Netflix Optimus Prime is my go-to recommendation to anyone who wants to get a taste for the hobby at its finest. A lot of bang-for-buck at $40, and a character almost everyone knows.

 

RotF Leader Class Optimus.

 

There's probably some nostalgia involved, but I've always loved Deluxe 2007 Concept Camaro Bumblebee. Not too complex, not too simple, playable action feature without being too gimmicky, looks good on display, fun and innovative transformation (before basically every other movie Bumblebee used the same template). He's just a nice figure all around, and was probably the one I got the most play out of as a kid.

 

Revenge of the fallen scout class Skystalker mold, since it seems we can include movie lines.

 

I’m going with 86 grimlock, I never have felt 100% satisfied with a figure until that, he is just about 100% perfect imo

 

With that in mind my favorite figure that just speaks to me in spite of its obvious shortcomings. The old Ultra class Onslaught. Not the best articulation, no real adherence to scale, and some unnecessary lights and sounds. I still love that toy though. Definitely one of my favorite alt modes in the history of CHUG too!

 

Overall, I think the one I like most is Eathrise Wheeljack. But only with the Nonnef upgrades. He has great style, a nice transformation, good poseability, and I can't think of anything I don't like about him. His white could be brighter I guess, but I barely notice it nowadays.

 

I didn't think I needed 86 Grimlock. Once I got it I couldn't put him down. Such a FUN toy, so glad I caved and picked one up. Now I'm in on all the leader Dinobots!

 

I know, I was not wanting it at all, and then I got it and was like f it why not, and once I messed with it I just was like “MMMMM SATISFYING” the proportions and the beefiness of the guy just make him feel so perfect

 

I can't seriously pick one. Everything coming out lately is soooo good. Trying to pick one... Not to mention the Gems over all the years I've collected...
Sorry can't do it.

 

Siege Starscream is definitely one of my runners up for the top spot. Super solid and posable.

 

But then you get Slag in hand and he's just as good. Hiding the dino stubs in his legs... Brilliant.
With him and Grimlock together the only thing that bothers me is NOT having the rest of the dinobots.

 

Earthrise Prime for me. Just a fantastic figure

 

It might just be the nostalgia talking (35th) but for me I have to say it's a Tie. Having Rodimus Prime and Galvatron in hand at this Level of Accuracy and Detail. It's was worth the wait.

 

Earthrise/Kingdom Sideswipe and co.

 

Best Mainline figures? Where to Start...

Earthrise Sky-Lynx, the best interpretation of the big space shuttle dragon.

SS86 Grimlock, Hes like a Mini-Masterpiece.

SS86 Hot Rod, Same as grimlock, fantastic figure

 

He just misses out for me for the weird gaps in alt mode, lack of sword, and derpy cartoon paint job (the blocky color blobs on the shins are just sad on a mold that detailed.). Fortunately most of that can be fixed if they ever do toy-accurate Dinobots down the road with swords.

 

A handful of GOATs

BW Fuzor Silverbolt
Classics '06 Bumblebee
T30 Arcee
SS86 Grimlock

You can dispute, or argue, or nitpick, but you'd be wrong.

 

The Siege Seeker mold. It's just a shame the Earthrise mold has taken some of it's potential repaints like the Coneheads.

I'm hoping someday we'll get repaints based the characters that have their animation models based on it in Netflix and IDW:

Nacelle
Hooligan
Spacecase
Wingstun
Dirge
Thrust
Sandstorm

Honourable mentions:

Studio Series 86 Jazz
Studio Series 86 Scourge
Netflix Megatron
Netflix Soundwave
Kingdom Rodimus Prime.
Earthrise Scorponok
Netflix/Earthrise Optimus Prime
Takara Legends Blurr
Siege Spinister
SS Bumblebee Cliffjumper
POTP Rippersnapper
POTP Cutthroat
POTP Blot
Titans Return Topspin
Kingdom Cyclonus despite the ugly face.