The Energon Pub

[william-james88]

Got my payment request from Amiami for Ultra Magnus! That mean, he's coming soon! The funniest part is, even with shipping he cost barely a few bucks above the Canadian Hasbro version with taxes.

2015-09-17_051157.png

Thats pretty great shipping, way cheaper than he would have cost if something of that size shipped from the US. But this makes me wonder why TAV 21 Optimus was so damn expensive to ship.

[william-james88]

I chose EMS this time, just to see the difference in ship time. Sad thing is I could have ordered from BBTS for just a few bucks more. I'm on the fence now. I'm glad this is a better option for you guys up north though. No denying that some things are still way cheaper when bought directly from Japan. Especially MPs. Looking at you MP G2 Bee.

The US is pretty special since you have your own dedicated online stores that sell at your own currency. And they can buy in scale and make it so that what you spend is similar to the cost of importing it yourself for certain things. So you definitely have more options. In this case, to get them at the same time from BBTS or from Japan, the difference wasnt major. However, you did choose EMS. You had the option for your few bucks less to be a few more bucks less. If BBTS had an option of charging less for a toy but it taking a longer time to ship, it would be a more fair comparison because as it is, Amiami offers you a cheaper option for your total cost while BBTS does not.

[Cobotron]

Some smart and sound advice.

Ya, thanks banker!
It all boils down to patience. Unfortunately when it comes to toys, I'm like a 9 year old.
I will most likely choose SAL from now on ... and wait.

[william-james88]

Some smart and sound advice.

Ya, thanks banker!
It all boils down to patience. Unfortunately when it comes to toys, I'm like a 9 year old.
I will most likely choose SAL from now on ... and wait.

I just love these toys so much and dont have that much disposable income, so I try to make the most of it and share that with others who may be in the same predicament The more mney I can save the more toys I can buy

[DeadCaL]

Did Megatron just call him "dude"?

The real Megatron would never do that, this one must be an imposter

Megatron: No way
Soundwave: Way...

[DedicatedGhostArt]

Did Megatron just call him "dude"?

The real Megatron would never do that, this one must be an imposter

Megatron: No way
Soundwave: Way...

[william-james88]

"Who the hell are you, stranger?"

[DedicatedGhostArt]

"Who the hell are you, stranger?"

A stranger.
Megatron is just wanting to be a bit more hip with the kids.

[-Kanrabat-]

Got my payment request from Amiami for Ultra Magnus! That mean, he's coming soon! The funniest part is, even with shipping he cost barely a few bucks above the Canadian Hasbro version with taxes.

2015-09-17_051157.png

Thats pretty great shipping, way cheaper than he would have cost if something of that size shipped from the US. But this makes me wonder why TAV 21 Optimus was so damn expensive to ship.

Because he didnt came alone. Add a deluxe to a leader and they have no choice but to use a bigger box. Meaning a bracket is jumped then WHAM! Ultra extra shipping costs!

[steve2275]

cool

[-Kanrabat-]

cool

What's cool? Over here, even if it's mid September, the days are still hot and I still have to turn on the fan. :/

[Cyberpath]

http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810841456/

[Cyberpath]

I knew it was only a matter of time before Takara came up with a better deco for CW Prime.

The red torso (and thus a clear grill at the center), blue boots, silver tankers, and other details that make the difference.

The truck mode was also upgraded -- silver tankers, silver rims, silver bumper...

[Va'al]

From TakaraTomyMall - via fellow Seibertronian Cyberpath - we have new images of an upcoming Japanese release in the Unite Warriors line, the Takara counterpart to Hasbro's Combiner Wars: UW-05 Autobots, featuring the first version of Voyager Optimus and the four limbs Prowl, Ironhide, Sunstreaker and Mirage - check out our galleries to compare.

The set will be priced ￥16,200 (approx. $135 USD), and available at retail in February 2016, with preorders late September/early October. There are some interesting deco changes in the figures, especially Optimus, so take a look below at the mirrored images!

[fenrir72]

TT really excels in the paint job. My GAWD! I have to control myself.....only way I'll be getting this if its via online stores like Amiami or hs or hlj. I'm not going through the same ringer like Guardian anymore.

But the decos are soooooooooooooo SWEEEET!

[Starsaber468]

Its actually ultra prime its not optimus maximus btw

[D-Maximal_Primal]

We're running with Optimus Maximus since that is the name of the actual comic combiner, but they could use a different name.

Streaker and Ironhide really look either bland or not very different to me. the other 3 look really nice though

[no-one]

The pre order is up at BBTS for $159.99

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod ... m_content=

Pretty sharp looking deco.

[Optimizzy]

Bbts has pre-orders up. They list it as Grand Convoy.

[Cobotron]

Wow, I can't believe it, but I think I like Hasbro Sunstreaker better. That Mirage looks fantastic though, and Ironhides robot mode looks great.
Funny how much difference just painting OP's combiner chest grey makes.

[no-one]

Wow, I can't believe it, but I think I like Hasbro Sunstreaker better. That Mirage looks fantastic though, and Ironhides robot mode looks great.
Funny how much difference just painting OP's combiner chest grey makes.

Yeah dat Hasbro Streaker deco is boss. I already have 3/5 hasbro release, so I'll wait for a restock in my area for him and Ironhide. Tak has done a great job.

[Sabrblade]

UW-05 Autobots

Its actually ultra prime its not optimus maximus btw

We're running with Optimus Maximus since that is the name of the actual comic combiner, but they could use a different name.

Bbts has pre-orders up. They list it as Grand Convoy.

It is none of the above.

UW05 コンボイグランドプライム = "UW05 Convoy Grand Prime" (as hokey-sounding as that name is)

[MaverickPrime]

Ooooh this looks so tempting! If I order it from a japanese website, do I still have to pay in dollars? Because the dollar skyrocketed for my local currency, nearly doubling its value...maybe the Yen will be more friendly?

[Cyberpath]

It's nice how the combiner pegs are less noticeable in the Takara versions due to the choice of colours. Makes them seem less "cookie-cutter" than their Hasbro counterparts.

Another thing I like about the Takara truck are the clearly separated windshields.

[steals_your_goats]

I'm split on this one, I think Takara prime looks better for torso but not robot ( although I do like the blue feet) prowl looks about the same to me, I prefer Takaras yellow on Sunstreaker but the detailing on the Hasbro one is better, mirage is a toss up and I think I like Takara ironhide. Regardless I'm happy with owning the Hasbro version, there's personally not enough differences here to warrant importing.