Transformers Hasbro vs. Takara

[NikeHead]

I'm planning on getting myself a 20th anniversary Optimus Prime real soon. From what I can tell, the Takara one is die-cast and the Hasbro one is plastic. If thats the case, why is the Hasbro version only 10 dollars cheaper than the Takara version? I just need someone to clarify, because maybe the Hasbro version IS die-cast and I don't know it? I mean, if the Hasbro one isn't even Die-cast and just about $10 cheaper, then I should be seeing myself going online and getting me a Takara Version real soon. Someone please clarify before I do any buying?

 

[Dave McFly]

That is a misconception

Takara and Hasbro primes BOTH have diecast parts (upper body, and lower legs). The difference in the Hasbro version is the shorter smokestacks, which can be fixed with a set of these. They are easy to replace and look great, and make a world of difference. Hasbro prime has (in later runs) a BLACK rifle instead of the GREY one that Takara has. Hasbro prime also has airbrushed 'battle damage' on his shoulders, ends of his arms near the fists, a spot on his chest 'grille', and on his upper legs near the knees. And finally the Takara version has a cardboard 'trailer' that can be folded and glued and placed with prime in truck mode (later version of the Takara version MP-03 has a REAL trailer that opens up like the trailer did on the 80s prime toy. Now the REISSUE that is coming out for the 20th anniversary of the cartoon movie is the same as the previous Hasbro version exept for the following.

NO 'airbrushed' battle damage
yellow highlights added to primes head on both sides of his lower face
Rifle is now BLUE
the chrome bits (smoke stacks, grilles and truck bumper, etc) are not chrome anymore more of an aluminum color now.
And finaly a display base that has soundclips of prime from the movie.

 

[NikeHead]

Thanks for clarifying that with me. Because of that, I decided to wait for the Takara Prime with the real trailer. I wouldn't get the Hasbro version if I decided not to wait because of its shorter stacks, because you're only paying $10 for the Takara version WITH the longer ones. The re-issue sounds like a flop compared to its Hasbro predecessor. Why would they replace their chrome parts with just a flat color?

 

[Spelunking Man]

Takara optimus prime mp-04 looks great, but it has nipples.

Check it out:
http://www.ultimatetoys.com.my/New/Transformers/TakaraMP04/TakaraMP04Convoy.htm

 

[Dave McFly]

are you refering to the screws that attach the 2 halfs of the matrix cover/truck mode bumper? I thought they should have either A: glued the 2 halfs together, or B: use smaller or non chrome screws, or C: have the 'windows' in the cab tinted a bluish color like the takara reissue of the G1 80s Prime fig .

 

[marbles]

does any one know about the spin off of transformers called battle beasts? or does anyone have any?