Yeah but the silver variants are the rarest - so probably the hardest and most expensive to find. I never saw the silver variants in shops, did you? I didn't even know they existed until I went online and read about it. In 1993 I always thought that the TV commercial just used G1 Dinobots because the G2 repaints weren't available at the time they were shooting the ad.

Anyway, when you were recommending G2, I think theheretic assumed you meant the standard versions - and I'd made the same assumption. I imagine it would be easier and cheaper to track down the original G1s (or legit reissues) than the silver G2 variants. And all versions of the G2 Dinobots had the G2 Autobot logo and the word "Autobot" tampographed on their bodies, which - let's face it - is just cheesy. The G2 Dinobots also lack missile launchers, which may matter to some collectors. I prefer the more vibrant gold chrome of the original Dinobots (JMHO)

theheretic: check out those links -- do your homework about how to spot a KO. Then if you choose to buy the Dinobots online, specifically ask the seller take close up photos of whatever parts of the Dinobots may be tell-tale signs of being a KO. As others have said, there are already tell-tale signs on the box (e.g. "Dinobot Bommander") Alternatively, if you are patient enough, wait until you find them IRL (e.g. at a collectors fair); that way you can visually inspect the toy for yourself before purchase. If you go somewhere like the Sandowne Fair, then there should be other OTCA members there who might be able to help advise you on whether or not the toy is a KO. I once found some legit Dinobot reissues at a Parramatta Fair (see photo below).


Otherwise; as d*r*j suggested, maybe go for the G2 silver variants. The G2 tampograph will tell you straight away that they're legit - cos AFAIK the G2s haven't been KOed. Although they're bloody rare and if you do find them, they probably won't be cheap.

Man... what a pain in the bum. Makes me glad I'm not actively collecting G1. (-_-) Good luck to you, theheretic