Headrobots Hothead

[FFN]

I got mine today.

And it kinda broke.

EDIT: It looks like the long rectangular tab on mine got stuck in the hole and broke off.

[FFN]

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6572/img0037aj.th.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6572/img0037aj.jpg)

Hope Robot Kingdom can help me out with this.

[Sky Shadow]

I know people repeatedly state that the reason that they continue to buy third-party products is because they offer something that Hasbro doesn't...

But it's clearly not true - Hasbro's been offering us bad quality control for years! :)

(Good luck with Robotkingdom, FFN.)

[kup]

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6572/img0037aj.th.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6572/img0037aj.jpg)

Hope Robot Kingdom can help me out with this.

RK has been very good with me in regards to bad QC items. Give them a message with a photo attachment and see if they fix you up. I am yet to receive mine but I will post my verdict once i receive it but as Sky Shadow says, I am more forgiving of bad QC as I have gotten used to fixing Hasbro toys out of the package :p

[FFN]

The instructions are not great due to lack of space. They say to "push down" the head onto the neck joint, which is what caused this to break in the first place.


I am impressed by the sculpting. It seems Headrobots remembered to round off corners in CAD, something that Fansproject sometimes forget to do.

[kup]

I am told that the head is designed to come apart, but mine couldn't.

In any case the instructions are not great due to lack of space. They say to "push down" the head onto the neck joint, which is what caused this to break in the first place.


I am impressed by the sculpting. It seems Headrobots remembered to round off corners in CAD, something that Fansproject sometimes forget to do.

How is Not-Duros' face? In the pics it seems a little weird looking but that could be lighting.

[FFN]

How is Not-Duros' face? In the pics it seems a little weird looking but that could be lighting.Tiny. Can make out goggles, mouth and chin strap, though.


RK said they would send me a new head with another order. Problem is, I don't want anything.

[kup]

Tiny. Can make out goggles, mouth and chin strap, though.


RK said they would send me a new head with another order. Problem is, I don't want anything.

That's weird, when they replaced my Not-Frenzy, they just sent the item without requesting another order from me.

[jaydisc]

Well, you could do 1 of 2 things:

1. Exert yourself and demand it be sent now.
2. Find another NSW member who is ordering from RK.

[FFN]

Might have to do the second one.

RK basically said they could take a head out of the packaging, but asked me if I was going to order anything, as they could put the head in a new order. To me that feels like they're trying to pressure me into ordering stuff so I can get the replacement part.

Methinks RK will take their time sending a replacement if I just ask them to send me the part.

[kup]

Might have to do the second one.

RK basically said they could take a head out of the packaging, but asked me if I was going to order anything, as they could put the head in a new order. To me that feels like they're trying to pressure me into ordering stuff so I can get the replacement part.

Methinks RK will take their time sending a replacement if I just ask them to send me the part.

I think you are over reading it. They are asking if you are ordering anything from them already just so that they can package it together not as a condition to send you the replacement item. Like I mentioned, they sent me a replacement PerfectEffect Frenzy and they shipped it immediately after they were informed of the issue.

[jaydisc]

In a similar issue, RK asked me if I was going to place an another order or if I wanted my replacement goods now. I already had another order in the system so I just told them to send it with that.

[FFN]

Yeah, I asked them to send me the head by itself. Will see what they say.

[kup]

Here are my views on Headrobot's Hothead:

Pictorial Video featuring a complete Gallery (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtuYhOMImG8)

I personally found this upgrade kit very gratifying. The improvement that it makes on the toy is monumental.

Universe Hardhead

The upgrade is packaged as following:

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead40.JPG

Although it's nice, the accessories however cover the pretty awesome art work on the back featuring upgraded character models of Universe and G1 Hardhead.

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead39.JPG

Robot Mode

The 'out of the box' Universe Hardhead isn't a bad repaint but the G1 character tribute is lacking mainly due to the very defined Onslaught head. However as you can see in the pics bellow, once the head is changed the personality of the toy changes radically.

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead1.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead2.JPG

The character tribute to G1 Hardhead is improved even further when you add the weapons included in the kit.

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead3.JPG

The weapons can be configured in different positions but I prefer the classic G1 look.

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead8.JPG

The robot mode upgrade is very impressive as you can see in the pics above. What was before a somewhat lackluster character tribute is now cemented as G1 Hardhead. The colors also match very nicely to the base toy.

The Headmaster attachment is very easy to do once you remove the Onslaught head but can be somewhat scary at first as it feels a bit hard to push (no pun intended :p) but once you do it once, it's very easy to do. I must have popped the head in and off about a dozen times already with no problems at all. As mentioned in other reviews, the eyes still light up but are subdued due to the thick clear blue plastic but still looks good. The red adds a kind of 'combat' or angry look to the head when triggered.

There is a flaw that I encountered with my Not-Duros and this may be present in some other units but this is not a flaw of the design and more of the mold injection process. Within the figure you may notice a 'bump' which is likely residue from the plastic injection process 'scar' or a bit left over from the parts tree. You need to shave off this bit as it blocks the Universe Hardhead's 'neck' from properly going in.

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead24.JPG

I suspect that this is what caused FFN's Hothead to break since forcing the head down with the 'bump' caused the head to split apart due to pressure.

Vehicle Mode:

The upgrades on the vehicle mode are not as defining as it is for the robot mode but they do add some playability mainly due to the weapons but specially due to the new 'Not-Duros' Headmaster. I have also heard some fan opinions that the vehicle mode seems to fit Hardhead better than Onslaught. I wasn't sure about this before but with the new colors, I have to agree now.

Out of the box:
http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead10.JPG

After Upgrade:
http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead13.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead15.JPG

The weapons simply attach to the assembly on the back and although you can place the guns in different arrangements, you don't get as much freedom in creatively positioning them as in the robot mode.

G1 Hardhead

As many of you know, the Hothead set is also compatible with G1 Hardhead. The difference here is that the kit is not intended to be an upgrade and more as an accessory kit for the thousands of headless and weaponless Hardheads out there.

So as far as this kit goes, this is all you need:

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead19.JPG

Before you proceed, you do need to make an adjustment to 'not-Duros'. The kit comes with an adapter which is otherwise stored within the backpack when used with the Universe release. It simply plugs into the Not-Duro's head socket.

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead20.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead21.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead22.JPG

Once this has been done, you can simply connect the head as you would any other Headmaster. Note that the head also activates Hardhead's techspec bars matching the same readings as his original G1 Headmaster.

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead25.JPG

The new weapons also attach as the G1 guns once did making a once uninterested and incomplete junker into a piece that one can be proud to display.

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead26.JPG

An added bonus is that the head can now turn!

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead27.JPG

Just like with the robot mode, the new Hothead accessories can be placed on the tank mode to replaced lost weapons

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead29.JPG

Not-Duros can also ride within the cockpit!

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead33.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead34.JPG

When it comes to applying the kit on the G1 figure, it is certainly an excellent and relative inexpensive way to resurrect a once dead husk of a toy into a wonderful display piece. However don't expect a radical improvement or upgrade here as it is with the Universe toy as when it comes to G1, the kit is designed to serve as replacements to lost accessories than upgrades.

The only down side to applying the kit to the G1 figure is that the backpack which is very necessary with the Universe figure is actually superfluous here. You can still attach it to the back of the tank mode and hide in the the hollow section on the back of the robot mode but it is otherwise useless.

Conclusion

Putting the 'bump' flaw aside, overall this is a fine kit. Headrobots are gradually gaining a place among the greats of the 3rd Party kit makers. The plastic quality is good, the detail on the sculpt also very well done. The massive improvement of the lacking Universe repaint into an undeniable representation of G1 Hardhead is fantastic and with added playvalue too! When it comes to the G1 figure, they are awesome replacement parts for the countless of headless Hardheads out there - This is something that I like about Headrobot's attitude. They seem committed to bringing back life to these otherwise discarded junker toys.

http://kupscigar.com/collection2010/hothead/hothead37.JPG

This is what a 3rd Party upgrade kit should be, something that improves or compliments an existing official figure allowing it to accomplish it's full potential which unfortunately Hasbro was unable to achieve.

[1AZRAEL1]

Man I wish I got one when they were cheaper. Now I am saddened that I didn't try to find him before the new head came out.

[fatbot]

Thanks for getting him for me Kup, pick up at parra fair is cool? Also could you correct that flaw you mentioned for me? I don't have the tools to be able to clean that up.

Cheers Dude!

[kup]

Thanks for getting him for me Kup, pick up at parra fair is cool? Also could you correct that flaw you mentioned for me? I don't have the tools to be able to clean that up.

Cheers Dude!

Yeah sure I can take it to Parra. The flaw may actually be something unique to my figure (and possibly FFN's), I haven't heard of anyone else having the same issue. However I will grab one of the Hotheads and inspect it for you, if it comes with the flaw I am happy to fix it. It's very easy as it's just a 2 second fix with a pocket knife, all that I did was shave off the excess plastic and that was it.

[Oilspill]

Nice review Kup, and cheers for the tip. I'm going to order mine with the next RK order I do - which will probably be not-Rosanna sometime this month.

[Bartrim]

Can I pick mine up at the fair too. I'll swap you for some shirts:p

[kup]

Can I pick mine up at the fair too. I'll swap you for some shirts:p

I'll bring yours to the fair.

I guess only 1Orion2many is left to say what he wants to do.

[1AZRAEL1]

I guess only 1Orion2many is left to say what he wants to do.

If he doesn't want it, I'll take it :p

[Lord_Zed]

I still think that mold makes a better Hardhead than Onslaught, seems quite nice.

However the high price tag keeps me from geting one myself.

[kup]

I still think that mold makes a better Hardhead than Onslaught, seems quite nice.

However the high price tag keeps me from geting one myself.

Overall the whole thing didn't cost me that much. I spend like $45 on Universe Hardhead and $30 on the upgrade. The result is certainly worth the $75 I paid for it as it looks fantastic.

[1AZRAEL1]

Overall the whole thing didn't cost me that much. I spend like $45 on Universe Hardhead and $30 on the upgrade. The result is certainly worth the $75 I paid for it as it looks fantastic.

That was probably when people weren't scapling them off, This one (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Transformers-UNIVERSE-WALMART-HARDHEAD-MISB-NEW-RARE-/110606333958?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c0a6b806) started at US$79.95 and won't ship overseas, and this one (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Transformers-Universe-HARDHEAD-/360314292159?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e467c7bf) is currently US$43.76 with US$73.65 USPS Priority Mail International. Haven't seen any others on ebay. Sadly I missed out early on.

[kup]

That was probably when people weren't scapling them off, This one (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Transformers-UNIVERSE-WALMART-HARDHEAD-MISB-NEW-RARE-/110606333958?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c0a6b806) started at US$79.95 and won't ship overseas, and this one (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Transformers-Universe-HARDHEAD-/360314292159?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e467c7bf) is currently US$43.76 with US$73.65 USPS Priority Mail International. Haven't seen any others on ebay. Sadly I missed out early on.

Yeah, I bought mine like the same day Hot Head was announced and Ebay was flooded with Universe Hardheads.

[gdmetro]

That was probably when people weren't scapling them off, This one (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Transformers-UNIVERSE-WALMART-HARDHEAD-MISB-NEW-RARE-/110606333958?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c0a6b806) started at US$79.95 and won't ship overseas, and this one (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Transformers-Universe-HARDHEAD-/360314292159?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e467c7bf) is currently US$43.76 with US$73.65 USPS Priority Mail International. Haven't seen any others on ebay. Sadly I missed out early on.

Argh..I feel your pain mate.

I just did a quick search after reading your post- D**N!! Those prices are insane! $73 just for shipping?..

Lucky I'm not that impressed with the mold, even after the upgrade so not really looking for this variant- I think best bet is to get a cheap onslaught and repaint it.

[Oilspill]

Yeah, I bought mine like the same day Hot Head was announced and Ebay was flooded with Universe Hardheads.

Yeah I did the same - think it was about $30 US, shipping was $26 though. And that was considering I got in quick before the prices started going up :/

[kup]

I am told that the head is designed to come apart, but mine couldn't.


IMPORTANT: The above is incorrect and trying to split the head will result in breakage. The head IS NOT designed to come apart. It's a 'pop-in/pop-out' action to place it on the figure's neck joint, similar to a ball joint.

[Lord_Zed]

Yeah I recall Hardhead being pretty common before Hothead was announced, while the headmaster add on makes him look much much better overall the Ultra size mold just doesn't appeal to me enough to shell out the money.

I dunno guess you could call me anti Ultra.

[FFN]

IMPORTANT: The above is incorrect and trying to split the head will result in breakage. The head IS NOT designed to come apart. It's a 'pop-in/pop-out' action to place it on the figure's neck joint, similar to a ball joint. I don't know what happened in between the test shots and the final model but, the very first review of it (using a test shot) showed the head could split apart, which was how I found out about the long peg and the corresponding slot.

[kup]

I don't know what happened in between the test shots and the final model but, the very first review of it (using a test shot) showed the head could split apart, which was how I found out about the long peg and the corresponding slot.

I followed the supplied instructions which clearly shows the proper way of plugging in the head.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I just got Heardhead with the Headrobots upgrade from fatbot.

I gotta admit, Im not usually into the upgrade packs but I'm quite impressed with this. Especially since half the reason I didn't get Universe Hardhead back in the day was that he still had Onslaughts bonce. But with this upgrade kit I think it makes the figure a nice mix of the G1 toy & cartoon and the IDW & Universe interpretations of him :)

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b615/BigAngryTrev/P1030158_zpshvt9jlt2.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/BigAngryTrev/media/P1030158_zpshvt9jlt2.jpg.html)


Can't wait to set him up next to my Generations Brainstorm and Timelines Chromedome. Will post some pics when I do :D

[BigTransformerTrev]

Can't wait to set him up next to my Generations Brainstorm and Timelines Chromedome. Will post some pics when I do :D


Don't know if anyone ever read that last post :o but in case someone did here is the pic as promised :D

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b615/BigAngryTrev/P1030181_zpstqsvl4es.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/BigAngryTrev/media/P1030181_zpstqsvl4es.jpg.html)

[Hursticon]

Don't know if anyone ever read that last post :o but in case someone did here is the pic as promised :D

*snip*

I sure did mate, it looks very grand indeed! :cool:

I was lucky enough to get a hold of that figure & upgrade set a while back and I really don't think I'll ever let it go as it is such a great repurposing of that mold - The shield's deco alone sells the figure/character I think! :D

All we need is a modern/3rd Party take on Highbrow to complete that picture! ;):)

[BigTransformerTrev]

I sure did mate, it looks very grand indeed! :cool:

I was lucky enough to get a hold of that figure & upgrade set a while back and I really don't think I'll ever let it go as it is such a great repurposing of that mold - The shield's deco alone sells the figure/character I think! :D

All we need is a modern/3rd Party take on Highbrow to complete that picture! ;):)

Cheers mate, you always have the nicest things to say about other peoples figures :D (now if only my mirror would do the same :p)

Still waiting on the shield - Fatbot had misplaced it but promised to post it down the line when he finds it, now I;m quite interested to see what it looks like :)

[Hursticon]

Still waiting on the shield - Fatbot had misplaced it but promised to post it down the line when he finds it, now I;m quite interested to see what it looks like :)

Dude, you're going to love it! :D - NO BLOODY SPOILERS PEOPLE!!!! ;)

[kup]

I just got Heardhead with the Headrobots upgrade from fatbot.

I gotta admit, Im not usually into the upgrade packs but I'm quite impressed with this. Especially since half the reason I didn't get Universe Hardhead back in the day was that he still had Onslaughts bonce. But with this upgrade kit I think it makes the figure a nice mix of the G1 toy & cartoon and the IDW & Universe interpretations of him :)

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b615/BigAngryTrev/P1030158_zpshvt9jlt2.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/BigAngryTrev/media/P1030158_zpshvt9jlt2.jpg.html)


Can't wait to set him up next to my Generations Brainstorm and Timelines Chromedome. Will post some pics when I do :D

Yeah it is one of my most favorite upgrades as it makes a HUGE difference with just a few parts.

[STL]

Likewise, great little set. I'm still very fond of it. It's my preferred Hardhead over the Toyworld one that was release recently too.

[llamatron]

Oh yeah, huge fan of this kit. The original toy is already really solid but just doesn't look like Hardhead. Now it looks great.

Agreed that the shield is one of the best bits. ;)