The Energon Pub

I'm just curious, because i see alot of the G1 guys in the Universe line and alot of them are for sale up at Amazon. My questions are:

1.) Is the Universe line worth collecting in terms of quality of model?
2.) How come no one talks extensively about buying from Amazon? (Man, its seems like that have freakin everything)

vegetacron wrote:I'm just curious, because i see alot of the G1 guys in the Universe line and alot of them are for sale up at Amazon. My questions are:

1.) Is the Universe line worth collecting in terms of quality of model?

Yes, with a few exceptions. There are a few crappy molds, like Galvatron, but most of them are terrific.

vegetacron wrote:2.) How come no one talks extensively about buying from Amazon? (Man, its seems like that have freakin everything)

Because it sucks. Their selection is usually very limited, and most of the items are from other vendors who charge outrageous prices for figures you can get much cheaper elsewhere. Amazon is my absolute LAST resort when looking for figures.

Because it sucks. Their selection is usually very limited, and most of the items are from other vendors who charge outrageous prices for figures you can get much cheaper elsewhere. Amazon is my absolute LAST resort when looking for figures.

Ok, so online shopping recommendations. Where is the best place to buy older TF toys? I know ebay is good for some stuff, but thats only if the sellers are reliable.

vegetacron wrote:

Because it sucks. Their selection is usually very limited, and most of the items are from other vendors who charge outrageous prices for figures you can get much cheaper elsewhere. Amazon is my absolute LAST resort when looking for figures.

Ok, so online shopping recommendations. Where is the best place to buy older TF toys? I know ebay is good for some stuff, but thats only if the sellers are reliable.

eBay is the best. 99.9% of the sellers are reliable, and the unreliable ones have bad feedback ratings. If you see older TF toys, like Universe figures, on Amazon, chances are the vendor is actually the same kind of vendor that sells on eBay. I've bought dozens of TFs from dozens of vendors on eBay and never had a problem. And those sites aren't really any more reliable than your average eBay seller.

Otherwise, you can try stores like BBTS.com, RobotKingdom, etc. They have a more predictable "inventory" than eBay, and set prices, but you won't get the kinds of good deals you can get on eBay. eBay is still the best, and probably always will be.

I think clarification is in order.

vegetacron wrote:I'm just curious, because i see alot of the G1 guys in the Universe line and alot of them are for sale up at Amazon. My questions are:

You mean G1 molds like G1 Optimus Prime or Soundwave, and not G1 Characters that have gotten new updated molds for the universe line such as Cyclonus or Sunstreaker?

The only G1 Molds that have been released under the Universe banner are G1 Optimus Prime as the 25th Anniversary version, TRU Exclusive's Perceptor, and Insecticons and San Diego ComicCon Exclusive G1 Soundwave. Though he was made available through Hasbrotoyshop.com later. Being an Esclusive its price can be quite high.

vegetacron wrote:1.) Is the Universe line worth collecting in terms of quality of model?

Depend son what you figures you are after. I'd say 25th anniversary G1 Prime is not worth the Price. While Perceptor and the Insecticons are better, and currently are the only way to get those figures.

For the new molds of old characters, yes most of them are very good.

vegetacron wrote:2.) How come no one talks extensively about buying from Amazon? (Man, its seems like that have freakin everything)

As was said, they tend to be more expensive, and from third party dealers, not Amazon itself, so its hard to know what you are getting.

BBTS or TFSource are pretty much the best. Though BBTS tends to hike of their prices a bit, they do have good sales where you can get things for very nice prices.

RobotKingdom is not bad, but shipping can be very expensive as they ship out of Japan.

Also Amazon won't ship toys outside the areas where they have localized stores. Amazon.com won't ship out of the US, Amazon.uk won't ship out of the UK. So if you live in a country that doesn't have a localized Amazon, you can't get toys shipped to you.

Where as other online stores will ship worldwide.

Yeah, I think you need to clarify whether you're talking about

a) G1 molds that have been reissued under the Universe name

vs

b) G1 characters who have been given homages in new molds released under the Universe name.

G1 characters who have been given homages in new molds released under the Universe name.

Thats what i meant. Yeah, lol, it would be nice to have the latter at a decent price, but as you said, yer gonna be payin alot of money for those.

Anyhow, thanks for the info guys. I seriously appreciate the help.

The Classics/Universe Line is really one of the best lines of Transformers out there. That is one line that I try to grab everything from when I get the chance. I have passed on only a couple molds, and I have been exceedingly satisfied overall. As a fan of Transformers, you need to start getting these figures.

Like everyone said Transformers Universe line or TFU like some call it, is the best line period! alot of homeage there and the figures are really cool. I know some people dont care for the Galvatron mold, but he was intended to be a voyager class, but was change to a deluxe at last min.

For myself i have the Hasbro version and the Henkie version, the Henkei line, too me is far better, but abit more pricey if you will, but you get better G1 colors accuracy and some chrome on parts here and there in which make the figure stand out is his out niche.

and Vegetacron if your interested theres a website i know that can help with either version and not badly priced either. Just PM me.

About Amazon, too me its hit or miss, i just recently bought the KISS player cassettes for $36.99 and $4.00 shipped and they are mint! and most places asking $80.00 or more for these cassettes and i've bought some other stuff here and there off of Amazon too and its really what your looking for. About Ebay, wouldn't say all sellers are 99.9% reliable, i would just be cautious.

As a G1 character collector, the Classics/Universe line is my favorite of all TF lines. I passed on the characters that weren't G1, but all the ones I bought, I am very happy with.

The reissued TRU figures are really cool. I already had the G1 Insecticons from growing up, but it was awesome to have a shiny new set to open up. I never had Perceptor so it was a big thrill to get him for a decent price.

I would suggest going through Ebay to buy origional TF's. It is so much cheaper to bid on the stuff than to try to buy it outright at retail prices.

I've got a few great deals on amazon but it's best to look around and find the best deal. Also, if searching amazon you may find figures aren't under the correct name so be careful how you search.