Toy Review - TFPrime Voyager Optimus Prime v2

[GoktimusPrime]

Question: since FE Prime is sitting around the $70 - $80 mark on the secondary market, does paying $40 - $50 for a PRiDE Voyager Prime make it then better or equivalent value for money. or still worse value for money if you're looking for a big Prime to lead your Autobots.

This toy was only released about 3-4 months ago... surely not so long ago that I would consider it to be "aftermarket" and accept inflated prices.

I recommend:
1/ Wait until you find a FE Voy OP at RRP
2/ Bite the bullet and pay the extra $18

[Doubledealer]

Found a cheaper FE Prime at $63 so only $13 more than the RiD release.

Unfortunately the cheapest Takara FE Prime at the moment is $141.

[GoktimusPrime]

This one is AU$53. All online non-eBay sources I've checked out either don't stock TFP FE or are out of stock of FE Voyager OP.

[Doubledealer]

The item is $53 but you haven't factored in the shipping cost amigo.

[Prowl]

I got Megs & OP for $42 I think + shipping. For that money they are not bad value but I would not pay $50 for one even with a shotgun at my head.

I only kept Primes craphouse "gun" incase I decide to sell him but I may break it on principal. Not a fan of the clear plastic but I did find the Prime transformation "fun" & since transforming them is the only "play" I do with them it is a quite enjoyable toy. Just not RRP enjoyable.

[Doubledealer]

I've heard quite a few people mention how fun RiD Prime's transformation is now. He also doesn't sport the fake chest like the FE, which is a big plus for some people. There's always the Takara RiD release to consider too, it has arguably nicer colours and comes with a Shockwave Targetmaster. I hope we're not making the decision harder for you UltraMarginal.

[Stompy]

I actually like the RiD Prime. Granted the 1st ed is yet to be in my spindly hands (it's coming though but it's not a bad figure. As DD said, the lack of fake kibble and an actual fun transformation that is actually quite intuitive is a plus for this figure. Also, the alt mode having less seams that the 1st Ed.

A few downsides. The weapon is pretty crappy looking but the sword is nice. The back kibble can be a little big and worst of all, is mine had loose leg to waist ball joint, making posing tricky. Might have to coat the ball with some glue.

[GoktimusPrime]

The main advantage w/ PRiDE OP using the vehicle mode windscreens for the chest is that the shoulders aren't prone to popping out like on FE Voy OP. But I find that PRiDE OP's chest windows don't lock out firmly and are prone to sliding back in during handling/play. But the one thing that really hurts the look of this toy is the lack of paint apps on the body - it'd look a better if there were some red on the 'ribs' to break up the grey.

As for the seams, the most noticeable seams are the ones that bisect the vehicle mode along the grill, bonnet and wind vane - and PRiDE has seams in these places too. Not that I mind them on either mould. But PRiDE OP's vehicle mode suffers from several holes on the sides of the cab and just generally it's a short truck!! (chibi!!!) Typical PRiDE... same price points for smaller toys. The holes on the roof for the weapons looks unsightly too IMO.

Anyway, here's a comparison photo between FE Voy and PRiDE OPs.
L-R: Takara First Edition, TFP Robots In Disguise, Hasbro First Edition


And here's how they compare with the show model:
Top-bottom: HAS FE, TAK FE, HAS RiD


More comparison pics can be seen here.