Swapping & Upgrading

[@MADIN76]

I have just really struggled with this upgrading and swapping stuff for a while now, and it affects me mentally badly for some reason, and idk why. but this video really helped translate a lot of what I’m feeling and I truly appreciate it Bobby, keep up this good work!

[@edgarcoss7662]

Excellent video, and really good point

[@beatrixwickson8477]

10:01 Wheelie and Ultra Magnus making the Cheerleader Effect work for them!

[@happiaxxident]

Well done! 👏👏👏

[@arielcordero]

100% agreed! 👍👍👍

[@riderofthe4thseal]

You know Bobby, you're right! Having so many takes on a character is actually such a good thing! different strokes for different folks I say. Me personally, I've always dug the maturity in the design of Fans Toys. Then too, I prefer MP-10 over MP-44. Other people may be into the faithfulness of the TV series aesthetic, while others may choose based on ease or difficulty of transformation. This is the beauty of so many variations on a character. Peace.

[@THEWATCHERISLOOKING]

Happy thanksgiving to you and yours.

[@dustyyshellz1320]

Yeah I’m not swapping TE mirage or DS blaster for a lot of these reasons. Good vid sir bob.

[@lindyxmjh4589]

Thing is sometimes you can be fine with something when you first get it because it fits your current collection needs at the time, but over more time your opinion sours on it and you welcome that upgrade. Most CHUG collectors were fine with the Combiner Wars figures because that's what was available at the time and really they all did exactly what they were supposed to do: get full sets of combiners out on your shelf. But almost a decade later the weaknesses of some of them especially Menasor (base model no upgrades) just left many unsatisfied and created an understandable desire for the new one.

[@Thomas_Name]

The needs of the one... The few... Outweigh the needs of the many.

[@shinobuthelazy]

I love your point on having a conversation with yourself about goals, after a sour experience with a kingdom tracks, I started to rethink what I was in the hobby for, and ultimately decided that I'd transition from mainline to third party, and I haven't regretted it yet! I'm still very early in my collecting career, but I feel like i'll end up a lot happier with a finalized collection than one that I constantly need to keep updating down the line.

[@Mechanic618]

01:40 - Hasbro has definitely *not* fixed its distribution issues with Target or WalMart. Between Target repeatedly trying to cancel people's TF Outback preorders and general lack of distribution of the waves of "exclusive" Tiger Force and Python Patrol figures, as well as Retro carded figures at WalMart, it's been anything but easy to collect them. And most of them are *not* available online at Amazon or BBTS, just Hasbro Pulse if/when they get a small amount and you happen to jump on it fast enough. You are very out of the loop with the Classified collecting community if you think issues are resolved.

[@lindyxmjh4589]

The first 4 retro carded Classified figures from Wal-Mart are instock right now on Pulse and have been for awhile.

[@Mechanic618]

@@lindyxmjh4589 Yes, months later they are, and yet most WalMarts still don't have them on the shelf or just a few Lady Jayes and/or Baronesses. Distro is trash. Definitely not fixed.

[@lindyxmjh4589]

@@Mechanic618 You mean "months later" as in after they officially released. Still not unavailable.

[@Mechanic618]

lol, uh-oh, I must have triggered the Hasbro Defense Team. 😅

[@mraschewski]

"a display as a whole is better then the sum of its parts" this could be an entire series...

[@Matunahelper]

Did a podcast for several years, (8 I think?) and it happened a few times, but it was always super frustrating when the file became corrupt or the recording software freaked out and didn't capture the audio and doing a retake is never the same. People don't have the same energy or positive attitude and whatever jokes or riffs you bounced off of each other are lost and you can try to fake it again, but it's not special anymore. So I feel you.

[@sidsigmaprime6347]

I'm still using classics hound, and fans project bruticus in my chug display

[@Buckethead523]

I buy 2 or 3 different versions of the same figure. One to display in Alt mode, one for robot mode, and if the combine, one for the mode as well. Whichever one I think is strong in said mode is how I usually decide how it’s displayed.

[@RodimusSubPrime]

I pretty much have the best variation of every available MP figure there is, but if a better version comes along, more then likely I'm getting it. I only collect MP's, but I could see if someone collects more then one toy line, it could be difficult and costly to keep up with having the latest incarnation of a Masterpiece figure

[@TexasHollowEarth]

Anywhere I can see your collection? I'd love to see such a set 😎👍

[@RodimusSubPrime]

@@TexasHollowEarth Nope, you're just going to take my word for it. Plus I'm pretty sure majority of us here have a pretty impressive MP collection

[@MythsAndHeroes]

Best is a relative term.

[@RodimusSubPrime]

@@MythsAndHeroes fine, I estimate that I have the best variation 🙂

[@espinasse1984]

Think you nailed it there. Some of us just like buying toys which drives the “need” to swap out. Then justify it to ourselves that “this is the best version”. Great video.

[@sofubisamurai]

Man that mirage swap out comment hit home for me. As soon as I got the FT one last week I realized there was no need to swap out my TE one.

[@justGSquared]

Hope you and yours have a nice Thanksgiving as well.

[@voodoo9449]

My goal... has always been to get a G1 MP display (not much past the movie) of what I like to look at. The rarity for me doesn't matter as much... if anything I find myself going with a Takara Skyfire because I want a Phoenix X10... and just getting a Phoenix is going to drive me nuts every time I look at it. Perhaps someday when I have the representations I want... then I will go back and hunt down the few I had to skip out on. So the fact it's rare doesn't matter... the fact I can buy 4-6 other bots I don't have a representation of yet instead is what drives me to a cheaper version of him. When it comes to Fantoys... and upgrading to something they put out... everything revolves around Spindrift 2.0... the quality, the materials ... just picking him up and then comparing that to say Transistor ... I love the metallic paint on him... I doubt I will replace him... but at some point I will probably pick up a FT version of Blaster just because the build is worth having a second representation to me for those reasons. Is it high on my list, will I miss out entirely? Maybe but I'm patient and if its 3 years from now I'm fine with it... if it never happens, I'll be ok with it. A lot a variances in how we all decide on each figure in our collection and if or when we would upgrade.

[@ahchiu9]

Be. Our. Guest.

[@kram67kram]

And here I am with a "gotta catch em all" mentality. I'm a collector of transformers, there isn't a happy meal figure I wouldn't put on shelf. I'm not a museum with priceless antiques. I like over crowded shelves.

[@thespaceram2879]

One that has the middle name of Harley (Joker's right hand woman) and one that has the name Selena (Catwoman). That is two. Very creative Bobby.

[@itisalec]

Last swap i did was my classics Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, like you said just upgrading to a minor improvement is not enough and i hated the old ones to me was a big upgrade. But most of the old figures i have are still my favoirite versions, like classics Jazz, it's not as accurate as the new one but it's a fantastic figure i can't possibly swap it out.

[@razingst0rm]

I bought FT Mirage because well, I have come to the conclusion that I just like to collect Fans Toys. Thankfully, Everything I've swapped out didn't cost much so when I give them to my youngest son, he puts them on his shelf and they are still admired and appreciated (he knows they aren't meant for playing with). I've settled into a decision that I only swap for FT releases, and *maybe* Takara (I fixed my lean-scream and really enjoy the new seekers on the shelf). This was a good conversation video, take my like.

[@dare2727]

“Just buy the fanstoys version”. The mp collectors motto

[@Justhereforinsanity]

The "swap out" part of this video was played down for a diatribe about asthetics on a stunticon bit. I swapped out BC bugs with FT and have BC in alt mode. Works fine. I'm living the minimum collection. Just want G1 dinobots/construticons down. Yet that xtb ultra magnus is calling.

[@MythsAndHeroes]

No, it’s just an easy example. I could do the same thing with that magnus. 8 months from now one will come out with slightly better proportioned arms… then what?

[@xichen6384]

@@MythsAndHeroes gotta get that ft magnus ;) think of the paint

[@Justhereforinsanity]

@@xichen6384 well... it will come out in 8 months.

[@Justhereforinsanity]

@@MythsAndHeroes umm.... I don't want that Magnus. If you actually read my message you would understand it's a temptation. Should I expect the parts forming FT Magnus in 8 months?

[@MythsAndHeroes]

It’s not about you specifically. It’s about the point widely.

[@r.c.r.vankempen9235]

I really like what your saying here. Good to hear that a display is more than a figure. For me it's the completion of a season, but also some bots that are more stylized. Recently the FT hoist came in and he is to Toon, so the XTB is staying. After seeing this video i had a good talk with myself.... me and myself are hoping that FT will go back to stylized figures, but we already have XTB preorders ready :D

[@7tgm23]

I used to fall for the newer is always better syndrome and the fear of not being able to get something and have to pay the late tax. After time I’ve got the confidence to be happy with what I have and only add pieces that I feel fill a hole or are significantly better.

[@iamtheomnimonkey]

It's a fair question. For me I buy filler pieces when I believe that it's going to be at least a year before another version comes out that I like more. Often it's a case where I believe that a better version will NEVER come out. And then there are times when I see a figure and think, "that looks great...that's my 'character name'". Then years later another version comes out that is enough of an improvement for me to swap out/upgrade. I do think very long and hard about "is the new version enough of an improvement". A new version isn't always enough of an upgrade. And since I change up my displays the overall look isn't enough to say that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and a inferior piece can drag down a whole display. Also when I swap out/upgrade I sell the old figure for cheap, (I almost always start Ebay bids at $0.99 with a 'buy it now' option at somewhere between 25% to 50% of what I originally paid and at a maximum of 50% of the price Ebay suggests. Roughly 95% (or more) of the time my old figures sell for way under current or original retail price. Heck I've sold a $200 figure for $50 and $25 to $35 figures for $10.This helps others to get a figure they want for cheap and I've gotten enjoyment out of the piece so it's a win win.

[@BrumansVideos]

"Enjoy the time with your friends and family" - DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I'LL HATE THEM THE ENTIRE TIME AND YOU CAN'T STOP ME! YOU'RE NOT MY DAD!

[@Alzeal07]

It's funny how while you care about diplay and will put a figure in a pose and a diorama and almost never touch nor transform it, I care more about the fiddleability of the figures, always have a few on my desk to mess around.

[@ajhill5094]

You're right; the got me in the cycle of buying the newest version because it's better than the previous. But... it's kind of our nature/culture at this point. We always replace the old with the new,our society is disposable with things. New phone, new car, new transformer.... when the existing one is perfectly fine.

[@geewunder1171]

Ideally, I'd have one toy for each mode of a given character, preferably from a different company. For example, I have Takara Magnus, but I'm going to use him for alt mode when Xtransbots comes out. I hate having multiples of an exact figure - for example, the only option with Wheeljack, Tracks, and the Datsuns at the moment. So, I'm waiting for a good second version. But i have been caught in the upgrade game - I do have 3 Hoists and Trailbreakers (MMC, Xtransbots, now Fanstoys), for example. For those rare 'extra' figures, I'll make a third display somewhere. Bottom line, I want the aesthetically best version of a given character for bot mode; extras would be used as alt mode. I do feel alt mode displays are important; the fact that they transform is a key element of both a character's identity, as well as the franchise on the whole. It is expensive, though, so I only do that for the main characters ('84-'86 mostly).

[@KaneStarkiller]

Dude mentioned Bud Ice by name!

[@gyalis]

I like to upgrade for a few reasons , mainly team building abilities . I will buy a chug team because I enjoy the hunt looking for the figures and then slowly replace those with the best version of the masterpieces I can find, it allows me to feel like my team is complete and also it’s best version, I don’t like displaying partial teams. The same with marvel legends, I will get what I can then slowly swap out for 3rd party or higher end versions mainly because they come with more accessories and heads so I can do more dynamic poses, marvel legends are so hard to find the hunt isn’t as rewarding, with them it’s more so I want to spend 100 for 1 figure or 100 and get 4. I want my displays to be the best they can be, I don’t want to regret not getting a version later on down the line.

[@mstiefan6996]

For me, I want Transformer figures that LOOK like the characters...how I remember them from the cartoon in terms of robot modes. I did collect Masterpiece for a while, but it got too expensive and crazy for my tastes. The current Transformers lines (Siege, Earthrise, Kingdom, Legacy, and Studio Series 86) are probably as close to what I've wanted for years in toy form as one can get outside of spending the bigger money for Masterpiece and 3rd party Masterpiece. And I feel these will be the last really good chance we will see a lot of these G1 characters proper since Hasbro seems determined to get through all of the G1 era stuff in some way. Really though, my main focus is to have both Autobots and Decepticons from 1984, 85, and the 86 movie as that was the time I was really into Transformers. After 1986, I kind of drifted onto other things (M.A.S.K., Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Nintendo). I did have a few of the later year G1 figures that I remember fondly like Punch/Counterpunch and while we did get a new one of him in the Power of the Primes line...that figure was not good IMO, and would love a second attempt because the PotP figure just did not do the character justice given most of his car "shell" becomes his legs.

[@tommygeorgejr2931]

Good morning everyone

[@ToaDrakua]

In my case, I prefer to hold out until I see a version of a character that either A) Isn't among my collection or B) Reaches the standard of quality that I prefer for said collection. It also keeps my wallet from crying, but compared to the Prime Wars trilogy, there are a _lot_ of good figures coming out these days compared to previous.

[@scottcampbell9515]

Give you a wave? Ok. 👋

[@Hustler281980]

I do it easy G1 MP stay with xtransbots and Fanstoys. One for alternate mode one for Robot. Now i am thinking of my great new kind of displaying. Fanstoys/xtransbots in Big Beside Newage/MFT in Small beside. Like Ft44 in Trainmode and MS28 in Robot beside looks ultra cool using that shapesizeshifting on the display....

[@willvergeli]

Your TE / FT Mirage example was right on the money. I looked over at my S1 Autobot shelf and you’re absolutely right - the display will not look any better or worse when the FT arrives and I replace the TE. That said, I’m perfectly fine with that. I’LL know it’s the better figure. It’s the same reason I don’t display KOs - because even if it’s a perfect copy I’LL know it’s a KO. So I’m in that second pocket. If I think it’s better “it deserves a place on the shelf” (I think you said that about FT Rig over BC Huff but don’t quote me if I’m mis-remembering). Curating this display has become therapeutic for me so upgrading occasionally is something I’ve accepted as part of the hobby and therefore budget for. We’re alerted about upcoming releases months and sometimes years in advance. For example, I have the Takara Magnus and had the XTB Magnus on pre-order for months. Recently, I cancelled it in favor of a pre-order of the FT Margh. Trying to be financially responsible is a part of it for me. Like the thrill of getting an older figure I missed out on at “cover price” as opposed to paying the late-tax. Similarly, passing on a newer figure upon deciding it isn’t better than what I already have (I’m looking at you XTB Virtus).

[@cannonp1]

I think mp ultra magnus would have been a better example in this topic. I for one was excited to buy him but all these years later am very ready to replace him. And now we have an all in one option out now and an armor version on the horizon. Choices

[@Hot_SpicyGrill]

I backed Star. And I forgot he had him. Because Leo is lion and he looks like rampage.

[@cyburn7797]

Only figure I would consider upgrading currently is my KFC Stratotanker Octane - I love how the bot mode looks and like triple changers but holy moly I hate the feet on it and paint chips everywhere - if someone came out with a more stable Octane with good looking modes, I may just upgrade. On the Terrorcon note I have all 4 TFC Terrorcons limb bots as I love the stylisation TFC went for.

[@WriterofWrong]

Strato's feet are truly nightmarish lol. Like, a millimeter of thin jigsawed plastic holding them on

[@2006chunming]

Another Great video! Am tired of replacing figures! Specially when it might be slightly better or am not really too fund of the character. I really wished Fanstoys finished that Stunticons set.

[@Hot_SpicyGrill]

You forgot repaints. Some people but mp1 over mp10 because mp1 has a white Magnus repaint.

[@huatlahlah]

My simple solution, swap the kfc head to create a uk g1 look, buy recording alliance (fanstoys) blaster for the us(international) g1 look. Two different character instead of one. Same goes for soundwave.

[@ThePrimetime84]

I thought the Transform Element OP leader didn't look good at all at the time it came out. Then was promptly told "Yeah but its better than MP10" Think there's a discussion there to that just cause a figure may objectively look better, doesn't mean it may be right for your collection. Ultimately waited and went with Magic Squares.

[@aarongrove4744]

Im getting FT mirage for alt mode! MMC one looks cheap. TE will stay in bot mode.

[@TrypticOwen]

When considering Haslab value, remember that Deathsuarus is the size of Saber and Leo combined!

[@robin2thek]

Thais is exactly what I’m thinking about my MP-10. I kind of wat to swap him if I only look at him but when I look at all the figures he does his part. Still I’m thinking about it.

[@realsupercobble]

I have only just started buying 3rd party figures. Mostly I think about price and what looks best to me personally. Like, I bought a version of the (I believe it’s gcreation) gravity builder cause it looks awesome. He’s big and one of the most amazing things I own. I also bought Feral Rex, although despite the fact that I based my purchase off of how cool they are to me, I bought them actually because I got each less than $160 on eBay. If I find something that looks awesome and I want it or have wanted it for a while and it’s at a good price, I buy it.

[@megatron1384]

Your “hint” at upcoming preorder… I say Boo Urns to you good sir… boo urns

[@StockpileHobbies]

If a newer version of a figure come out, and it is moderately better than the version I own, I'll upgrade just as Bobby said. It gets me that dopamine drip that I need. I still enjoy comparing the newer to the older, and then selling the older one. I like that the collection changes over time and doesn't stay stagnate for years.

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

I got very sick after fixing my famous rice. Nearly died. Lost my sense of well being. Not quite the coronavirus but ...😉

[@MrUniq]

I think the 'good enough' factor comes into play eventually....I'm pretty sure there are going to be better versions of all my figures but at some point you have to ask yourself if what you have is good enough and decide to stick with it....unless one has money to burn.

[@fightingrabbit]

The other downside that kinda goes with speaking with your wallet is that with people constantly swapping out, companies are sometimes less inclined to make characters outside of the usual characters. Like why make the deluxe Insecticons when you can crank out yet another seeker mold and milk away? Excellent discussion! Keep up the good work good sir!

[@Tombstonecross]

Legacy Dragstrip is the perfect G1 upgrade for 20$. Nobody can compete with the bang for buck ratio. Hasbro is doing a lot of things right with figures from the last 2 years.

[@mark4flair376]

Bobby "MP wise, I will always swap out for an FT release unless it's a Takara" Face! ^OG would call this "The Pinkerton Approach".

[@RoaddogRoaddog]

Great vid. I’ve been thinking of that XTB Ultra Mags but I don’t think I would swap out, just put on a separate shelf. But is it worth it, purchasing a a semi decent upgrade to the MP version? That’s the “focus” u speak of that I must master to prevent me from spending all my money 💰 on characters I don’t need.

[@Jermainesutton43]

I started collecting July 2019 and have had some companies figures but once I got fanstoys Roadking it was over and now I ALL collect FANSTOYS and I have 2 or 3 of every figure …. And I’m good with wait on getting a character they make only because IMO it’s worth it

[@cwallacefilms]

? I get a figure because it’s a representation of the character. I wanted a G1 Trailbreaker. If I knew we would eventually get ER Trailbreaker I would never have got t-30 Trailcutter. Granted, it is a cycle that has burned me out of collecting but Hasbro is in the business of selling toys, not giving me what I wanted the 1st time. I’ve swapped... I’ve not swapped. There’s a number of variables behind each purchase that’s inconsistent from character to character.

[@robertj.3383]

I can't pull that trigger yet on buying 3rd party. Mostly because I can't afford it.

[@MFobe]

Legacy stunticons ain't perfect.. but they're fit with my chugg collection 😏 which I have everything from siege onwards even doubles. From easy to find to rare ✨️ 😌 🙏 I'm proud 👏 more to come.. tarn looks sick.. 👌

[@ismaelreyna5399]

To be fair, that's the basic business model for Hasbro. Continue releasing the same characters with moderate improvements each time. I always thought it was common sense what they were doing. lol.

[@Raze_134]

I know some people have been in this game for a long time but I started my collecting with Siege and I was somwhat frustrated when Earthrise came out with superior versions of the characters. Now SS86 has the new Ironhide out and I'm not sure if I can buy it since I know I'd want to replace that one someday too.

[@michaelslack4477]

Started same as you started with siege and Netflix versions then switch to mp been replacing my Hasbro versions with mp replacements

[@jmautobot]

If you didn't like this video, just know that it's better than the one before it. Lol

[@Hot_SpicyGrill]

Drag strip has idw kibble placement. But it’s a g1 look. Legacy is about mixing looks. Like how skids looks g1 but has toy colors. I’m pissed it was drag they changed. Because I love the g1, he’s my face look. The rest you can negotiate. Motormaster. Animated has the beast look. But I’m fine with g1. Combiner wars has a cool dead end. I love him. Best combiner wars mold. But I’m going get legacy to finish the combiner.

[@fishstrengthandfitness]

I've honestly been having an internal conversation with myself on this subject. I like chug scale and with them releasing the same thing within 2 years with a slightly modified aesthetic (looking at you Prime and Ironhide!) it is getting disorienting and tiring buying the slightly better version of the same character. Honestly sitting out a lot of stuff because it is starting to not be worth it if they are just gonna do it again in 2 years.

[@animatedplastic]

I think this is an interesting topic. Good break down. I think though for me when i started collecting MP figures I really was into the Real world Alt mode and some updates to the G1 style. It is getting hard to collect in that vain with everything going to a Toon asthetic. I find myself swapping out figures for the toon asthetic mostly due to the fact that FT is really the only company I have been buying where I already have the figure. One of the issues I have though is with FT for a while, if you passed on the figure, you had to pay a stupid Late tax, so even if you had the character and decided to pass, you were better off gettting it and then deciding if you wanted to keep it. It was better to get it and not want it than want it and couldn't get it. This attracted some who bought because at the time it was an "investment" since they were going for stupid amounts on the aftermarket. I do find myself in a bind though with figures like MMC Sphinx and FT Phantasm as I think they are both different enough to hold their own space. I do normally hold onto the figures and don't swap them out, but that's usually because the price is so low it's not worth it. You used to be able to buy a couple of the figures and then decide which one you wanted when FT was around the same price tag as XTB, but with the increase in price and everything else it's not possible. With the loss of some of the 3rd party companies or them moving out of MP figures and asthetics moving to toon, the choice between figures is dwindling. I'm happy for companies like MMC and Fans Hobby who are doing other series than just US G1.

[@donaldjackson4456]

For me im swapping out my mp grapple and inferno and getting the Xtrans versions. I already have ArtFire and hauler i think hes called? The green grapple lol😂. But yeah the Xtrans are sooooo much better.

[@RarebitFiends]

Great video! I agree with a lot of what you said here, very wise to not just get swept up in consumerism. For my MP collection, I favor official Takara-Tomy, but for characters they have not and likely will not get to, I wait until there is a 3P release I really like and then stick with it. My MP collection is focused exclusively on G1 on-screen bots from the original show and 86 movie. My CHUG collection is much broader in scope, anyone from the G1 timeline. With the exception of Starscream, Ultra Magnus, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Arcee, and Soundwave though I try not to double up. Ultra Magnus and Arcee specifically I am working toward complete collections of all their renditions.

[@kalron27]

So what I started doing as a Classics collector with the whole WFC\Earthrise releases that included characters I already had was to start an ALT mode shelf. If there was a release I really liked that was a good replacement for the Bot mode in my main display, the former moved to the ALT shelf. It's actually been a nice way to have my cake an eat it too. In addition, the new Menasor bots I've picked up specifically for their individual Bots to display while keeping my Fansproject Intiminator as my combined Menasor. I'll probably continue this trend if more combiners are released.

[@TheOptinater]

Great video and excellent points. I'm passing on a lot of transformers right now because I don't think they're that good. Plus, like you said, there will be a better version down the road. I'm not buying a 6/10 figure when I know I want an 8 or 9.

[@TheMattTrakker]

I disagree with you on the lookout mountain thing. I immediately saw ultra magnus and couldn't unsee him. Wheelie is small enough that it's easy to look past him.

[@lowellmartens6135]

I often buy more then one version of a character, but I don't really swap out, per se. I like to often have one for alt mode, and I don't mind having a character in more then one display. I also have realized patience is my friend. Thanks for the video Bobby, a good conversation.

[@3starstar]

Bobby’s choice is always about “display”. This is fine for you but you also missing one ultimate reason which is playability. Those are “Toys figure”, just wanna let you know “Playable” is one of the important reason for some fans choosing and changing their figures.

[@MythsAndHeroes]

No I address that specifically. Watch the whole video my friend.

[@hardsellcomixreviews7514]

When I get the ss Ironhide I am going to get ride of my earth rise Ironhide and the same would go with Rachet if I had been able to pick up him up. But when they do Optimus in the retro ss line as I am sure they will I probably won’t get rid of my music Optimus Prime it just depends on the collection

[@franktavares668]

My swap out depends on how much I like the character. It also depends on if the upgrade is worth the money. IMO a minor change isn't worth the money. For example I'm not swappling Soundwave or ultra magnus. Not worth it.

[@XCATX25]

Ye you said it, "when there are options". The Dragstrip example is not good, there are not many options. The first Chug one has little to nothing to do with dragstrip, probably even less than the CW, for many people it's just a yellow Mirage (because it's what it is). So for many the choice is really between the CW one and the Legacy, which, according to your narrative, makes the Legacy the only option because of G1 accuracy. There is no option, people have to upgrade to make it more close to the accuracy they need

[@weedumsdeedum981]

Up early today 😅lol

[@scottgomez5078]

I love buying transformers, I have a plastic crack addiction lol, good sit down Saturday

[@brianfarkas8172]

You know the product or you don't.

[@rogerkloepfer1779]

I like the thoughts in this video. I have been thinking a lot about this as I have a "perfect" Galvatron that I have loved displaying for years in my DX-9 Tyrant. It fits in perfectly with displays, especially with XTB Andras and XTB Eligos (by far the best Cyclonus out there bar none, but I digress!) I found and pre-ordered XTB Abaddon on BBTS because he looks just like the cartoon version of Galvatron I loved in the '80s. The coloring is beautiful, the sculpt and mold are beautiful, and XTB has proven how well they do these figures. However, I don't want to get rid of Tyrant because he fits a whole different perspective on Galvatron that I like. So, I will keep both of them and swap them out in my G1 Movie displays depending on my mood. Well worth the $200, iin my opinion!

[@littledutch7549]

Good video, good topic, I agree fully with what you said. I have the metallic KFC Transistor (Blaster), because I like the look of him more than the Deformation Space Blaster, or the upcoming Fanstoys one, but Transistor has a lot of issues and is certainly not perfect. On his own he has plenty of obvious faults and niggles, but I have him surrounded by several other higher quality figures, including MMC Steeljaw, and he looks a lot less crappy, because he is now part of a larger ensemble cast.

[@trialsandtribulations7181]

Doesn't everybody have the option to make every purchase based on the nuances that endear a particular figure regardless of the plethora or dearth of options available? If one purchases a figure not becuase they're enthralled by it but because it's the only one available then they're an idiot. That's pretty much the definition of poor decision making processes and discipline. It's vastly better to go without an than to knowingly purchase a subpar item.

[@TrypticOwen]

With swapping out, I've always considered CHUG and MP to be a very different proposition. With CHUG, they are (or at least used to be) affordable enough to be fun to buy and swap out if I either want or prefer (or both) the new one; with MP, they should be definitive and it's (in my view) way too expensive a game to swap out. Interestingly, my total spend on CHUG Prowls, for example, is about the same as on MP Prowl - Universe, Earthrise and a Nonnef upgrade vs the original MP would both total around the £40 mark. But how I feel about them is different - the CHUG toys were bought moreso (although not completely) in the spirit of enjoying buying toys; the MP, moreso the other. The CHUG toys do serve their purpose - the Earthrise is as close to G1 as I expect a CHUG to get without needing expensive car licenses and I still have the Universe for a modernised take that occasionally appeared in IDW; the MP does not look like the definitive MP scale interpretation of the character. 'The swap out game existing to eat you' is an excellent point but, in my view, is a much more relevant criticism of MP than of CHUG. Limiting purely to G1 representations, Starscream has had 5 MP offerings (Takara v1,v2,v3; Maketoys and DS) not counting repaints and knowing that FT are yet to throw their hat in the ring any serious MP collector is likely to have gone through at least two of those. In the same time, there have been only two CHUG Starscreams (Classics and Earthrise). Over the span of those releases, CHUG has largely completed one full go around (depending on how complete you consider to be complete but CHUG had a full Autobot car lineup, a full minibot lineup and a full scramble city combiner lineup - all official - where MP barely has). I got out of MP, in part, when I realised Takara were on the third go around of Prime and lining up a second go around of Bumblebee - those stylistic differences set them up to milk a new Sideswipe (for example) and you will be buying the fifth iteration of Prime for two grand with an unnecessary holographic matrix before they would ever give you a Gears. CHUG has had a point where they let you off the hook at a point you could consider complete enough where MP never has. I would say MPs business model is predicated on eating you with the swap out game where CHUG is not but the glacial pace of releases makes it hard to see. For the record, the current CHUG Drag Strip is my first CHUG Drag Strip so, while you may have seen many 'better than the CW' comments, we're not all completely addicted to continuous ill-thought-out purchases addicted to the swap out game! - I really liked the Classics Mirage mould (it is still the Mirage representation on my CHUG display) but didn't feel I needed it to be repainted into a character who was not historically a Mirage repaint and needed to be a combiner; the CW was clearly never good enough

[@optimusdaddy7739]

Lol, thanks Bob

[@hq9344]

What can ya do if you aren’t as artistically inclined as yourself for dioramas? I’ve watched your builder bob videos and there is a lot that goes into it. I’ve seen places like toyhax have some backgrounds… are there any other sites worth looking into? Not much else in that area

[@MythsAndHeroes]

There’s other options but trust me you can do it. It’s really not about talent. It’s technique and skill which can both be learned. Check out the patreon vids. Follow along. I’ve watched many people do it with NO experience

[@hq9344]

@@MythsAndHeroes thank you. Will do

[@gotonewchannelshamelessanimals]

Bobby you're way off on the Classified line. Just watch any video that focuses on the line. Way off buddy.

[@MythsAndHeroes]

I can only speak to my experience. I’m by no means a rush to the computer to buy a figure. After the first couple target exclusive waves… I’ve NEVER had a problem preordering a figure from the line. Ever. 🤷‍♂️

[@Roadi_ZZ2397]

I think just because a toy is new, it doesn't necessarily make it 'better' than the previous version of it's respective character. In fact, 'better' is a subjective term and it boils down to personal taste; and objectives like you said. For example, I bought the reissue BW Tigertron but skipped the Kingdom Voyager figure; because the former is a Japanese redeco of a favourite toy of mine as a child, and the latter didn't look fun nor aesthetically pleasing to me.