Toy Review - Generations VOY Springer

[griffin]

(Please post photos, comments or even a fully comprehensive review - these are just brief details to start you off)

Series - Generations
Sub-line - n/a (Fall of Cybertron label dropped)
Size/class - Voyager
Wave - 3
New/remould/redeco - New
Released here - not expected here (released globally April 2013)
Approximate Retail Price - $40-50 (US$20-25 in America)
Approximate Size - 18cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - Armed car, helicopter
Main Features/Gimmicks - Triple-changer
Main Colours - Green, yellow, dark grey, light grey
Main Accessories - Sword, 2x missiles, missile launcher

NOTE - the original official image is below. The actual Hasbro toy does not have that metallic shine to it. If official photos of the actual toy is released, it will be changed over.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/tftoys/gen48.jpg

[Raptormesh]

Very decent toy, although mine has a few QC issues, notably with a few tolerances on the stubs that requires some carving knife action. The front left hood panel on mine is also loose. Absolutely loving the car mode and the rachets in the joints, but heli mode is a huge letdown and seems to be an afterthought.

Overall well worth the 40 bucks but not more.

Note: I'm not sure if this is the usual hasbro QC, but at times when it does seem like I'm handling a KO toy when transforming it. Also how do you store the cannons in heli mode?

[SharkyMcShark]

Also how do you store the cannons in heli mode?

You fold the landing gear up and it clips into the gap under the nose that the head goes through during transformation (with the launching slider thing facing downwards and the handle facing up towards the cockpit). I

Specifically there's basically a T shaped bit of plastic on the underside of the gun that slides into a slot in the yellow nose piece.

[Raptormesh]

You fold the landing gear up and it clips into the gap under the nose that the head goes through during transformation (with the launching slider thing facing downwards and the handle facing up towards the cockpit). I

Specifically there's basically a T shaped bit of plastic on the underside of the gun that slides into a slot in the yellow nose piece.

Ah I see, thanks very much for that.

[doublespy]

Haven't been this excited about a main line figure since ROTF leader Prime. Having him in hand this figure doesn't disappoint me in any way. Personally I think he's on par with ROTF Prime (not exactly on the engineering level, but the whole package). The two previous CHUG triple-changers, Astrotrain and Octane were decent in their own right, but being deluxes there was just too much constraint that limited the design (Still, the designers did an amazing job especially Octane). I'm so glad they went with voyager class this time and this is hopefuly an indication of more larger sized Generations figures in the future.

Armored car mode:
According to the Toy Fair notes on tfwiki, Hasbro consulted high-end vehicle designers for the new Generations vehicle mode designs. This armored car is probably proof that the consulting money was well spent. It is very stream-lined yet feels chunky and powerful at the same time. Not sure why an armored car needs spoilers but heck it looks cool:D

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer01_zps359ded37.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer01_zps359ded37.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer02_zps60cbd992.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer02_zps60cbd992.jpg.html)


http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer03_zps12a876b7.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer03_zps12a876b7.jpg.html)


He scales pretty well with Defender and Kup in car mode
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer04_zps3e7100d1.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer04_zps3e7100d1.jpg.html)

Chopper mode:
The weaker one of the two alt modes, but in no way is it a weak design itself. First and foremost it's distinguishing enough from the car. IMO better than some alt modes of TFs with only one alt mode we've seen in recent years. Also looks great without the gun attached. The sword/rotor transformation is very neat. Because it's a large sword, the rotor blades have quite heft to them which makes them feel like those on an actual model helicopter.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer06_zps81eba9ef.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer06_zps81eba9ef.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer07_zps3a101725.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer07_zps3a101725.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer08_1_zps5b5fc734.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer08_1_zps5b5fc734.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer09_zps4344859c.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer09_zps4344859c.jpg.html)


Robot mode:
Too perfect to be true this is total robot sexiness:D I don't mind the slight lankiness (required for the chopper mode) at all, which makes him look like a track athlete (Springer has great leaping capability right). Head sculpt is spot on and like peaugh mentioned in his review they even went the extra mile to make the two yellow hood panels on the shoulders slide up and rotate to give him the definitive LSotW look. Very good articulation (Mattel should be ashamed of themselves when Transformers like Springer have almost the same amount articulation as their DC figures while cost you just a few more bucks, and can transform. but I digress). The lack of rocking ankles dosen't affect his stability one bit. There's almost no visably gappy parts and I really appreciate that the gaps on the inside of his thighs are molded like some tech details to make them not stick out too much.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer11_zpsa05bc280.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer11_zpsa05bc280.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer10_1_zpse71a70ac.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer10_1_zpse71a70ac.jpg.html)

He can pull off the box art pose:
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer12_zps2550f92e.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer12_zps2550f92e.jpg.html)

With some of the movie cast:
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer16_zps3215dc1d.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer16_zps3215dc1d.jpg.html)


Transformation is reasonably involved and elegant. The two side window panels in car mode are a bit finicky to line up. The key is make sure that the lower legs peg in on the arms when folded forward. Once you get the hang of it should be smooth transformation all the way.

QC is generally okay partly because there's very little paint apps on Springer. The factory worker that did the green wings on the arm seemed to have trouple staying in a straight line though.
The rotating joint on my copy's left leg (one on the right in photo below) doesn't go all the way forward for some reason. This does not affect robot mode but still something to watch out for.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer14_zpsd68afc0d.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer14_zpsd68afc0d.jpg.html)

Also, the pegs on the gun for it to clip under the chopper mode nose have already shown stress marks. I thought it could slide in the groove but there's just not enough clearance so you have to twist it a bit and clip in that groove. Be careful when you pull it out.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer15_zps573e4b65.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer15_zps573e4b65.jpg.html)


Conclusion:
Easily one of the best figures from Hasbro for a long while. Finally a true triple-changer with three decent modes. A must have.

P.S. Apprarently Hasbro designer Lenny Panzica gave Blitzwing a ten out of ten at Toy Fair. I think someone must have heard it wrong. He must be talking about Springer:p

[Deceptic_Optic]

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/null-18.jpg

[UltraMarginal]

again Doublespy, thanks for the great photo series showing off this figure.

you make it look great. and highlight any potential issues you can see. the comparison shots are great.

Just like Blitzwing I'm hanging for this fella.

[griffin]

I agree... very nice set of pics on both Triplechangers.

[i_amtrunks]

I don't think I need to add anything extra to what Doublespy already posted.

Great figure in all modes, but the robot mode is by far the superior mode, but the car and helicopter are both fantastic. The transformation is simpler than I was expecting, the similarities between car and helicopter surprised me. Colours work well, and I am glad that there are not many paint apps, it keeps the figure simple and bold. Maybe some reprolabel stickers at some point to break up the blocks of colour, but they would not be necessary.

In car mode, the front left panel that comprises the hood has trouble staying in place, but it is a trifle overall compared to the quality of the figure. Certainly on a (very) shortlist for best Hasbro figure of the year, and potentially for the best Transformer of the year from any company.

[SharkyMcShark]

I can only think of two faults with this figure.

1. Lack of lower leg articulation - I know the LSOTW extending shoulder pads are a nice fan nod but I'd have prefered to have non extending shoulder pads and possibly some more ankle articulation (which would possibly have been not workable anyway looking at how close the wheels sit to the feet).

2. Chopper mode - I prefer Springers to have really angular sharp dangerous looking attack chopper modes (which explains in part the unshared appreciation I have for the GDO Springer figure), whereas this one is a more bulky rounded chopper. No big deal, one mode inevitably has to suffer for the other in modern triple changers. It could stand to fit together a bit tighter in chopper mode as well - the arms plug into the sides of the chest which fold down to the waist, but these pieces just sort of hang flush to the body of the vehicle based on joint strength alone. Also I can never get the rear 'skirt' piece to tab into the back of the thighs and sit flush - it always leaves a gap.

Minor gripes at best, this is one of the best voyagers for a long time. It's really really amazing photogenic - I may do a photo set at some point.

[griffin]

The fatter chopper mode is probably intentional so that it could be the better mode for the reuse of the mould as Sandstorm, while Springer has the good robot mode and fairly good alt-modes. I think if they made the helicopter mode too sleek, it wouldn't look right for Sandstorm (which is already gonna look wrong in robot and car modes).

[Deonasis]

Who will step up and turn this into a Batman crossover? Springer (Sandstorm would be better) looks to have a great base for the Batman Tumbler and sky-thingy. A bit of modding and some lowsheen black could get this VERY close to two of Bruce's favourite vehicles.

[stencilator]

I definitely would.... if I had two. I have one on the way and he will stay as Springer, but if I ever come across a cheap one I would do this for sure. I'm not normally a fan of crossovers, but I can see batman having a giant robot in his arsenal and why not a robot that transforms into his car AND chopper. Transport and backup all in one. Plus I think he would look really cool in black and grey with a batman logo on the hood.

[lancalot]

Who will step up and turn this into a Batman crossover? Springer (Sandstorm would be better) looks to have a great base for the Batman Tumbler and sky-thingy. A bit of modding and some lowsheen black could get this VERY close to two of Bruce's favourite vehicles.

Wow...that a good idea :)

[Deonasis]

Wow...that a good idea :)Do eet! It is a free idea for all! We have a group of very talented customisers here at OTCA and if the mould allows it (i haven't handled it) we can do this justice. Personally I don't have the cash or zero finished customs out of my attempts :o

[Soundwarp]

Man some of these Generations are just PERFECT!

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Springer16_zps3215dc1d.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Springer16_zps3215dc1d.jpg.html)

[Deonasis]

Man some of these Generations are just PERFECT!


Yep, and this group shot is the first time i have wanted FP Protector too!

[kup]

I can't wait for my Springer to arrive!

[The Scream Man]

Got mine today. The Guns a little oversized for my tastes, and unless Im doing soemthing wrong it doesnt lock 100% in Vehicle... but his robot mode is awesome, and Im glad to have him!

[Tallestblue]

Springer is pretty amazing. all awesome alt modes and robot modes. I haven't had a Transformer this well done in a long time.

[SMHFConvoy]

I'm loving this guy but some of the yellow paint started to chip of the body during transformation. I forgive this a bit 'cause he does transform into an armoured vehicle.

[GoktimusPrime]

Bloody great toy! :D The rotor-sword design is quite clever and each mode is fairly solid and work well as a Triple Changer. Gorgeous sculpt with very nice colours. Only minor triple would be the spoiler/stabiliser wing parts which don't lock into position in robot mode.

Highly recommended http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_yum.gif

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Triple%20Changers/triplechanger_springer1_zps448c3d56.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Triple%20Changers/triplechanger_springer2_zpsf1906bca.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Triple%20Changers/triplechanger_springer3_zpse50dba96.jpg

[Lord_Zed]

Yeah he is very nice, when I got him I regained faith in Hasbro, till I opened Blitzwing.

[CBratron]

Not bad at all. No hint of hollowness that has been seen in TF toys of late. Solid construction, especially in the legs.

My only qualm is his car mode and how the bonnet is in 3 distinct parts instead of one continuous surface.
Actually there's a second small complaint, also in car mode. It's really difficult to get the windscreen to stay pegged together.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah he is very nice, when I got him I regained faith in Hasbro, till I opened Blitzwing.

Having read comments about Blitzwing and Springer, I intentionally opened Blitzwing first. ;)


My only qualm is his car mode and how the bonnet is in 3 distinct parts instead of one continuous surface.
I don't mind it as it helps to make the car and copter modes more distinctive from each other. And once pegged correctly, it looks pretty smooth anyway. :)


Actually there's a second small complaint, also in car mode. It's really difficult to get the windscreen to stay pegged together.
I have no difficulty with mine. It's a little bit fiddly; would help if the pegs were larger I suppose, but I wouldn't say difficult. Not on mine anyway. :o

Blitzwing on the other hand is a freakin' nightmare to peg properly. :(

[CBratron]

I don't mind it as it helps to make the car and copter modes more distinctive from each other. And once pegged correctly, it looks pretty smooth anyway. :)

You have no problems with the gaps at all?:confused:

[lancalot]

You have no problems with the gaps at all?:confused:

once my one all line up it fit nicely :) .... but it alot of fiddling first to get it in there

[GoktimusPrime]

Same. It's a little bit fiddly (not a whole lot), but once everything lines up it's fine. It'd be easier if the plastic were more solid and/or if the tabs were larger, but it's not terribly difficult.

[Lord_Zed]

My Springer has some pegging issues, but they are fairly minor, my Blitzwing can't be pegged at all in bot mode.

I opened Springer first, to break up Springer and Sandstorm (when he arrives). Opening a toy and a retool back to back, its a bit lackluster.

[GoktimusPrime]

Playing with Springer today at Supanova, I've noticed that one side of my Springer's car mode doesn't line up as well as the other side. So it seems to be a QA issue and perhaps not all figures are affected. Cos the right side of my Springer has no gaps at all, but left one does. But as Lord_Zed said, it is a pretty minor issue and nothing compared to Blitzwing.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Conventions/Supanova%202013/supanova2013g_zpsf845b4de.jpg

[CBratron]

Playing with Springer today at Supanova, I've noticed that one side of my Springer's car mode doesn't line up as well as the other side. So it seems to be a QA issue and perhaps not all figures are affected. Cos the right side of my Springer has no gaps at all, but left one does. But as Lord_Zed said, it is a pretty minor issue and nothing compared to Blitzwing.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Conventions/Supanova%202013/supanova2013g_zpsf845b4de.jpg

Check underneath. The yellow parts that peg into his chest sometimes get caught on the head/neck assembly.

[SMHFConvoy]

Mine doesn't line up on both sides but the parts all stay where they're supposed to.

[GoktimusPrime]

Check underneath. The yellow parts that peg into his chest sometimes get caught on the head/neck assembly.
Cheers, I'll be mindful of that next time I transform it to Brazilian Batmobile mode. ;)

Mine doesn't line up on both sides but the parts all stay where they're supposed to.
Yeah, it's a nuisance but it's relatively bearable. It personally doesn't bother me enough to make me want to do an overseas exchange, but if I'd bought it locally I totally would try. Knowing my luck w/ Animated Blitzwing, they'd all have something dodgy... (-_-)

[Bidoofdude]

My Thoughts:

Pros:
Visually astounding :eek:
Colours fit nicely
Good classics representation of Springer
Good design basis (IDW)
Rotor sword
Light piping
Well pulled off alternate modes

Cons:
End tailfin comes off sometimes
Instructions were a little hard to follow at first
My shoulders are a tad flimsy/loose

This is an amazing representation of Springer, in his IDW Nick Roche (I think I got that right :o;)) representation. The robot mode, although a little skinny, fits nicely and his stealthy-looking robot body works well.

The alternate modes are nicely pulled off and distinction can be made between the two, unlike some other representations of Springer. ;) Though mass is kind of a problem, it can easily be overlooked.

Weapons are very nice. The rotor to sword transformation works effectively and there are no flaws in the design of the sword. The gun is nice and as said by others, he works well with big weapons. The missile launcher Springer comes with is round and big, just the way he likes it. :p The push missiles, which normally do not work too well on some figures, are well camouflaged at the back and do not make the figure look goofy.

Light piping and posability are quite good on this guy as well, with few hindrances in articulation.

Overall, amazing figure and a great addition to any classics or triple changer collection.

Visual: 10/10 Playability: 9/10 Transformation: 9/10 Alt Modes: 9/10

Overall: 37/40
Mean of Scores: 9.25/10 (92.5%- A+)

Very good figure. Highly recommended. :cool:

[BigTransformerTrev]

I quite like his robot and armoured car modes - for some reason the helicopter mode just doesn't do it for me. There seems to be too much coming off the sides where his arms fold up, which admittedly the G1 toy suffered from as well.

Overall a good figure though and best Springer representation we've had since the original.

[Bidoofdude]

My arms are very loose at the shoulder ball joint. :( Painted with clear nail polish.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I just got around to opening mine last night. I waited for the TakTom version and it would seem I am in the minority, but I prefer the softer colours. Pretty damn amazing figure. Love the armoured car mode and robot mode is as evryone has said pretty impressive.

Helicopter mode.... Well, don't really like it much at all to be honest, but I do like that the transformation from robot to car and robot to helicopter is fairly different. As opposed to just a few changes of the car for the chopper.

Light piping is incredible in hi blue eyes. Very impressive figure this one and all the good points far outweigh the fairly ugly chopper mode. I find it so bad, I almost have trouble believing it to be a helicopter....

The blades/sword thing is very cool, and the fact there is a bit of transformation for it is nice as well. Not so sold on his gun, but it is big enough, I just think the sculpt of it was sacrificed for the missiles too much. Having said that though, that is the main reason I have bought some other weapon sets of various sorts to go with him.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Just opened mine (TT version) and yeah...what everyone else has said.
Wow. I'm enjoying him more than MP Prowl.
Robot mode is amazing, car mode is pretty good aside from the gaps, and helicopter mode is OK. All things considered this is an incredible piece.

Really glad TT altered the colours from the first shots we got - he's not as bright as the Hasbro version but he looks vibrant enough that it works.

[Lint]

I just got around to opening mine last night. I waited for the TakTom version and it would seem I am in the minority, but I prefer the softer colours.

I got the TakTom version too. The green is vastly different to the promo pics (I was actually looking forward to the olivey green but oh well :rolleyes:) and is more akin to the Hasbro version. Overall the plastic/paint colours are quite representative of the original G1 Toy, especially the yellow.

I opened Blitzwing first which made this toy feel a little... well... boring. Perhaps the designers were deliberately going for a G1 inspired transformation. While the transformation is way more elegant and solid than Blitzwing, neither alt mode looks or feels particularly good. Springer is meant to be a heroic swashbuckling bot and neither of these attributes are reflected in his alt-mode designs which seem to be inspired from cold-war era Russia which is not reknowned for being especially heroic or swashbuckling. I feel like if they were going to go this far for G1 accuracy, they should have fully gone for a futuristic look. Unfortunately I think it was always in their design plan to have this mold also service as Sandstorm.

As with Blitzwing the bot mode is the strongest. You get good articulation, poseability and balance (HAH! Take that FP Defender).

Overall this guy still wins the award for best Springer toy ever, mostly because he is a triple changer and we havent had a triple changing Springer since the days of old. I just wish they had invested in making him just Springer and not Sandstorm as well as the Sandstorm elements really interfere with his look and character.

[kurdt_the_goat]

I'm very late to the party, but I finally got this toy as Legends Springer. I couldn't really decide which of the earlier colours i liked (this or Sandstorm!) and skipped it back then. I always wanted the toy and so when i the Legends version was announced, put in a preorder. Over time i was getting a little worried about the shade of green and considered cancelling... but stuck with it and glad i did!

I opened this along with a bunch of MP's stockpiling at my inlaws recently, and first impression of robot mode is at least as impressive as the MPs. To the touch, you can tell the difference, and the fit in car mode especially is kind of weak, but overall it's a great looking and posing figure. I really like the headsculpt, it's perfect! In person, the green is a very good match next to MP Hot Rod and Magnus, and is really vibrant and deep - the photos aren't a good representation, the green gets blown out or looks more pastel than it is in real life. The varying shades are more distinct than they appear as well, and there's a lot of little paint apps over the place that give it a more premium feel.

I know why they have them all yellow, but I wonder if they'd have painted the tops of his shoulder pads green, and left the underside yellow.. you'd have a pretty believable colour scheme in all modes, which would be mighty impressive for a triple changer!

http://i.imgur.com/zUe7LFHl.jpg
(http://i.imgur.com/zUe7LFH.jpg)
http://i.imgur.com/T8GQNm3l.jpg
(http://i.imgur.com/T8GQNm3.jpg)
http://i.imgur.com/2zgIL4Bl.jpg
(http://i.imgur.com/2zgIL4B.jpg)
http://i.imgur.com/ww4xagWl.jpg
(http://i.imgur.com/ww4xagW.jpg)
http://i.imgur.com/XoN54zNl.jpg
(http://i.imgur.com/XoN54zN.jpg)

[shockNwave]

Speaking as a former Blitzwing loyalist because despite the Generations Blitzwing being the best Blitzwing I've encountered, this Springer is so faultless that I cannot even nitpick on it.

[yoshi594]

i really like the new legends springer compared to the old. Easier on the eyes and it matches the movie colours! mould wise, i find sandstorm much better. It's a bit of a change as I own both g1 counterparts and love my springer over sandstorm :p