E-Hobby and Takara-Tomy Mall have added new images showing off the Unite Warriors version of the combiner, Menasor! The Japanese release of the Stunticons from Combiner Wars, Unite Warriors Menasor is based more strongly on the Generation 1 cartoon designs, down to the silver-white arms on an otherwise black Motormaster toy, the lack of stripe on Dead End, and other changes. The set also forgoes Offroad in favor of a Dead End retool for Wildrider, meaning this is one giftset that incorporates all five main Stunticons, as they were in Transformers Generation 1.
Rakzo
I supppose it mostly depends on your luck. I just got my UW Superion and Skydive's left arm is so floppy that it can't even hold a little gun properly and the joints for the rest of the figures are not really tighter than the Hasbro versions I used to own.
This "Takara's QC is superior" is waaay overblown.
Monari
Just as an update: I got a second set in, and yes, the Motormaster in that set also does not have arms that lock together properly in combined mode.
Unless I somehow got two bum sets in a row, i'm afraid that this version isn't any better than the Hasbro release.
I have to say, compared to their stellar Superion, which is almost a perfect combiner, Menasor leaves a hell of a lot to be desired. Between the unlocking arms, wobbly knees, and the splitting apart of Deadend and Wildrider, it's a pretty unimpressive set.
TFXProtector
Well, poo. I thought Takara would fix Wildrider's mold and tighten it up some. My guess is mold degradation has begun setting in. It's had 4 US uses, as well as 2 Japanese uses, plus whatever the club has in mind for it. All in less than a year. I'd say that mold is suffering major fatigue. Still, sucks to hear.
Motormaster really disappoints me. Love the coloring on him, but no point in paying import prices for the exact same thing I already have for much less. Thank you for responding, I appreciate it.
Maybe a rush job? Perhaps they didn't have time to tweak the production? Just a theory. Could also be that they're just wonky molds and lemons are unavoidable. It's a shame. They look so nice.
As much as it pains me, because I do like my Hasbro Menasor, I have to agree here. Just not as solid an effort or design unlike it's fellow linemates.
Poo, I say. Poo.
Raiju
They look good, particularly Motormaster (love that dark black with purple and silver). I wish Dead End has his gold/yellow stripe though; he looks naked without it. Personally, I don't mind Dragstrip being mostly yellow in vehicle mode (but the Hasbro purple does help break up all that yellow in bot mode). Wildrider and Breakdown look pretty similar to their Hasbro counterparts.
PlanckEpoch
How about the figure just isn't as good as Superion? In combined mode mine was just a floppy mess and I'm in the process of getting rid of my Menasor.
I just don't find him well engineered at all compared to his other combiners. Both Superion and Defensor really blow Menasor away in engineering and execution.
BattleUpSaber
Ouch. That's not a good sign. The biggest draw of UW Superion was the improved QC, one has to wonder what happened here.
Monari
Sad to say the Takara versions aren't improved. Wildrider and Dead End both have trouble staying together, and the arms on Motormaster dislodge easily in combined mode, very much unlike the CW Optimus I have. His legs don't seem floppy though.
I also find that the CW Dragstrip feels more solid and less floppy than the Takara version for some reason, as well as much better looking.
bumblewheelie
Now please make a Trailer for MM that will transform MM into a decent Torso piece…
TFXProtector
I have only a question.
How are Wildrider and Motormaster in terms of quality? Over here in the States with the US versions, they tend to be floppy (in the case of Motormaster) and separate and won't stay together (Wildrider).
Are the Takara Tomy versions any better, or pretty much the same? I know they usually try and make their versions of the figures as pristine as possible.
Thanks, in advance.
Monari
Just got mine in, fresh out of the box. Taking requests:
TFXProtector
I want that Motormaster and Wildrider to replace mine. Anyone interested in splitting a set? (I'd include the Hasbro versions of the figures I'd be replacing, of course.)
MartyFeeb
+1.
Sad, considering that Menasor is my 1st or 2nd fave combiner…. but the way they designed Motormaster's gestalt mode was a mess. You NEED that PE set to correct Menasor, and sadly, I'm not sure I want to spend the extra $30…. Definitely not buying a Takara version with the same bad design – nice paint be damned.
divinecomedy
Will get this on clearance next year.
nuropa
Paypal will default to your bank account, but you can change it to credit card. there is a small link to change payment option.
I'm shipping both uw01 and uw02 together so that should save me a few $ in shipping by EMS.
Canbot
Thanks guys. Yipes, I wrapped up around $175 CDN. I was ready for that price, though, but the shipping was substantial. And UW Devy can only be pricier…still, it's worthwhile just to see how it works out.
I can't stand when paypal automatically makes you pay with your account rather than a credit card. Perhaps I misread something, but when I went in to pay shipping, I was waiting for the screen that allows me to choose payment method but wasn't given the chance. No biggie, but sometimes I like to use the card just to get the points.
If I get dinged with customs, I guess a case could be made for dealing with US based retailers…we'll see. I went with EMS; I've had lousy luck with FedEX in the past.
*I just did the math, and it turns out I could have purchased this locally for about $10 more…which, IMO, isn't that big a stretch. Well, it gets a bit more because I'd be paying tax (or taking a chance at border fees if purchasing through the US)…so maybe $25 dollars more. That would be worth it, I'd say, if I ran into any QC issues. Something I'll have to think about in the future for sure.
MPs, on the other hand, have been worthwhile so far. Perhaps it's just the 'big box' shipping that's the cost factor.
Now that UW Menasor is on its way, it's time to figure out what I'll do with my CW Menasor
[Wing_Saber-X]
Awesome, should be hitting Malaysian shores sometime in early September.
WANT/
monish
There are only two options for menasor from HLJ it's either EMS or Fedex. I always go with EMS since I find it very quick (1-2 days), never go with FEDEX! EMS is trackable through Japan post and Canada post website with the same tracking number they give you. I think you'll end up paying almost a similar amount regardless of retailer because with shipping costs they are almost the same; however HLJ has always the cheapest EMS shipping option compared to other retailers.
Bountyan
That might be because you're in the US. But for Canadians you're guaranteed extra charges if you choose Fedex. And it's more expensive even before that. Not worth it.
SunSwipe5
Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I'be never had any issues with FedEx. Now the USPS is a whole different story.
Bountyan
^you only get EMS or Fedex for something this large and expensive. DON'T choose Fedex.