Both ends are open so it's not gonna be much cop for experiments lol

 

I'm pleasantly surprised with the sculpt on the mini (micro? nano?) figs, though the paint on the faces leaves a little to be desired.

 

That is true in most places, but the XTB fan base is normally looking for anything to attack FT over, and with people already reacting strongly to a few breaks I would think the high number of FT breaks would be the immediate defense.

I have seen Locke v1 and 2 brought up, though admittedly that was before the breaks were reported. The lack of Locke mentions from people who are anti-XTB is as surprising as the lack of XTB fans bringing up Iceman though.

I'm definitely on the FT side of the debate, I have every FT figure (minus some repaints), but only spent money on 5 XTB figures, 1 maybe 2 (undecided on Janssen it's on it's way still) because I liked the figure (had hands on opportunity with several others at local meet ups pre-Covid, also I'm not counting KFC figures). That said I feel like it is important to be honest about things, and Iceman is the comparison that came to mind for me.

 

I've had plenty of issues with both XTB and FT. I try to judge each release on its own, though. I would say on average I expect more QC issues with XTB than Fans Toys, but I also expect ridonkulous prices and preorders selling out like PS5's with Fans Toys, and I'm getting more sick of that than I am of XTB's thin flaps, fondness for clasps, and wonky tolerances. If an XTB figure is a turd (like maybe Locke? I'll let you know when I bother to have my copy shipped) I'll say so, but Janssen, while certainly not flawless, is definitely no turd.

 

That would make it a funnel, then. Or a cost-cutting way of producing a piece which people can use as whichever they please, since it's unlikely that a funnel would have a rounded spout on it (I could see that leading to all sorts of issues with some fluids).

Regarding the arms... I have another theory on a fix, but I'm holding out on more specifics until I actually have him in-hand this time. I was in the right area but I'd assumed they were breaking going in to alt mode - not coming out, which seems significantly more likely. Needless to say my previous suggestion about shaving the corners of that panel won't do anything at all if I'm right.

The legs... I got nothing. That it's so far been the same side, but we've only seen/heard of two, possibly three examples, means it could be isolated or perhaps a bad pressing of that part.

 

so that was a quick reply of xtb, aftersales is great, spare parts already on the way. Thank xtb for the great aftersales

 

Not in scale but still funny has hell

 

Mines just landed in the UK, not been following the thread but is there anything I need to watch out for?

 

There's been two, possibly three known instances where the left hip has been broken straight out of the box. No cause currently known.

There's also been at least three reports of people ripping the arms off at the butterfly joint. Most likely cause at this point seems to be said joint being stressed laterally while pulling his arms out to transform back to robot mode due to something in the assembly catching or having too much friction.

 

When transforming from scope to robot do not yank at the arms, but push them out by using your pinky from front site of the chest

 

Ah thanks. I haven't had a problem with the side pieces collapsing inwards.

Mine were tight as well. Push them out from the inside.

Some of us actually love how awful the faces are! They look fine to my naked eyes but hilarious with a magnifying glass.

 

This!
I gotta wonder how many breakages(on any figure, not just this one) occur because the person transforming it is just haphazardly reefing on parts trying to force the transformation. I always take my time and will watch a couple videos to see how everything is intended to be manipulated. The engineering is so complex on alot of these MP's nowadays that there is usually a specific set of steps to follow. Most manuals that come with figures are worthless too, I rarely rely on those.

 

i've noticed a tendency towards that on XTB especially. Either parts break or the "transformation is terrible" then somebody comes along & points out if you do it this one exact way with your tongue sticking out just right & the planets are in alignment then everything works fine.

 

This is the way!

 

Disclaimer! I have both FT and XTB figures in my collection. IMO, both companies have QC and design issues, but XTB definitely has more than FT. and as @ShmoopsMcGoo pointed out, XTB has more "delicate" transformations. That said, I usually prefer the sculpt and playability of XTB figures.

So in this case, a combination of sculpt preference, and the amazing accessories made me got for Janssen over Tesla 2.0.

It looks like Brawn is about to knock on Unicron's cheek as if it were a door.  

 

Although one would think it would be common sense not to apply extreme pressure on this joint just by seeing how the part is assembled. Regardless the company, I always double check clearances and structure before forcing parts anywhere.

 

For those who already got it: what transformation video is the safest to avoid arm breakages?

 

Just don't force the arms, especially when going from microscope to robot. Support the armature at the joint

 

I've had issues trying to swap out the heads. Very tight to get off and difficult to put back on!

 

Check out my review!