I've loved Defender's design ever since he came out, but he was always too expensive for me, especially once he sold out on more reasonably priced stores like BBTS. Now that he's back in stock, however, I'm thinking about asking for him for my birthday, which is in a few weeks. I like Springer a lot and want him to help complete my Classics Wreckers, and figure that even if Hasbro does give us a real one in the Classics line, it won't be nearly as good as Defender. I'm wondering how strong his plastic is. I like to periodically transform and pose my figures, and I make stop-motion movies with them. How well do you think Defender would hold up?

 

yes, but you need the heel spurs from shapeways. It completes it.

 

Check the feedback thread and watch Vangelus' review

 

I feel the same as you. The only thing holding me back is the price. But if you're asking for it as a gift you eliminate that obstacle so I say go for it. Unless you have some other expensive thing like Striker or Jetwing Optimus on your list.

 

100% yes!!!

 

Theres a thread exactly like this one a few posts back, if you check it out it could hold some information that would help sway your decision.

 

No. Sold mine and haven't looked back. Joints were flimsy. That thing was a hot mess.

 

Does anyone have the link for these?

 

Defender Heels (pair) by jpaxson on Shapeways

 

Mine has been in great ever since I got him. No problems here. Here is Vangelus' review.

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-3rd-party-reviews/297272-fansproject-warbot-defender.html

Here ya go:

Defender Heels (pair) by jpaxson on Shapeways

 

much obliged

 

Do those heels glue on?

 

Slide in and fit perfectly.

That sounds dirty now that I read it.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I suppose he'll probably be going on my list, especially since he's the only expensive non-utility on it (I might be asking for Adobe AfterEffects as well, but it's for a school project, so my parents my think of it a little differently).

 

As FP's first stand alone figure it is great. That first time transforming it to chopper mode can be a bitch though.

 

The main bad thing about him is how fast the joints wear out. Most of the joints on mine became so floppy so quick. Especially the knees. And I wish the transformation was less fiddly and less "exact." It feels like you're going to break him the first time you transform it into helicopter mode.

 

I haven't messed with mine a whole lot (for reasons mentioned below) so I don't know about the joint issue, but my opinion on the guy is if you're looking for a Springer figure, get him as he's the best version out there. If you're just looking for a fun figure to play around with, look elsewhere. His transform isn't very enjoyable (lot of positioning parts at just the right angle, and he's not much fun to pose...but I suppose the heels might help that cause greatly. But in short, makes for a great Springer, but just a mediocre figure in its own right.

 

I can't imagine trying to animate with him (although I'm sure you could pull off a few basic things). If hasbro ever actually does Springer (and they get it right- which happens sometimes)- I would expect Takara's version to be superior to defender. But in the meantime time- he's worth having. Certainly the best Springer toy that exists. And there are no clues so far to even make us think hasbro will do springer. I'd say go for it.

 

ROFL this makes my day.

 

I enjoyed mine quite a bit- and I should really look into buying the heel spurs.