Probably not going to get an unbiased opinion on whether Zeta Bruticus is a good figure or not. That’s like asking people on this site if they think Transformers is a good franchise lol

 

I really like him and am very happy with him, but he's not perfect. Here are the issues that I noticed.

The Bruticus's differed in quality. The first version was the flimsiest, the later one was improved (like that leg you mention), but Its not without its issues. He's fairly stable (zeta combiners have adjustable (front/back) hips, which allow to better distribute the weight. The bot mode are sacrificed for combined mode, and the vehicle modes are updated. So if you want super accurate, this guy doesn't work. If not, he's OK. Articulation is fairly good, but it is limited (e.g.elbow only goes about 90 degrees, shoulders are peculiar). Some bits are a bit flimsy. Most irritatingly, the feet have a tendency to fall off. The treads on Brawl can be a PITA. So, TBH, if it comes to manipulation, it can be irritating at times. I'm not sure I'd recommend him to you, though he completely satisfies my Bruticus needs.
Vortex doesn't blow up, some bits that peg in (the tailfin) tend to fall off sometimes. IMO bot modes suck. If I displayed them in bot mode I'd go for MMC's version.

 

I preordered the ZA-08 from Showz as well. Now I can mix and match with my metallic version. Now I need to sell off my ZA-06 which I never even used or combined. Since it is almost identical to the metallic there is no point in keeping it. If anyone is interested please let me know. It is live in my sales thread.

 

I bought a Constructor Perfect Edition from Junkbot a while back and can attest that he was a fantastic seller to do business with!

 

Thanks brother!

 

Okay, sorry to have to ask this, but... How are Zeta for parts replacements? I was getting ready to sell my original Armageddon set, but as I was carrying it to the desk for dismantling, the dodgy knee connection on swindle gave out and the leg fell off, breaking the (annoyingly thin) connection between the ratchet and the bar that attaches to the bottom of swindle. I've tried superglue, but the ratchet is far too stiff and the piece just breaks off, so... How are Zeta for ordering replacement parts? I can't sell the set in this state, but I've heard bad things about Zeta's customer service, or lack thereof, so is it worth getting in touch with them or should I just ponder out how to fix this (help appreciated, btw)?

 

I got my original set from Baba and I needed a ton of spare parts from Zeta. They eventually came through but some of the parts I needed came from their Superior because they didn't have any spares. I ended up having to paint them though.

 

Is there any way to get this guy with the "old" chest? Most of the preorders I see depict him that way but they are probably wrong.

 

If the chest is like Superitron, then the new chest was a cover to put on the old one, but the old chest with Armageddon looks to have fins that stick out too much to simply have a cover making it look the way it does. I dont think anyone knows for sure but the new preorders specify new chest version so if its completely changed and not a cover, I dont think the old one would be available. That's just what I think.

You've seen preorders that say they're for the new version but they are showing the old version?

 

Yeah, for example this one on Aliexpress:

388.99US $ |Robot Zeta jouets ZA07 Bruticon Bruticus, ensemble complet de boîtes en édition métallique, figurine d'action de Transformation, PRE SALE, ZA 07 | AliExpress

 

Oh I see, that store is legit, but I tend not to preorder through stores on Aliexpress or ebay. Those stores do often use a lot of previous version photos when listing products which makes things confusing. Unless your location gets you cheap enough shipping through Aliexpress, I'd recommend ShowZ or Terry's for a big item like Bruticus plus preordering sooner than later will get you a cheaper price. Unfortunately we have to wait for more info regarding the chest, but with ShowZ, as any new info comes out they will update the description which a lot of stores dont do.

 

It this supposed to be releasing soon? Showz says first quarter, which I assume means before the end of March, right?

 

yeah stuff like that is why I don’t trust Ali. I’m waiting on ShowZ. To be fair though, it’s a poor job of labeling on Zeta’s part. They’re calling both the old metallic toon style and the new metallic toon style with the Blast Off chest the 07, whereas they’re calling the one with the G1 toy blue thighs the 08. It’s all very confusing. I’m gonna make sure they confirm they’re sending me the right thing

 

Yeah, seems like March

 

Oh, so the ZA08 is toy colours; ZA07 is the toon. Besides the colouring, they both are the same and both have die-cast chests? Sorry for the qu. Hard to find info... I was just confused why Showz has the 08 for so much cheaper than the 07 on preorder.

 

The blue torso colour is like their first release that seems to be less popular than the toon colouring. I think they just know they can charge more because people will want toon accurate colours with the toon accurate chest. I'm pretty sure they both come with the new chest, but I hope they both come with both chests.

Also, the toon version started at $400 but bumped up to $420 after a couple weeks.

 

I owned the first V1 for a few years, didn't know this until today I decided to paint the eyes red, then I found Bruticus head can open to reveal the internal structure.

 

So I own what I believe is the first version of Armageddon. Got a side question:

Are there any 3rd-party versions of Defensor that match this figure in scale?

 

X-Transbots is only 2/5 done, but so far it is the only other announced 20-inch Defensor. MMC Defensor (also only 2/5 done I think) and Maketoys Guardia are both shorter than the Zeta-combiner scale.

 

Not yet, but In a year or two you’ll have XTB and kinda MMC. XTB being the only one actually 20”.