Toy Review - Beast Hunters Ultimate Predaking

[griffin]

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

Series - Transformers Prime
Sub-line - Beast Hunters
Size/class - Ultimate
New/remould/redeco - new
Wave - 1
Released here - May 2013 (not yet globally)
Approximate Retail Price - $69
Approximate Size - 25cm
Allegiance - Predacon
Alt-mode - dragon
Main Features/Gimmicks - Electronic (lights), launching missiles.
Main Colours - black, orange, silver
Main Accessories - Sword, 2x missiles, 2x launchers, 2 wings

NOTE - tail/sword is silver, not orange.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/tftoys/tfpbh16.jpg

[ILikeSoundwave]

Some pics:
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/LMiura/Beast%20hunters%20Predaking/029.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/LMiura/Beast%20hunters%20Predaking/031.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/LMiura/Beast%20hunters%20Predaking/032.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/LMiura/Beast%20hunters%20Predaking/030.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/LMiura/Beast%20hunters%20Predaking/035.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/LMiura/Beast%20hunters%20Predaking/037.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/LMiura/Beast%20hunters%20Predaking/045.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/LMiura/Beast%20hunters%20Predaking/046.jpg

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

So just to confirm here, the 'fire breath' is just an LED in his mouth. No sparking gimmick I guess?

If it sparked, I might be tempted to pic it up.

[ILikeSoundwave]

So just to confirm here, the 'fire breath' is just an LED in his mouth. No sparking gimmick I guess?

If it sparked, I might be tempted to pic it up.

Just the LED, they could have at least added some sounds.

[Sinnertwin]

So just to confirm here, the 'fire breath' is just an LED in his mouth. No sparking gimmick I guess?

If it sparked, I might be tempted to pic it up.

No sparks, TC, just light

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Yeah, when he comes out over here I'm getting one. That said, I kinda wish they'd designed his missile launcher things so they could clip onto the orange parts on his flank in dragon mode so he wouldn't have those orange bits breaking up the black on his body.

[Tallestblue]

Just the LED, they could have at least added some sounds.

Darn, I was really hoping for a shriek, like Cybertron Scourge.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

No sparks, TC, just light

Boo, but thanks Sinnertwin, saves me wasting anymore time on it.:D

[GoktimusPrime]

I saw this toy in box at Kmart last night... not convinced to buy one since I have the Voyager. Colourwise the Ultimate version is superior to the Voyager, no doubt's there. But designwise I'm unconvinced that it's worth getting. One thing I really like about the Voyager is that they avoided making it another "stand up quadraped" TF (i.e. where the forelegs become the beast appendages are also the robot appendages). The forelegs become the robot arms, sure, but the hind legs actually stow away and the rear part of the body transforms into the robot legs. Granted there does appear to be some transformation involved with making the hind legs into the robot legs, but it doesn't look to be quite as clever as the Voyager.

[SkyWarp91]

Holy moly this guy doesn't look too bad, I haven't been keeping up with any of the new PRIME figures recently but I'm quite impressed!

[AJ_Prime]

I quite enjoy this figure. It's true, the transform is simple and generally one might expect something a little more complex for a figure this size and price. However it's a fun toy to play with and looks fantastic amongst the other tfprime figures. A fine addition to the collection in my opinion. Even his limp-wristedness is easy enough to fix with some clear nail polish on the ball joints.

[lancalot]

I though this was a good figure when i got it a few days ago ...but the transformation abit simple.... then i got the voyager version today !:eek: it is so much better ..!! it actually transforms properly and a better engineering than this ultimate...they should of scaled up the voyager mold and lose the LED and it doesn't even have sound which was might biggest surprise , thinking i had a defective one...

[Omega Metro]

Simple transformation! Can't get any better than that. Love it.:)

[The Scream Man]

the limited articulation on both heads is a bit of a bummer, but the size and attitude of the toy just wow me. He looks awesome in both modes, and the size really sells him. Also the little symbols on the wings and shoulders are great.

i didnt get him myself, my roommate did, but i as very impressed with the toy.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Any chance of some pics with BW TM2 Megs?:)

[SMHFConvoy]

I got this iteration of Predaking today. I'm really happy with it.

+ Size.
+ Simple conversion. It's not always a bad thing.
+ Great sculpt. Lots of detail.
+ Strong LED bulbs.
+ Ball jointed ankles.

- Lack of paint application.
- Lower legs are a single piece, although it looks like it should transform.
- Weak ball jointed wrists.

I like this toy. It's best feature (for me) was the size. I'd probably recommend getting it at a better price point (I'm just impatient.) :)

[Tallestblue]

It is Massive and Lighty-flashy so it has that going for it. But...it's missing a nice screaming noise. And it seems Hasbro isn't giving away batteries anymore...

[Omega Metro]

It is Massive and Lighty-flashy so it has that going for it. But...it's missing a nice screaming noise. And it seems Hasbro isn't giving away batteries anymore...

You have a voice don't you? Scream it yourself!:)
And with regards to the batteries, I think it's good that there's no batteries included as mines staying sealed and I worry that the batteries would corrode if they were there.

[GoktimusPrime]

You have a voice don't you? Scream it yourself!:)
+1. :) I'm not a huge fan of sound gimmicks. It's much more fun to provide your own voices, and often sound gimmicks can impede on engineering. It can work well on some toys (e.g. G1 Shockwave, Galvatron), but many other times it tends to be a detractive feature. :(

[5FDP]

+1. :) I'm not a huge fan of sound gimmicks. It's much more fun to provide your own voices, and often sound gimmicks can impede on engineering. It can work well on some toys (e.g. G1 Shockwave, Galvatron), but many other times it tends to be a detractive feature. :(

What about the Optimus Prime voice changer helmet? ;) :p

[Spiritprime]

The figure is great! He's extremely posable, but his neck is kind of difficult to position due to the spring. I haven't tried to transform him yet due to loving his dragon form. He's a beast in this form! No pun intended.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh84/spiritprime/IMG_0024_zps40d0e408.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh84/spiritprime/IMG_0025_zps525dd828.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh84/spiritprime/IMG_0028_zps6994d120.jpg

[Trent]

Any chance of some pics with BW TM2 Megs?:)

That's a good idea. Pity I don't have either.

[SMHFConvoy]

Any chance of some pics with BW TM2 Megs?:)

I'll take some pics this weekend.

[SMHFConvoy]

It is Massive and Lighty-flashy so it has that going for it. But...it's missing a nice screaming noise. And it seems Hasbro isn't giving away batteries anymore...

It would add too much mass and up the price point.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I'll take some pics this weekend.Cheers.:)

Looking at the shots here, I can't help but think that Hasbro should have scrapped the gimmicks and opted for a more poseable head and tail instead. Much as I'm a sucker for dragons, this toy is probably going on the 'wait until I find one loose for cheap' list. EDIT - Aww, having just watched Kalel's video review he's gonna have to be really cheap to be worth getting.:(

[gekisou]

I did a review of this for some of the guys in the US.

I have to admit, I LOVE his dragon mode but his robot mode really let me down. The weak wrist ball joint, the simple transformation, it all didn't work for me.

That's why he's gonna stay in dragon mode which is pretty awesome.

I would only recommend it if you can find it closer to the Voyager price.

[KalEl]

Video Review of Beast Hunters Ultimate Predaking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pz-J1N4goA

Note: I realize the audio is out in places... Really really annoying me :( but it uploaded while i was at work and now it's too late. Sorry for the inconvenience. Hope you still enjoy :)

Big Bad Dragon! A very cool version of Predaking from transformers beast hunters. Fantastic size and fun play pattern.
The weakest part of predaking is the lack of articulation in the dragon head and/or lack or a locking mechanism, Otherwise articulation is beast mode is fine. With a massive wingspan he is quite imposing.

Predaking has some really nice paint apps (see his thighs) but a lot of lacking areas too. Many moulded details are lost due to lack of paint.The budget has gone the the wings with I suppose is a required evil. He also has a bunch of cybertronian runes scattered all over him which is a really nice touch.

Articulation and robot mode is fairly good and mostly kibble free.

I do recommend this figure as the beast Predaking mold out at the moment.

Full Gallery Here: Click http://kalelreviews.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/transformers-beast-hunters-beast-fire-predaking-ultimate-video-review-and-gallery/

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/KalElofKrypton87/Untitled-1_zps120d31cf.jpg (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/KalElofKrypton87/media/Untitled-1_zps120d31cf.jpg.html)

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/KalElofKrypton87/Untitled-8_zps822bc147.jpg (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/KalElofKrypton87/media/Untitled-8_zps822bc147.jpg.html)

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/KalElofKrypton87/Untitled-3_zps063c01c6.jpg (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/KalElofKrypton87/media/Untitled-3_zps063c01c6.jpg.html)

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/KalElofKrypton87/Untitled-7_zps1cf325bf.jpg (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/KalElofKrypton87/media/Untitled-7_zps1cf325bf.jpg.html)

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/KalElofKrypton87/Untitled-10_zpsb0fab142.jpg (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/KalElofKrypton87/media/Untitled-10_zpsb0fab142.jpg.html)

[SMHFConvoy]

Cheers.:)

Looking at the shots here, I can't help but think that Hasbro should have scrapped the gimmicks and opted for a more poseable head and tail instead. Much as I'm a sucker for dragons, this toy is probably going on the 'wait until I find one loose for cheap' list.

I would've loved an articulated tail because the part as a weapon does look like it could be a ranged weapon. Because I like this toy so much I can forgive the limited articulation of both heads.

[KalEl]

I would've loved an articulated tail because the part as a weapon does look like it could be a ranged weapon. Because I like this toy so much I can forgive the limited articulation of both heads.

It really is a cool toy

[AJ_Prime]

A little tip for making his head stay permanently forward - I use those clear elastic bands in the box and hook one end over the lever and the other end under any small protrusion under his body. It's not too noticeable.

Also take the batteries out first so they don't go flat. :D

[KalEl]

A little tip for making his head stay permanently forward - I use those clear elastic bands in the box and hook one end over the lever and the other end under any small protrusion under his body. It's not too noticeable.

Also take the batteries out first so they don't go flat. :D

Can also wedge a small item into neck

[griffin]

I really love the sculpting on this toy, but the lack of articulation in the neck and tail are a bit of a let-down.

[AJ_Prime]

Can also wedge a small item into neck

That works too :)

Great review by the way, I was looking forward to to your Ultimate Predaking review. Enjoyed it.

[KalEl]

That works too :)

Great review by the way, I was looking forward to to your Ultimate Predaking review. Enjoyed it.

Cheers :)

[Kazza]

I bought Predaking today, my first and only prime toy and I really like it. The quality/detail on Predaking looks superior than the Optimus Prime.

[KalEl]

I bought Predaking today, my first and only prime toy and I really like it. The quality/detail on Predaking looks superior than the Optimus Prime.

very much so it's a real winner

[SMHFConvoy]

Here is a comparison pics with BW TM2 Megatron. Btw BW Dragon Megatron's beast mode is 21 inches tall.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/8835820235_fb99389fda.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50415524@N03/8835820235/)
BW MT BH PK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50415524@N03/8835820235/) by ENsoehardi (http://www.flickr.com/people/50415524@N03/), on Flickr


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/8836471848_5e008eba37.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50415524@N03/8836471848/)
BEAST MODE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50415524@N03/8836471848/) by ENsoehardi (http://www.flickr.com/people/50415524@N03/), on Flickr

[Zommael]

Here is a comparison pics with BW TM2 Megatron. Btw BW Dragon Megatron's beast mode is 21 inches tall.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/8835820235_fb99389fda.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50415524@N03/8835820235/)
BW MT BH PK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50415524@N03/8835820235/) by ENsoehardi (http://www.flickr.com/people/50415524@N03/), on Flickr


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/8836471848_5e008eba37.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50415524@N03/8836471848/)
BEAST MODE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50415524@N03/8836471848/) by ENsoehardi (http://www.flickr.com/people/50415524@N03/), on Flickr

21 inches = 52cm. BW Dragon Megs is NOT that big. It would make him nearly as big as Fort Max! I think you mean he's 21cm tall...

[SMHFConvoy]

Look man just hold him length wise across predaking's wingspan. From snout to tail. It matches. Last time I do something nice.

[Zommael]

Look man just hold him length wise across predaking's wingspan. From snout to tail. It matches. Last time I do something nice.

Oh, please don't be like that. I meant to correct an inaccuracy, not show you up or call you out. I'm surprised it's that big but as I presently own neither toy I can't check. I'm sorry I offended you.

[SMHFConvoy]

Oh, please don't be like that. I meant to correct an inaccuracy, not show you up or call you out. I'm surprised it's that big but as I presently own neither toy I can't check. I'm sorry I offended you.

I'm not wrong.

[GoktimusPrime]

Measuring tape to the rescue!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/tm2megatronmeasurements_zps5cce562b.jpg
Transmetal 2 Megatron is:
+ 43.5cm long from snout to tail
+ 35cm expanded wingspan
+ 27cm standing height (slouching neck and dragging tail)

So there you go. :)

[BigTransformerTrev]

Grabbed this guy last weekend. Personally the most fun I have found from it is making his head bob, mouth open and do different accents and laughs to amuse my wife (her personal favorites are vampire-voice and old-perverted-man guffaw).

I really like this figure, most impressive dragon I've gotten since Cybertron: Scourge. Getting that battery-cover off is a pain in the backside though - is a flathead better than a star? Tried with a star the other night, couldn't get it off and was too busy to try again another way.

[ComicGuy89]

This guy is quite underrated. He's a nice size, has a great wingspan, and looks nice in both modes. Best of all is his abundance of satisfying, clicky joints.

I'll admit the sword is a bit of a disappointment due to how difficult it is to pose him with it and how frighteningly tight it fits in his hand. Nevertheless, in the few poses he can hold, it looks quite imposing.

The rest of the figure is amazing. Solidly built, a decent heft, and just looks plain awesome both ways. I love the light up, moving-neck feature too. No, he isn't as awesome as some of the older leaders and supremes, but he's a relatively great buy and definitely my favourite toy of Predaking. Also the best dragon I have (though I do not own the BW TM2 Megatron, so this may be an uneducated judgment).

[Paulbot]

Seeing the toy on sale for $40 makes me wonder if it's worth getting so I came here. Reading the comments hasn't really convinced me, sheer size seems to be the key feature but none one that wins me over (space concerns). Is it show accurate? (Does Predaking appear in the show?). It seems really good value but not sure it's for me.

[Deonasis]

Seeing the toy on sale for $40 makes me wonder if it's worth getting so I came here. Reading the comments hasn't really convinced me, sheer size seems to be the key feature but none one that wins me over (space concerns). Is it show accurate? (Does Predaking appear in the show?). It seems really good value but not sure it's for me.I am in the same boat. would like to play with the mold and for $40 he is probably resellable for $30. I have a few other buys to take care of first so 'so-so Predaking' remains on the backburner for now. I hope i don't need to kick myself later if i miss it.

Also there is a very big new voyager mould of Predaking coming out that i am interested in seeing comparisions with.

[UltraMarginal]

I got this guy ages ago, I would happily grab it for $40.

Head and neck articulation relies entiely on the lever activated head extension/roar gimmick though I like how it moves and is pretty easy to activate, looking good with the light from inside.

The wing attachment points where batteries are held are a little ugly but unless your looking right at it they aren't that noticeable. The Dragon mode overall has some good poseability in the forearms(requireing some jiggling of the shoulder pads) and limited poseability in the Legs. Wings can be folded and have a ratchet bend in them towards the body allowing for multiple set ups.

Transformation is a RatchetTastic event, not to be done late at night :eek:
The robot mode is fairly close to show model excepting that the wings don't fold away quite as much as they do in the show and the tail is never used as a sword that I recall. Lighting effect is used here as well but not as nice as the "Dragon Roar" stance of the beast mode.

The Robot mode articulation reflects that of the beast mode, with better articulation in the ankles.

As mentioned by others the biggest let down is the limp wrists for holding the sword, keeping in mind that the sword is a comparatively massive chunk of heavy plastic. Some poses are still possible but again, I can't think of a moment in the show where he used his tail as a sword.

The supplied weapons don't look anything like the show models internal forearm weapons and attach to the beast mode which also never happened in the show.

As shown by others pictures it scales well with other voyager class figures from the series.

It might be worth waiting to see what the new upscaled voyager mold turns out like but for me, for the moment this is the best representation of this mold. I just can't fit it in my Beast hunters display in Beast mode. :o