Do you have any toys named Katrina? If so, get Quake Wave, and stand him with MP Soundwave behind her for a cheap '80s gag (that I would like to recreate myself someday).  

If not... yeah, Apex & Geminus. Fun transformations, love how all the weapons store in alt-mode, really excellent figures--and for 3rd party, an excellent price (took me some getting used to, also). Quake Wave's pretty much had fantastic reviews, and while pricey, it's probably not far off what an official Hasbro/Takara MP Shockwave might run (particularly Takara) so that kinda makes it an amazing deal. And Hexatron looks great as well--his alt-modes, no so much (for most), but still a stunning-looking big figure. Another nice part about Hex & Quake, the add-ons (opaque hand & gun set for Quake, chrome head & guns set for Hex) are very inexpensive.

 

Is that like a Hurricane joke? I don't get it...

 

There was a band called Katrina and the Waves

 

Ah... lol... kk... kinda like Siouxsie and the Banshees or something. Gotcha.

 

To the OP, a few wise words from Yoda:

"Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny"

That having been said, you should totally get Quakewave

 

Hurricane Katrina & the Waves? "I'm wreckin' New Orleans, WAAAA-oooohh!" hmm...not quite the same ring to it as the original song...

 

I think it says a lot that when your budget is 100-125 its still not enough to get some of the figures I'd recommend for you the most.   This is not a cheap part of this hobby, its a giant scary investment.

But I'd say a good place to start is with one of FansProjects headmasters. They're very well made, really fun and and have some really unique engineering and are within your budget. Smart Robin and QuadU are both out now and either one would be a worthwhole purchase.

 

Smart Robin does seem to have a really inventive transformation, and I can't say I've got any headmaster type figures at the moment...

Just out of curiosity, around how big are they? The only size comparisons I've seen are with the other Function X headmasters, not with any mainline TF figures.

 

If you can budget up to 160, then try to get Fansproject Steel Core. He's an absolutely fantastic figure. I got mine for 100 from a local but if you can get one for cheap then do it. He's absolutely worth it.

 

Steelcore is #1 in my book... the definitive 3P product... but wait for the re-release... it'll likely cost half that.

 

the function x guys are about the size of the hastak deluxes like special ops/united jazz or kup. he's just a tad taller.

here's CODE with a few other bots for size comparisons. I know is not the greatest pic...

id say go in on the fx line for sure. each figure has its own interesting things going on transformation wise. Start with Smart Robin.

 

As someone celebrating their 1 year anniversary as a 3P collector, I recommend Hegemon. He is a beautiful example of what CAN be done to make an almost perfect Megatron.

Next would be Quakewave/Shockwave or my personal favorite yet, Hexatron/Sixshot. It all depends on your character preference. I have a sealed Quakewave I am looking to sell if you need one.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

My friend, i am kinda surprised no one mentioned Toyworld Orion! To me, Orion is by far the best looking 3rd party fig atm, in terms of aesthetics as well as transformation. And it's also fits into your $100 budget perfectly. Not to diss Quakewave and Hexatron, they are both nice figures, but somehow doesn't stand out. Quakewave is nice because it fits in with the Masterpiece but doesn't stand out aesthetically. Hexatron has the size, colour and multiple transformation but i feel it is very blocky and all its mode does not really look like any actual alt mode. The other fig i would recommend is Bovis. Its aesthetic is very impressive and transformation wonderful. If I were you:
1. Toyworld Orion
2. MMC Bovis
3. Function X Quad U
4. Function X Smart Robin
5. Fansproject Steel Core

I have Hexatron, Quakewave, Code, UUUU, Bovis, Orion, Steel Core in case anyone is wondering. Smart Robin on the way. So if you have problems making up your mind, i can snap some photos of them side by side to compare  

 

Based on that, I really think you should take a look at the F(x) line. Smart Robin is my personal favorite right now, but just pick the one that you think has the best look and I think you'll really dig it. The only caveat I would give you is that there are some poseability issues regarding the arms' range of motion.

As an alternative, Grind Rod or Aurora from Toyworld I think would also be up your alley. Chase should be out soon, too.

 

quakewave all the way

 

if you can stretch your budget a little bit..

quakewave is first choice (then terminus hexatron) since he is awesome and mp scale

if you can't

orion, smart robin, or bovis fit nicely into a mixed 3P/CHUG collection.

 

If only 1 fig, and you like posability, quality, and awesomeness, MP Scale or type (and better actually), accompanied with fantastic customer service, I would suggest none other than:

Quakewave!!!!

Later on, you can also consider maybe Hex and it's upgrade sets, which is also a fantastic toy. But start with Quakewave, and he will look great with MP Soundwave, more so than Hex. Also, Quakewave has die cast, and feel heavy and the best toy to hold, and just the perfect size. If I could only keep one 3rd party toy, or TF at all, it would be FT Quakewave!!

Pls note the first two pics aren't mine, only the last two. Oh, and Quakewave is much better in person than pics can show.

Good luck

 

Can you still find Orion??

 

After reading your priorities I also think you should try to get Quadruple U and/or Smart Robin from Fansproject's Function X line. The whole line really is something special. If not, Steel Core is a great suggestion as well. Personally, I think if you are gonna get into 3P, Fansproject should provide you with the best introduction.

Hex and QW are definitely great figures too. I hope you are happy with your choice.

 

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