by Autobot032 » Thu Sep 09, 2010 8:03 pm
- Weapon: Switch Blade Tail
I finally received mine.
I'm thoroughly impressed. No, I'm not kidding.
This figure's been covered time and again, so I won't rehash it all, I'll just cover the bases.
She is incredibly small. When I pulled her box out of the bubble wrap and looked at her for the first time, my jaw dropped. I was stunned. The box is maybe 4 inches long.
Keyword: maybe.
Her vehicle mode is about the size of a Scout, about Cybertron Clocker's size. (But possibly a bit smaller.)
I do see why so many people have had problems with the paint job. It truly is hand painted, making each one unique. (Shame it's not numbered.) There are no tampographs on this figure, at all.
I realize my case is not typical and I want to make it clear that I'm not gloating. I'm floored. I'm grateful.
The transformation is simplistic, but it works. It's a bit more complex than Cybertron Thunderblast, but on the same level of complexity. (I.E. really, really easy.) But it's a far more satisfying transformation.
Now, I do see why people complain about things not being solid in robot mode. It's true, nothing locks together. I studied her for the better part of an hour, and I've figured out the problem. It's not just that the tab/lock system isn't right, but the shoulder pieces that swing the chest/head assembly down are a few millimeters too long and this pushes both the back piece and chest outward, in opposite directions.
Thin magnets would help. They could be painted over to match the rest of the robot and you wouldn't even notice them. I tried moving the pieces around several times and finally had everything lined up just right and tried to tab it in. No go. Puts excess pressure on the tabs and arm hinges. (Big no nos.)
Balance is another issue, and I see the problem. The sole of her foot comes down further than her heel and makes her tilt backward. That, coupled with the backpack, makes her drop on her back faster than Billy Bob's sister at the family reunion.
You can push the backpack in until you feel a slight click, but do not apply excessive pressure or you'll break it. Once the backpack is in as tight as it can go, then position the chest in place and she's not as topple worthy.
One thing about robot mode that surprises you? The size. Her vehicle mode is tiny, but her robot mode is actually rather large. You're shocked when you see how tall she is. She fits right in with FP's Warbot Defender and City Commander. They're bigger than she is, but not ginormous in comparison. If they were human beings, she'd be 5'7" to their 6'2".
Some joints are tight, too tight, and others are too loose. A little bit of loosened screws or something like 3 in 1 oil will help with the overly tightened joints, and a tightening of the screws, just ever so slightly, will fix the loose joints.
A little bit of work can go a long, long way with this figure.
I will say, I do think their QC needs a lot of help. The majority of these figures are floppy, badly painted, on the verge of breakage or a combo of those.
Now, here comes the tough part...
If all of the Nightbirds, Valks and Medics were made with the same level of quality I received, then I'd say that she's definitely worth the money.
If you don't care about the size, I'd somewhat recommend her.
If you don't care about the money, then I'd definitely recommend her.
As is, I have to say that I'm iffy on recommendations. For me? Yes, I'm glad I bought her. I think she's well worth the money spent. But, for her size, the iffy QC, and the price (which bothers a lot of people), I'd have to say that the final decision is up to you and I can't offer you a good, solid answer. TRNS figures are the luck of the draw, and it's a costly draw if you get a crappy one.
I will say though, after seeing the Valk, and seeing that iGear's figure is most likely not much larger, I'm glad I went with Impossible Toys instead. I can deal with $70.00, but not $98.00
Die Cast or not, I would hate myself for spending $100.00 on a figure this size. I'd have to kick my own ass. And I realize that $30.00 more isn't that much when you've already spent $70.00, but to me, it is.
I have to give my experience a solid four stars, but that's not commonplace and I just don't want anyone mislead by what I've said here.
I hope that more people end up getting good, solid figures out of this run, and much much less of the crappier ones.
NOTE: Realize that I am not a perfect Christian, nor do I profess to be. I apologize if anyone's ever offended by me, I'm not perfect. Don't hold my posts and opinions against other Christians.
