If I had the means I'd be inclinded to buy a second and try and match MP-44 nice painted finish... but I don't sadly.

 

TE-01

PROS
Built like a brick, super robust and tight joints. Pick it up in bot mode and nothing wobbles.
Super clean and trim in both modes
Cartoon accurate look in both modes (a pro if you're into that - this element is something I'm neutral about)
Alternate head
Comes with adapter to pull MP10's trailer
Opening matrix chamber cover with painted details (although some don't actually like seeing this through the widows...)

CONS
Transformation can be unsettling at first and may require a video guide
Articulation is a bit limited in some areas

MS-01

PROS
Solid construction
Super clean in both modes
Bot mode is highly poseable and joints hold poses well
Transformation is mostly intuitive, fun and relatively quick to perform
Comes with accessories to replicate battle damage

CONS
The matte finish is a con if you don't like it
Alt mode rear end is thiccc and mostly looks like legs
Windows can pop out easily (but are also easily fixed by thickening the pegs)
No adapter for MP-10 (although for display you CAN rest the trailer on him)
No cover for matrix chamber so matrix is visible through windows
Some of his anatomy bears a resemblance to MP-10 to some eyes

I'm sure I missed some things. Neither figure has any parts that are prone to breakage or failure. I think some people had loose fingers with MS-01. Honestly they're both great and if you decide what aspects are most important to you before going in you're likely to be pleased with either.

 

I just went to do the same, sold out  

 

TFS-Express apparently still have TE-01 pre-order available:

Transform Element TE-01 OP Leader

In case you've never ordered from them, I got all 3 of my TE-01's from TFS-Express so I would say they are very reputable.

 

It would gloss it up, and it would resist chipping better then a single stage paint job. However clear coats are thicker than color base. Anytime you add material to a surface you affect Tolerances. Fully painted figures are fine if they are tollenerced correctly and nothing’s making contact. If not it will chip and scratch also.

Some plastics can have metallics added in and look good. Might be the happy compromise

 

TFSExpress are very reliable.
However I just bought one from TFSafari for USD $99.99 and if you enter the code NEWBEE you'll get $2.99 knocked off.
I believe they have 3 left.

 

 
ShowZ sold out of 2nd wave of TE-01 v2 preorders in less than 48 hrs!
[Pre-Order] Transform Element TE-01 TE01 Masterpiece MP-10 MP10 Optimus Prime

 

It's really a great figure. Plus you can bend its knees without breaking it. At about one quarter the cost.
Not hating on MP-44, I broke down and ordered one. Just before the first report of breaking knees came out. At least it looks like a fix or prevention measure I can perform.

 

I know you didn't ask me, but my opinion anyway... All things being equal, I probably prefer MP-44. Mostly because superior articulation, richer, more vibrant colors, and I think I prefer the slimmer aesthetic. All things still being equal, there are definitely things I prefer about TE-01. No question TE has a superior alt mode. He also has better/straight antennas, better looking legs and feet, and he's not at all gappy and suffering from paneltitis of the entire figure. TE is a MUCH cleaner figure! All that said, ALL things considered, TE is the much better buy...you get way more figure for your money and you're FAR more likely to get what you paid for...aka a figure free of QC issues. The build and consistency of TE is great! MP is more of a crapshoot. If you're looking to get the best bang for your buck, TE is the play. If you're looking for the best money can buy, MP-44 is debatably the way to go, but it's a YMMV scenario. I can see people preferring TE straight up. I asked my daughter last night which one she thought was better, with no regard to price or any other preconceived notions...she picked TE. She also said they look the same, which is largely accurate...

 

Screw MP-44 and TE-01, this is the best transforming Prime.

 

That is sitting in my 4yrs old bed. Lol

 

I was wondering if anyone has been able to get just the new smooth, non-grooved shoulder piece without ordering another figure. (I have the 1st release, as well.) ...and how hard it would be to replace.

 

I wasn't trying to leave anybody out lol. I just happened to notice that Oku was one of the relatively few people posting both here and in the MP-44 thread. I welcome the opinions of anybody that has both or has handled both. Truth be told, the ship has sailed, as I paid for MP-44 before I made that post. I'm just curious about the opinions of independent voters, so to speak, that collect both official MP and 3rd party, such as myself.

 

That's why I offered up my opinion anyhow...I consider myself fairly unbiased. My vote isn't going to be determined by the logo on the box. I'm not going to give bonus points to official or certain 3rd Parties.

 

How long does it take you to comfortably transform TE01 without rushing?

 

I pre-ordered 1 from show z. I already have this and its such a great figure. Its top on my list of "if the house was on fire which one would you grab". Gonna keep the original in truck mode and use the newer for bot.

 

I’ve painted a few figures and giving TE-01 a full glossy paint job would probably not be a great idea. The panels with the windscreens are painted red and could probably take a coat of gloss clear.

If I was going to take a crack at getting a glossy finish on the rest of the raw plastic I would probably wet sand and use polishing compounds like the 3 step novus polishing kit. I did this with a WFC Optimus a year or so ago with really good results.

 

How in the world can I attach this little custom piece and still be able to remove it if I wanted????? Hmmmmm......

 

Paik4life has a very good tutorial of the transformation. Once you get the hang of it, you can do it easily in about 5 mins, less than 10 if you're taking your time.

 

Nice books.