74.99.
I bet your parents like to save money DS!

My Mom once returned something to a store and rebought it because she had a coupon. That will be your answer to the last statement. And I do have Hasbro Prowl coming in the mail, along with Hasbro Sunstorm. And I was looking on Amazon, and MP RR is about $60 US, so that's not much higher.

Cobotron wrote:But let's address DS's question about WHAT he should get.

Ok, the answer is Optimus Prime and Wheeljack.

Decepticon Sunstorm wrote:What about the fact that Hasbro had done several MP Grimlocks in the past, but they did another one in this newer line?

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, but TRU only released Grimlock twice. Takara has released theirs 3 or 4 times (X only twice). But to address "why not a TRU reissue TC", ol Grimmy commands a much bigger following hence all the reissues.

william-james88 wrote:I say that because Hasbro had announced MP Sideswipe 2 years ago (at least) and it had to come out since then when they had the lamborghini license which they used for AOE lockdown.

See, I recalled something like this. That sucks. Hey Hasbro? Tell you what. Go ahead and release Lambor and me and the boys will keep it a secret

Cobotron wrote:Prime is a wonderful toy. Probably the best Optimus Prime toy we have ever gotten. (Maybe second on my list. My fav is Cybertron Prime. ) But I would urge that before you race out to get MP-10, try to acquire at least one version of the first three cars. Lambor, Datsun, and Lancia. These three figures, in any character are some of the most fun Transformers I have ever played with.

With all the respect in the world, I have to disagree with ya on this one Cobs. But not on Cybertron Prime, cause that's a killer toy. S'just that the way I've been living lately has been all based around "the good deals" and not necessarily what I actually want right now. My collecting has mostly been strategy based.

MP10 for example, I wanted one for a while so when it was reissued I pounced. I felt so madly in love with it that I wanted a second one to give yellow eyes ala OG toy. When I came up with this mad plot he was still readily available at the Japanese Etailers on the cheap, so I pounced once again. There were a lot of other figures I'd have rather bought at the time, but timing was good for Mr.MP10 number 2 so I went for it.

Cobotron wrote:I highly recommend Ultra Magnus. And I got Sound Blaster because he was much cheaper than Soundwave, and I couldn't be happier. I think he looks awesome in black.

I honestly ended up liking Soundblaster more than Soundwave. He's one sexy black tapedeck

shajaki wrote:

Decepticon Sunstorm wrote:What about the fact that Hasbro had done several MP Grimlocks in the past, but they did another one in this newer line?

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, but TRU only released Grimlock twice. Takara has released theirs 3 or 4 times (X only twice). But to address "why not a TRU reissue TC", ol Grimmy commands a much bigger following hence all the reissues.

But my point was that he has already been released in the states before the revival of MP in the US, yet they did him anyway.

shajaki wrote:

william-james88 wrote:I say that because Hasbro had announced MP Sideswipe 2 years ago (at least) and it had to come out since then when they had the lamborghini license which they used for AOE lockdown.

See, I recalled something like this. That sucks. Hey Hasbro? Tell you what. Go ahead and release Lambor and me and the boys will keep it a secret

They shoulda taken the opportunity while they had it.

shajaki wrote:

Cobotron wrote:Prime is a wonderful toy. Probably the best Optimus Prime toy we have ever gotten. (Maybe second on my list. My fav is Cybertron Prime. ) But I would urge that before you race out to get MP-10, try to acquire at least one version of the first three cars. Lambor, Datsun, and Lancia. These three figures, in any character are some of the most fun Transformers I have ever played with.

With all the respect in the world, I have to disagree with ya on this one Cobs. But not on Cybertron Prime, cause that's a killer toy. S'just that the way I've been living lately has been all based around "the good deals" and not necessarily what I actually want right now. My collecting has mostly been strategy based.

MP10 for example, I wanted one for a while so when it was reissued I pounced. I felt so madly in love with it that I wanted a second one to give yellow eyes ala OG toy. When I came up with this mad plot he was still readily available at the Japanese Etailers on the cheap, so I pounced once again. There were a lot of other figures I'd have rather bought at the time, but timing was good for Mr.MP10 number 2 so I went for it.

As cool as MP-10 looks, I'd rather not get him (at least not now). If I did, I would have to get Apollyon to oppose him, and that's more money than I would like to spend.

shajaki wrote:

Cobotron wrote:I highly recommend Ultra Magnus. And I got Sound Blaster because he was much cheaper than Soundwave, and I couldn't be happier. I think he looks awesome in black.

Well thought out and appreciated, this meme is.

shajaki wrote:I honestly ended up liking Soundblaster more than Soundwave. He's one sexy black tapedeck

Repaint plan definitely worked on Soundwave.

respectfuljaki wrote:With all the respect in the world, I have to disagree with ya on this one Cobs.

Well I did say it was a "risque" answer. You're right though, It is always best to strike when the price is right. And 10 is a slippery fish.

Shaj? What's your opinion on Clamp Down? Will you have him? Do you remember the convo we had oh so long ago? You called it Jack!


He's in my BBTS POL BTW.

Decepticon Sunstorm, while these are all your choices to make please be aware that, as proven in the past (and Shajaki can back me up on this), ignoring the current MP 10 reissue (which is now sold out at the japan retailers giving the best deals) will probably result in ether your parents having to dish out double the money (400$) when you give in to getting him or you having to settle for the Year of the Horse version just to get that mold at around 200$.

Even if this is not the toy you want the most right now, this is the cheapest he will be for the next 5 years. Hasbro has reissued him, Takara has reissued him this is pretty much it for the foreseeable future.

Cobotron wrote:

respectfuljaki wrote:With all the respect in the world, I have to disagree with ya on this one Cobs.

Well I did say it was a "risque" answer. You're right though, It is always best to strike when the price is right. And 10 is a slippery fish.

Shaj? What's your opinion on Clamp Down? Will you have him? Do you remember the convo we had oh so long ago? You called it Jack!


He's in my BBTS POL BTW.

They're both waiting payment in my BBTS pile too, but dammit I'm holding out to see what Chimung's price is like. They have Red Bee for 20 bucks cheaper but still haven't listed DeepCover yet. If he's just as cheap, I'll cancel BBTS's and go with them. BBTS parcels always get a nice screwing from customs so I try to avoid them as much as possible.

But yeah Cobstomper, I still have the same boner for DC I had when he was teased.

What we need right about now is a PHOTO JAM!

william-james88 wrote:Decepticon Sunstorm, while these are all your choices to make please be aware that, as proven in the past (and Shajaki can back me up on this), ignoring the current MP 10 reissue (which is now sold out at the japan retailers giving the best deals) will probably result in ether your parents having to dish out double the money (400$) when you give in to getting him or you having to settle for the Year of the Horse version just to get that mold at around 200$.

Even if this is not the toy you want the most right now, this is the cheapest he will be for the next 5 years. Hasbro has reissued him, Takara has reissued him this is pretty much it for the foreseeable future.

I'm actually fine with the color scheme of the YOTH version, and its ebay price is fine.

Decepticon Sunstorm wrote:I'm actually fine with the color scheme of the YOTH version, and its ebay price is fine.

for now...

There is an old proverb: never underestimate the greed of the men from the bay of E.


Also, while you may not care in the least for reselling, I must admit that it is a very satisfying feeling when you realize that the toys you own have taken up value. Thats another factor that comes into my decision making.