I have no interest in loose graded figures. If I want loose figures, I want them loose so I can mess with them.

 

i'm not an afa collector, but i can see the point of graded sealed items, but loose, not at all, makes no sense to me

 

I think the only way I would consider collecting loose AFA items is if there were absolutely no sealed or boxed versions of a particular figure available (some Brazilian minibots perhaps)

 

...

 

Nice, Jonny! I do agree there are certain instances where loose items display well, especially if it's done right...and sometimes, as Arkvander pointed out, it's nearly impossible to find specific figures packaged. I've never bought a loose figure, though I've considered it at times when I can't find the figure packaged.

Edit: Actually, I take that back. I did purchase a loose AFA Thrust last year but later sold it. It looked cool in the display case, especially with the tech spec next to it, but it didn't really fit my collection at the time.

 

My pre-rub ungraded Prowl.

 

...

 

Have to say, I've never been interested in AFA graded figures. Mainly due to the cost, but seeing some of these makes me want to pick one up to have as a centre piece in my collection.

Some are brilliant!

If anyone can shoot me a PM and give me some advice on buying and what to look out for I'd appreciate it!

 

Agreed.

However, this is the first AFA "loose" item that I've seen that I really like to the point that I'd like to have one like it!

 

the loos display of the gun and refector are great. at this way, its really cool for display!
nice stuff Jonny!

 

Neither, unfortunately. These came from the factory in opened boxed and actually sealed in a roll of bubble-wrap. The Japanese versions always came in plastic inserts specifically moulded, but Joustra and GiG Attack cars were bubble wrapped.

Great advice JK, I'll maybe look at a couple of carded Transformers out of a case, maybe hit up Mr Hitchens for 2 of his Action Masters...or do you think an experiment like this would be better served using earlier era boxed G1?

Well, I wouldn't want to start a discussion of that nature in a thread meant for appreciation, but what I will say is I definitely appreciate sealed Transformers, and I appreciate their preservation, and those acrylic cases are gorgeous. What comes to mind that may be related to this subject is very nicely laid out by yourself below...

...and it would be an honour if you allowed me to save this passage and refer to it in said article  

All the best
Maz

 

One experiment I'd like to do at this point is take a low-value AFA 85 item, crack it out of the case, and send it into AFA and see what it grades these days.

I'm planning on sending a couple things to get graded soon, and these under-grading stories are freaking me out.

 

Fantastic idea, I'd love it if you could keep me informed about the progress (and maybe film the cracking open of the current 85 specimen)!

All the best
Maz

 

I don't have any AFAed TFs in my collection anymore, unfortunately! So someone else would have to try it.

 

This is the one I mentioned previously on the thread. The bubble detached during transit. It was MISB. As a result, it had to be opened to secure the figure back in place, so it's MIB now.

 

Here is one there is no boxed example of. Since these photos, one of the pegs on top cracked and fell off, and I had to get it re-cased, and then re-cased again, because the second case looked awful, and it is now on its third case, and it still looks bad, but I am simply tired of sending it back and forth to AFA. My boxed items turned out great, but I would probably never have anything loose graded again.

 

here is my recent collection，g1 ultramagnus，90 graded。

 

g1 devastator，all 85. My favorite.

 

Hi guys. I'm loving all the pictures that have been posted & I want to ask your opinions. I have a couple of the Argentinian minibots still sealed on the cards. Have a look at the pictures & tell me if you think it's worth getting them graded or should I just get some sliding cases to protect them?