I sold my Scoria because it had way too much diecast making it not fun at all to transform (exact same problem MP1 had), it had other issues too but that stupid useless heft was the main one. I wish they would stop using it for good.

 

diecast used correctly is fine by me. MP10 has plenty, and is the quintessential transformer imo. quakewave is right behind it, i think it has slightly more diecast.

 

Ask Bandai.

 

I like the weighty feel. Doesn't feel cheap. Plastic is overrated  

 

I like diecast when it's used for figure stability, and I like metal ratchet joints typically more than I like plastic ones.

But it's definitely overused - a lot of figures seem to use diecast just so they can say "diecast parts!" on the box.

Quakewave and MP10 are perfect examples of how to use diecast right.

But in many cases diecast suffers at the connection points with the plastic components; I think this is why many people snapped MP5, because he featured several thin diecast pieces attached to other diecast parts or to the plastic. The diecast is stronger than the plastic, but it still winds up weak at the joints.

Other times it's just totally overboard for the sake of being diecast, like MP1. My old MP-1b couldn't keep his chest closed because of overused diecast. The extra weight just makes it that much more difficult for joints and tabs to hold together, and if it's painted the paint often chips.

Best to stick to small, strategic placement of the metal. Keep the center of gravity low, and nice metal twangy ratchet joints like on Quakewave are great.

 

Pick up one of MMCs Feralcons. They are far from cheap feeling and no diecast.

 

What 3P figures have an overuse of diecast?

 

I don't mind it, but only when it's used right. It's nice when it's used for parts like a skeleton for strength, or feet for weighing a figure down and providing stability, but other than that I can do without it.

 

I'm not a fan of the diecast used in FP Assaulter or Protector. Assaulter was better than Protector, but still suffered from just too damned much in the legs. Bother figures were small enough to not need it at all, and Protector's didn't even improve the stability of the figure.

I think those are the only two 3P figures I have where it's a detriment rather than a good thing.

 

i dont have protector, but i love my assaulter. all the metal is in his leg so very, very stable... whats the issue with it? all im hearing is "too much". how is it detrimental?

 

Another whinge thread, nice.

1) Die cast over-used?
I'm looking at my TF shelves and I see about 20% of figures with die cast....that's what you guys are calling over-used?

2) Die cast over-rated?
Really? I'm reading a lot more people hating than liking. Sounds more like it's under-rated.

3) Die-cast causes the figure to deteriorate over time?
I'm looking at some of my G1 figures that are 30 odd years old. The die cast parts look fine but some of the white plastic parts have turned yellow while other plastic bits have lost their shine and suffer from scratches.

Sorry, don't see what the fuss (hate) is about.

 

Dacatoys Kronos (I think...), MMC Cyclops, Fanstoys Scoria, Fansproject Defender and Assaulter (Assaulter would be as good as it is, if not better, with 1/3 less diecast, and would be easier to transform)

 

I don't think MMC Cyclops had diecast, other than the chain.

 

as long as i pay less, i'm in.

 

It's mostly a personal preference thing because I just thought it was unnecessary.

But the legs are super heavy, which required some really strong hip ratchets...so strong I had to loosen the hips on mine to move the joint without feeling like I was going to strip the ratchets. That was the real detriment.

 

My mistake, that thing was so chunky and clunky that I thought it had.
I think people are more worry with future releases than the past, especially after Scoria.

 

I think using diecast to stabilize a top heavy toy is almost a must. As long as the joints can support the diecast.

Now if it needs be exposed and painted is another topic all together. If the legs are hollow, the diecast can be in the hollow area to weigh it down.

So I think diecast has its place.

 

No one here chogokin collectors?

 

Presumably die-cast is used for its structural properties? And including it makes manufacturing more expensive, right? So you wouldn't include it on a whim, it has to be there because it provides a benefit that plastic wouldn't.

 

Another one of these threads? I prefer the proper use of diecast, and I love rubber tires. As for the argument those materials don't hold up, I have 30 year old G1 figures that are problem free. It's on the owner to be careful and store/display correctly. I'd pay a 5-10% premium for the inclusion of diecast/rubber.