Moving on...
PRICE
$260.00 for Silver Faith Leader + shipping
$300.00 for Gold Faith Leader + shipping
PACKAGING
Figures are shipped in a plain white box with a little gold or silver sticker indicating PP01 gold or silver exclusive. Annoyingly, the number of figure you purchased is markered right on the front. Fortunately, it can be removed (for the most part) with a little goo gone without ruining the finish of the package. My silver one is #10 of 50. Gold is #7 of 50. Inner clam shell packaging is the same as all PP-01x releases to date.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Optimus Prime, of course, (or 'Faith leader, as it were...) Extra hands and extra 'Prime Gun are not included, but Megatron in gun mode, Anime OP head on mount, and Energon Axe, and instructions (random issue of previous PP releases) are still included.
WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED
XL T-Shirt (Gold or Silver lining)
x2 Autobot Symbols (Gold or Silver lining)
x2 Stickers for Prime's Communicators on both arms (2 different ones depending on the version)
Numbered collector's Card in Gold of Silver.
VIP membership at iGear's online store granting you a lifetime 10% discount (not including exclusives)
FUTURE KNOCK-OFF PLANS?
While on the stickers, if these are any indication, additional KOs iGear will be working on are:
G1 Bumblebee
G1 Alpha Trion
G1 Wheeljack
G1 Ultra Magnus
QUALITY
I'm very surprised at the level of quality. I handled these figures with leather gloves as to prevent damaging the finish, however, not a single fleck of paint came off the entire time. At first, I handled them with extreme care. By mid-transformation, I was practically treating them like any other transformer (with care, but not so much that I'm afraid it would break). For the most part, joints are tight. The grill of the cab/chest when in robot mode has a tendancy to flop down. You can play around with it to get it to stay in place, though. I did not notice any scratching or rubbing of parts during transformation that woud damaged the finish.
The paint finish seems to be of varying application styles. Some of it as sort of an 'unsanded primer' texture. Other parts are mirror finish (i.e., windows). The design works for me. May be questionable to others expecting a mostly mirrored finish. Application of paint (moreso on the gold) is somewhat inconsistent, particularly around the edges of part housings. Other parts look 'burned.' Keep in mind these are KOs, though. I can't expect lucky draw finish on an item that is 1/4 cost of many lucky draws. In no way is that a defense, just an observeration. Even still, these aren't cheap. Rounding up comments on the finish, it's relatively thick. Previously tight tolerances are even moreso. Keep that in mind when transforming.
TRANSFORMATION RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREVENT CHIPPING
Take the head off. No one will see it anyway in cab mode and you'll save the ears from chipping.
When flipping the head plate over and into the chest, press up from underneath in the front and from on top in the rear. This will prevent stressing the plastic near the top front of the cab windows.
Use a vinyl card to flip up the tab that allows the fists to retreat into the arms.
Use a vinyl card to flip the matrix out of the chest.
Other then above, you should not experience any problems getting these guys into cab mode as long as some level of care is observed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Dropping this kind of cash, especially for a KO, is not for everyone. There are a few of us crazy enough to do so, though. Overall, I'm satified with these 2. I'm a bit disappointed in some of the paint application, but not bitterly so. Between the gold (Lagoon Prime) and the silver (Heat Resistant Alloy Prime), the silver has the better finish and look. Plus, it's cheaper. However, if you have cash burning a hole in your pocket, go for both. Last check, there's 38/50 left of Silver and 37/50 left of Gold.
If you continue to frequent iGear, the 10% discount on future purchases will come in handy, too.
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