Fans Toys Ethereaon VS Zeta Toys Kronos (Sit Down Saturday)

[@jon9550]

No one mentions the ultimate accessory that the Zeta Toys Kronos comes with, which is enough left over cash to buy a Zeta Bruticus for Superion to fight. 😂

[@andreyofdoom]

HAHA so true and then you would have enough cash for a couple other figs

[@Loonge-x3n]

You are wise sir

[@williehenrybaxtoniii1808]

@@Loonge-x3n What is this accessory lol

[@georgegfrance]

If you were collecting these all along you're stuck with em but how could you make the decision to buy the FT set over Zeta when in combined mode it's essentially the same aesthetic quality but the Zeta version saves you $800? Zeta arguably looks better.

[@scottcampbell9515]

…because you have FT in bot mode, and Zeta in combined mode.

[@darkmaster9245]

@@scottcampbell9515true but Fans Toys doesn’t sell the last aerialbot without the combiner parts which jacks up the price

[@ryanem49]

Have you handled the fanstoys? Materials alone. You don’t need to be a fanboy to say “I’m sorry but the Fanstoys set materials are 100X better. Zeta feels cheap in comparison, and price wise it is.

[@moloko912]

Yeah sure but you argument only stands if you want only the combined mode

[@scottcampbell9515]

@@ryanem49 $450-$500 for 5 figures that can combine to form a complete, poseable, and cohesive figure to you is “cheap”? Weird flex, but ok.

[@RedRoninCollector]

Also depends which version of Zeta you have as the latest metallic version fixes a lot of problems and adds extras like the horseshoe chest piece. I can’t justify Fanstoys being 3x the price of Zeta

[@heidad1]

You took my words- I have the metallic version and its way better and impressive!

[@kosthedin]

Wanted to come down to say this as well. The metallic version looks much more premium and closer to what Fanstoys offers.

[@Bbc418]

Fanstoys is just the better quality

[@pwalthuis]

​@@Bbc418Yes, but I would say purely objective not twice as good. Now if you want to display them in bot mode then fanstoys is better (and this might be a reason for me to get them). But in combined, especially with the metallic one they are much closer than the price difference justifies.

[@saysoun752]

I win as I only spent $275 for my Zeta Aerialbots as they were on sale for black Friday.

[@the1stdarkjester]

Now that is amazing. Might be one of the best transformer buys I have heard of

[@BobbyLips]

I know. I thought getting the Metallic at t TF Source for $350 was the bees knees. Crazy how even with the increased pricing for MP figures, there are great deals to always be had. For me that's part of the fun.

[@awesomeguy9513]

That’s the thing between this FT is better in some aspects BUT that price difference is rough. Zetas especially the metallic version is crisp and is a good price

[@saysoun752]

@@BobbyLips Speaking of TFSource, I bought 7 items from them the past 2 days. I picked up XTB Kup, Cyclonus, Inferno, Grapple and Shattered Glass Inferno. I also got MMC's Cliffjumper and Hubcap. XTB were all $70 each except SG Infernal which was $50. Cliffjumper and Hubcap were $25 each. What made me upset was the day after I bought MMC, Hubcap was even lower at $20.

[@saysoun752]

@@awesomeguy9513 I was thinking of getting it but, then I saw the price of the one that comes with the combiner parts being $400. I immediately stopped as I knew it'll be at least $1,000 for the set. I picked up the DX9 Menasor set for $400 from ShowZstore so he'll be good enough for me. Now, Devastator I'll have to keep an eye on as I have both XTB and FT pre-ordered. XTB Long Haul was really good though so I might cancel FT. I'll see what their next one looks like first.

[@astartespete]

This is fascinating, as its the first look at FT having copied the approach of the one company they viewed as a competitor (as you've said before). That, the 5 year gap and the closeness of the score after that time really speaks well of Zeta, and I think reinforces the delay being FT struggling to make it work. Props to them they did in the end, and well. Great comparison, thanks Bobby.

[@lordmegatron8444]

I think this was a good comparison. My only nitpick is that the FTs spent 5 years in development. As such it should have blown out the Zeta, and it doesnt.

[@mikeh6398]

I’m not sure that the FT has shortcomings as much as Zeta did really well and was ahead of the curve back then. How much more can you really do to the FT version to where it or any combiner would blow zeta out of the water? Zeta being a quality combiner as it was, no way FT was going to blow it out regardless of time. Kudos to Zeta still being a quality and cheaper option to collectors 5 years later.

[@ricotanes]

@@mikeh6398the shoulder articulation for me is just lazy engineering. How can they make it as bad as it is despite having a 5 year timeframe to improve on what Zeta had put out.

[@mikeh6398]

@@ricotanes I can agree on the shoulder and how it functions. Should have been better.

[@maui_idw7644]

If you have the Metallic Zeta. They are literally a tie

[@ultramagnus638]

totally agree.

[@passionnotparked9099]

No way...FTs is 3x the price.

[@DamageInc86]

So are they a Windsor knot tie? Or something more fanciful?

[@ericpoulin7922]

Clearly you haven't owned any of these cause the quality is no tie. Also the zeta "metallic paint" isn't a true paint. Just red metallic plastic with a thin clear coat.

[@sqlwizard9451]

My zeta came with both the studio ox head and the horseshoe thing for the torso and it's metal

[@xenophon1999]

Glad FT have finally released a complete combiner, and it looks like they did a good job. I'll be keeping my Zeta metallic Superion though, I can get him into cool, stable dynamic poses on the shelf that the FT one couldn't, this makes the shelf presence go through the roof! What Zeta did all those years ago with that set was phenomenal. One set I am in on from FT's though is the Stunticons, hopefully they release their Dead End before the heat death of the universe... Not super confident on that though...

[@DrWOF]

You didn't ask the family, "which one feels better?" 😅 Great versus. I appreciate the last overall shelf views and agree that standing back, there's no significant distinction between the two. Differences are lost in the ether.

[@Enigma2K99]

You gonna clean up that mess?

[@scottcampbell9515]

Are you going to have the kids handle a 2ft tall $1k+ 10lb bot? You do you.

[@DrWOF]

@@scottcampbell9515 Hi Scott, it was a joke, not a dig. It clearly would be too heavy for Leia, and impractical for the others to pick up, and not add any value to the versus comparison. Thought the emoji would have made it clear it was a joke.

[@scottcampbell9515]

@@DrWOF Oh my bad. I was looking at this on my phone so the emoji was really small to my old man eyes. (Insert gif of looking at tiny piece of paper here). Maybe the kids can use Etherion as part of a workout routine?

[@DrWOF]

@@scottcampbell9515 Haha, all good man 🙂

[@katiepersons6575]

Price for many will probably be weighed way more heavily than any of the individual categories despite being given equal weight in the comparison because while Fan Toys is over twice the price it sure as hell isn't twice the figure. They're basically trading blows for a grossly lopsided difference in affordability.

[@AfoteyAnnum]

Yeah, I've said it before and I'll say it again: The FT version is nowhere near $1200 better than the Zeta one. But it's still really good and worth adding to any reasonable collection!

[@polarisrustinpeace1797]

I really like the FT Slingshot having the orange canopy, and plain white FEET for Superion. I personally would also say scale goes to FT as well. I'm so glad i have both. Great VS, dude. Thanks for the time and effort. You have an AMAZING display. So jelly.

[@PaulSpurgeon]

You might say a cunning linguist!

[@micahzook2626]

This is a big case of - whichever one you want/like, you win.

[@DrakinKoran1]

One of my Favorite things about you Bobby, you get your family involved in order to get opinions on things from several different sets of eyes and hands and factor those in.. that, to me, shows you are placing equal weight on the products from other's points of views added to your own. Thank you to the entire Skully Family for always doing this to help him out. :-)

[@Enigma2K99]

This was a LOT closer than I expected...

[@THEShoky]

Will point out that Zeta did come with a die cast chest add on to give it that horseshoe design. Not sure if you mentioned it. And yes Zeta had both head options.

[@jon9550]

The horse show chest piece was only included on the most recent releases. If you had an older version it doesn't come with the chest and there are no options to buy just that part from official channels.

[@markangelo4083]

Fans toys is based on the animation model, Zeta is more toy oriented in design. So... Zeta will be played with as the other stays on the shelf.

[@samthebrownman]

Fanstoys finally finished a combiner

[@brenoferreiraferreira4409]

I went in on the FT and I don't think I'm displaying mine in combined mode. If I ever end up wanting a combined version I may go after the metallic Zeta set. Thanks for the review Mr. Skullface.

[@happiaxxident]

Love your VS vids because the remind me of how I compared and gave points to every element of my vs TFs bouts when I was kid, riding in the backseat, killing time on road trips. Peace!

[@mstigall9248]

Another great video Bobby, years in the making. I jumped on the Zeta as soon as I saw them and they have never disappointed. I expected Fans toys to show them up at double the price someday. But this video concretes my decision. This video comes down like a quintison judgment. We find Fans toys... Guilty of being overpriced and late to the party. Thanks Bobby!

[@bradensmith8682]

I wonder if anyone displays their Superion in a flying pose.

[@ryantheregularravensfan8151]

I appreciate the versus but there is a comparison that isn't mentioned in most versus for these two & that's the metallic finish Zeta Cronos (which I have)...fully painted with upgraded chest add-on & Studio Ox head add-on...also Zeta has the voice gimmick in both heads...then there's price not to mention release times... I also think ppl should understand why the build in the last two FT figures is noticeably different & it's because IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT WORK!!! That diecast is one of the reasons ppl (including me) love FT but this shows why we shouldn't dismiss other figures without it in a case like this...ppl are going to be holding their breath if they try to manipulate the FT Superion whereas I change the Zeta combiner poses often...these two are a dead tie & considering how long ago Cronos dropped, we should all as collectors commend them!!!

[@Dokken1975]

I went Fans Toys and I won!

[@BobbyLips]

One of the few win-wins for probably everyone who owns one set or the other. Lots of comments around the web where people still try to prop up their FT purchase....money is no object...it is the best...etc, Zeta is the welfare one. What a community we have. If money is no object for the FT's owners, the ONLY option is doing what Bobby did. 100%. Displaying FT's in combined mode is a disservice to the individual bot. I'm half tempted to buy at least the one bot because its easy to get at very little mark up. To those collectors if money is no object and FT's is so much better, then buy 2 sets of them! I'm at a crossroads with collecting MP Gestalts over LC. I think it was Bobby that said you just don't get that shelf presence with LC figures, which is mostly true. You can get it with them in combined mode recreating some epic scenes from the show. If you have the space to create dioramas using the MP sized combiners, God bless you. Just bought the reissued Zeta Metallic LC set for $130 and can't wait to get my hands on a mini Superion.

[@MrMortombachman]

Think the fans toys looks way nicer in every mode.

[@TheMrJDizzle79]

Ironically, the fans toys version has the same issue as the original toy in that the legs are way too long and the torso is too short

[@joey159213]

This just shows you how Ahead of its time Zeta was. Inevitably Ft did the whole torso thing just like zeta. So kudos to them.

[@winterwolf2164]

Honestly, the Zeta looks great, and the price point is much more reasonable than the Fanstoys. I’d definitely consider grabbing the box set at some point. I’m gonna add: Bobby, I love these comparison videos. They’re excellent-I definitely appreciate the extra effort you make here.

[@darkmattersynthesis1037]

I def with the FTs had more articulation. I think it's important if you want more then a standing statue, but, paint goes a long way. Covering up the hit joints was also big, as I hate seeing that on my FT-10X. I really wish they would give all bots a butterfly swivel for the arms. Being able to hold your gun right in front of your chest with both hands or some other pose is such a nice look. Might not have been possible with such a complex figure, but I wouldn't know. 50% price difference can't be sneezed at though... Def a tough call, but without seeing articulated poses and what each can do, and not do, it's hard to say. More articulation is meaningless if the figure falls over anyways. In the end, good paint just looks better. Apparently it also doubles the price. :(

[@juzoinui4627]

I say it comes to personal preference at the end , honestly both good companies, both do amazing work , both outstanding combiners

[@VRHyoumaru]

Honestly if I was in the market for either of these, I'd go for Zeta because of the shoulders alone.

[@Aphlyxion1]

Think I'm sticking with my legends size Zeta Superion! Awesome comparison Skully!

[@AMVH2012]

TBH I would have tied them for accuracy. If I had the FT combiner parts I'd try to swap out the head and figure out a way to attach the optional FT chest part. With those mods I could keep the Zeta with no complaints.

[@edgarortiz6553]

The fact that many reviewers are so tied on their comparison, it just shows how much the Zeta has stood the test of time. zeta can be acquired for so cheap though. Got mine for 200 and i just can't justify spending that much for something that feels very similar.

[@badlamprey891]

The price difference in this case is so extreme I'm not sure giving it just one point really paints an accurate picture

[@dustyyshellz1320]

Wow zeta aged so gracefully, Fanstoys bots obviously kill any competition but wow

[@wdavis81x]

I think FT did a good enough job for their first combiner. I'm curious how it compares to TW Devy as that was technically Zeta's first rodeo. Either way I don't expect FT Menasor to be much better than FT Superion since they were developed so close together. But I think FT has probably learned some things that might make their Devastator one to watch out for.

[@maedhros3305]

zeta at the pricepoint is just so hard to beat. Thats one of the best bang for the buck combiners out there.

[@rob-n-roll]

How is that you have winter clothes when it's summer?!? 🤨

[@scottcampbell9515]

Let's apply some critical thinking here: 1. Basements are usually cooler than other rooms in the home. 2. The AC in this room could make it cooler than the rest of the home. 3. There could be a cold front in the area making it cooler outside. It's not 90+ degrees everyday in the summer. 4. Hoodies are comfortable no matter what time of year. 5. All of the above. *shrugs*

[@TW-SB]

Maybe the dude is sick. His voice seemed horse.

[@JasonSawyer]

If you have neither, it comes down to this: do you just want Superion? Buy Zeta, the FT isn't $600 better in that mode. Do you want Superion and individual Aerialbots and have the $? Buy FT, because they obliterate the Zeta limbs apart. Or, if you want the best Superion and don't care about $$$? FT has that slight oomph, that premium look that catches the eye of people who know the characters but not the toys, like FT Omega vs DX9. IMO.

[@darkmattersynthesis1037]

@Bobby How would you compare the painted metallic Zeta to the Fanstoys? I know that paint was a big factor, and I agree.

[@moliver36]

Great video. Thanks.

[@TP3_5]

The moment of truth!

[@ESO_PRIME]

I love the Fans Toys but honestly I bought them all for Superion mode & now in retrospective I wish I could sell them & just get the Zeta, save $800 & buy other figures

[@geewunder1171]

I think if Bobby had the painted metallic Zeta version, the score would be different. FT bots are better, but painted Zeta jets are technically better (more accurate jet details), and better Superion. But both sets are really good, but you really need the current Zeta painted versions to maximize that sets' strengths. I'm using FT for bots, painted Zeta for alt and combined mode (two painted Zeta sets WELL below FT price)

[@Jim_Norcross]

I feel like the fascinating take away from this is how close Zeta comes with a five year old piece. One has to wonder, of released at the same time, would Zeta have won?

[@gauntlet4342]

Great comparison. I think the results would be closer with the Zeta Superitron which has the metallic paint and chest plate. I'm keeping my Superitron as my combined mode and FT as individual bots.

[@quagmirefx]

Imho there so close to being the same, that you can't justify the huge price discrepancy. I've handled both and the FT does feel better materials wise, but definitely not 3x the cost better.

[@jointjunkieslangards]

Given the price on the FT, I'd have to forgo any thoughts on upgrading, even it it is subjectively better. Still, given how well Zeta did here, I don't have any real misgivings about it.

[@MICjordanTPR]

Usually, I don’t think a slightly different version of a figure would significantly impact a versus, but in this case Superion advantages over Kronos, namely being fully painted and also including the show accurate chest piece, would make these sets tie outright. Considering Zeta is five years older and less than half the price, that to me is a tremendous win. I agree with you wholeheartedly that even though the fans toys, individual mode look more accurate, they also look lifeless and lack modern articulation. And I don’t mean for the masterpiece Line, I mean, even for a mainline toy. with the added paint, the individual data figures look just as good or better in jet mode, and while less accurate in robot mode to the show, they are more accurate to the toys. Overall, I don’t regret my decision to sell off the first three fans Toys jets. Once Zeta issued superior with the superior individual color schemes, fully painted, I actually liked their silver bolt more than fans, Toys, which kind of sealed the deal. And I know that collecting Transformers is an expensive hobby, it’s definitely not for poor people, but being able to buy an entire other combiner with the difference in price is nothing to sniff at, especially if you plan to display these in combined mode. But also, being able to get a whole other set to display an individual mode, as is, is nothing to sniff at either!

[@razingst0rm]

Ain't gonna lie, my setup is the same for display and if they had offered Jester without the combiner parts, I'd have been all over it. I'll never use em.

[@voodooneightyeight7929]

So... HUGE difference... not that I think it changes the outcome. But metallic Zeta vs non metallic Zeta tips the scale a bit more. The missile accessories for Zeta alt modes is great... but the FT look so much better. Metallic Zeta also has the horseshoe chest plate the sound effects and I don't know exactly what else. For me... taking off the wings in combined mode and the poses I get out of Zeta makes me a bit happier. Alt mode ... not even a question ... Zeta looks great, but just don't stand up to how FT looks. Bot mode... I'm torn. I do plan on swapping my FT between alt and bot mode for display. Have I considered picking up another Zeta set, yes. (I'm debating on the MMC Defensor and waiting on Computron so 🤷‍♂) Fortunately I'm able to have both and don't have to make a decision between the 2. I will likely swap both sets between the 3 modes from time to time, I do enjoy both. If they were just a hole I was filling in my collection I'd be happy with the Zeta, but I do not regret having a FT set. Worth the money, probably not, but I'm nearing the end of bots I'm behind on so it is something I am ok with.

[@seankelly9541]

Kronos might be a lot cheaper, but the individual robot modes don't look good. Or.even adequate. I don't regret waiting for Eatheraeon. Yet.

[@sgt.bumblbeer]

Great review. Thanx 🎉

[@turingmachine7905]

I think the more apt comparison should be between Etherion and Superitron.

[@j-dizzle6264]

Strongly disagree on the body proportions... I'd say FansToys is less chonky. I hate partsforming. Neither are perfect. Zeta's hands are too big. Shoulders are a trainwreck on FansToys. FansToys is always better quality material-wise... and paint-wise. I don't hate either of these. I can see why someone would chose Zeta's Superion... it's better bang for your buck. If you're only buying one of these to "Have a Superion" in your collection... I'd save your money and get the Zeta. If your a FansToys collector... obviously you're going to be willing to spend the extra for the higher build quality and paint application. But, it's very close between these two. I believe the FansToys is more likely to retain it's value should you decide to sell it later. Gotta give credit where credit is due though... Zeta released this years ago and gave the fans what they wanted. FansToys has been a long frustrating wait... so many people have given up on FansToys Superion, and sold the original ones that came out. If I'm being honest I was expecting FansToys to be better than Zeta when it finally came together... but, it is way closer than it should be considering the cost, later release date and the advantage of seeing what worked for Zeta and taking advantage of that knowledge.

[@aaronmauer7225]

For some reason in combined mode fanstoys looks off on the proportions

[@williamkious5349]

SBS... I gotta go Zeta. The proportions are just better.

[@7BlackJack8]

Is it me or ft is focomelic?

[@stevegiles9080]

Fand toy upper body looks better. Zeta lower body looks better

[@passionnotparked9099]

Zeta Wins here just because of 2 major things... 1. After 5+ years and FTs is only able to compete, not smash Zeta. 2. Price, at $350 avg to FTs $1200+ is just insane. FTs is NOT 3x better. And I will add this, Zeta looks like a Wrestler that can point striaght out, FTs looks like a toddler that has to dislocate shoulder just to point arm. If you like the FTs, you Win. LOL.

[@jacktueton7445]

But is it worth a car? Especially since they are gonna be going for multiple combiners at the same price point

[@scottcampbell9515]

What kind of car are you getting for a bit over $1k? A hoopdie?

[@AgtWashingtub]

@@scottcampbell9515 A car I can afford? I dont judge anymore.

[@dameonvalentinedeazzy07]

Zeta

[@itsme-notyou]

I take zeta all day

[@thugg4lif]

Actions speak louder than words. You’re not going to display it in combine mode, yet you say it’s a better combiner. Bobby fansboy strikes again!

[@MythsAndHeroes]

Tell me you didn’t watch the video without telling me you didn’t watch the video. DOOF

[@geraldbouvy1222]

Wow. I am a fanstoys simp, but Zeta just looks better! He looks heroic, while fanstoys looks blocky and void of personality.

[@leoluong6981]

I prefer Zeta, TBH. FT stuffs might "look better" but their articulations are always so piss poor.

[@quentonclark4279]

I have the metallic Zeta and I think it wins to be honest. FT makes a great product but they really just copied Zeta’s concept. At 3 times the price they should have crushed Zeta.

[@dlee8787]

感谢评测。

[@CaminoalAlba]

Fantoys fanboy as always. But yeah, FT did a better job imo

[@TW-SB]

Zeta’s hands are mad oversized. That would be like a human with tennis racket hands.

[@mechgouki7999]

To me, I always refused to support Zeta, because I equate Zeta to Toyworld, and Toyworld stuff always breaks. And the stuff that don't break are completely mediocre. Case in point, both movie Optimus breaks. And my chug sized fort max was lame. And their arcee broke down over time. Studio1 Cell and Moon Studio are also Zeta I think. Both good in their own way, but also at risk of breaking.

[@whydon2]

I've seen a few FT breaks this week too...

[@mechgouki7999]

@@whydon2 Which ones? I know for a fact that Powerglide and scourge are terrible, but so far I have not had any break risks.

[@whydon2]

I've seen FT arielbots missing a leg and an arm on Facebook Faansboys pages. Not sure whether transformation or shelf dives but they do break too

[@PrimeSS]

I have both Fanstoys and Zeta superion. Ngl, I actually have more fun messing around with the zeta superion more BUT the plastic/quality of everything on the zeta is trash. They are so easy to break and it feels cheap. If zeta had the same quality as fanstoys, I would love the zeta version but fanstoys quality simply cant be beat

[@imoweenlodestone5447]

Can't stand with any of them, why is it always superion gets the raw deal when every company does superion?