The Energon Pub

I am considering Warbot Defender, but I have some questions about it, and Fansproject products in general. Since it's so much more expensive than official Transformer products, I want to make sure I would be getting something good. I don't "play" with my figures the way kids do, but I do like to transform and pose them, and I use them in stop-motion movies, so I'm wondering how well Defender would be expected to hold up. How strong is the plastic compared to most Hasbro figures? How is the quality of the paint? Have there been any reports of the paint chipping or flaking off?

I'm also wondering about availability. As far as I know, there has only been one run of the figure. Does anyone have any idea of whether or not there will be another release? I think there were two main runs of City Commander, and it seems like Fansproject could potentially do the same thing for Defender. If it will not be released again, could anyone suggest somewhere I could get it other than the obvious, like eBay?

Warbot is a wonderful figure and I have posed him several times and haven't had a single problem. While yes he is expensive, he is likely the only triple changing (not) Springer we are going to get. I got mine through BigBadToyStore, but I am unsure if he is sold out, eBay might be your only option. But if you ask me, he is worth it.

Looks like you waited a bit too long to get one. He's sold out of everywhere except eBay and he's currently going for $200.00

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid ... Categories

Even RobotKingdom is sold out.

I do recommend him, but I'm not sure I can recommend him at those prices. Try your fellow collectors, try message boards. You might end up with a better deal than eBay.

$200 already? Yikes, that sure went up fast. FP stuff seems to sell out more quickly with each passing product.

I don't think the going rate is $200 yet...I've only seen one that actually sold for that in the recent sales. Most are closer to $100. But since he's actually sold out everywhere now, another run might be coming...and a repaint is supposed to be forthcoming. As for the figure itself, it is of high quality. Whether or not he's "worth the money" probably depends on how much you like Springer or how important he is to your collection. There are definitely better figures out there, but not better Springers. I think both FP Bruticus limbs are better figures, myself...

This guy seems to have 2 instock @ $124.99:
http://acestoystore.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=35
Can't vouch for the store yet as I just placed an order this weekend. I would think I should have it by Thursday by the latest with priority shipping.

Gauntlet101010 wrote:$200 already? Yikes, that sure went up fast. FP stuff seems to sell out more quickly with each passing product.

Very good reason why I now preorder everything they put out.

DISCHARGE wrote:This guy seems to have 2 instock @ $124.99:
http://acestoystore.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=35
Can't vouch for the store yet as I just placed an order this weekend. I would think I should have it by Thursday by the latest with priority shipping.

How much was their shipping?

Kibble wrote:I don't think the going rate is $200 yet...I've only seen one that actually sold for that in the recent sales. Most are closer to $100. But since he's actually sold out everywhere now, another run might be coming...and a repaint is supposed to be forthcoming. As for the figure itself, it is of high quality. Whether or not he's "worth the money" probably depends on how much you like Springer or how important he is to your collection. There are definitely better figures out there, but not better Springers. I think both FP Bruticus limbs are better figures, myself...

iirc they did a second run for him a few months after his inital release.i think the end of last spring.could be wrong about the time but im positive he was rereleased.heres hoping they do another release of munitioner/explorer that i missed out on

alternator77 wrote:

Kibble wrote:I don't think the going rate is $200 yet...I've only seen one that actually sold for that in the recent sales. Most are closer to $100. But since he's actually sold out everywhere now, another run might be coming...and a repaint is supposed to be forthcoming. As for the figure itself, it is of high quality. Whether or not he's "worth the money" probably depends on how much you like Springer or how important he is to your collection. There are definitely better figures out there, but not better Springers. I think both FP Bruticus limbs are better figures, myself...

iirc they did a second run for him a few months after his inital release.i think the end of last spring.could be wrong about the time but im positive he was rereleased.heres hoping they do another release of munitioner/explorer that i missed out on

BBTS is still taking pre-orders for Munitioner and Explorer, btw. It's not too late.

Optimus1138 wrote:

DISCHARGE wrote:This guy seems to have 2 instock @ $124.99:
http://acestoystore.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=35
Can't vouch for the store yet as I just placed an order this weekend. I would think I should have it by Thursday by the latest with priority shipping.

How much was their shipping?

I think he is shipping from CA so depending on where he is shipping to should be reasonable. I paid just over $7.00 shipping priority to IA. The store offered several different shipping methods to fits a persons shipping needs.

I agree with everything thise guys are saying. It is still on of my favorite Tf's in my collection. Ratchet joints are still tight and he has excellent articulation. My only gripe would be that his "heels" could have been slightly longer but most of the time that isnt even an issue.

If you haven't bought one yet, here is the cheapest i could find. http://www.ecrater.com/p/9509082/transf ... t-defender Granted, the shipping is 20 bucks.

amcgrath929 wrote:I agree with everything thise guys are saying. It is still on of my favorite Tf's in my collection. Ratchet joints are still tight and he has excellent articulation. My only gripe would be that his "heels" could have been slightly longer but most of the time that isnt even an issue.

If you haven't bought one yet, here is the cheapest i could find. http://www.ecrater.com/p/9509082/transf ... t-defender Granted, the shipping is 20 bucks.

Oh no no no. Don't recommend eCrater. People have been getting ripped off something fierce. Especially when it comes to TFs. Avoid eCrater at all costs.

You're better off going with that crappy Crave thing.

I can't wait for Kapow Toys to get their service started.

Autobot032 wrote:

amcgrath929 wrote:I agree with everything thise guys are saying. It is still on of my favorite Tf's in my collection. Ratchet joints are still tight and he has excellent articulation. My only gripe would be that his "heels" could have been slightly longer but most of the time that isnt even an issue.

If you haven't bought one yet, here is the cheapest i could find. http://www.ecrater.com/p/9509082/transf ... t-defender Granted, the shipping is 20 bucks.

Oh no no no. Don't recommend eCrater. People have been getting ripped off something fierce. Especially when it comes to TFs. Avoid eCrater at all costs.

You're better off going with that crappy Crave thing.

I can't wait for Kapow Toys to get their service started.

Oh, my bad. I have no experience with them so thanks for the heads up. I was just looking for anything under 200. lol I guess some things are too good to be true.

I think the only things that haven't been mentioned regarding the figure are twofold. Firstly, I'm in agreement with the fine folks on here, and while I'm not sure if it's just mine due to the die-cast parts, the plastic knee joints are a bit weak. They won't break whatsoever, it just makes him a bit prone to falling over backwards depending on the position you put him in. So far in any display position I've realistically come across he's held his pose for weeks or months at a time.

Secondly, the sword/rotors he has is excellent quality, but thin and very fragile. Easily snapped apart if you wanted to, but as long as you're careful with it you won't have any problems. Looks great, too!

I agree that $200 is really too much for this figure, especially if you're not 300% sold on him. They are releasing an "evil" version of him in an orange/purple scheme instead of the grey/green, if you're more interested in the figure than the colour scheme. It can always be repainted, or if nothing else it's an $80 "try me" that you can resell to someone who really wants it to get a feel for the figure and make a final decision about the $200 original down the line.

I agree with the rotor blade design. Major suckage! But over all, the best modern "not Springer" ever!

Evidently it's really not as weak as it seems ....

Not that I'd have the courage to do this test myself, mind you.

Hoitytoity wrote:I think the only things that haven't been mentioned regarding the figure are twofold. Firstly, I'm in agreement with the fine folks on here, and while I'm not sure if it's just mine due to the die-cast parts, the plastic knee joints are a bit weak. They won't break whatsoever, it just makes him a bit prone to falling over backwards depending on the position you put him in. So far in any display position I've realistically come across he's held his pose for weeks or months at a time.

I have a very distinct memory of TFSource.com trying to sell me a "slightly damaged" Defender at Botcon. When I asked what the damage was, the saleswoman told me the joints in the knee were broken. Going price for a broken Defender? $80. I have to wonder if they managed to sell any of them that weekend.

That said, I can't get Defender to stand in ANY position I like, and if he continues to sell for $200 on ebay, well, off he goes. Besides, I don't like the fact that he's taller than my Titanium Ultra Magnus anyway.

I bought mine months ago and am very happy with him.

His plastic is very sturdy
He can pose in all kinds of crazy positions
His transformations are pretty complex

Hoitytoity wrote:I agree that $200 is really too much for this figure, especially if you're not 300% sold on him. They are releasing an "evil" version of him in an orange/purple scheme instead of the grey/green, if you're more interested in the figure than the colour scheme. It can always be repainted, or if nothing else it's an $80 "try me" that you can resell to someone who really wants it to get a feel for the figure and make a final decision about the $200 original down the line.

so wb-002 is a springer repaint is there confirmation anywhere of this? just curious.
it would seem they would have released that a while ago.

It Is Him wrote:

Hoitytoity wrote:I think the only things that haven't been mentioned regarding the figure are twofold. Firstly, I'm in agreement with the fine folks on here, and while I'm not sure if it's just mine due to the die-cast parts, the plastic knee joints are a bit weak. They won't break whatsoever, it just makes him a bit prone to falling over backwards depending on the position you put him in. So far in any display position I've realistically come across he's held his pose for weeks or months at a time.

I have a very distinct memory of TFSource.com trying to sell me a "slightly damaged" Defender at Botcon. When I asked what the damage was, the saleswoman told me the joints in the knee were broken. Going price for a broken Defender? $80. I have to wonder if they managed to sell any of them that weekend.

That said, I can't get Defender to stand in ANY position I like, and if he continues to sell for $200 on ebay, well, off he goes. Besides, I don't like the fact that he's taller than my Titanium Ultra Magnus anyway.

I couldn't either until I tried a bit of dynamic posing. He seems to work best in action poses. Also, time to upgrade from Titanium UM. City Commander is freaking great. I know third party stuff isn't really your bag, but FP do it right.

alternator77 wrote:

Hoitytoity wrote:I agree that $200 is really too much for this figure, especially if you're not 300% sold on him. They are releasing an "evil" version of him in an orange/purple scheme instead of the grey/green, if you're more interested in the figure than the colour scheme. It can always be repainted, or if nothing else it's an $80 "try me" that you can resell to someone who really wants it to get a feel for the figure and make a final decision about the $200 original down the line.

so wb-002 is a springer repaint is there confirmation anywhere of this? just curious.
it would seem they would have released that a while ago.

The release got delayed I think, but IIRC (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) there was a teaser image in the Protector comic that confirmed it's eventual release.

if it is indeed the case that would be awesome i think its time to balance the fp bot and cons. id love a repaint/remold of him

Flux Convoy wrote:

It Is Him wrote:

Hoitytoity wrote:I think the only things that haven't been mentioned regarding the figure are twofold. Firstly, I'm in agreement with the fine folks on here, and while I'm not sure if it's just mine due to the die-cast parts, the plastic knee joints are a bit weak. They won't break whatsoever, it just makes him a bit prone to falling over backwards depending on the position you put him in. So far in any display position I've realistically come across he's held his pose for weeks or months at a time.

I have a very distinct memory of TFSource.com trying to sell me a "slightly damaged" Defender at Botcon. When I asked what the damage was, the saleswoman told me the joints in the knee were broken. Going price for a broken Defender? $80. I have to wonder if they managed to sell any of them that weekend.

That said, I can't get Defender to stand in ANY position I like, and if he continues to sell for $200 on ebay, well, off he goes. Besides, I don't like the fact that he's taller than my Titanium Ultra Magnus anyway.

I couldn't either until I tried a bit of dynamic posing. He seems to work best in action poses. Also, time to upgrade from Titanium UM. City Commander is freaking great. I know third party stuff isn't really your bag, but FP do it right.

City Commander is great. FP did as good of a job as anyone could ask for with that upgrade kit, but I only just downgraded back to Titanium UM. City Commander may be gigantic and awesome, but he doesn't feel right next to Classics Rodimus, Kup, Wreck-Gar, Perceptor, Galvatron, Scourge, etc. City Commander is still displayed though, just elsewhere in my collection.

It Is Him wrote:City Commander is great. FP did as good of a job as anyone could ask for with that upgrade kit, but I only just downgraded back to Titanium UM. City Commander may be gigantic and awesome, but he doesn't feel right next to Classics Rodimus, Kup, Wreck-Gar, Perceptor, Galvatron, Scourge, etc. City Commander is still displayed though, just elsewhere in my collection.

Well then, harumph! City Commander looks like he works very well with a lot of the season 3 characters to me. Even more so with Protector in the mix. My opinion though. I don't have Kup or Perceptor yet, you enjoying them?