I'm really not too big on the idea on "third parties" cranking out dead ringers of vintage Transformers, packaging and logos and all, not just because the less scrupulous individuals might sell parts as "genuine" vintage pieces, but because they often compete directly with TT reissues. I might actually consider buying them if they released KOs of TFs that were unlikely candidates for a reissue. Anything from the deluxe insecticons (which, to be frank, don't really seem to be all that expensive in the aftermarket anyway) and other non-Takara molds to something like...Grandus? I'd buy Grandus in a heartbeat, but I ain't paying 600+ dollars for one (not to mention this guy rarely even shows up in auctions).
The thing is, there's a huge difference between a third-party manufacturer like Igear and Fansproject, who are creating unique toys that are based on actual TT/Hasbro stuff, and the KO manufacturers who are making illegal exact copies of TT/Hasbro stuff right down to the packaging they come in. So when you say "third party," I'm assuming you're referring to the KOs, not "actual" third-party manufacturers. Now with that said, sure, if some KO guy out there in China could reproduce high-quality dead ringers of all the Masterforce and Victory toys at super-cheap prices, I'd buy them. And this is from someone who hates KOs.
What a conundrum of an OP. I mean, for one not in favor of knock offs, that is. It's like a vegan eye-ballin a vegetarian's plate at a best barbecue competition... or nothing like that at all.
Personally, I think the term third-party isn't even a correct one, unless it's some sort of "upgrade pack" to an existing Hastak figures. A lot of these are brand new creations that exist on their own... only resembling or inspired by Transformers toys. Burger-King isn't a 3rd-party McDonalds company... they're just the competition. Oh yeah, this is about KO's... I think. Nevermind. Thought the same... a very contradictory post.
Anyone know where I can find the KO reissue of Menasor/Stunticons? Any other sites for KOs other than chimungmung?
I think he means knock off knock offs. Not igear and stuff. I hope not. I recently got igear spray and rager. Reprolabeled them up and now I love them. The reprolabels made them into mini masterpieces lol. Also got the artfire bumblee recently. LOVE IT. Its up with my masterpieces. I know with the arm kibble (removable) and the back kibble (not) its not 100% Materpiece material, but it is GREAT and so far the best bumblebee I think.
This. igear *does* directly KO actual HasTak toys. Yes, they do make their own stuff too---but their copying of the MP seekers etc does "taint" their legitimacy/image. FansProject has probably taken the lead at making their "own" stuff---Steelcore isn't even homaging a "real" TF. He's a totally unique character they created.
To be honest, I'm not even sure what point I was trying to get across with the OP. I might've been slightly drunk when I made it. Well, apart from "I really, really, really want Grandus, even if it was a KO", I guess.