Hey guys, just thought I'd get your opinions on how Hasbro's Masterpiece Transformers compare to their original Takara releases. Aside from the deco changes and safety cuts, are they really the same as their Takara counterparts? Specifically, is the plastic the same as that used in the Takara releases? I heard that sometimes it could be one way or the other, for example I heard that Green Starscream was more fragile than the US release. To those collectors who have gotten both iterations of any Masterpiece figure, could you share your thoughts?
More than often they use exactly the same plastic, but since the hasbro versions usually come later, they employ most of the "fixes" that make people think they're trully stronger. For example, Hasbro's Hot Rod uses the same plastic as the JP version, but most fixes applied [different connection of the leg side panels, more hollow space in the tab of his backpack and so on] make him appear sturdier than takara's release. Hasbro's Starscream uses thicker plastic than takara's, takara used thinner plastic like the one found on some yamato's macross items. Probably done so that it can better absorb the factory panel-lining job. Takara's Skywarp is sturdy but the thing has a coat of gloss paint applied over the plastic. No change as far as I know for Grimlock or Prime.
Regarding quality: MP-01 Convoy and 20th Anniversary Prime are the same. MP -03 Starscream is more fragile than every other release of the mold, the rest are all on par with each other. Grimlock is the same.
The MP-03 was weaker because of the color of the plastic if I am not wrong. When you die the plastic that color it makes it weaker. I think I read that somewhere. Don't quote me on it though.
The plastic is like model kit plastic, I never had any issues with mine before I sold it, but I could see how easily someone could break it.
I somewhat agree, but some bits seem fragile (The hinges where the tail wings connect on him) and I'm absolutely terrified to transform him so he stays in jet mode. He's not really a toy but a display piece, and a damn beautiful one at that. So glad I have him I wish I had Starscream and Thundercracker to complete the set. Starscream I couldn't find anywhere when he came out. You'd think he'd be easy to find in Hasbro's home town.
Exactly this. MP-3 was the only figure with some what fragile plastic. No other figure came close to having that issue. Randy
I can't say I constantly transform it, and sure enough I don't run through the house playing with him, but he isn't that fragile. I agree with you, he really is a display piece. I probably switch modes like maybe once per month, and I treat him carefully. I've never felt like I'm going to break him, maybe I got a particularly good one in terms of QC but everything clicks and fits properly and no part of it needs excessive force (well, no TF should ever need excessive force YOU HEAR ME ANIMATED ULTRA MAGNUS' SHOULDERS!?). Thing is, the seeker mold isn't perfect but it's well built and perfectly durable if you treat it like the collector's piece it is. I'm always glad I got him. Next is, I hope, MP-10! (unless hasbro announces the US. Version like, really soon)
I have Greenscream and G1-colored Starscream and they're both about the same as far as plastic quality. I've transformed both numerous times without any fragility issues. There are some visible stress marks on Greenscream's wing tabs but that's mostly because of the plastic color (G1-colored SS being white so Greenscream's show up more visibly) and I don't feel he'll break any time soon. Maybe I just lucked out with my MP-03. Grimlock is very top heavy with all his diecast but he's fairly sturdy. Only issue might be with his (mostly plastic) legs being somewhat weak (especially at the hips) to support all his top-heaviness, so you end up with loose joints.
sometime's I think most parts are made of Metal just like when MP first Optimus came out. But now the quantities have gotten shorter.
I got a Hasbro MP Grimlock too and I sometimes face this issue. My question is, is the Takara one any better? Is the plastic sturdier on the Takara version? Or are the two Grimlocks identical in plastic quality?
As far as I know the only thing changed from the Hasbro and Takara MP Grimlock is some painted details on the Hasbro one not on the Takara, and Takara having sharper teeth and claws. Otherwise they're pretty much the same. The issue stems not from plastic but more of the fact that the joints can't really support all of that diecast without getting loose. I superglued mine all to hell and it's OK but it was delicate work. All because of where the diecast is.
Where are you people getting all this die-cast on Grimlock from? Only die-cast parts he has are the dino claws and the middle red part of his waist. Either way, it hardly causes stability issues. Grimlock has a huge footprint and heavy ratchets on his legs, unless you have him leaning forward, there's not much chance he'll actually fall down.
He's actually got four more parts. The two gold painted parts his arms connect to are metal, and the two silver painted support bars that move his body up are metal. I've never had any weight issues because of weight though, because his feet are so damn huge.
