The Energon Pub

I know that the Japanese version had a die-cast frame, but will the US version share this trait?

I haven't heard anything, but I think it would, because plastic would break way too easily.

it will probably have both die cast and plastic parts like 20th anniversary prime

xOPtimUsZErOx wrote:it will probably have both die cast and plastic parts like 20th anniversary prime

Yeah, I agree, it may as well have both, plus it adds more of a cool feel to it.

xOPtimUsZErOx wrote:it will probably have both die cast and plastic parts like 20th anniversary prime

Or it could end up like the DVD Prime that is sitting on clearance at my Wal-Mart I certainly hope it'll have some die-cast in there somewhere!

Dispensor wrote:I know that the Japanese version had a die-cast frame, but will the US version share this trait?

Realizing that this frame makes up a very small percent of the entire figure. You don't even see the frame in either mode. Think of it as more of a backbone of sorts, it just keeps you from snapping the figure in half as you transform it. Everything about the figure is Plastic, arms, legs, wings...

If you're buying the figure for its weight you'll be sadly disappointed. Any of your Alts will fall into the same weight range.

I would say that yes, the Hasbro figure will have the same piece made of die-casst. It is necessary, as I said, for keeping you from bending the figure in half. But don't expect it to have any more than the Japanese figure.

CyberTooth wrote:

Dispensor wrote:I know that the Japanese version had a die-cast frame, but will the US version share this trait?

Realizing that this frame makes up a very small percent of the entire figure. You don't even see the frame in either mode. Think of it as more of a backbone of sorts, it just keeps you from snapping the figure in half as you transform it. Everything about the figure is Plastic, arms, legs, wings...

If you're buying the figure for its weight you'll be sadly disappointed. Any of your Alts will fall into the same weight range.

I would say that yes, the Hasbro figure will have the same piece made of die-casst. It is necessary, as I said, for keeping you from bending the figure in half. But don't expect it to have any more than the Japanese figure.

Thank you for the detailed info, I appreciate it. I'm also thankful that there isn't more metal in him.

CyberTooth wrote:

Dispensor wrote:I know that the Japanese version had a die-cast frame, but will the US version share this trait?

Realizing that this frame makes up a very small percent of the entire figure. You don't even see the frame in either mode. Think of it as more of a backbone of sorts, it just keeps you from snapping the figure in half as you transform it. Everything about the figure is Plastic, arms, legs, wings...

If you're buying the figure for its weight you'll be sadly disappointed. Any of your Alts will fall into the same weight range.

I would say that yes, the Hasbro figure will have the same piece made of die-casst. It is necessary, as I said, for keeping you from bending the figure in half. But don't expect it to have any more than the Japanese figure.

Thanks. Stability was what I was concerned about anyway. Now, the question arises: this or Skywarp?

Glad I could help, I just don't like people hearing the die-cast buzz word and getting their hopes up.

There's nothing wrong with the Starscream mold, aside from the size. And given the complex transformation and rubbing parts, die-cast would only result in a more likely chance of a chipped or scratched paint job in the long run.

Now as for which to choose. I can't tell you. Starscream is certainly impressive looking from what we've seen, and he is very accurate to the G1 scheme. But Skywarp is very, very cool looking. My advice, cut back on the movie figures, save up the money and try to talk yourself into both.

CyberTooth wrote:Glad I could help, I just don't like people hearing the die-cast buzz word and getting their hopes up.

There's nothing wrong with the Starscream mold, aside from the size. And given the complex transformation and rubbing parts, die-cast would only result in a more likely chance of a chipped or scratched paint job in the long run.

Now as for which to choose. I can't tell you. Starscream is certainly impressive looking from what we've seen, and he is very accurate to the G1 scheme. But Skywarp is very, very cool looking. My advice, cut back on the movie figures, save up the money and try to talk yourself into both.

This is good advice. It sucks to budget but with all these expensive releases it's necessary (especially for a broke dad like me!). I have my Skywarp preorder paid off, have started saving for US Starscream and trying to bank enough in case a blue BT Tracks comes my way. Anything that's left over will go to '08 Bumblebee.