Finally got a set of these guys in. I like Shrapnel and Kickback, but in both modes I find myself not liking BC Bombshell (Hypno) in comparison to FT Bombshell (Grenadier).

I do like Hypno's ability to actually have a gun that properly tabs into his hand (and stores in both modes) and I think Grenadier is far too heavy (the majority of the diecast is for no real reason besides heft, IMO), but while I had originally planned to mix and match to build "clones" I'm just not feeling Hypno-tised.  

 

Can somebody who has these take a picture of them next to a generations deluxe? I am thinking of using these as my CHUG insecticons. Don't mind them being small voyager/tall deluxe size.

 

I bought the collectors edition and i really like them. I think that the reason i like them so much is because they feel just like a set of g1 insecticon toys only better. I also think that they capture the cartoon perfectly without any extra technical details purely for the sake of it.

The build quality is probably the best out of any of the badcube offerings too. They are at size that allows them to be either classics or masterpiece. I would have preferred if they were just a bit bigger to make them equal to a mp car.

I just got badcube wardog and i think these are a little better in build quality and design. It feels like a different designer.

I bought these from chimungmung.com at only 10 extra for the set. Why is bbts saying these are randomly packed? Is that true? At any rate i have a lot of nostalgia for the clear plastic so it had to be the collectors edition for me.

 

Hey guys
I am having trouble getting my FT Granedier from an Aussie supplier here and may have the option to change my order to Badcube's insecticon pack.
If possible, can I get some honest non-biased opinions from you guys about the figures (particularly guys who may also have Granedier as a comparison).
I have all of Badcube's offerings so far and was going to get there insecticons as well, but thought FT's Granedier looked a little better and was going to go with them for the insecticons.
I am also getting the shits with Fans Toys as they appear to be just releasing prototypes/renders of figures they "apparently" have coming just to stop people buying from other 3rd parties which will be released "God knows when"!!
I do like the look of these guys and understand though that they apparently look much, much better in hand?
Thanks in advance  

 

I actually think they look a bit overly animated...not quite fitting in as well with other MP figures. I think the FT ones look better, but went with these anyhow because they were A) cheaper, B) already available, and C) Bombshell has the proper gray bot chest but purple in bug mode. If you don't care about that feature or are going purple anyhow, I'd probably go with FT's if you're patient. But these are nice enough figures. They're not bad by any means...

 

Hey, dude. I will happily give you my opinions. I own the Badcube value pack as well as FT's Grenadier.



So, I really like this set. A lot. Generally speaking I don't think a lot of photographs have done them justice, as they look fab in hand. Very cartoony - they literally do look like they stepped off the screen, if that's something you like. The proportions are not 'squat' in the way that people describe them, in my opinion, and I actually think they're nicely proportioned overall.

All three figures have something really cool going for them, although they also have their faults too.



Kickback is definitely my favourite overall. Bug mode is not perfect (the legs are a little fiddly and he can be difficult to stabilise) but looks the part, and the robot mode is pure awesome. Really nicely articulated and, if I'm honest, just perfect for the character. He comes with two faces, and I'm a big fan of the smirking one. Top notch.



Shrapnel is also very cool, and works really well in both modes. He has the simplest transformation overall and looks exactly as he should for the character. The only really fault I have with this guy is that the panels on the underneath of his forearms are a little loose on mine. They hold just fine, but pop out occasionally a little too easily. Otherwise, really good.



Bombshell is the one who often draws criticism from people who have never handled this set, and especially in comparison to FT's effort, but in hand he's a lot better than pictures suggest. Don't get me wrong, he's not perfect - the legs are blocky, and he can be a bit tricky to pose dynamically. Overall though, I like him a hell of a lot more than I thought I would, and if he's the only Bombshell figure I ever owned I would be more than happy. Also, of the three his is my favourite transformation - it's really very impressive, and contains some quite surprising elements beyond just the colour-changing chest (which is very clever in itself). I have to also comment that his 'bot mode is amazingly 'clean' - almost completely kibble free, which is amazing.

Overall comments about this set are as follows: they have a good quality fit & finish, although they're definitely not as premium as, say, FansToys. There's no diecast etc if that's your thing. That said, the paint apps are really nicely done, and everything is top notch quality apart from the slight looseness with the panels on Shrapnel's arms. Also, the designs are very clever and inventive, with unique and interesting transformations that are not 'over done'. Everything tabs well on all figures, and feels satisfying.

In terms of Hypno vs. Grenadier, I'd say that they're both good figures, and both have their strengths. The biggest things going for Grenadier are the premium finish, including the chrome, paint and diecast. However, I think Grenadier's transformation is actually very disappointing - I was really underwhelmed. In comparison to Hypno, the bug legs literally just fold out of the way onto his back and hang there (rather than hide away cleverly like on Hypno) and the bug mode horn just hangs off his back really obviously, whilst he has a separate gun that looks terrible when 'stored' in bug mode. By comparison, Hypno stores his gun as his horn, and it's a much better solution.

I'd say if you significantly prefer the look of Grenadier, then go Grenadier, and I'm sure the look will make up for his faults. However, if you're on the fence and happy to ignore plenty of other opinions then Hypno is a great choice and, personally, I think he's the more clever and rewarding figure overall.

Although that's probably an unpopular opinion. But there, I said it.  

Oh, and the little energon cubes that come with Badcube's set are ten times better.  

 

Can't really argue with what Sixo has said. I'd just add that I can't recommend going for the collector's edition. Stick with the "Value pack" because there are fewer faults with the all-plastic construction.

 

If you want to contact fans that have both, you can reach out to sixo, paik4life, peaugh, megatron 2005, and maz for example. Edit: I see Sixo already here  

Personally not for me as I don't like the aesthetics, and I disagree with Sixo in that BC Bombshell is very blocky to me in person, but if you personally love the look of these as a group vs the fans toys or Mastermind Creations, go for what you like. You know Bad Cube makes solid quality products, and if after watching video review you are still ok with these, then I think you know what to do... You will need to decide if you want value pak or the premium with die cast / chrome.

 

If still undecided a nice trick is to flip a coin, if you feel disappointed with what comes up you know you really wanted the other so get that. If you are excited by the result then grab that one  

 

Ha ha! That's my #1 decision making process too!  

 

I can only give my opinion on the BC clear and value pack (not the collectors editions), and obviously, can only speak to FT Grenadier so far, but I lean towards BC as a better overall value over FT.

As Sixo stated, all the BC guys have something cool going on with transformation/design. And I agree that Kickback is my favorite and Bombshell my least favorite (not to say that Bombshell is bad just the one I have the most qualms about).

Grenadier's overly heroic proportions are something that's become quite common with the FT figures and not something I really like on Bombshell. I don't like the blocky thighs or the overall kibble in robot mode. I think the transformation is not as clever as BC's which feature the cool color changing gimmick (why they didn't do this for the collector's edition is beyond me). I also like that Hypno's transformation uses his gun as a horn.

Grenadier is heavier due to the diecast, but I don't judge quality just on weight or use of diecast. I think the transformation engineering is weaker, and while I like the optional parts, there's just too much kibble regardless of which bug legs you choose.

TLDR; I would recommend BadCube's value pack over FT at this point in time but reserve the right to change my mind once FT releases their other two bugs. Let's also not forget about MMC's bugs.

~Paik

 

Thanks guys
This all helps a lot.
The other thing to consider is price. I can get Badcube's bots (3 figures)for $250 aus, but the cheapest I can get Granedier (1 figure) for is $130 aus. or closer to $180+ on eBay and overseas shops...
So I guess value for money is something else that needs to be considered.

 

Adding on the BadCube bandwagon, I almost didn't get the value set with a plan to hold out for FT. I ended up getting them as well as Grenadier figuring I'd keep both sets. After I actually played around with Grenadier though, I really didn't like him as much as I thought I would - proportions are TOO heroic, he's too heavy to easily fiddle around with, and has a ton of bug leg kibble. All of these are just my opinion of course!

I'm actually going to sell Grenadier and just keep the Badcube set as my MP Insecticons at this point.

 

Badcubes 3 pack really is a value pack   you get 3 awesome figures that fit in well with the MP line and are of a high quality build plus you complete your insect army straight away.

Fanstoys Grenadier is great but its likely to be another 6 months before you can complete the 3.

 

https://www.facebook.com/DaimChocRe...41828.100402350310201/181077278909374/?type=3

 

I'm selling my 3-pack. Each transformed once. Figures are complete with box, extra faces, weapons, instruction sheet. Only things not included are the energon cubes... I just can't part with those, I love them.  

$175 shipped in U.S.

 

THIS photo shows why I went with the collector's edition- I love the G1 toy transparent yellow bits along with the chrome. Miss the toon gray chest on not Bombshell but I can live with that.

I can't say they are perfect- visually I do see some things that annoy me on a masterpiece figure- like a noticeable tiny a waist joint, visible ball joints, etc. BUT, in the end, the price was a determining factor, as was the set being "complete" already rather than waiting for FT's.

NO regrets for me though. These guys do the job nicely.

 

Just letting you all know that I'm going through with selling FT Grenadier. I currently have a brand new, perfect condition Grenadier on eBay at $18.50 and ending tomorrow in case some of you wanted to double up.

It took me a while to make this decision, but in the end I just like BadCube's versions more.

 

Big thanks to all the guys that responded to my "dilemma". My Badcubes bugs have arrived and they are freaking amazing!!!
So glad to have changed from FT to Badcube on this one.
Like many have stated, these guys don't look "squat" at all in hand which was my biggest concern, (I don't know why they photograph that way?) and the quality as per usual is perfect from Badcube.
Price and "in hand" aesthetics plus Badcubes clever engineering make this a winner for me and makes me feel kind of silly doubting them on this one.
Thanks again guys, very appreciative of the advice and I am very, very happy with my decision to go with these guys  

 

Nice! Thanks for the update, dude. I'm really chuffed that you're happy with your decision, so it's nice to know it worked out. Honestly, I think these guys are great, like I say. Enjoy!