I usually transform them on my own first and if I can't figure something out, I look at the instructions.

 

Basically this. If I find a piece that won't separate or do what I'd expect it to do, I'll check the instructions to make sure I'm not about to break anything!

 

lol i did a poll like this 2 years ago it will be intreasting to see how things have changed

 

I start out 'winging it' with no help. If I get stuck or confused, first I turn to the package pictures to see where parts end up, then instructions as a last resort. I find the instructions are most helpful for confirming whether stiff joints that don't feel like they are supposed to move actually do or not.

 

I just toss the instructions with the packaging. For me I pretty much blindly start transforming without any reference at all, and just keep trying to move things around until I get something I think looks cool and transformed.  

It does result in times when I leave some parts mis-transformed or miss a step here and there, but eh I'll eventually learn it all. Sometimes I do have to look up a reference pic just to check out how a part is supposed to look.

 

I like to do it myself, figuring out is part of the fun. Except when they package shit in robot mode, it's much harder to fold that shit back up than it is to unfurl a compact alt. mode.

 

I always consult the instructions first, then look up a video review if I'm still stumped.

 

If I remember how to transform it from that review I watched a few weeks ago, I'll just transform it. Either that or instructions.
Either way [BRAG]I NEVER forget how to transform a toy. ;D[/BRAG]

 

Always with the instructions. I don't want to accidentally break my new toy.

 

^This. I had too many friends when I was a kid who broke their stuff because they couldn't be bothered to follow directions.

The only time I don't use instructions is if I've bought a redeco of something I already I own.

 

Unless it's something really simple like Legends or Legions, I almost always go by the instructions. Though I have used videos when the instructions aren't clear enough.

 

A mixture. I usually just try it without using the instructions, only consulting the back of the box for the final picture to make sure I have everything right. I'll check the instructions if I get stuck or, if there's some part that seems like it should move but is requiring too much force, to make sure that piece is actually supposed to move.

Never watched a video review, so I don't use those at all.

 

Seeing how complex the modern figures are and how many people mistransform their Transformers, I use the instructions to have it transformed correctly.

But I transform Legends without instructions  

And the old toys I had as a kid I transformed always without instructions.

 

This, except with video reviews. I do use instructions once in a great while, but they are virtually useless (though the new instructions are still a huge improvement on the line drawings, IMO).

 

1. Lol instructions r for noobs I just go with my gut and I transformed MP Megatron in my sleep behind my back brah !1!1111!!

2. The Masterforce.

3. Seriously, I use instructions. I don't want to break my stuff and I enjoy using the instructions.

 

I find I attempt it first without assistance then if I hit trouble I consult the instructions then if the instructions aren't sufficient (That never happens!) I seek video tutalage.

 

If I can't do it without help, it doesn't get done. Any other way is cheating. It's been that way since I was a kid, and just because they're harder now is no excuse. I'm older and theoretically smarter, so I should be able to do it.

 

Figuring out how to transform a TF without instructions used to be a major part of fun for me. I damaged my Classics Rodimus because of that, then the old age and the Movie toys broke me and I often heavily relied on instructions. I seem to be doing fine with DOTM and Prime deluxe figures though.

 

Depends.

Alternators, MPs, or any collectors item where I could break it, I use the instructions.

Anything else I just look at a picture of it in the other mode and go from there.

 

Mix.

There are some cases where I buy a transformer and it comes with no instructions. I then try to learn how to transform it by myself, but if I can't do it on my own, then I either search online for the instructions or watch a video review of the transformer.