I recently purchased the XP-01 add-on set for Devastator and is currently sitting in my POL. However, just today I became aware of the JB-07 set, which has more parts and is a lower price. I'm tempted to cancel my XP-01 and go with the JB-07 instead but want to get some feedback first since I've never seen either in person.

Is the plastic and paint quality better from one to the other? Can I expect the JB-07 to be prone to breaking since it's cheaper? Which one would you choose?

Later

 

I'd cancel based on everything I read here:

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-feedback/529155-x-transbots-devastator-upgrade.html

 

Too soon to tell. I certainly like the aesthetics and the overall look of the X-Transbots upgrade more than the others, even the overpriced Crazy Devy pieces (gouge much, CD?). The odd chest piece he comes with doesn't look as bad either in in-hand pictures. The head and purple thighs looks right to me.

But appearances is only half the equation. Looks don't mean much if the QC sucks ass and it seems the X-Transbot set suffers a bit with parts fitting securely (though I do caution that the OP review in the link above tried to fit this set onto an original G1 Devy instead of Encore #20 reissue Devy that it was designed for, so there was bound to be fitting issues there). And the fingers popping off (same as CD's fingers) along with stress marks.

The Junkion Blacksmith set looks to be cheaper price-wise and includes two heads (bald and non-bald) but no light-up LED, AFAIK. The gun also looks smaller, and the green thigh pieces don't do much for me personally. Chest piece is the only thing that looks better. The aesthetics of the pieces on Devy also look a bit more simplistic (I like X-Transbot's design more, barring the chest shield). And the hands look more simple and sturdy but suffer from dumbbell-curling fingers (X-Transbots fingers appear more articulated if fragile). But if the QC and fitting is more secure with JB, I might go with that instead.

At the end of the day, I want to fiddle and play with my upgraded (Encore reissue) Devy, and he can look as pretty as he wants but if it falls apart at the slightest touch, then that kinda defeats the entire purpose of upgrading Devy in the first place. I eagerly await reviews of the JB add-on set first before making a decision between that and X-Transbot's parts.

 

Thanks for posting the link to that review Fishdirt, I had completely missed it and am glad I saw it now.
Timesynch, I'm with you in that the purple thighs look ALOT better than green, but I dont mind the green thighs as that's the color the original cartoon had. By the way, what is AFAIK? Ive never heard/seen that before but now that's the second time I've seen that today. What does it mean.

I'm almost convinced to cancel XP and switch to JB but it is a gamble not knowing if the QC will be just as bad if not worse.

Thanks for the replies so far.
Later

 

Also this Hong Kong group has posted some comparison pictures between XT and JB parts.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.220055104748092.57134.109083992511871&type=1

http://www.hk-tf.com/discuz/upload/viewthread.php?tid=24269&extra=page=1

Also, the 2nd reviewer (pingth) in the linked review above didn't specify which Devy he used; original G1, KO, or Encore reissue. So there's that too.

AFAIK = "as far as I know" =)

And looking at the HK group pictures showing off JB Devy from the rear, it appears he has extra parts that plug into the leg-bots to give him a bit more stability (and hopefully poseability). If that's true, that's very very interesting!

 

If they were all good, I would get them all to be honest...

 

I think the JB set looks the best by a wide margin. The fact that it's the cheapest option, with two heads, and green thighs are the main selling points for me. If only Encore Devastator was a little cheaper...

 

Though I like XT's purple thighs to break up all that green, the green thighs on JB are more toon accurate, I suppose. And looking at BBTS's preorder for the JB parts, it doesn't list any extra heel add-ons so I guess the ones in the HK-group pictures are just custom pieces? At any rate, I'll hold out until in-hand reviews of the JB add-on sets come in before making a final choice.

And agreed about Encore Devy. Only reason I got him was because I was in Japan during the holidays and had a 1000 Yen off coupon for the Japanese Toys'R'Us. Got him for 7499 Yen total (normal MSRP 8499 Yen), which is about $97 USD. Not too bad considering he goes for $124.99 on BBTS.

 

Already got a JB one on the way from China.

 

Cool! Please do a review when you get it in-hand! I'm sure a lot of us are curious about the quality and fit of the final product, myself included!

 

Will do, but I'm sure someone here will get one before I do. Looking at the tracking it doesn't look like it's even left China yet.

 

Ah, gotcha. That's understandable given that it's Chinese Lunar New Year and much of China is or going to be on holiday now.

 

Hercules  
Anything else is completely uninteresting to me.

 

I am fine with Devy as is OG G1 FTW

 

I already blew my load on the Crazy Devy stuff, so I'm out.

 

None. I like my G1 toys to look like G1 toys.

 

I went with Crazy Devy.

TFC Hercules is just way to expensive for my budget.

You get alot of bang for your buck with Crazy Devy...plus the CD version of Devastator is more G1 cartoon accurate while Hercules looks more like the IDW comics.

 

... not actually what the topic asks...  

 

Ditto. If I even had a G1 Devastator to "upgrade", that is.

I find that it dilutes the retro charm of the original toys, and simply adding articulation doesn't help them fit in with modern toys, so it's just a losing scenario either way.