X-Transbots Monolith (Menasor)

[@Rakerong]

The kind of combiner that you get and leave him in one pose and never touch it again - that's essentially the collector I am and the reason why I am not too dismayed at having gone in on this set for Menasor. A-Stance and holding each weapon in either hand, vanilla pose probably. I'm happy haha. I grow more and more terrified each day at having to transform this thing when it finally arrives. I think your tutorial will help greatly, but man, the anxiety is real.

[@Keldroc]

"There's nothing enjoyable about this." Could basically be the slogan for XTB. I love their stuff and they have filled vital slots in my collection. But those transformations are a fight more often than not.

[@sbroadstone1499]

I feel bad for those Calf Bot fellas. Its like they're technically invited to the party but not allowed to enjoy the festivities. 🤦‍♂️😂😂

[@bosyber]

At least they aren't split in half like the arm dudes though.

[@JonLemerond1]

No kidding. At first, I was sure there was a mistake with those lower legs when the final combine mode was revealed... Why the heck would they be designed to be on the backside? Not a good look.

[@haerdalis84]

@@bosyber was just gonna say - least they don't get the Jazz treatment just to get in on the fun. As for cars being on the calves - that's a matter of cartoon accuracy. Menasor always did look kind of meh.

[@ericpoulin7922]

@@JonLemerond1 because that's how the animation model was. Motormaster formed the legs and torso and the cars just plugged into the back of the legs of motormaster. and the arms had tow ways in the animation sometimes they plugged on motormasters arms and sometimes they became the arms. Watch this link at 2:27 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmG3nY1si72gb9U

[@JonLemerond1]

@@ericpoulin7922 - Yea I see that now. I have very few memories of the Stuntacons in the cartoon. I had the G1 toys and combined them often, so this setup looks weird to me.

[@dacollecta2000]

Looks good though.... I heard leave Gravestone out and stands up perfectly

[@rick-ry3kj]

This thing is a nightmare to combine.

[@Giantwaspface]

Bloody hell, that transformation... So glad I went with Attila.

[@thugg4lif]

Is t Attila fun to transform and pose? Cheaper too

[@blazingmewtwo]

Same

[@jediprime007]

to each their own. both look great and full a sweet spot for someone. I went with XTB and have no regrets

[@blazingmewtwo]

@@jediprime007 yeah I’d say Monolith looks a bit better

[@Giantwaspface]

@@jediprime007 don't get me wrong, they both look great. You can't go wrong with either. But that transformation looks horrendous.

[@matthewbloom3869]

I think we need an official "flip the flap" song, Bobby.

[@-outz-4654]

Maybe a duet with Jobby!!!

[@chadwebb1345]

Every time you say the word ‘body’ Orson smiles down from above.

[@RoaddogRoaddog]

Looks great. Went with DX9 for combined mode. Feel like XTB looks way better.

[@polarisrustinpeace1797]

I think he is esthetically superior to dx9. Can't wait for comparison. Great job.

[@troubledturtle2332]

agreed on the head and especially the arms

[@ericpoulin7922]

DX9 seems more Like the same aesthetic as the Zeta Toyworld figures. But I can't help but feel they have a upscale CHUG look. This Menasor is slightly out of place with my other 20" combiners due to how premium he is. Also the stability issue can be corrected by tightening some of the screws. He seems at least on par with Zeta Bruticon in terms of stability.

[@rob-n-roll]

I was totally into the set so I preordered and fully paid the trailer before any video came out. As I saw Ben's I was in shock: I'm definitely NOT the kind of guy who poses a TF and never touches again. As soon as it arrived, I noticed even just opening the back door to see what cars fit in was a pain because everything was untabbing all the time. That's when I decided to sell it and keep the stunticons team without the trailer. If someone will ever make an untransforming body for this Menasor, just like Zeta's, I would be in.

[@russthemuss4218]

I feel somuch better that I bailed on this. Holy shit! I would have broken that shit up. Lol. Great job Bobby

[@dominicfeliciano9462]

Name: Menasor. Faction: Decepticon. Function: Warrior. Subgroup: Stunticons. Motto:” Leave no Autobot uncrushed.”

[@PerverseMilk]

I didn't sign up to watch 40 minutes of torture porn yet here we are.

[@suprasport9118]

Yeah, I agree the Trailer with Gravestone in Truck mode looks absolutely beautiful. It almost feels like it shouldn't even transform. Yes, the Combine looks absolutely amazing! The problem is how un-stable he is. As always great video Bobby S.

[@GeneralRasp]

Thank you for your time and effort transforming that nightmare.

[@toomanylies7716]

13:42 Dropped it like it was hot! 😂 This is by far one of your best transformation videos and to do it on such a complicated piece, well done man. I think this is amazing engineering. It's complicated but doesn't seem overwhelming. You just need space to it out. I do see instances of having to move pieces over others tho as I see more of the video and that's never comfortable. I agree about the sculpt of the figure being a little to broad up top, but I've learned to be okay with it considering the overall look of it. Love the poses! Edit: Ok, well it was really good until you seemed to get frustrated and just wanted to finish the transformation without as much care for showing it as well. Still, I appreciate it. It can't be easy, and since I still don't have mine, I can't tell if it really matters at that point anyway.

[@-outz-4654]

I waited and got the youth or toy version of the set. A little cheaper since the upgrade pack came with the trailer, and there have been some engineering changes or tweaks. I used this video to transform. No desire for the base mode at all. I tried the original one Bobby gave a shot out to at the end for but liked Bobby's better. Just gotta go to your happy place or at least take a break when it starts to get frustrating.

[@natraid]

Thanks for the sacrifice 😓

[@edmundolastra3279]

I totally feel your pain on this one Mr Skullface. It looks like a pain to get this thing to work. I was scared that something was going to break catastrophically during your transformation. Looks real nice though! A++ video!

[@luminusprime]

Jesus. I'm getting PTSD just from _watching_ you manipulate this origami nightmare. 😬

[@kingrousereviews6216]

I used transform into a guitar for mine too! He did a good job putting him together..,

[@dacollecta2000]

Is it s pain yes. Is it worth it also yes!

[@KoosFramboos]

I wasnt too interested in the combined mode to start with. Didnt think I could justify the price of the trailer and the addon set to myself. Now I see the end result and what you had to go through to get there and Im happy I skipped them. Thanks for suffering in our stead!

[@VoltLives]

Good grief what a mess, hats off to you for going through that.

[@dex_tha_collector]

Holy yikes this transformation is not one I’m looking forward to. Thank you Bobby for being brave and getting this one out. I’m still waiting to have my trailer arrive but when it does I’ll make sure to say my prayers before getting into it. Thanks again Skully.

[@bosyber]

30:25 gives me strong Revenge of the Fallen constructo-monster vibe, well done (almost expected a similar cry of lurid satisfaction, thanks for not going there Bobby!)

[@mark4flair376]

Bobby "gets freaky on Fridays" Face!

[@thugg4lif]

A-stance ✅ short legs ✅ panel nightmare ✅ I only bought this because I was invested in the set ✅

[@the1stdarkjester]

Another great review. Was great to see the size next to DX9. Really made my mind up on which one I need to get

[@DudleyDawg]

I could fall under the category of getting him posed and never touching him again, but that nightmarish transformation is making me think to drop the trailer and try and find a DX9 set.

[@PyramidSkeem]

Awesome review. I think I’m going to use FT Motormaster to stand in for Alt mode and bot mode for the group and use the trailer and limb bots for Menasor to make him more stable. I can fabricate a black filler cube for the chest cavity and extend the faux wheels out and no one will know the difference. I did this with Fraudo. He stands in for my Zeta Combaticon group displays but I use the Hummer version in combine mode. It’s nice that we have enough to choose from to make it all work.

[@harryfromwork]

You're a brave man transforming it while standing....I had to lay it down.....an absolute pain!

[@espinasse1984]

I was getting heart palpitations just watching him wobble every time you went near him!!

[@jondoe4624]

I'm glad you brought up how fun, or not, this figure is. I feel like this is a category often left out when judging Transformers. People get so caught up in their "adult collectibles" and forget they are toys also.Maybe because funness is subjective? I don't know. Overall, MMC seems to make the most fun transforming transformers out there

[@hectorcalicdan8840]

great review man, I agree with how frustrating this figure is, i had a hard time with the waist as well. clearing the bar to fold the ab crunch over was so terrifying. I have mine in combine mode and it will never see anything else. It took me a few days to get all of them transformed up and put together because i would get stuck somewhere and had to watch reviews to do it copletely. I also agree that he displays really well. great looking figure just a pain to get there.

[@PredaconKing-cn2xx]

*I think Fans Toys is gonna be the winner in the end....of course. Thanks for sharing Bobby.*

[@leonleon3267]

With regards to the back heavyness i've seen a couple of chaps mention over on tfw that removing motormaster from the torso can help that

[@M_Alex]

Thanks for the review! I'm gonna be displaying mine without Motormaster, hopefully it'll be more stable.

[@kingrousereviews6216]

Good job Skully!

[@toddmcdonald2450]

Did you have to transform MP10 back to vehicle or do you keep on on a box with Tigertracks ?

[@wudzkillus]

Yaiks! A needless overly complicated transformation for a parts-forming combiner. Hoping fanstoys version isn't as painful as this! Also, the way motormaster is integrated into the combined mode is reminiscent of the G1 toy ultra magnus. Truly a lazy engineering approach in this day and age. Anyways, great vid as always bro!

[@chippywinger8376]

That’s.....something

[@yoelrey]

Judgement day has come. Have been waiting for this.

[@fraser7211]

Thats some real al dente spaghetti engineering you have there. What a pain in the ass.

[@maximusmedia76]

@30:14 would it be easier to start with motormaster?

[@JasonSawyer]

*I* think it looks way better than DX9's as Menasor - more polished, looks less toy-ish. The colored elbows to match Dead End and Drag Strip also help a TON, as does the darker gray overall. But damn, that transformation.........somebody hold me.

[@atlantisrose6790]

This take alot of the fun in transforming these figures away. I 5 or 10 yes how will they even hold up. Even MP 5 megs has held together through the years and he's git a pretty cumbersome transformation. This is nuts

[@aaronmauer7225]

Well I am waiting for my replacement parts. Mine came without parts straight out of the box

[@keviniaquinto128]

Nobody asked for this amount of engineering to go in to a skeleton, lol

[@grimlock6017]

Smooth criminal needs no permission 😂🤣

[@markc5193]

Tell that to all the people who requested the base mode on Facebook when xtb were asking for feedback 😒

[@keviniaquinto128]

@@markc5193 I want to see one person that actually has all 5 bots using the base mode for their display. Not for a few pics in-between transformation.

[@markc5193]

@@keviniaquinto128 no one. I bet no one is using it... I appreciate they did it as options are always nice. But when it ruins everything else 🙄

[@grimlock6017]

@@markc5193 I wish that they could have stayed with the two options. One, a base if you want/need, and two, skeleton with included beefy parts. I know they had to redesign but I feel that that is what cost us ratcheted thighs and deeply sacrificed what could have been an amazing figure. Maybe I’m wrong, as I did pre order this...

[@optimussurvivor9347]

"This thing, dude." 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@williehenrybaxtoniii1808]

Can you rotate the calves to have the cars face forward like IDW?

[@Rakerong]

I just did the transformation and honestly, it would have been less painful had they split the trailer in two so you could work on both the upper and lower torso portions separately. The main issue that I had was that the waist parts are essentially the last bit of the transformation but it's literally holding two massive pieces of plastic bot parts together. It felt like one wrong move and it could just snap. Not only that, there are times you need to flip stuff to the other side to work on it, but since everything is connected, you had to flip the whole thing over. It was not fun, and you'd better have a lot of space to work and maybe put some foam or something down to cushion the figure. The head being on that strange hinge set up was at times in the way, and fear of breaking the horns or getting poked by it was always a problem. The transformation for it is still a lot, but what made working on other combiners more enjoyable or easy to handle was that they had some parts forming, but also you kind of build each limb first then connected it to the torso at connection points.

[@ericpoulin7922]

Late reply but I transform the upper half and waist first (leaving the legs in a box so as to hold it up) then I lay it down and transform the legs. This is by far the easiest and safest way to do it imho

[@kingrousereviews6216]

Can’t wait to see the versus...🌍🤔😊

[@chiharutahara2698]

yup! im that type a guy who poses and leaves it pretty! great video! it helped a lot. thx bobby!

[@MiniatureTim]

Didn't buy it so no horse in this race to have an opinion on, but I'm liking this video simply for the loan to Bobby, AND everything Bobby had to go through in it.

[@chiliconcarne1480]

Nice articulation but he's carrying a sack of boulders on his back

[@happiaxxident]

I had high hopes for this set and initially I loved breakdown when I received it and it prompted me to order wild writer then once I couldn’t figure out how to get breakdown converted back from robot to vehicle mode I threw in the towel in and gave up on this set entirely. Never even opened Wildrider once I received it.

[@jasonbari5997]

Did you ever try again

[@b.l.8755]

This looks better on film than in photos!

[@megaskully6709]

Man I know I'm not the main demographic for these kinds of pieces but parts forming combiners at this level just disappoints me so much. I'm fine if it's like g1 or if it's just hands and feet it's mostly stuff like zeta/toyworld making stuff like the thighs, head, and so on is what bothers me, and basically just making the combine formed a shell former is like the ultimate extreme to me. I get it, it makes it look nicer which I can't argue with, but I think it misses out a lot of the general fun factor of a giant combining robot toy lol.

[@mikekz4489]

And remember, this is all to make a toy out of a design that was intended to be easy to draw.

[@legen_waitforitdaryBT]

Soooooo glad I went with dx9

[@kronos6948]

If I remember, Motormaster has a double trailer in the cartoon. Those type of tractor/trailers have two shorter trailers in the back. The overall combined length would be longer than a regular trailer.

[@Levi_52_336]

Do you plan on reviewing MMC Optus Pexus any time soon?

[@toddmcdonald2450]

My upper body still isn’t plugged in to the bottom well. And I haven’t put motormaster in yet. Looks good and balances fine. Might leave him out lol

[@Transformark-nj2kh]

You earned my respect by going through that🙈. I'm glad I went for Dx9 after watching some reviews of this guy. Dx9 is a lot more fun to mess with, but that's my opinion.

[@transray1756]

With every snap and crack I kept thinking about how this was not fun and how much G1 stuff I had as a kid was lots of fun playing with and transforming. Toys are supposed to be and invented as a fun thing.

[@scotttuder2662]

I hope Bobby can show a pic of this menasor with zeta kronos when he does the xtb vs dx9 video,if he is trying to put info out there to help us make decusions as to where to spend our money,addressing the things that he thinks we might take an issue with(which he does) how well a menasor scales with superion i would think would be an important factor.

[@MythsAndHeroes]

Dx9 menasor is the height of superion. Xtb is shorter. As I’ve been saying for almost a year my friend. :)

[@scotttuder2662]

Hearing it is one thing,seeing the difference between the 2 is another.i do respect the view points on these videos even though i dont hang on my hat on every word.the original comment i left was not a complaint,just constuctive critism thats all.think of it this way,if words were enough wouldnt be easier to just do a blog instead of of videos?the visual is what effects peoples opinions the most.not being hostile,just offering the same level of critisms as when 3rd parties would send you a test shot to review

[@puggles5744]

I still have the TFM set, and I can't help but think of TFM when I see similar stability issues with the combined mode.

[@nachobidness6667]

The whole combiner process looks like you’d be in constant terror. Super fiddly and prone to breaking.

[@ericpoulin7922]

I wouldn't say it's prone to breakage. Mine fell off a table onto hardwood and only one tab broke. Seems care is needed and throw out the official instructions they suck and make it waaaay harder. If you transform the upper half the. The lower half it works much smoother.

[@rinzler9171]

2015 MP-10 Transformation: WEEEEEEEEE! 2021 MP 3rd Party Transformations: OMFG-WTF-KILL ME NOW

[@bobdobalina8910]

Good thing for BS that FT31a RoadKing's Trailer is an all in one and relatively simple in comparison ;) I prefer XTBs GraveStone over FT31 RoadKing, like em both, but XTBs edges him out. Trailer fiasco about price aside, I am getting one & look forward to the G2 version. I couln't care less about the Base Mode either, nice touch but a waste of engineering & resources. Great Vid thanks for the review. I bought them for the Alt & Bot modes, Menasor looks awesome, but it's his size/height that stops me from combining.

[@dustmightz]

#teamdx9

[@justsheem215]

Finger swivel. That's a new piece of articulation.

[@MosheMaserati]

Ab crunch must be unlocked by spring-loaded pin in the front of the waist I just don't bother putting Gravestone in. Then it's pretty good. I am trying to design something to 3D print to lock the upper and lower body. The "clips" are a joke.

[@eastjm80]

What are we still missing from the fans toys set?

[@ahchiu9]

Which one is a more overengineered mess to transform into combined mode, XTB Menasor or FP Menasor?

[@bastard2134]

Definitely keeping this in Alt mode for my set up! I'm happy with my DX9 in combined mode, Once I got the GraphX industries leg adapter clip for Henry. My Dx9 leg bots are solid as a rock. I'll be keeping my Fans Toys in bot mode. Thanks for the review Bobby!

[@lowellmartens6135]

THANK-YOU for skipping the base mode. If I decide to get this, I have zero interest in the base mode, and think it probably weakened the figure over all. Swiveling that waist connection looks pretty nightmarish. Thanks for the review. I have been looking forward to your thoughts.

[@kram67kram]

Seeing this guy and the other one you showed us,,,, I'm now looking an OS fansproject. Where can I find one? Wie jang? Jin boa? Someone makes one right?

[@bootleggodzilla1]

sorry if this has already been answered but can the cars on the leg be put on the front? looks terrible with them in the back.

[@bradkrekelberg8624]

Waiting not so patiently for mine. US retailers are really lagging behind on this one. Argh!

[@frostgiant374]

I've seen dx9s menasaur with the face custom painted. It looks awesome it makes a huge difference.

[@cameronmoriarty3313]

The way I've described the proportions is I feel like they took the legs/lower body of a smaller combiner and put the arms/upper body of a larger combiner on top of them. As far as looks go, my impression from side-by-side pictures (I was never buying XTB) is that if DX9 had the paint/finish XTB has it would win in every way visually. Obviously it has it's own issues as you mentioned, the leg cars sticking on as an example, but honestly I don't feel like XTB looks anywhere near as good outside of the paint.

[@mfdoomtree3753]

YEEEEEEEEEESH!!

[@Cyril29a]

38:46 Bobby says a naughty word. That made me happy... He is human after all.

[@IamSickCase]

Bobby your main is issue with the set is fun right? I recently got Fanstoys Jetfire and that guy IS FUN! Easy to transform but complex enough that its not a burden. Some figures these days feel like they will break! Unfortunately I feel like most 3rd party figures are not fun, I know its a necessary evil for the great toys we get . Engineering has gotten better but fun took a dip. What makes a figure fun?

[@robram1968]

Thank you Bobby, WOW you totally help me decide not to get it. Makes me more then happy that I bought DX-9 Attila

[@hulksmash8159]

The joy of transformation is quite prevalent here with this trailer.

[@the1stdarkjester]

who has a defensor?

[@scottmackie8900]

To be honest I love a challenge this looks like a challenge so I’m interested I may buy this combiner when I can I am planning on getting master made demolisher aka devastator this year

[@bobby101a]

I think this guy was the most frustrating combiner I have ever experienced LOL

[@MtgVeteran]

So glad I sold mine, this thing looks like a nightmare

[@robram1968]

Totally agree

[@pandamant666]

If there’s no fun, why we get it? I’m not getting it although I have the 1st 2 car bots already.

[@THEShoky]

Point of interest: how many times to do practice a difficult transformation? I assume that its at least once but not too many times as to not risk damage.

[@PaulSpurgeon]

"A bit broad up top, a bit narrow at the bottom". Sounds like some coaches I had in high school.

[@PowermasterJameson]

Have you voiced your thoughts anywhere on the toy versions as a set overall yet? I might have missed it somewhere. I'd be curious to see a video on that if/when possible. I wonder if it would work to mix and match the toy deco trailer with all toon bots... Love the content, thanks!

[@DJ--ALLDAY]

💡☝Gotta Say👍RESPECT👍 to the human Ingenuity/ Invention of creating something THAT WOULD NOT OTHERWISE EXSIST..props go 4 that

[@TransformsIntoAGuitar]

The grey isn't flat, it's sparkly. Getting to base mode from trailer mode is easy, it's two extra steps. I freaking love transforming this thing. And posing it. Such a shame you didn't enjoy it, but that's life.

[@jediprime007]

Thanks for the video. XTB fulfilled the Menasor spot for me. The trailer transformation was a bitch. I had to remove the Head because i felt like that would have broke if i kept messing with it.

[@MosheMaserati]

comes with the gun and sword too

[@VinnyRed]

Good review, and in the modes that I'm concerned with. I went back and forth a long time, whether or not I'd get this, and finally decided to go in. After your initial thoughts on Patreon, I was starting to feel some major buyer's remorse. Your review has alleviated some of it lol. Oh well, too late to back out now. I didn't go in on the accessories, for now anyhow. That was too much of a cash grab....