Not sure if this is the right place to post this but here's my extremely simple (and rushed) review of the latest CHMS offering: Shattered Glass Black Rodimus as they have been quite a few queries on the quality of this figure.

I bought this simply out of curiosity since I already own the original. Just wanted to see how this turns out and do some comparison.


(NOTE: Sticky tape used by CHMS is really really potent. Had a hard time removing the sticky residue using zippo fluid, which is usually a relatively easy thing. Note to self: Request for unsealed packaging in the future.)



The figure comes with a plastic bio card, blaster & two flame missles (Red & Black).


The plastic bio card was a nice touch...however on closer inspection



it seems like the text is truncated! Good intention, lousy execution

Moving on to the figure itself



First thing I noticed was that the figure had problems with parts alignment.


After some comparison with the original, it was discovered that the lower torso of the CHMS figure was assembled wrongly which I thought was probably the cause of the alignment problem.
(CHMS on the left, Botcon Original on the right)


However, after removing some screws and parts and reassembling the figure, the problem remains. Upon closer inspection, it would appear that the plastic used for the canopy is a little thicker than it should be, causing the other parts to have problems fitting and meshing. This problem can possibly be solved with some filing/sanding but I didn't bother with it. Incidentally, while taking the photo, I noticed a crack in the spoiler. Not sure if I'd caused it or if it was already originally there....sheesh....


Other noticeable differences between the CHMS & original would be the paintjob, shade of purple (very slight differences) and sharpness of the insignias. I consider these minor issues though.
(CHMS on the left, Botcon Original on the right)

(CHMS on the left, Botcon Original on the right)


Transformation of the figure was a little scary. Some of the joints are very tight, a common trait of CHMS figures. Everything's generally fine except for the ball joints used for the arms. Both arms kept popping off during transformation and stress marks started to form on the ball joints themselves. However, they don't look like they will break anytime soon.



The most disturbing issue I have with the figure is the face (which I assume all other figures will have the same problem.). It looks significantly different from the original and artwork.



I view this as the most serious problem simply because the face really looks quite bad with the big nose and sloppy paintjob. It seems the big nose may be a result of mold degradation. I don't know about others but I'm really quite bothered by this, even more so than all the abovementioned issues.

Here's how the original looks like. You'll be able to see the difference in the sharpness in features.


Verdict: A fairly decent substitute for the orginal figure at a relatively decent price (well, decent if you're comparing it to the price that the original is commanding on secondary markets). Would have been much much better if the manufacturer paid a little more attention to details as I believe most of the problems can be solved rather easily. The face and the arms are the main issues for me but if you're planning to use the figure as the base for FP's Shadow Scythe, then the face should not really matter. Arms may be a problem though.

Apologies for the simplistic & rushed review. Hope it helps you in making your decision.

 

I'm glad that there is such a significant difference in the facial features between the real deal and the CHMS version.

That is easily the most distingushable feature to identify the KO and this would really help future potential buyers of the geniune Botcon to avoid being scammed with this CHMS one.

 

Awesome pics and side by side comparison, that was really needed. Here's the other feedback thread though- http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/trans...-kotoys-black-rodimus-shattered-unedited.html

 

what a piece of shit. i sold my original rodimus cause i knew this was coming out.

i am gladly going to pay ebay prices again for the original.

CHMS or if this was a partnership with kotoys.com, they usually dont pay attention to details or assembling and usually dont give a shit.

 

but how well does it fit w/ S...scythe....ive got S.S w/wildrider but if this fits the mold well i might consider getting this{another} to display w/the other face.....gr8 review...highly appreciated.....

 

U.N. - I love the review, but I'm one of those one's who could give a fuck how it looks standalone because I'm buying it strictly to go with a Scyther armor

(not a shot at you, or the toy, because your review and pics are great)

The reason I bring that up though, is because I'd like to know how it fits under the Scythe armor? I'm jsut asking because I've heard the KO Optimus molds fit crappy under commander armors.

 

I hear you guys. Will try to fit this onto Shadow Scythe asap and let you guys know.  

 

That face looks ... not too good, which is bad news for the upcoming CHMS Wildrider I guess. I'll probably buy it anyway.

 

Y'know. To me, this sounds to be roughly the same quality as Hasbro's ever released this mold.

Arms popping off? Yup, Hasbro's does that.

Alt mode has problems fitting together? Yup, Hasbro's does that.

Cracks in the spoiler? Yup, Hasbro's does that.

Shoddy paint applications? Yup, Hasbro's does that.


I have never been happy with any Classics Hot Rod figure I've ever owned. Too many weird QC issues.

 

I dont really care about the parts not aligning properly my Classics Rodimus does the same thing. The mustache bothers me though lol. But that's minor and possibly fixable.

 

Lol reminds me of my star saber minicons   Good ol Hasbro. I think the Chinese did the right thing......yes. 500$ for a repaint of a classics figure doesn't really do for 95% of normal collectors.

 

Ok, tried the Shadow Scythe Armour onto the figure and it fits pretty well

 

So this fits just as well as the original hot rod figure? Or this there some looseness somewhere? If you can give some detail, it'd be greatly appreciated.

 

No looseness. Everything fits well, surprisingly.

 

sweeeeeeeet!!

 

I am suddenly reminded of that Brady Bunch episode where Marsha gets smacked in the face with the football.

 

Wow, thanks a lot U.N. I;'m sold. But, one more question:

How was your experience ordering with KOToys? If not them, who did you order through? If it was KOToys, how was the turnaround time for shipping, receiving, etc. etc.

I'm just asking bc everytime a new CHMS comes out, people go into this fit on KOToys, and it'd be nice to seem some different viewpoints.

 

500$ plus from some guy that didn't pay that much

compared to

50$ with a porn mustache?

Im taking the 50$ one gentlemen

 

This was ordered from KO Toys. Previous transactions were quite prompt but I believe when I ordered these (end Aug), the figures were not ready yet (probably a Pre-order). The wait was longer because of manufacturing and not shipping. Figures were shipped out Mid Sept and reached nearing End Sept so that's slightly less than 2 weeks.

However, point to note is that I'm located in Asia so I'd expected the shipment to take lesser time to reach. In the past, it took at most 1 week to arrive. It's been slower recently but that may not be their fault.

KOToys after sales service varies. I've had problems with seeker parts and they sent me replacement parts straight away. I've had asked for replacement boxes due to some printing errors but did not get them.

 

I want to paint a straight beard on mine like your avatar.

That's cool. It's good that it seems this transaction at least went pretty smooth.