A Light-Up Building Set for this cheap?! | Funwhole Newsstand Review

[@clipsiesbricks]

Another great review!! I’m admittedly a Lego purist but the more I see these FunWhole sets the more I like what I’m seeing! Especially with the included lighting!

[@NewBrickerton]

I think that's a very common opinion. I still think LEGO is the best in town but healthy competition is great and I like to see what's out there. Thanks for watching!

[@samplisticsam4678]

Just put this together last night - such a great set. Fun to build and many cool features. The lights are awesome. If this was Lego, people would be gushing over it as a modern classic and we'd be paying $200 years later

[@starhunter2300]

I'm beginning to like these sets more and more with every review you do. Lego branded sets are getting outrageously expensive and my city needs to grow. Thank you for this review.

[@danjal87nl]

Sadly Funwhole sets aren't that much less in price, and the pricing is all over the place especially for people outside of the US... Which is definitely something that they could look into addressing to tap a wider market.

[@NewBrickerton]

Glad you like them! Just like to help show what's out there. Wouldn't review something I'm not interested in myself.

[@youngbear2258]

@@danjal87nl Maybe that means Funwhole takes quality seriously. Obviously we do not want to trade quality for price. I think Funwhole is doing it more cost-efficiently than LEGO. Quality does cost, so placing your product in the market with bit of quality premium is never a bad sign, considering that Funwhole comes with lighting kits. I am inclined to buy one.

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@youngbear2258 In the US, at least, Funwhole sets usually retail for half the price of Lego. But however much they charge where you live, some of their latest sets are just flat-out better than Lego and worth buying either way: really interesting subjects and designs, very high level of detail, awesome prints, and of course the lights.

[@ThomasA63]

Funwhole surpassed Legos quality and their price points are much cheaper than Lego, less stickers and more printed tiles.. in a few short years Legos value is going to drop drastically because of Funwholes competition

[@amypatt4]

Thanks for showing the two minifigs side by side. Glad to know you can use Lego minifigs on a FO set.

[@NewBrickerton]

Yes! It's all compatible.

[@ChrisP-jq5lg]

I bought this a few weeks ago and assembled it right away. Of the “not-Lego” building set companies FunWhole is doing something new to set themselves apart and I love that about them. I completely agree with you that the building experience is right up there near Lego, Hasbro’s Kre-O line and Mattel’s MEGA sets. I do disagree with you about the minifigure. Aside from the assembly I really like the design. I don’t see myself actively collecting them on their own but for a background figure I don’t mind the differences from Lego. Great review! I’m looking forward to seeing how you place it in your city.

[@Brick_Reporter]

I am curious on brick quality. How would you personally evaluate it, compare if original Lego would be 10 out of 10 reference. How much would you give to FunWhole? By bricks quality I mean how they connect together

[@Vandueren5]

@@Brick_Reporter I’ve built about 12 Funwhole sets. Apart from a few of their earliest sets, they now mainly use GoBricks, and a few custom moulds they’ve designed themselves for holding the wires. GoBricks is (much) better than Lego when it comes to color consistency, especially in colors like Tan, dark Red, dark green,… Lego can have many slightly different shades of the same color which can be very ugly in a set. Some GoBricks colors are a slightly different Hue than Lego, but within the brand, the colors are very consistent. GoBricks and Lego fit together without problems, again I’ve had Lego sets were I was less satisfied with the accuracy than with Funwhole. GoBricks have a bit of a harder haptic, and the stud/anti-stud grip is tighter. This helps with some more advanced building techniques where bricks are angled and only connected in 1 or 2 studs and you know they’ll hold. So the tightness doesn’t feel like inaccuracy; it is consistent along the brand and a design choice that differentiates it as more of an adult building brick, where Lego keeps in mind that easy disassembly by a 3 year old is paramount. There are a few mould designs, especially in this set, where they have purposely opted for a notable design difference from Lego elements. For example a 2x2 jumper tile always has an engraved frame (Lego is enforcing a protected design on the 2x2 jumper tile in Europe, among many other pieces) Some of the larger rounded plates in the roof designs have Extra gaps at their edges, some of the 1x2 plate modified clips have a weird shape etc. All of this seems like it is FunWhole doing their best to jump through all the hoops that Lego is imposing on the competition, because while they don’t have the patent for the “system”, they try to patent/trademark/designprotect individual parts. It’s of course also the reason why the minifig is so differentiated from the Lego design. (not all of those laws are enforceable in the USA, but Europe, notably Germany, is an important market for Funwhole, and Lego has aggressively litigated and blocked the import of some brands over very minor design issues, not plagiarism mind you) The main advantage Lego has is the shiny quality of their tiles. In this set the tiles are definitely OK, but not as flawlessly high gloss as Lego. Also worth noting is that the single color prints (newspapers) in this set are Pad Printed, whereas the multi-color prints like the larger posters are probably UV-printed: more grainy like an older inktjet printer, you can see it in the closeups of the video. Another thing I like less is that the bird is single color and unprinted. This is a great set to try as a first Funwhole sampler. If you like cars better, the tiny steampunk car is even cheaper and has absolute top quality chrome and printed pieces

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@Brick_Reporter I'd say overall 9 out of 10 at this point, where Lego has dropped to maybe a 6 or 7 because of all the brittleness and color inconsistency issues. It's worth noting that the Pantasy brand, which is top tier, also uses GoBricks. As for clutch power, these feel maybe a tiny bit stronger than Lego.

[@danjal87nl]

I for one am all for some alternate brand producers establishing themselves. Competition makes for a healthier market. I will never understand how some people cling to brands like it is some sort of cult or as if they get paid for it. Same with people who get feral about Apple products, when there are objectively equivalent products for a fraction of the price available so all you're paying for is a little apple logo. Funwhole isn't at the point where LEGO is yet, but they're delivering a great product and their designs are pretty neat! You can also see the improvements they're making overtime when compared to their initial released sets. Instructions are getting better, designs are getting better. Even when you look at some earlier reviews by people where they address complaints on build experience some of those appear to be addressed in newer sets by Funwhole. I think an interesting contrast to see is that some of the Funwhole sets have a lot of fine detail that LEGO seems to opt out of favoring a the build experience. Which may well set them out to diverge into tapping different target markets. With one catering to a build once and display audience while the other favors a build & play/rebuild audience.

[@tefnutofhoney2832]

Im with you solely because more competition means lego has to try more. I personally dont like mixing brands, with the exception of custom order pieces like on Bricktactical and Brick Arms, but thats more an ocd thing, for me at least.

[@NewBrickerton]

Great comment! LEGO fandom is especially crazy. I get a lot of weird comments about people mad at the fact that I try other brands. I just like to see what's out there, I can't afford to buy every LEGO set.

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@NewBrickerton Lego has been very savvy about building a cult-like following through their social media manipulation. I don't think many fans even realize the extent to which Lego is pulling strings behind the scenes of the Lego KZbin community. Kudos to you for showing people that great alternatives exist.

[@jacizaci_3]

Thankyou for making this video, I would’ve never known this existed! Can’t wait to order it!

[@NewBrickerton]

Thanks for watching :) Glad you liked it!

[@CatulloJL]

Lately I’ve been having the internal conversation about strictly LEGO or just build. So I’ve been watching a lot of your videos. Clearly you get it. The cost of LEGO is killing a lot of us. I don’t see how some can walk into a LEGO store and come out with a haul of 5 expensive sets. Maybe I’m just jealous. But I like this set. It looks good. I think I’m gonna go for it.

[@NewBrickerton]

Oh, I'm certainly jealous. I want so much LEGO but just can't afford it. But luckily I'm in a position to do these reviews and try some new things out, hoping to show others that there are cheaper options out there if you just have a passion for building, like me. Thanks for your awesome comment! This is a great first Funwhole set.

[@SO-ym3zs]

It's worth asking yourself where your enjoyment of the hobby comes from: is it the build, the finished product, or the fact that a set has the Lego label on it? If either of the first two, it's definitely worth moving beyond Lego. There's so much awesome stuff happening on the alternative market right now, much of it top quality and often much cheaper than Lego.

[@KrissFighta2]

Currently building it, nice to see your video pop at this very moment. I'll be back when I'm done to share my experience.

[@NewBrickerton]

Awesome! Let me know what you think!

[@KrissFighta2]

We had already built three FO sets (the 'Kraken', the lodge, and the wood cabin), this fourth one, smaller, did not disappoint. Like you said, it is a gorgeous set. Still have the medieval marketing boxes, waiting to be built, and the 'Indy' temple coming tomorrow. Thus, nice hours incoming.

[@KrissFighta2]

Btw, it is partly thanks to you: your videos lifted many of my doubts about alternative brands. Have tried quite a bunch of them. Still searching for the Nickbuild building you presented (not to be found in Western Europe). So: THANKS, Michael. Viewers and brands owe you big time. *** Peace.***

[@como2380]

That set looks awesome, I got the saloon for Christmas and it is absolutely amazing. I love Lego but it’s just so expensive. Love the videos, keep it up

[@Brinx101]

New AFOL here! Just wanted to say that you are definitely my favorite Lego KZbinr! Love the editing and music choices in your videos; keep it up!!

[@NewBrickerton]

Wow, thanks for the kind words! That means a lot. Thanks for watching!!

[@Brinx101]

@@NewBrickerton I mean it man; I really do! Happy building and cheers to a new year!

[@cactuscooler5496]

I have the saloon. love it.

[@NewBrickerton]

Glad you like it! I haven't tried the Old West theme but it looks really cool.

[@Larv6464]

Pretty cool! I might have to pick it up for the price point alone!

[@NewBrickerton]

Definitely worth it! Thanks Larv :)

[@Blue-Ninja2000]

I’ve been wanting to get a Funwhole set for a while, and think this may be the one for me!

[@NewBrickerton]

It's worth it, at that price it's a great for a trial run!

[@schwabricks7703]

That is a great looking set. I’m going to try and replicate it with my spare parts. I’ve not heard from anyone if they parts are comparable with Lego

[@NewBrickerton]

The parts are good quality, they don't feel identical to lego but some of the best I've found. They are less snappy but have a tighter clutch, if that makes sense

[@bomber_cost]

I have this set too! Mils-plated and placed near my Daily Bugle...a must! Btw nice video and again congrats for your new house 🎉🎉🎉

[@KrissFighta2]

Hey, THAT is a veeeeery interesting combination. GG! Don't ask me why, but I imagine a petrol station next to it. Or even better: the diner. Like in the old days: 'just imagine'.

[@bomber_cost]

@@KrissFighta2Thanks for the tip! A diner isn't a bad idea...

[@NewBrickerton]

Thank you very much!! It may go near my bugle too. What did you put in the extra 8x16 section of the MILS plate?

[@bomber_cost]

@@NewBrickerton for now nothing...but I'm working on a raised trainline!

[@KrissFighta2]

@@bomber_cost Noice! I would have gone for a couple of bushes and a tiny fountain, but your idea is so much more interesting.

[@SO-ym3zs]

Sets like this have pushed Lego deep into the background for me at this point. You can get such high-quality, interesting sets from Funwhole, Pantasy, Cobi, etc., usually way cheaper than Lego, that Lego doesn't even make much sense anymore, with the crazy prices, GWP's you can only find on eBay, quality control issues, etc.

[@theenyaarchive]

just ordered mine :))))

[@NewBrickerton]

Yay! Congrats!!

[@Blake_Stone]

I actually kind of like the minifig design, LEGO fans are so conditioned to accept nothing but traditional minifigs but you know if you can take off your LEGO trained glasses for a minute... they're kind of weird and we're just really used to them. These figs have their own look which is something like a minifig crossed with an old Duplo minifig or even a Friends doll, and it sort of works for what they're going for. I actually like that the legs are separable, that's a design flaw in LEGO minifigs IMO (you can remove them but it tends to stress the parts).

[@NewBrickerton]

I appreciate this comment, I do think I was a bit harsh. At least they are unique! I just built another Funwhole set and I think they will grow on me.

[@SO-ym3zs]

Agreed. Lego minifigs are strange, with their cylindrical heads and square, stubby legs. I never understood their appeal, even as a kid. I only used them back then because they came with the sets, and my action figures, which were truly poseable and shaped like an actual human, were too large for Lego-scale buildings. Today I generally tend to display sets without the figures, and I certainly don't like how much extra I have to pay because of their inclusion. They're just kind of dumb and goofy looking.

[@FrequenciaJogos]

7:27 - I don't think it's hard to replicate mini-figures. I think the issue is trademark. The patent for bricks expired years ago, the mini-figures also expired. But, the mini-figure still covered by trademark, which is another beast. So, no company can make mini-figures without violating Lego trademark. So it needs to have different shape and, I guess, it's has multiple pieces also as a safe-guard.

[@yahawashis12]

Funwhole made me quit lego. The last set im gonna purchase from lego will be the x mansion then im done for good. Its way to expensive now and they arent giving us anything new. No prints or lights and they're skimping out on the minifigures. Funwhole is the new go to. Gonna be nice to see my sets lit up now.

[@SO-ym3zs]

I'm just about there, too. Lego has little to offer compared to what the best competing brands are doing. And it's so outrageously overpriced.

[@ronniek4478]

Will have to get this one! I have a number of Funwhole sets and the quality is very good. Their packaging is superior to Lego IMO. I kind of agree on their Minifigs but am giving them a chance. (I think Minifigs are one element they can't copy verbatim since Lego still holds copyright on them, unlike the bricks.) For the price, you cant go wrong with Funwhole.

[@NewBrickerton]

I think i was a little harsh on the minifig, you make some good points. Original minifigs is better than no minifigs!

[@ronniek4478]

@NewBrickerton I just got Assembly Square before it sold out and am building it now. I'm replacing all the MF heads because using only the original smily face heads in a city setting makes them seem kind of creepy. Like they sold their souls and have been programmed to obey on command. 😆 The large dark eyes on the Funwhole MF are what throw it for me a bit.

[@SO-ym3zs]

Agreed. Their packaging and presentation is a big step up from Lego, never mind aspects of the sets themselves. It's funny that some people talk about Lego as a premium brand or product, but their boxes and manuals feel cheap compared to Funwhole and Pantasy. What's really premium about Lego at this point is only the extraordinarily high price points :(

[@matts1098]

There's currently a 20% off coupon on the item page that stacks with your coupon code! I just got it for less than $28.00 with tax

[@NewBrickerton]

Good to know! I saw that when I was testing it, but wasn't sure if everyone got that. Glad you snagged it for even cheaper!

[@nathanwilliams3877]

2:05 what train is this? I am brand new to your channel. Thank you!

[@NewBrickerton]

Funwhole Steampunk Ore Train, I also did a review on that one and you can find it on their website

[@nathanwilliams3877]

@@NewBrickerton awesome, thank you so much!

[@JesusFerrer-f5m]

Hi....good video 👍👍👍👍

[@NewBrickerton]

Thank you! :)

[@JesusFerrer-f5m]

@@NewBrickerton 👍😎👌😁

[@noname-up2ou]

is it compatible with lego ?

[@NewBrickerton]

Yes, very compatible! The pieces are the same size.

[@macebollens9937]

I picked this up before Christmas and thought it was great! You really did justice to the set, great review! I only would add, give the minifigure some time, he will grow on you 😂. Especially when paired with the little old lady from the current Dreamzzz sets! 😂

[@KrissFighta2]

Your question has already been answered but allow me to add one thing: FO sets are not only full compatible with LEGO ones, but they integrate and complete them perfectly. If you can, do not hesitate to try one (this one is perfect as an introduction - small and very affordable), you won't regret it.

[@noname-up2ou]

@@KrissFighta2 i will defenitly try these ,i have already buy 3 of the fake modular that he show before

[@hayfanihidayaturachman4142]

HONESTLY, if i compare this with lego ideas corner kiosk, i prefer this one.

[@georgeluevano4440]

Its currently $29!

[@DestinyCausby]

I love fun whole sets but yeah the mini figs aren't the best

[@e.d.t.]

Are people even buying these for real? Every funwhole video I've seen is something someone got for free.

[@legosandiego4447]

Don’t tag this as Lego when it’s not be honest and authentic I don’t mind that it’s not Lego long as it brings you joy just be honest with us

[@NewBrickerton]

That's fair, I don't think I was dishonest with the framing of the video as it says what I'm reviewing in the title. Honestly, I tagged lego so more people would see it. Part of my goal is to get people to think about LEGO alternatives. To me this is akin to tagging Kleenex in a video about tissues. But, I see your point and I will definitely be more thoughtful about this in the future!

[@wez123123123]

lol it’s basically Lego so chill 😂

[@someonlinepersona]

I think LEGO is overpriced and could use some competition but this company is completely stealing a lot of LEGO molds.

[@NewBrickerton]

Which ones do you mean? It's certainly a grey area. In a legal sense, the patent to the basic brick LEGO brick design expired, and LEGO was denied universal protection for a compatible block system. Whether or not you think it's ethical to "copy" a product is up to your own interpretation, but this is something that is not unique to the LEGO world. It is a ubiquitous product at this point, not much different than all the other products made by various companies. I give more of my thoughts and info about this topic in my video called "I almost promoted a STOLEN Lego Ideas set" if you want to check that out and let me know what you think! For what it's worth, Funwhole has created some cool elements that LEGO doesn't even make to help attach their Light kits.

[@someonlinepersona]

@@NewBrickerton Ignoring the obvious rectangle bricks and plates that you would expect from any knock off brand that is compatible with LEGO, there are some more detailed elements here that look like they literally used LEGO pieces to make a mold. There are so many, like the decorative gold elements on the top of the news stand and the weapon piece at the top. The flowers and the leaf piece they are on, the grates in the street, the lamp pole, the bike etc... It would be easier to list the few elements that are not complete 1 to 1 exact copies of LEGO molds. It's surprising to me that they stopped short of copying the LEGO minifigure. The reason Funwhole's minifigure can't fit on the bike is because that is EXACTLY the bike design that LEGO uses for their minifigures. I imagine that it is not worth it for LEGO to fight this in court because this is probably a Chinese brand and China is not known for enforcing any protection of IP, especially when it comes from foreign nations. I don't use court decisions to guide my own opinion because they are just as imperfect as the humans who make those decisions, but I do imagine that the ruling did not imply that other companies can make exact replicas of LEGO designs. LEGO is greedy and deserves more competition but I would hope the competition would not completely steal designs, not just for ethical reasons but also for losing the chance to innovate with new concepts and designs.

[@kogorog]

In recent years, Lego has been copying molds created by other companies, too.

[@plpa8250]

Parts is parts. The car industry goes the same way, keeps everything cheaper. Keeps the playing field somewhat levelled. Otherwise, Lego will just continually come up with "rare new part" of the month and scam you that way.

[@SO-ym3zs]

Remember that Lego took its core idea of interlocking bricks from another company in the first place. At this point, practically and legally, the situation is akin to Scotch tape or Velcro, where two companies own those trademarks, but countless other manufacturers make a comparable product under different trade names, and it's an accepted and welcome part of competition and diversity of choice for consumers. IMO, the sooner Lego is knocked off its pedestal by some of the excellent products their competition is making, the better, so we can have more of a level playing field, where all the players are encouraged to make the best--and best priced--product possible. Lego right now coasts and overcharges for a product with increasing quality-control issues.

[@anthonyandrianos1709]

Great review, I think I'll start buying funwhole sets

[@SO-ym3zs]

Their newer sets are truly awesome. Among the best out there, and honestly better than Lego now, but way cheaper. Big win for people who love to build!