Tf prime hasbro or tfprime takara.

[kristofferrer]

Only thing I would mention about takara's version that in Hong Kong the price is only marginally more expensive.

If you haven't started collecting yet, its a great time to start. I have a feeling this series will be one of the most popular and will be hard to find toys in a year or so time.
(except bumblebee - there THOUSANDS of that toy around...)

I found that Takara toys were generally cheaper in HK than they were in JP (unless of course you went to those Kmart/Target stores in Japan where they sold United voyagers for $17AU).

I think this series will go up as well - i dont want it to. I've already noticed Target/Kmart smelling the trend of collectors and upping their prices to be on par with the Classics.

I really want to mix and match with Takara and Hasbro, though im not currently in the best position to splurge on the hobby as much.

I say go for whichever version you personally prefer and can get for a good price.

This is indeed an approach im going with. It's new for me as i've usually only stuck with one line. However, since value is a lot more distinct (i.e. different accessories with the toys), the mix and match approach "would be the most prudent course of action."

getting a good price is part of the fun