More KOs to be careful of - G1 Sideswipe, Red Alert, Defensor

[5FDP]

But the 'KO reissues' aren't cheap and can even cost more than a complete loose sample.

You're right, they aren't cheap, but in some cases they are 'cheaper' than an original plus they 'look' brand new. Some well known KO websites sell them with the option of buying them MISB or loose to cut down on shipping costs.

*Disclaimer* I do not condone the making, selling, or distribution of KO products for the sole purpose of deceiving unknowing buyers and collectors

[Kranix]

I am very new to collecting G1 transformers and have been looking for a new Re-issue Sideswipe (plus a couple of others) in OZ with no luck Even the overseas versions of Sideswipe are rare and very expensive. Would I be a ostracised forever if I bought a knock off?

[liegeprime]

I am very new to collecting G1 transformers and have been looking for a new Re-issue Sideswipe (plus a couple of others) in OZ with no luck Even the overseas versions of Sideswipe are rare and very expensive. Would I be a ostracised forever if I bought a knock off?

No, but deep in your heart whenever you look at it and play with it, you'll always have that niggling feeling, "its a fake , its a fake!" Plus if your gonna spend money on it anyways go for the original. The figure is worth it, for you to waste your hard earned cash on Fakes, isnt.

[griffin]

People can buy what ever they want, just as long as they don't try to resell it as an original, or try to convince others that it is better to buy replica toys instead of legit ones.
People who have limited funds, or affections with certain rare toys, sometimes buy a counterfeit toy, as a substitue until they can afford the real thing.

And I wouldn't have any problem with someone using a counterfeit toy for customising, so that it doesn't take a real (and sometimes rare) toy out of circulation.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'd rather not have a toy at all rather than substitute what I don't have with a counterfeit.

There's a thread where the morals/ethics of collecting knockoffs was extensively debated here.

[1orion2many]

If the originals are out of your price range then it's up to you, I'm sure no one on here will give you dirty looks if you have one. It's a catch 22 situation, the reason the KO's are around is because all of the sclapers trying to screw all the money out of you, if people were fair on their pricing then people would be less inclined to lean towards the KO's. I must admit I don't have any KO's myself but that is because I bought a lot of my items off the shelf when they were new

[Sky Shadow]

I am very new to collecting G1 transformers and have been looking for a new Re-issue Sideswipe (plus a couple of others) in OZ with no luck Even the overseas versions of Sideswipe are rare and very expensive. Would I be a ostracised forever if I bought a knock off?

If you're patient, it's not hard to find a shipped MISB Sideswipe reissue for $100 or less (and you should be able to get a loose one for half that.) I don't know how much the knockoffs are, but it would be well worth the difference.

[kup]

I have seen Knock offs go for as much as vintage figures which is ridiculous. You are better off buying a reissue or good condition complete vintage figure off ebay and the price won't be much different.

[VERT]

I have a KO Swoop to replace my crusty G1 Swoop. Nothing wrong with it. Well made and is a perfect copy. All the story's about the bad quality etc... Well none to find with this one. Best part is you have to know a good place to get them. $40 was a good price Just dont look on ebay.

I dont care if its right or wrong I just wanted a NEW complete Swoop end of story.

[kup]

I have a KO Swoop to replace my crusty G1 Swoop. Nothing wrong with it. Well made and is a perfect copy. All the story's about the bad quality etc... Well none to find with this one. Best part is you have to know a good place to get them. $40 was a good price Just dont look on ebay.

I dont care if its right or wrong I just wanted a NEW complete Swoop end of story.

Yeah I always suspected that they were every bit as good as any official reissue when it comes to quality - And that's the problem.

There is no way to tell this thing from a real one in loose condition on an ebay auction.