The Energon Pub

(CREDIT: This article along with photos were originally created by Maxidea of ACToys, I am reposting it here on Seibertron.com with his permission. Many thanks to Maxidea!)

In order to help TF fans better detect & distinguish KO Binaltech BT-16 Skids that have been surfacing in the market lately, Maxidea of ACToys has posted the following article with side by side comparison photos of Authentic & KO versions. Hopefully for those collectors who wish to buy authentic version would now be able to identify/purchase the correct version with the help of following valuable information:

A. Detections from packaging exterior:

1）On the packaging exterior, the spot that’s easiest to notice is photo skids’ front end at the top of box, KO version had 2 car front ends overlapped together, and the shadow was treated/removed.


2）Another very noticeable spot of packaging exterior is the clear plastic window, authentic version should have straight 90 degrees angle edge, while KO version is roundish without clear definition of an edge.

3）On the side of packaging exterior, KO version had the whole text/font recreated, therefore there are differences when compared to the authentic version. Authentic version’s text/font is bolder and KO version is slimmer. Furthermore KO version has paint marks & smudges that are quite commonly found throughout the whole box.


4）The Autobot symbol of packaging exterior: authentic version’s graphic is clear, sharp with fine pixels, in contrast KO version is fussy with large pixels, evidently it was reproduced from the authentic box directly.


5）After opening the package, there’s a cut-out proof of purchase found on the opening flap, KO version has both the text/font & Autobot symbol recreated, the inferiority & mistakes can be found here also.


6）The packaging interior sealing flap, authentic version will have a manufactured date stamped.



B. Detections from packaging interior:

1）There should be no folded crease line on the insert platform as seen in the authentic version at the right.


2）Both the cover and convent of KO version’s instruction manual are fussy, not printed clearly.


3）The mail-in registration cards are totally different between the authentic and KO versions.


4）The sticker sheet of KO version is glossy with mirror finish, while authentic version’s sticker sheet is satin matte finish.



C. Detections from the toys:

1）KO’s Skids weapon has the engine spec “VVT-I” recreated by an imitation mould, not all letters are clearly embossed, and KO version has slightly raised Toyota logo.


2）KO version’s blue paint application on plastic parts did not have adequate mixture (or lacking) of metallic paint, thus leaving the plastic parts still look like plastic & very dull, it was rather a very noticeable color finish difference when compared with adjacent metal parts.


3）KO version’s Skids legs mould lines are uneven & rough, also the joints are rather loose, legs come off quite easily.


4）Skids hands mould lines are rough as well.


5）Authentic version Skids has blue metallic paint finish on its front grill, in contrast KO version is with regular plastic blue paint, uneven finish.


6）The black bracket around the rear window of authentic Skids should be reflective, in contrast the KO version has it in matte finish, and some blue paint finishes are nonmetallic.


7）The roof interior of authentic Skids has the manufactured date mould stamped on, KO version does not have it.


8）Face close-up shots, KO version always appear unclear & less detailed.


9）Lastly is the hidden Chinese characters many people are interested in finding out, authentic version has 2 Chinese characters mould stamped, while KO version has only 1.


Wish everyone good luck with hunting down your authentic Takara Binaltech BT-16 Skids!

Cheers,
Coolpop

Dude, I didn't even know Skids was bootlegged. Thats insane. Unless you really pay attention you would buy that thinking it was the real deal. I mean the box is the closest to the original as Ive ever seen.

Great review.

That's a fantastic comparison, nice work and thx for posting it.

Thank you for posting the comparisons between a real and a KO.

holy, now that's insane man.

thanks for that comparison, i only thought KOs were those chinese die-cast knockoffs that don't have the TF faction symbols and had chinese characters, i didn't know they even went to the extent of actually reproducing an actual one.

crazy insane, that's what i'll say.

I can't believe the bootleggers went through a lot of trouble to make their fake Skids as close as possible to original. They even marketed it as a Takara product. the less informed collector can be fooled into believing that he's buying an orignal.
Thanks for great review and heads up coolpop.