CHUG verion advice - Hasbro or TakaraTomy?

[Sam]

Hello everyone, I am after some advice on whether you recommend buying the Hasbro version over the TakaraTomy one, or vice versa ?

Questions.

1. Are Hasbro versions generally cheaper?
2. Are TakaraTomy verions' paint applications usually better / finer?
3. Any other points of comparisons you can think of that would warrant consideration?

Specifically, I am interested in Generations Springer, Sandstorm, and Bliztwing, but may also consider other figures.

I like the idea of presenting the figure in robot mode, which I think is what TakaraTomy's versions do, but at the same time prefer reading an English character bio on the box. I can't read Japanese apart from the tech spec attributes. :p

Thanks!

[Omega Metro]

1. Are Hasbro versions generally cheaper?
Yes they are but the price difference can be only slightly more for a better paint job.
2. Are TakaraTomy verions' paint applications usually better / finer?
Some are better than others and some are hardly worth the extra over Hasbro version.
3. Any other points of comparisons you can think of that would warrant consideration?
Price, shipping costs and paint applications are the only thing I consider. Depends on the character/toy also. I watch the YouTube videos to compare but I gotta say most of the time I just go with the Hasbro version.

[GoktimusPrime]

Sometimes the TakaraTOMY version can be the same price or even cheaper than Australian Hasbro prices, e.g. pre-order discounts, other store discounts, bulk shipping etc. All of my Arms Micron Deluxes cost me under $20, and with bulk postage the cost of shipping worked out to be a few bucks per toy. But yeah, I would avoid paying substantially above AU RRP for TakTOM versions. None of them are that nice. ;)

[Sinnertwin]

Do you really want Blitzwing?

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

For those three in particular I'd actually go for the Hasbro versions if I were you. I have the TT Springer and he's fine, but it's 'as good as' rather than 'better' and TT Sandstorm and Blitzwing don't look as nice IMO.

Other than that, it's kind of a case-by-case basis. Some figures look better with the TT paintjob, some look better with the Hasbro colours.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I often go the Takara version due to the superior paint job. But I only do that if it's a character I really do want and:

*There isn't a Hasbro version (AM Jet Vehicon General, Senator Ratbat)
*I don't like their alt-mode (TFP Shockwave)
*I don't like their transformation process (TFP Dreadwing)
*I hate the Hasbro colour scheme (FOC Blast Off)




(BTW: What does 'CHUG' stand for? Seen it mentioned a few times)

[Lint]

Hello everyone, I am after some advice on whether you recommend buying the Hasbro version over the TakaraTomy one, or vice versa ?

Questions.

1. Are Hasbro versions generally cheaper?
2. Are TakaraTomy verions' paint applications usually better / finer?
3. Any other points of comparisons you can think of that would warrant consideration?

Specifically, I am interested in Generations Springer, Sandstorm, and Bliztwing, but may also consider other figures.

I like the idea of presenting the figure in robot mode, which I think is what TakaraTomy's versions do, but at the same time prefer reading an English character bio on the box. I can't read Japanese apart from the tech spec attributes. :p

Thanks!

Takara used to offer the gold standard in toy quality which was worth paying extra for. Unfortunately in recent years Takara has dropped their standards in both construction and decos which makes them harder to vouch for. Also Takara sometimes chooses garish colours for the Japanese market which are not everyones cup of tea. On top of this I feel like Hasbro have really picked up their game in terms of toy quality, especially compared to the dark ages of Universe 2.0.

I generally grab a Takara version provided
*it has a better deco than Hasbro
*it's not too expensive in comparison
*there isn't a Hasbro alternative at the time

Springer: Hasbro (it's cheaper and not worse than the Takara version)
Sandstorm: Hasbro (it's cheaper and has a much better colour scheme)
Blitzwing: Takara (looks better than Hasbro imo), however it's also a question on how much you really want to spend on a nice statue with 2 awkward alt modes :p

If you're keen for a Takara Springer and Blitzwing I have a couple of spares MISB

[Sinnertwin]

(BTW: What does 'CHUG' stand for? Seen it mentioned a few times)

Classics
Henkei
Universe 2.0
Generations

[Zommael]

Classics
Henkei
Universe 2.0
Generations

Some people also use the acronym CHURG, which includes the Reveal The Shield line that had molds in a similar style.

[Golden Phoenix]

I found Henkei figures were better than the Classics and Universe versions. Few exceptions though, mainly related to the placement of chrome on the figures (I'm looking at you Grimlock and Galvaton).

United became a bit more hit and miss for me. I wasn't a fan of the metalic paintjobs some of them received. It made the unpaited parts stick out like a sore thumb. I sided more with the Universe and Generations figures here since they would also fit in with the previous lines. Still some exceptions, the big one being Lugnut. He slaughtered the Hasbro one.

I find Takara's Generations is pretty much the same.

[liegeprime]

For those 3 figures in particular, the Hasbro version will be enough Sam. No need to pay the higher price of Taktom version, sadly Blitzwing has shoulder issues due to the mould problem and both Hasbro or Takara will have this looseness issue, so best to get the Hasbro version on all them 3. the minor changes in hue and paint that Takara introduced for these 3 figures are at best negligible IMO. Plus I'm seeing in some online sites that the Hasbro version of Springer and Blitzwing have been reduced in price ( sale of sorts I guess), which offers you more savings. hope that helps. Cheers!

[Sky Shadow]

For Blitzwing, Springer and Sandstorm, you can pay US$64.97 total (plus postage) for the Hasbro versions at BigBadToyStore, or US$138.07 (plus postage) for the Tomy ones. It's up to you to decide if the decos are worth over twice the price.

[jazzcomp]

For Blitzwing, Springer and Sandstorm, you can pay US$64.97 total (plus postage) for the Hasbro versions at BigBadToyStore, or US$138.07 (plus postage) for the Tomy ones. It's up to you to decide if the decos are worth over twice the price.
Should be less if you use amazon :cool:

[Sky Shadow]

Should be less if you use amazon :cool:

That's true, but since Sam seems to want to keep them in the boxes, it may become a question of whether saving six bucks with Amazon is worth the potential of getting packaging that looks like it's been trampled by buffalo. :)

[Bidoofdude]

You should be able to get the triple changers in Hasbro version for pretty cheap. I personally like the Hasbro colours for them myself. As others have said, it's a mixed bag. Henkei, though they had superior-looking paintjobs, had chrome in some random places, which may put you off (or pull you in). Takara's Generations line had vastly superior paintjobs (in most cases) to Hasbro's, though there is a considerable price distance, especially since most import them anyway. You're looking at a little more than Australian retail before shipping for most Takara Generations figs and most Hasbro seem to be on clearance or cheaper before shipping.

[STL]

Hello everyone, I am after some advice on whether you recommend buying the Hasbro version over the TakaraTomy one, or vice versa ?

Questions.

1. Are Hasbro versions generally cheaper?
2. Are TakaraTomy verions' paint applications usually better / finer?
3. Any other points of comparisons you can think of that would warrant consideration?

Specifically, I am interested in Generations Springer, Sandstorm, and Bliztwing, but may also consider other figures.

I like the idea of presenting the figure in robot mode, which I think is what TakaraTomy's versions do, but at the same time prefer reading an English character bio on the box. I can't read Japanese apart from the tech spec attributes. :p

Thanks!

Let me preface this by saying I like the finer things in TFs. Quality above "just good enough".

1.) Hasbro is generally cheaper and generally available earlier than Takara versions. It's generally at least x2 times. But if you're in Australia, it's generally only $5-6 more than retail price depending on how much you manage to save on shipping.

2.) 90% of the time. Not always. But 90%. Where the Hasbro paint applications are as good or better, I will acquire both.

Takara puts more thought into the paint applications, the plastic/windscreen colours. If you take the recent Rhinox figure, the Hasbro is fine if you don't have a reference point. Put it next to Takara one though, and the two are moon bases apart.

3.) With Takara, it is almost always better to buy now rather than later. Later, the price of Takara versions can be 50-100% higher than the Hasbro counterpart. If you like it, get it. Don't wait. Because you could end up paying through the roof.

In terms of the 3 you're interested in:
- Springer: Either. Both are equally excellent and I can't decide which one I like more. If on the cheap side, Hasbro but as I said, either version is excellent.
- Sandstorm: Takara. Only just. The colour choices and mix of black and different shades of orange work way better on the Takara version. But the differences are still mired in nuance and it's not as if Hasbro's is not good. It is. I don't have one of Hasbro but would not be adverse to having one as part of my collection.
- Blitzwing: Takara. By a long margin. Just be wary though, the toy is a weak mold so keep it in mind as to how much you want to spend for a disappointing mold.

A good example of Hasbro being significantly poorer than Takara is Orion Pax. Hasbro's is okay but put the metallic red and blue on Orion Pax and Takara just walks all over the Hasbro version.

It's a case by case basis but most of the time you are better off with Takara. If you've got any others to decide between, just post here for an opinion.

[Sam]

Thank you for the informative responses, everyone!



If you're keen for a Takara Springer and Blitzwing I have a couple of spares MISB

I may end up getting the Hasbro versions, but just wondering how much you're selling your Takara versions for? Thanks.


Do you really want Blitzwing?

I've read that the shoulders on that figure really let it down. It's just that I've never had a Blitzwing figure before (G1 or otherwise). And since I have Astrotrain and Octane, I thought it would be good to get Blitzwing too.


That's true, but since Sam seems to want to keep them in the boxes, it may become a question of whether saving six bucks with Amazon is worth the potential of getting packaging that looks like it's been trampled by buffalo. :)

To clarify, I care about the condition of the packaging (doesn't have to be absolutely perfect though), but I do intend to take the figures out and transform them. Is Amazon packaging really that bad? I've bought some items before and they arrived okay (but they were books). :)

[Bidoofdude]

Thank you for the informative responses, everyone!



I may end up getting the Hasbro versions, but just wondering how much you're selling your Takara versions for? Thanks.



I've read that the shoulders on that figure really let it down. It's just that I've never had a Blitzwing figure before (G1 or otherwise). And since I have Astrotrain and Octane, I thought it would be good to get Blitzwing too.

Blitzwing does have a generally easy fix for the floppy shoulder issues. You'll only need a screwdriver and a nail file board. It does the trick, even though we shouldn't have to do it.

[Omega Metro]

Takara puts more thought into the paint applications, the plastic/windscreen colours.

'Thought' is sometimes too much effort though. They can be half assed sometimes.

[Sinnertwin]

Is Amazon packaging really that bad? I've bought some items before and they arrived okay (but they were books). :)

Yes, it is. I only purchase from Amazon if i intend to open an item. Their packaging, like their prices are cheap.

[DELTAprime]

I have almost every CHUG character.

I have all but two Henkei figures and love the G1 deco on them as opposed to Hasbro's "modern interpretations".

I went with Hasbro's TF2010 and Generations. They went with a more G1 accurate deco but there are a few figures released in both Takara and Hasbro's line where the Takara deco is just way better. Jazz, Tracks, Drift, Waspinator and Rhinox all stick out to me as far better Takara decos.

Theres only one Hasbro only character I can think of, Acid Storm. There are quit a few tho on Takara's side tho. Rumble and Frenzy as they appear in The Dark Cybertron Prelude, Windcharger vs Wipeout and Senator Ratbat.

Of course if you want to get some more rare characters there are the Fun Pub characters in the west and Generations Book series characters in Japan.

[dirge]

Since I just finished my review of the most "controversial" of these three tonight Sam, here's a link to that review of Blitzwing (http://www.cliffbee.com/reviews/genblitzwing.php). I provide this mainly so you can get a feel for his flaws & merits (as others have made comments in this thread).

In terms of which version you prefer; sometimes Takara are markedly better (Sunstreaker was a good example, as Hasbro seem to always mess up yellow toys), sometimes the difference is minimal (Springer, as many have said), sometimes the difference is all about personal preference (Sandstorm for example - I prefer the Takara colours but got Hasbro as it was easier & cheaper for me). The main instances of Hasbro's version being superior are where Takara has forced chrome into a weird spot on a toy that just didn't need chrome.

[STL]

'Thought' is sometimes too much effort though. They can be half assed sometimes.

Oh definitely.

*Looks at Warpath and Windcharger*

[Sky Shadow]

Theres only one Hasbro only character I can think of, Acid Storm.

:confused: Since CHUG stands for Classics, Henkei, Universe, Generations, surely there are heaps of Hasbro-only characters. The Universe line in particular was full of toys with no Japanese counterparts.

[Golden Phoenix]

:confused: Since CHUG stands for Classics, Henkei, Universe, Generations, surely there are heaps of Hasbro-only characters. The Universe line in particular was full of toys with no Japanese counterparts.

There are lots of Hasbro CHUGs that are not done by Takara, but they are either repaints from a completely different line (like Dropshot) or repaint of a CHUG mould (I think the 3 Ultra class figures were repainted twice each in Hasbro only releases)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

INteresting discussion here. I have been getting the Japanese versions just to have a 'standard' look across them all I guess.

SOme of the recent ones loks nicer, Orion Pax urinates upon and then leaves his American counterpart in the dust. AS for the rest, I' just have a good look at the colours and decide which you prefer. I waited for TT Springer, despite the colours being much the same, but I just prefer the muted colours on TT whereas the HB one just seems a bit brighter.

Blitzwing I quite like the TT. His colours look really nice and His robot mode is pretty good, just the vehicles are very hole-y. A very clever Transformation I think. TTSandstorm I got just beacuse I had TT Spinger. He's very orange, but I prefer that to HBs yellow.

In the end, I just like it that each one looks different enough for me to have to decide instead of just opting for one.

Although, get TT Ratchet, Sunstreaker and Drift if you can. (and are after those guys). The TT yellow and whites are better than HBs. HBs Red Alert is pretty good though ;)

[Sky Shadow]

There are lots of Hasbro CHUGs that are not done by Takara, but they are either repaints from a completely different line or repaint of a CHUG mould.

With the exception of Rumble and Frenzy, doesn't the same apply for Takara?

[Golden Phoenix]

With the exception of Rumble and Frenzy, doesn't the same apply for Takara?

HHmm....I guess so. But it took Hasbro a while to catch up. They took ages to use the Dirge and Thrust seeker moulds. And it wasn't really until United that Takara started to repaint figures from outside the line (such as the Cybertron Beast mode Megatron and Optimus, or the Cybertron Dlx Unicron).

But you have a point.

[Bidoofdude]

If anyone is looking for a Henkei Sunstreaker, there's one on auction here (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Takara-Transformers-Henkei-Sunstreaker-C-07-/121353541456?pt=AU_Action_Figures&hash=item1c413c1750&_uhb=1). I was going to bid on it, but I'm just low on the cash atm and I'm waiting for my POL. It's in NSW too.