Toy Review - MP-9 Rodimus Convoy

[STL]

Ive been loking forward to this for awhile, but now Im hearing more and more aout problems. Something abour the rear spoiler scratching in the truck more or some such? What sort of problems are we getting, and how big are they?

I think it varies.

For me, I've managed to avoid the spoiler scratching any point off but granted I've only given it one go. Part of my reservation is due to that very reason.

As I understand the list of gripes are:
- Spoiler scratching when going to truck mode Big? I think so if it is a widespread problem. I haven't personally experienced it yet but I took great care. Some others have not. I slide it in gently and slowly and then out just as gently and slowly. Personally it's not a problem for me but if I experienced it, it would make me pretty furious.
- Guns not holding hands Big Depends on how much you care for weapons. I care a lot about them but they still fit. It's more a chore but definitely not a deal breaker. I also love the saw too so often don't use the gun.
- Wrists giving way too easily when holding the big gun in Rodimus Prime mode. Big? I think so if you like playability a lot. You can get it to pose but it's a pain - even more so when you are changing poses regularly.
- Stability for posing Big? I don't think so. For msot people who display it should be fine.
- Limited diecast. Big? I don't think so. Figure is very good in what it represents and that should be what matters.

The transformation, I repeat, the transformation is not QC ridden. It's a challenge but if you follow the right process (which I believe I've gotten the hang of now), you get a very nice, gap free Hot Rod.

[kurdt_the_goat]

I'm still trying to figure out what i really think about this one! He is definitely not without flaws... but in every mode he just looks so brilliant, i'm finding myself be more forgiving than i would normally because of it.

My one stands up fine as well, are you sure you have the ankle joint clicked all the way back? Since the feet are basically the only pieces of metal, he's weighted quite nicely and can even pull some single-leg poses.

[STL]

He shouldn't need a stand. The toy should be designed well enough that he can stand and balance by himself. That's something I didn't quite like about the MP Seekers; which seemed to be more designed as display models rather than playable action figures. Boo!

I used to be of that view but while standing is cool, posing is pretty awesome. If you've seen pictures of Delicate Warrior on a stand, you'll know what I mean. Completely side on sort of poses or poses that would not be in mid-air that would never be possible of holding without a stand are some of the reasons for a stand.

That said, I agree that generally a figure should have basic stability. This one lacks even that but I'm going to check following Kurdt's comment below. I think he's right b/c I remember it nagging at me when I transformed him

I personally thought MP Thundercracker and Grimlock were overpriced.

So overall do you think MP-09 represents decent value for money? Cos that's the one thing that put me off from buying this toy -- there are lot of things about it that seem nice, but I just can't justify throwing that much money down on it (plus postage).

I think Kurdt sums it up best:

I'm still trying to figure out what i really think about this one! He is definitely not without flaws... but in every mode he just looks so brilliant, i'm finding myself be more forgiving than i would normally because of it.

I think for those reasons it makes it a figure that is definitely worth buying.

I can't remember what I paid for MP-08 Grimlock and Thundercracker but for some reason recall it being in a similar range. Add the trailer and the beauty of the figure as a representation of Hot Rod/Rodimus (nothing has ever even come close) and I think if you shelled out for those other two, this is easily worth it and a must for any collector.

The arms also work extremely well with the matrix, He looks great either way.

[GoktimusPrime]

Without postage, MP Thundercracker retailed for 10500JPY* and MP Grimlock retailed for 13650JPY** (which was quite overpriced IMO (-_-)). Compare this with MP01 which retailed at 10290JPY***.

----------------------
*$126
**$163
***$123
(Based on current exchange rate)

[kurdt_the_goat]

After my few years at this forum, even tho i'm not sure exactly what i personally feel about MP9, i can pretty safely say you wouldn't think it worth the money Goktimus

[kup]

I will write a bit more detail later but I am finding out that a lot of the reported issues can be remedied or are simply due to people misaligning parts during transformation.

However what can be confirmed is that the figure's plastic quality could be better for a collector's piece and that there is a lot of clumsy design and unnecessary complexity thrown in.

This figure is clearly not something made to play with, it's mostly a transformable display piece as it can be unstable mostly due to the clumsy design.

[5FDP]

I will write a bit more detail later but I am finding out that a lot of the reported issues can be remedied or are simply due to people misaligning parts during transformation.

Maybe it's just me, but if I'm spending 200 bucks on a high-end Transformer, there shouldn't be anything that needs to be remedied.

[VERT]

All I will say is I love it. I had to fix the hands but thanks to Kup was a easy fast fix. Easy to TF and no QC issues. Fits together real well quite happy

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I really like it. All modes look ace. Colours are spot on. had a bit of shin problem, but no hand problems, some blue tack will fix the gun problem.

The balance I haave had no problems with, he seems to do fine. Careful placement of the ankles is all that's needed really.

I think they should have been a bit more careful in intial design stages though, the clearance for the vehicle mode from the ground is too fine. Nevertheless, I am glad I got it and when in space camper mode (ever the mode to set fear into the sparks of Decepticons) it is HUUUGE!

Just wish they had spent a bit more time refining some of the minor issues as that would have made it one of the best Masterpieces.

I like it, read more on my blog Heaps of Pics too

[kup]

I didn't know there were any balance issues. The ankle joints are somewhat inappropriate as they are very difficult to align in car mode and awkward to move in robot mode but not unstable.