Which is your favorite Springer figure?

[Gasaraki]

Alright, we got quite a few Springers now, so I'm keen to hear what people think. Tell which one is your fav and why. Will be interesting to see if anyone's favorite is the Generations Deluxe version!



G1 Springer (1986)
http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/9/9f/SpringerG1Toy.JPG


Timelines Deluxe Springer (BotCon 2007)
http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/c/cf/Springerbotcontoy.jpg


Universe Voyager Springer (2008)
http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/3/32/Universe2008_Springer_comicpack_toy.jpg


Warbot Defender (FansProject 2010)
http://wikialpha.org/wiki/images/d/df/Warbotdefendertoy.jpg


Generations Deluxe Springer (2012)
http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/0/05/Generationstoy_Springer.jpg


Generations Voyager Springer (2013)
http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/6/6b/Generationstoy-VoyagerSpringer.jpg

[i_amtrunks]

Since there are only two genuine triple changer licensed figures to choose from, it made for a very easy choice!

If Springer was just a helicopter, then it would be a harder decision, the Cybertro Evac mold is amongst my favourite molds ever. The Cybertron Defense Hot Shot is another favourite.

[Sinnertwin]

Since there are only two genuine triple changer licensed figures to choose from, it made for a very easy choice!

Ditto. I'm old school so it's '86 for me

[CBratron]

First and foremost: He needs to be a triple changer.
Second: Needs articulation. I like my action poses
Third: Needs bulk. My first time seeing him was in the '86 movie. He was was a burly warrior and needs to look armoured.

So Warbot Defender is the best depiction of Springer for me.

[kup]

Yet to experience the new 'IDW' Hasbro Springer so no comment on engineering yet. However I will say that from all those pics, the IDW one probably is the best looking one.

(that Defender robot mode pose is also horrible)

[Bidoofdude]

I like the IDW look a bit more. Gives him more personality in my eyes. :D;)

[SMHFConvoy]

You didn't add the rotf legends Springer. He was an osprey helicopter

[Trent]

After playing with IDW one today at the toy fair, I'm gonna have to go with it. It's better than all that came before.

[Gouki]

Warbot looks pretty bad compared to the Roche inspired Springer. Definitely a smack back down to Earth, that the designers weren't expecting I think, He has the G1 blocky asthetic down though.:P

It's a shame the Cybertron Defense Springer and Evac!Springer can't be combined in some way, as I love both of those moulds immensely, some of my favourites of all time.

The only Springer I ever owned, though, is the Asia Generations one. It was fine enough for what it was, but as soon as the Voyager was announced it was hard to care about him. Awesome head though.

[tinyJazz]

I always thought the Warbot Defender was a terrible representation of Springer. Like they missed the mark on everything but the helicopter mode. The face doesn't come close, the colours are off, the robot mode is too busy.
I'm assuming people loved it because it was a fun toy though.

I have the Generations Deluxe version because I really love the Tomahawk mold, but I don't think it's stature suits Springer. Especially when compared to the Generations voyager. He just looks like a gangly teen version. :D

So yeah, I voted Generations Voyager for looking like the best representation of the character. I do really like the funky stickers on the G1 Springer though.

[Quickstrike]

New Springer makes all of the others redundant. Otherwise I'd say Universe Springer, I love that mold.

Botcon Springer is awesome but he doesn't really look like Springer.

I've said Springer too many times.

[Gasaraki]

Fascinating to read the variety of points of view...


Since there are only two genuine triple changer licensed figures to choose from, it made for a very easy choice!

Yeah, I do personally think Springer should be a triple changer too... although nothing wrong if you wanna pick Defender. Before the Generations Voyager release, many people may well pick Defender as the choice Springer.


First and foremost: He needs to be a triple changer.
Second: Needs articulation. I like my action poses
Third: Needs bulk. My first time seeing him was in the '86 movie. He was was a burly warrior and needs to look armoured.

So Warbot Defender is the best depiction of Springer for me.

Agree with the points too... although I think Generations Voyager seems good enough on the tough stakes based on pics. I have him on pre-order still waiting to arrive, so can't comment based on in-hand experience.

Springer has a rated strength of 10 and spec total of 66, so he is one of the toughest bots there is. The list of Autobots with strength 10 who are not Combiner forms or City-bots is very short. The list of all transformers with a spec total of 66 or higher is even shorter. Of course, all this doesn't necessarily have to have any bearing on which you pick as favorite...

I own Universe Springer, and Universe Roadbuster (recolor of the BotCon mold)... but I picked the Generations Voyager for many of the reasons listed by others.


You didn't add the rotf legends Springer. He was an osprey helicopter

Actually, I didn't know about that figure. But alien insectoid movie aesthetics alone may have been enough reason not to include him! :rolleyes:

[Sky Shadow]

Since there are only two genuine triple changer licensed figures to choose from, it made for a very easy choice!

BotCon Springer is about as much a Triple Changer as the G1 mould. :p

And no Kre-O Springer? What a rort! ;) I voted G1 though. There's no competition for favourite. I loved that toy as a kid (and as a slightly-less-of-a-kid) - none of the others will ever come close.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Will vote if/when BBTS sends me my Springer/Sandstorm/Blitzwing Triple Changer Triple Combo pack :)





And no Kre-O Springer? What a rort! ;)

There was also a little DOTM Springer with a helicopter mode and for some damn reason it got it's own Robot Heroes homage as well

[SharkyMcShark]

GDO Springer.

I'll take a Springer with only a sleek dangerous looking attack chopper mode over a triple changer with a gimped chopper mode any day.

[liegeprime]

Until I get to have my own Generations Springer I wont be content hehehehe. I only have the GDo version but I haven't open it coz I think I like the Generations version since its a triple changer and having seen it this Parramatta fair, I want one bad!

btw ... no Kreon Springer? :p;)

[GoktimusPrime]

After playing with IDW one today at the toy fair, I'm gonna have to go with it. It's better than all that came before.
^agreed. HURRY UP, BBTS!! :rolleyes:


I always thought the Warbot Defender was a terrible representation of Springer. Like they missed the mark on everything but the helicopter mode. The face doesn't come close, the colours are off, the robot mode is too busy.
I'm assuming people loved it because it was a fun toy though.
^agreed. I've handled Warbot Defender IRL and it doesn't seem a like much fun of a toy to me. I wouldn't say terrible, but doesn't strike me as being particularly good as a play toy either. Also... it's not even a legit TF toy, so I'm not even going take it into consideration when comparing it with other official Springer Transformer toys.


Actually, I didn't know about that figure. But alien insectoid movie aesthetics alone may have been enough reason not to include him! :rolleyes:
As a non-screen toy character, I don't think he's that alien looking... certainly no more-or-less than the Tomahawk mould (remember that it originated as a movie-verse figure too and also has a similar style aesthetic in robot mode). That's one of the reasons why Deluxe Generations Springer doesn't appeal to me all that much (aside from being non-triple changing and the fact that I already have Tomahawk) -- to me it looks too movie-style to be acceptable as a Classicsverse toy (for me anyway ;)).

Unless this poll is only including toys that represent G1 Springer. But then what about the Kre-O? Unless you don't consider Kre-O to be proper TF action figures.

[The Scream Man]

The new Voyager one, hands down. not only is it the best Springer mold ever made, i rank it as one of the best Transformers. It's just a fabulous toy, and well worth every cent you'll pay for it.

[billygoat]

I have a soft spot for G1 Springer. As a kid, one of my friends had him and I never did and I was mondo jealous because I liked the toy so much.

That said, the new "IDW" version does look superb. So whilst I wouldn't be able to make a final call until mine arrives, I'd have to go with "bishounen" Generations Springer as the best of the bunch to my eyes.

[Gasaraki]

There was also a little DOTM Springer with a helicopter mode and for some damn reason it got it's own Robot Heroes homage as well

ROTF actually, and no kidding it got a Robot Heroes for no apparent reason! I did mention in earlier post above that I didn't know about this guy... and whether I would've counted him in even if I did...


Unless this poll is only including toys that represent G1 Springer. But then what about the Kre-O? Unless you don't consider Kre-O to be proper TF action figures.

Oh you mean this guy??


http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/253/r_kre-o_micro-change-springer.jpg

Well, that's what I get for relying on TFWiki.net... they didn't have a pic in there so I thought he wasn't a released figure.

Are Kre-O toys transforming toys? I haven't looked, but there's probably already a long thread about this, arguments done and dusted, two opposing camps hold to their valid opinions, etc. Personally, I think the block models transform as much as a Lego model can be 'transformed' from a crane to a car to a plane for example. Haven't thought about it much, but that's probably why I have instinctively chosen not to go for what I consider non-transforming toys (includes Kre-O, and definitely stuff like Robot Heroes). But you might ask me what about stuff like PE Motobot (Arcee) where you have to reassemble whole parts of the figure? Too much for one thread to handle... :)

Now... the mini-figure Kreons are an interesting category. They do kind-of transform, so I guess I should've included this guy. If you would have voted him your favorite Springer, let us know!

For the next 'can of worms', what about this guy:


http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1350836665_31007-1.jpg

Really getting a bit tongue-in-cheek here... looks to me like some people have fairly strict views about 3rd party products. Should they be included in polls like this? Should we even buy them? Can we consider that something like Warbot is our favorite representation of Springer? Once again, there's probably already a thread about this...

Personally, many of my favorite stuff are 3rd party - for example, I think the best Insecticon representations out there are the FP ones.

Anyway, I'm really enjoying some of this discussion... it's such a great media to be a fan of!

[kup]

Really getting a bit tongue-in-cheek here... looks to me like some people have fairly strict views about 3rd party products. Should they be included in polls like this? Should we even buy them? Can we consider that something like Warbot is our favorite representation of Springer? Once again, there's probably already a thread about this...

Personally, many of my favorite stuff are 3rd party - for example, I think the best Insecticon representations out there are the FP ones.

Anyway, I'm really enjoying some of this discussion... it's such a great media to be a fan of!

I am more of a fan of good toys than brands so I will go with whoever makes me the best representation of the character. Defender is now fairly old (2009?) and at the time it was the best modern 'representation' of a triple changing Springer, specially after Hasbro's panel comment that the Universe and Botcon repaints were enough.

At this point my favorite representation of Springer is Defender since I am yet to see the IDW Springer in person. However I won't vote until I try the IDW Springer for myself and if popular accounts hold true, it may be the one I vote for when the time comes.

It is good to see Hasbro getting their act together as of late. The fact that we are having this discussion is refreshing because it means they have are making something worthy enough to discuss and compare.

[BigTransformerTrev]

ROTF actually, and no kidding it got a Robot Heroes for no apparent reason!

What did I say? DOTM? Why the slag did I say that? Robot Heroes wern't even being released anymore at that point! Put it down to a head cold :p

[GoktimusPrime]

Are Kre-O toys transforming toys? I haven't looked, but there's probably already a long thread about this, arguments done and dusted, two opposing camps hold to their valid opinions, etc. Personally, I think the block models transform as much as a Lego model can be 'transformed' from a crane to a car to a plane for example. Haven't thought about it much, but that's probably why I have instinctively chosen not to go for what I consider non-transforming toys (includes Kre-O, and definitely stuff like Robot Heroes). But you might ask me what about stuff like PE Motobot (Arcee) where you have to reassemble whole parts of the figure? Too much for one thread to handle... :)

Now... the mini-figure Kreons are an interesting category. They do kind-of transform, so I guess I should've included this guy. If you would have voted him your favorite Springer, let us know!
Dude, it's your thread, so it's entirely up to you whether or not you wanna include those kinds of toys or not.

If you're interested in what the general consensus is, I can tell you that under the UCM these kinds of figures don't count. That's what people voted on. But this isn't a UCM thread, it's your thread -- so for the purposes of this thread it's entirely up to you what you want to count or not.


For the next 'can of worms', what about this guy:

Really getting a bit tongue-in-cheek here... looks to me like some people have fairly strict views about 3rd party products. Should they be included in polls like this? Should we even buy them? Can we consider that something like Warbot is our favorite representation of Springer? Once again, there's probably already a thread about this...

Personally, many of my favorite stuff are 3rd party - for example, I think the best Insecticon representations out there are the FP ones.

Anyway, I'm really enjoying some of this discussion... it's such a great media to be a fan of!
Again, it's up to you.

The UCM wouldn't count it, and I personally wouldn't either... but as I said, this isn't a UCM thread (unless you want it to be), and it's not my thread. I can offer opinions, but I'm not going to prescribe what you should do or how you should think.

If you wanna count Kre-Os, Legos and 3rd party stuff, then do it. :) You're the author of this thread/discussion, so you can establish whatever rules you want for your poll. ;)

[Bidoofdude]

Yeah, it's best representation and IFAIC it's a meant representation of Springer, but each to their own. :D:cool:

[doublespy]

The new Voyager one, hands down. not only is it the best Springer mold ever made, i rank it as one of the best Transformers. It's just a fabulous toy, and well worth every cent you'll pay for it.

+1
I can not agree more. Probably one of best the mass market TF toys of all time.



It is good to see Hasbro getting their act together as of late. The fact that we are having this discussion is refreshing because it means they have are making something worthy enough to discuss and compare.

Agreed. <Hasbro strikes back>

[kup]

Dude, it's your thread, so it's entirely up to you whether or not you wanna include those kinds of toys or not.

If you're interested in what the general consensus is, I can tell you that under the UCM these kinds of figures don't count. That's what people voted on. But this isn't a UCM thread, it's your thread -- so for the purposes of this thread it's entirely up to you what you want to count or not.


Again, it's up to you.

The UCM wouldn't count it, and I personally wouldn't either... but as I said, this isn't a UCM thread (unless you want it to be), and it's not my thread. I can offer opinions, but I'm not going to prescribe what you should do or how you should think.

If you wanna count Kre-Os, Legos and 3rd party stuff, then do it. :) You're the author of this thread/discussion, so you can establish whatever rules you want for your poll. ;)

The UCM, no offense Gok but I think you are the only one that uses or mentions it so adamantly. I understand the reason for it and it serves a purpose but outside of the 'yearly stat count' everyone just does whatever whether it conforms to the UCM or not, you seem to be the only one that follows it religiously.

If this thread isn't about the UCM, I am not sure why you brought it up.

[Gasaraki]

If you're interested in what the general consensus is, I can tell you that under the UCM these kinds of figures don't count. That's what people voted on. But this isn't a UCM thread, it's your thread -- so for the purposes of this thread it's entirely up to you what you want to count or not.

If you wanna count Kre-Os, Legos and 3rd party stuff, then do it. :) You're the author of this thread/discussion, so you can establish whatever rules you want for your poll. ;)

Thanks... I understand. NO ROBOT HEROES OR LEGO then!! :D

I appreciate the insight on the UCM (which until tonight I didn't know of), although like Kup, I'd lean toward doing whatever in a sense. Guess it's there for standardization - I understand not including 3rd party stuff under that system, but it's interesting that people voted on not counting official licensed stuff like the Kre-O products (?).

Anyway, my ramblings was mainly because I wasn't impressed at myself for not knowing about the Kreon Springer. And then I got side-tracked... but at least it's fascinating side-tracks... I hope! :)

[Gouki]

I have no idea what the UCM is and, honestly, have no intention of using it. Most acronyms related to toy collecting just make things complicated.

[5FDP]

Never owned a Springer in any form and probably never will. I have an empty box for the G1 toy though (purely for the awesome box art). He's not really a character that interests me and that's a major factor for me in deciding if I will buy a toy. After Blitzwing and Astrotrain came out, other Triple Changers just felt... well, wrong; Broadside being the prime example.


I have no idea what the UCM is and, honestly, have no intention of using it. Most acronyms related to toy collecting just make things complicated.

They're delicious little rice bubble bars that taste like marshmallows, but that's not important right now.

[kup]

Thanks... I understand. NO ROBOT HEROES OR LEGO then!! :D

I appreciate the insight on the UCM (which until tonight I didn't know of), although like Kup, I'd lean toward doing whatever in a sense. Guess it's there for standardization - I understand not including 3rd party stuff under that system, but it's interesting that people voted on not counting official licensed stuff like the Kre-O products (?).

Anyway, my ramblings was mainly because I wasn't impressed at myself for not knowing about the Kreon Springer. And then I got side-tracked... but at least it's fascinating side-tracks... I hope! :)

The UCM was put together democratically so not all of it makes sense ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

I just mentioned the UCM in case Gasaraki was wondering what the majority consensus was. I wasn't trying to derail this discussion toward that direction, I just mentioned it in case Gasaraki was curious about what the consensus was - that's all. But as I've repeatedly stated, this is Gasaraki's thread, so for the purposes of this thread we can count them however the hell he likes. :)
Gouki: The UCM is only necessarily if you ever want to (voluntarily) participate in a comparative survey. Nobody needs to use it beyond that.

Getting back on topic, even including everything, I still find Voyager Generations Springer to be the best. I'm not a fan of Kre-Os because they don't feel like proper Transformers action figures to me... you have to disassemble and reassemble them to change modes, to me that's not transforming (shape shifting). And I just see Robot Heroes as nothing more than bits of merchandise rather than proper "toys." I know this is all just my own personal subjective opinion, but that's what I think anyway. :o

[Hursticon]

I'm extremely pleased with my Warbot - Defender; I like what the latest Generations Springer does but it just hasn't grabbed me the way that Defender did - I'll gladly take a Sandstorm though. ;):cool:

[GoktimusPrime]

How would you compare Warbot Defender and Generations Springer in terms of value for dollar though?

[Hursticon]

How would you compare Warbot Defender and Generations Springer in terms of value for dollar though?

A lot of things have to be considered with Warbot; the nature of 3rd Party production costs, skating that thin line of IP infringement with its design, but mainly the fact that he was the 1st (widely available) complete transforming robot toy offered by a 3rd Party company - Don't forget that he also includes a healthy amount of diecast metal, is considerably articulate (For the time), is of a perfect size & is a triple changer to boot! ;):cool:

Value for dollar? - I'd confidently back Warbot; he had a lot more working against him and, in my mind, has achieved more than what Generations Springer has for it. :)

[Gasaraki]

A lot of things have to be considered with Warbot; the nature of 3rd Party production costs, skating that thin line of IP infringement with its design, but mainly the fact that he was the 1st (widely available) complete transforming robot toy offered by a 3rd Party company - Don't forget that he also includes a healthy amount of diecast metal, is considerably articulate (For the time), is of a perfect size & is a triple changer to boot! ;):cool:

Value for dollar? - I'd confidently back Warbot; he had a lot more working against him and, in my mind, has achieved more than what Generations Springer has for it. :)

Interesting to hear about Warbot... I remember an interview on WTF@TFW with the writer of upcoming Transforming Collections (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/102137316/transforming-collections-toy-reference-book) book: It apparently costs something upwards of $60K to put a well engineered deluxe sized figure into production (I think the example used was one of the TFC Herc bots), and considering the comparatively low production runs of some of these, it's rather amazing we can get stuff for as low as $60 (or even $35 if you consider recent Mech Ideas releases!).

For myself, I do think Warbot looks like a nice Springer... but can't justify forking out $100+ for him with the Generations ver on offer.

[kaiden]

-Generations Voyager Springer-

[Cat]

That 60k cost would include the production run and shipping costs, to retailers and customers.

It's a bit of a deceiving figure to use.

To cut a steel mold costs about 10k. The more articulation, ie more parts, the higher the cost.

Not all figures need steel molds though. Very small run figures can use silicone molds, and still be okay.

The 30th Springer is amazing, but I still love the GDO too. The head sculpts are equally good, just done in very different styles.

[kup]

Now that I have received and played with the Generations Springer a fair bit, it is hard to decide if Generations Springer or FP Defender would be 'objectively' better.

Defender
Good
- Very nicely 'collector' level plastic and die cast which paint does not appear to chip and retains that awesome matte finish despite nearly 4 years. Feels really good in-hand like a high end toy should.
- Intricate and satisfying transformation for both helicopter and armored car mode making both seem like unique transformations rather than an 'adaptation' of the same base alt mode.
- Ratchet joints
- Nice detailed sculpt (stye subjective to individual taste)
- All 3 modes are solid.
- clever use of weapons in all modes
- Highly poseable
- Scales great with Classics such as deluxes (Blurr, Wreckgar, etc)

Bad
- Some of the pinned shoulder joints become a bit loose over time.
- Unnecessary lack of proper heels causing him to be unstable in poses that need him to stand straight.
- Engineering may be a little too complex in some areas. The folding of the arms in helicopter mode seem a bit unintuitive.
- Although playable, the intricacy of the transformation engineering can require you to spend a bit of time transforming it.
- Can cost $100 plus shipping.

Generations Springer

Good
- Official triple changing Springer that actually looks like Springer!
- Well done simple but effective engineering. You can get to all modes very quickly
- Great play value due to being lightweight and easy to handle in 'dynamic play' as there is no die cast and composed of only plastic.
- Robot, car and helicopter modes look good
- Robot mode resembles IDW (although a bit lanky)
- Clever use of blade sword
- Gun is big but works well enough.
- Clever movement of 'cockpit' windows for all modes.
- A 3rd of the price of Defender

Bad
- Plastic quality feels rather cheap but it still works.
- Not much in the sense of paint. Hardly any detailing
- Both alt modes are well thought out but they are not intricate and little more than extensions of the same 'base' (like G1). This could be a positive for some but not so much if you are looking for intricacy.
- Due to softer plastic, Alt modes can be a little unstable with pegs easily popping out but nothing major.
- Can also suffer from shoulder joint looseness problems (Had to fix mine).
- Gun not as cleverly used as Defender (big gun just plugs in on the top). Obstruct front landing gear for helicopter.
- A bit on the lanky side even by IDW standards.


So overall - Which of the two is best depends on what you look for in a toy as both are pretty good. If a motivator is cost, then Generations Springer wins hands down - Good representation of the character, solid toy and a triple changer.

If you want that extra 'collector grade' feel, do not play with your toys much and don't mind paying premium, then Defender would be for you.

So to me it's both. No clear winner unlike say Generations Blitzwing which would lose even when compared to the G1 toy..

[GoktimusPrime]

Generations Springer is the clear winner for me. I'm not taking 3rd Party stuff into consideration because I don't collect them, but Gen. Springer cost me $40 including postage, as opposed to a Warbot Defender possibly costing $100 before postage -- it seems that Gen. Springer offers quite good value for money IMHO. :o

But compared to the G1 toy and in the context of their relative times, I find Gen. Springer to be superior. G1 Springer was a mediocre figure, even by G1 standards. In fact, all the Autobot Triple Changers paled in comparison with their Decepticon counterparts. Whereas Gen. Springer is an above average standard toy by current day standards.


So to me it's both. No clear winner unlike say Generations Blitzwing which would lose even when compared to the G1 toy..
^Agreed. G1 Blitzwing was an exceptionally good toy by G1 standards. Takara designer Ono Koujin once said that he considers Blitzwing and Astrotrain to be the "all time best" of the toys that they created in the 1980s. Gen. Blitzwing would be one of the all time worst. :(

[BigTransformerTrev]

Having finally gotten my Generations Springer and had a tool around with him last night I can put my two cubes in on this poll:


G1 Springer (1986) - both the shiz and the nit! Awesomely fun toy, loved both his modes, best rotating copter blades they had made and for its time was one of the few autobot ground vehicles that had a gun on it that made (sorta) sense so good to set up battle scenes. Head was a little small on the robot but great sword and gun and actually had elbows which was rare for a toy of that era. You could relate him to a character you had just seen in a movie and tv show which added to the play value.

Timelines Deluxe Springer (BotCon 2007) - never played with him so cant offer an opinion

Universe Voyager Springer (2008) - for its time it wasnt a bad retool, came packaged with Ratbat and the colour scheme was well done. Didn't really come off like someone who was a wreckers leader though as his alt mode wasn't armed to the teeth and of course no 3rd mode.

Warbot Defender (FansProject 2010) - besides my Quintessons I don't generally buy 3rd party stuff so again, cant offer an opinion

Generations Deluxe Springer (2012) - didn't end up getting this guy because by the time he was available scuttlebut about the Voyager was out. I do have other figures that share the mold though, and besides being a bit spindly it is quite good with a great attack chopper mode. Again sadly, no 3rd mode.

ROTF & Robot Heroes Springers: Seem to have been left out of this poll, cant really say its a massive loss. Have both, neither very good.

Generations Voyager Springer (2013) - Now this bloke I took out of his box last night and had a play with. Good transformation, pretty inutitive, alt modes are certainly mre different to each other than the G1 mold. Not a fan of his copter mode but LOVE his armored car mode, big strong & sturdy. Reminds me a little of the size deluxes used to come in back in the Armada days. Robot mode a tiny bit lanky but great.


In the end, I still had to give me vote to the G1 toy, just for what it was capable of given the tranformer toy engineering of the time, the play value, and you could relate it to a character you had just seen in a movie and tv show. But Generations Voyager came a damn close second for me, if I had liked the copter mode more it would have come out at the top!

[GoktimusPrime]

I like ROTF Springer. For a $7 Legends class figure I think he's alright. Also... he doesn't exist in the G1 universe, so I see no need for him to be a Triple Changer (although Movieverse Astrotrain (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Astrotrain_(DOTM)) is a Triple Changer; but still, it's an entirely different continuity family/universe).


You could relate him to a character you had just seen in a movie and tv show which added to the play value.

and you could relate it to a character you had just seen in a movie and tv show.
The toy did come out before he appeared in the movie/cartoon/comics, and I personally had already played with this toy (belonged to a schoolmate) before I saw him on screen (I did get my own shortly after); so I'd already formed my opinions of this toy before being exposed to the screen and comic character. When I first saw the toy, I was purely judging it as a toy (which I find is a benefit of exposing yourself to a toy before its media appearance; you can appreciate it without "canonical bias"); and having been exposed to the Decepticon Triple Changers the year before, I found Springer, and indeed all the 1986 Triple Changers, to be disappointing - but I still liked them, and I did end up getting them. I guess one thing that made the Decepticon Triple Changers more appealing was that they had more realistic looking Earth based alt modes (though Octane is the weakest of the lot IMO), whereas the Autobot Triple Changers have these fantasy based alt modes... 'cept Broadside's aircraft carrier mode. While character-wise Springer may be my favourite Autobot Triple Changer, toywise it's Broadside, despite his blockiness (and the scale thing honestly never bothered me as a kid -- I didn't even try to rationalise it to myself... I just suspended disbelief (ah, the joys of being too young to critically analyse these things :p))

I was personally always more enthralled by Springer's comic appearance over his cartoon appearance, although his cartoon appearance was cool too. But it was in the comics that he was a member of the Wreckers and became leader of the Wreckers after Impactor's demise. Can't beat that. ;) :D At the time I didn't know it, but I think Springer's was co-developed as a screen character and toy; unlike the 1985 Diaclone-derived Triple Changers who were purely developed as toys. And you all know how I feel about that issue! :rolleyes:

[tron07]

Generations Voyager Springer in the shops already?? Looks nice to me

[GoktimusPrime]

The Generations Triple Changers haven't been released in Australia and it looks like we're skipping them. :( Everyone who has them has thus far imported them.

[Deonasis]

G1 followed by Botcon Springer.