The Energon Pub

Hey fans, I thought of startign thsi thread to speak of our current inner debates on what toys to get and the inricacies of having it fit either a budget, or a collection constraint or simply wanting somethign that we arent really sure we need or will still like once we have it in hand.

My current struggle is with the Japanese imports and trying to save money depending on the retailer. I know I am getting MP Cheetor, for sure and depending the price, I will probably get the E-Hobby Bat Optimus Primal. I am also interested in Legends Super Ginrai and Brainstorm but here is the deal:

The cheapest Bat Optimus Primal will be avalable at HLJ (who locally distribute E-hobby exclusives) so its from them I will be getting it. They also have cheetor, ginrai and brainstorm, but those 3 are all much cheaper (by 10$ at least) at Anime export. But combining shipping lowers the shipping cost up to a certain weight (of which I am still not sure of).

And the price at Anime Export for Ginrai isnt that bad though still pricier than PMOP (especially when actoring shipping) but you do get more out of it. However PMOP might get god bomber to combine with him, and same with Super Ginrai. But which will look better then? If Hasbro's looks fine, then I dont mind going the Hasbro route, it would be less costly. But I cant wait to see what it will look like because by then, Super Ginrai might be sold out and I would hate to pay the higher cost of dealing wtih the secondary market.

As for Brainstorm, I dont know if the Walgreens exclusive will get to Canada (through a different retailer). I could get the Takara one, but he costs more due to coming with an extra accessory (along with shipping and all that). I like how different th takara one looks to the generations voyager which would make me feel like I really have very different versions of the same character, but then again I find he looks better with a faceplate than with a mouth.

Am I the only one who over thinks things like this? Let me know what your current struggles are.

My biggest struggle so far is finding anything locally. CW is running dry and TR isn't in yet, so all I'm left with are RiD shelfwarmers. My budget is nonexistent as of right now, so I really can't order anything online, especially any imports.

For context, I only got into the game last year. My overarching goal is to get at least 1 representation of each of the major characters from the G1 cartoon. Budget is more important to me than scale and G1 toon/toy accuracy.

There are a number of figures from pre-2015 that I obviously missed out on that I want. One is Generations Metroplex. As much as I want the figure, I am having a hard time justifying the scalper prices on ebay ($300+). The thought of not having this in my collection also pains me.

Another figure I am thinking about is the Platinum box set Predaking. I believe this retailed for about $100, which is what it still goes for online today ($100 on BBTS), so that's not too bad. But I don't own any G1 reissues, and I'm afraid of dropping $100 on something I possibly won't enjoy playing with.

Lastly, I've been thinking about the balance between getting characters I want to fill out my collection versus limiting having too many of a particular mold. For example, I would like to get the Computron set to fill out the collection. But I have a lot of the CW figures and in some cases, some of the Computron limbs would be the 3rd or 4th use of the mold I already own. Another example is TR Blaster and Soundwave. I need both characters in my collection, but the thought of dropping $90 on essentially the same toy in different colors is something I'm struggling with.

nycPrime, I did this thread so that we can all share the struggle and maybe heal a bit together so I hope you dont mind if I try my best with some advice. I was in your shoes (and still am a bit) and budget is really important. For Metroplex, have you thought of getting it second hand? If you wait a bit you could find him on e-bay loose with box and he could end up the same price as he was when first out at retail. Like here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Generations-Met ... SwnNBXcDqj

Lastly, I've been thinking about the balance between getting characters I want to fill out my collection versus limiting having too many of a particular mold. For example, I would like to get the Computron set to fill out the collection. But I have a lot of the CW figures and in some cases, some of the Computron limbs would be the 3rd or 4th use of the mold I already own. Another example is TR Blaster and Soundwave. I need both characters in my collection, but the thought of dropping $90 on essentially the same toy in different colors is something I'm struggling with.

I had that problem. So I solved it by getting the Takara version. Sure its 30$ more than the Hasbro version at US importers, but I thought that was worth it to not have to repeat the exact same mold. I dont have wheeljack, so lightspeed would be my first try at that version of the mold, I didnt get shuttle blastoff so Strafe would be the only version of that mold I have, and both Afterburner and Nosecone are retools. So, along with Scattershot, I would not be repeating any exact molds by buying UW Computron.

Another figure I am thinking about is the Platinum box set Predaking. I believe this retailed for about $100, which is what it still goes for online today ($100 on BBTS), so that's not too bad. But I don't own any G1 reissues, and I'm afraid of dropping $100 on something I possibly won't enjoy playing with.

Ok, this was me 2 years ago. I was very hesistant. Especially for 100$ (that was the most I had spent on one toy then). I looked at reviews but it didnt seem like anyone was talking about him through the eyes of someone who had not experienced it before. Well, I can tell you that its the best 100$ I ever spent. And an amazing value compared to anything the platinum line has ever released since. I know Predaking is the star of that set by default, but the inidividual toys really impressed me just as much. While the articulation wasnt on part with today's toys, the transformations were. I dont know if you have any beast wars toys but I was always ticked off that the beast legs and arms would be the same as the robot legs and arms (like BBoom, Optimus Primal, Iguanus ect), ad I thought it would be the same with these. But it wasnt, not really. There are some very smart transformations for the Bull and Rhino where the limbs are not repeated and it was really fun to discover the G1 dynamics of transformation fo rthe first time. There was a ton fo sliding as opposed to the hinges we have on today's toys. That also takes care of the holowness problem. Since everyhing is on sliding mechanism, there are no gaping holes anywhere.

They are nice and heavy too with good use of die cast on the legs to make him balanced.

And if you want an update instead, you can get this guy for 100$ instead.

Cheers!

There's a comic shop back in my old town that's got a Generations Metroplex for sale. It's incomplete and missing a few of the hatches, but I think he was selling it fro pretty cheap compared to eBay. I'll have to see if I can't get a friend of mine to send me some pictures of him.

WJ, as always, thanks for the helpful advice. I'm pretty sure I'll be pulling the trigger on Predaking soon. Gotta figure out what I'm going to do about Computron.

As for Metroplex, I'll monitor eBay. I don't mind 2nd hand if it's in good shape. Wish me luck.

nycPrime wrote:WJ, as always, thanks for the helpful advice. I'm pretty sure I'll be pulling the trigger on Predaking soon. Gotta figure out what I'm going to do about Computron.

As for Metroplex, I'll monitor eBay. I don't mind 2nd hand if it's in good shape. Wish me luck.

All the best, man!!!

william-james88 wrote:Hey fans, I thought of startign thsi thread to speak of our current inner debates on what toys to get and the inricacies of having it fit either a budget, or a collection constraint or simply wanting somethign that we arent really sure we need or will still like once we have it in hand.

My current struggle is with the Japanese imports and trying to save money depending on the retailer. I know I am getting MP Cheetor, for sure and depending the price, I will probably get the E-Hobby Bat Optimus Primal. I am also interested in Legends Super Ginrai and Brainstorm but here is the deal:

The cheapest Bat Optimus Primal will be avalable at HLJ (who locally distribute E-hobby exclusives) so its from them I will be getting it. They also have cheetor, ginrai and brainstorm, but those 3 are all much cheaper (by 10$ at least) at Anime export. But combining shipping lowers the shipping cost up to a certain weight (of which I am still not sure of).

And the price at Anime Export for Ginrai isnt that bad though still pricier than PMOP (especially when actoring shipping) but you do get more out of it. However PMOP might get god bomber to combine with him, and same with Super Ginrai. But which will look better then? If Hasbro's looks fine, then I dont mind going the Hasbro route, it would be less costly. But I cant wait to see what it will look like because by then, Super Ginrai might be sold out and I would hate to pay the higher cost of dealing wtih the secondary market.

As for Brainstorm, I dont know if the Walgreens exclusive will get to Canada (through a different retailer). I could get the Takara one, but he costs more due to coming with an extra accessory (along with shipping and all that). I like how different th takara one looks to the generations voyager which would make me feel like I really have very different versions of the same character, but then again I find he looks better with a faceplate than with a mouth.

Am I the only one who over thinks things like this? Let me know what your current struggles are.

Go for which is available locally. If you have disposable income, then import. Icing on the cake.

I import because the local TRU where I am assigned sucks like embryonic avians.

I concur that Platinum Predaking is one of the BEST Platinum toy you can get. Especially for the price. I was lucky enough to get this for 115$CAN total with taxes and free shipping. But even at 100$US plus shipping, it would be worth it. The combined mode is powerful and scale perfectly with CW Combiners. Furthermore, the individual limbs are very good. Finally, the Platinum is better than the G1 original just because they replaced that plain yellow with all that gold. It also have more diecast. Buy it. There is no struggles here.



As for Ginrai, after seeing how ugly the Takara one is, I'll go with the Hasbro one, who is TRULY an updated character. I'll just have to mod it to perfection.

My only real struggle I have is basically what I commonly deal with when I deal with my collecting hobby of "buying all the things!!!" and how it's nearly indiscriminate at times. I've had to remind myself of my focus quite a few times actually while buying TFs. Since I've called it quits on Jurassic Park collecting I am more inclined to pickup other TF characters besides Megatron or what I call "staples" of the media. So like, I'll buy a Starscream since he is a "staple" whereas otherwise I'll buy Shockwave or Soundwave because I love them and their characters.

I have added some Autobots even to my wishlist both as a "like" or a "staple" reason. I don't have too many 3rd or 4th tier kind of characters on my list unless they stood out to me in terms of design or I read about them and liked them. Take my desire to get TR Skullsmasher/Skullcruncher. I love their alligator beast mode and how they look in bot mode. Another example here would be like Slipstream due to favoring her history and aspects of her design as well.

I'll probably never have like a gigantic robot room myself, and that's fine with me.

Happy to report I have 1 less thing I'm struggling with. Just noticed that the Platinum Edition Predaking is on sale right now on Amazon (lightning deal). I'm glad I procrastinated, since I just snagged him for $85 all in.

nycPrime wrote:Happy to report I have 1 less thing I'm struggling with. Just noticed that the Platinum Edition Predaking is on sale right now on Amazon (lightning deal). I'm glad I procrastinated, since I just snagged him for $85 all in.

Thanks man, that just made the front page and you now have yourself a news credit!

nycPrime wrote:Happy to report I have 1 less thing I'm struggling with. Just noticed that the Platinum Edition Predaking is on sale right now on Amazon (lightning deal). I'm glad I procrastinated, since I just snagged him for $85 all in.

Roooh. With free shipping I suppose? That's the BEST price you can get! Trust me on this one, you will not have any buyer remorse.

My biggest struggle with Transformers collecting is probably trying to get new product but still making sure I can backtrack when I can, its just so hard to budget both.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

nycPrime wrote:Happy to report I have 1 less thing I'm struggling with. Just noticed that the Platinum Edition Predaking is on sale right now on Amazon (lightning deal). I'm glad I procrastinated, since I just snagged him for $85 all in.

Roooh. With free shipping I suppose? That's the BEST price you can get! Trust me on this one, you will not have any buyer remorse.

Yea Amazon is the best. It was eligible for Prime, so free 2 day shipping. And since it's a 3p seller from out of state, there is no sales tax.

SureShot18 wrote:My biggest struggle with Transformers collecting is probably trying to get new product but still making sure I can backtrack when I can, its just so hard to budget both.

I get this a lot, being on limited budget means I can't always grab things I'm after when they come out, and then when I do have the money it's a toss-up between the newer stuff out and the ever growing list of figures I missed out on.
I've managed to get lucky with a few ebay bargains which has helped with getting older stuff, but it can feel like a drop in the ocean of figures I want

nycPrime wrote:Another figure I am thinking about is the Platinum box set Predaking. I believe this retailed for about $100, which is what it still goes for online today ($100 on BBTS), so that's not too bad. But I don't own any G1 reissues, and I'm afraid of dropping $100 on something I possibly won't enjoy playing with.

So I grabbed the Platinum Predaking set. It's my only Platinum set, and my first time experiencing a G1 mold since I was a kid. It's fun to get to experience something from my childhood, and I appreciate the heft of the figures due to the die cast. However, I do have some QC issues with mine, and noticed that many others have had the issue too. The right arm limb of Predaking is very loose and can fall out due to gravity at certain angles. Looks like there is an issue with the connector port. Don't suppose there are any quick fixes?

nycPrime wrote:Lastly, I've been thinking about the balance between getting characters I want to fill out my collection versus limiting having too many of a particular mold. For example, I would like to get the Computron set to fill out the collection. But I have a lot of the CW figures and in some cases, some of the Computron limbs would be the 3rd or 4th use of the mold I already own. Another example is TR Blaster and Soundwave.

I gave in and decided to get UW Computron rather than waiting for a likely price decrease on the CW version. And I'm so happy that MP Soundwave is getting reissued, which I preordered. Now I'll have no issues grabbing TR Blaster.

Now my only "struggle" is spreading out the purchases so my wife doesn't kill me. She already thinks I'm crazy, and she wasn't happy when she came home to Fort Max on the dining room table last week.

About Predaking, it's not a QC issue. The original was ALL plastics, no diecast. So, when they made the Platinum with special diecast parts, they somehow forgot to reinforce the ratchet and it can't support the increased weight.

The struggle is really really real. I have been loving that RID line this year with all its innovative designs and I look forward to getting Windblade. However, the past has shown that a little patience could score you a decent price on amazon for a Takara one, which is better. I am aiming for 20$ US shipped. However, I saw the Hasbro version at Walmart today and I just held it in my hands for what seemed like 5 minutes. Just looking at the toy, wanting it and seeing if I would really preffer the extra paint apps Takara have, which arent many. The plastic used on the Hasbro one is really nice. It is more of a magenta with this nice sparkly sheen, so I wouldnt mind having more of it exposed. Its pretty much just the hair that I mind being red. I dont think I will be able to resist when she shows up at TRU since I have a raincheck that can make me get her for only 10$ US.

-Kanrabat- wrote:About Predaking, it's not a QC issue. The original was ALL plastics, no diecast. So, when they made the Platinum with special diecast parts, they somehow forgot to reinforce the ratchet and it can't support the increased weight.

Didn't realize the original didn't have diecast. But I think mine has a bigger issue than that. I just checked, and it won't stay in place even when I'm supporting the entire weight of the right arm. It practically glides in and out with little resistance. I switched the arms to see if that helps, but it doesn't ... the right arm connection is somehow defective.

Talking to Amazon now. They're willing give me an exchange, so might have to go that route.

william-james88 wrote:The struggle is really really real. I have been loving that RID line this year with all its innovative designs and I look forward to getting Windblade. However, the past has shown that a little patience could score you a decent price on amazon for a Takara one, which is better. I am aiming for 20$ US shipped. However, I saw the Hasbro version at Walmart today and I just held it in my hands for what seemed like 5 minutes. Just looking at the toy, wanting it and seeing if I would really preffer the extra paint apps Takara have, which arent many. The plastic used on the Hasbro one is really nice. It is more of a magenta with this nice sparkly sheen, so I wouldnt mind having more of it exposed. Its pretty much just the hair that I mind being red. I dont think I will be able to resist when she shows up at TRU since I have a raincheck that can make me get her for only 10$ US.

You collect RiD too? It appears that you are smart about your purchases in terms of being selective and not overpaying, but dang, I don't think I even want to know how much you spend on a monthly/annual basis.

nycPrime wrote:You collect RiD too? It appears that you are smart about your purchases in terms of being selective and not overpaying, but dang, I don't think I even want to know how much you spend on a monthly/annual basis.

What I like best is to buy transformers toys which offer me new innovative transformations and nice designs. With that in mind, RID ends up giving me the most for my money. All the designs cthat came out this year were innovative and the transformations were as complex as Gen Leader Megatron, but at a deluxe scale. Ulike the TR toys or the CW toys which all share similarities in their transformations and parts to fit a similar gimick, the RID toys are all very different one to the next. A collector who only buys MP once asked me why I bother with these toys when they cost a fifth of a small masterpiece toy (like the cars), to which I replied that its exactly why I do buy them. I get to have as much fun discovering these unique transformations as I would an MP toy, but at a fifth of the cost. And its really inexpensive to add those toys to your collection. There are only like 10 new molds a year, and you only need to buy one class for the roster since the other classes just repeat the characters (with the exeption of Legion Fixit who scales with the wrrior class).

Here are the warriors you can buy this year to have a ton of fun, and they dont repeat in molds or shared parts amongst eachother (unlike the CW figures or TR figures)

Warrior Thunderhoof
Warrior Scorponok or Paralon
Warrior Power Surge Prime (go for the TRU exclusive with clear plastic, costs the same or less)
Warrior Megatronus
Warrior Quillfire
Warrior Fracture
Warrior Windblade
Warrior Starscream (TRU exclusive only)
Warrior Bisk
Warrior Ratchet (if you dont have strongarm yet)

I would also recommend the Grimlock minicon battlepack if you want to experience the warrior grimlock mold, its an improvement over it.

And since these are in higher quantity and more available than the other toys, you have a better chance of gettign these at good deals either from hasbro toy shop, walmart or TRU when there are sales. I get mine for about $11.50 before tax.

EmirateXaaron wrote:My biggest struggle so far is finding anything locally. CW is running dry and TR isn't in yet, so all I'm left with are RiD shelfwarmers.

That's pretty much how everyplace here has been since Spring, other than TRU. Fortunately their TR deluxes are not as overpriced as CW deluxes. 17 bucks is still higher than it should be, but better than the 20+ bucks the CW ones were.