My tips for collectors are: don't bother with completing a collection, and don't buy figures just because the price is allright. Go for the ones you think are cool. Collecting just for the sake of collecting will end up make you feeling burnt out and with an empty wallet for when a character that you really want hits the shelves.
I just hate how expensive they’ve become. Even at retail. Similar figures (or even better) that you once saw on shelf used to cost 9.99 and now they’re like 24.99. It’s nuts.
Yes! People will argue that the aesthetics are better than ever, but to me they're just different. Not only that, but it is just a fact that the material quality has gone down substantially.
I'm 45 and had a bunch of the G1 when I was a kid, I started collecting again about five years ago. I started off with the mainline at the time but wasnt that into it until I discovered masterpiece figures. Now I'm almost done getting every character I want, just a couple left to get.
Cool to hear man , I'm 45 as well and only started collecting again back in 2021 . Started with studio series 86 Transformers the movie line figures, Jazz, Blur, Kup and Hot Rod . I got into WFC and Legacy line soon after. I now have a ridiculous collection of G1 inspired figures. I should probably post a video on RUclips or something. I hadn't collected since I was 12 years old .Much ❤ mate.
I advise collectors to get into reselling themselves. I personally use eBay. When a better version of a character/mold comes out, you can feel a little more justified picking up your hundredth Bumblebee when you have some extra money and space. I don’t choose to see it as me spending nearly $100 on the new commander class Optimus Prime, I’m just trading my Earthrise🤷
I collect mainly live action transformers but I plan on getting studio series g1 optimus after watching the first 4 episodes of g1 the show is pretty entertaining
Oh boy, careful not to fall down the G1 rabbit hole. I started with collecting Studio Series, but then the WFC Trilogy line started making new figures and as I got those, I actually found them way better than the live action figures. More solid, better articulation, better accessories, all while being easier to transform.
@@dkkanofkash8798 facts😂 but I had experience with wfc trilogy and 86 figures since my brother collected a lot of g1 so I think I’ll be fine Im really only interested in optimus and I still prefer live action figures
Excellent advice! I only started my own collection around March/April last year, when a huge Smyths Toy Store opened up 5 minutes from my house, and I had some money kicking around after selling my YuGiOh Card collection. I originally based my collection on figures from various scenes in the Marvel comics - Starting with a shelf of figures from the 'Return to Cybertron' arc, with Perceptor, Blaster, Seaspray, Powerglide, Warpath, Beachcomber and Cosmos on the Autobot Rebel side, and Straxus, Ramjet, Dirge, Thrust, Bombshell, Kickback and Shrapnel for the Decepticons . . . Filling in gaps and figures as I go along. I have another shelf for the original Optimus Prime and co, versus Megatron and co, and yet another for the later Galvatron and cronies versus Rodimus, Ultra Magnus and others. I focus mainly on G1, or so-called CHUG figures, but I do have a space for other random figures I just like the look of ... Tarn, Sky Lynx, the Toxitron line, and my top shelf pièce de résistance... a Masterpiece Shockwave facing off against the Studio Series Dinobots :)
I'm pretty focused on 86 and Legacy but I really liked the reissues they did a few years back that had the original packaging from the 80s. I wish they'd kept doing that! Thanks for the breakdown of your colleccting - it's always interesting to see what people prioritise. Everyone has their own criteria for what fits and what doesn't!
@@retroandreissue I grew up with Transformers, but never had enough money to afford them, except maybe at Xmas and Birthday. That was Thatcher's 80's for you! lol
As for point 3 about preorders it kind of depends where you live. In my country you have to preorder otherwise you can never be sure if it will turn out eventually. So you need to learn how is the distribution in your country. For point 2 if it was a popular character there is a high chance they will redo or rerelease them few years later, they need product with the same name every 4 years to keep the trademark. More niche characters are very unlikely to get a redo or rerelease in few years. Also it is less risky to wait for a sale with those niche characters because they have high chance of not selling out and go on sale. Also my one advice for G1 collecting, stick mostly with Studio Series 86 when it comes to characters that did show up, even for 1 frame in 86 movie. For characters that didn't branch out to lines under the umbrella of Generations, it is rebranded every year and has sometimes exclusive sublines, etc. It is basicly an equivalent of Marvel Legends or Star Wars Black Series. Now if there is a character from 86 movie that is in Generations but is not in Studio Series only get them if you think they are good enough. If they aren't good enough in your opinion wait for eventual Studio Series version.
Thanks for the pointers - particularly the one about pre-orders being dependant on location. I was too brash there and should have added that caveat - it's easy to assume what's true for you is true for others - which is obviously not the case.
Exactly - I'm not sure it would be half as enjoyable if you completed your collection straight away. Buying something new occasionally gives you time to appreciate the new purchase also
Great advice for people just getting onboard. I have collected on and off since their debut in 84. However I took a like 15 year pause on collecting. I dabbled a little when the titan master line hit. I saw that they were trying to get that G1 look for a lot of the characters. I just couldn't get into the headmaster thing. So i sold it all off. A year or so later I saw SS86 Hotrod on the shelf that caught my eye so I grabbed it. Then not much later I came across a SS86 Grimlock. I was like damn he looks like he just stepped out of the cartoon. After that I was hooked. It sounds like we are after the same thing. Im only looking for the characters from the OG cartoon with the exception of some comic only characters. Im not done but I am oh so very close.
Yep, that's pretty much my focus also. I'm hoping they keep doing more obscure comic characters like Emirate Xaaron and Straxus. When you say you are done - do you think you will upgrade later if they bring out revised versions of figures you already own?
@@retroandreissue For some Im sure I will. Id like to see a more refined Rodimus from the SS86 line. I of course will get SS86 Optimus. However most of the Earthrise Atubots and Decepitcons are so on point it would be hard to need to replace them. I will always replace a bot if they remake them in solid plastic over clear. So like the 5 pack with Hound I got not just for Hound but to have a solid plastic version of Jazz who has always been my favorite Autobot next to Snarl.
@@ryanweston6182 I really like that version of Jazz over the original but would never have bought the 5 pack if it weren't for Hound (and the fact I never picked up the others). Rodimus is one I hear a lot of people ask for an 86 version - here's hoping Hasbro is listening
10:10 - There's also the times when they release the "re-paint" first when it's obvious what character it's supposed to be, but that character gets released as the re-paint.
This video is such a great idea, and I wish I had this kind of guide around in 2020. Though I loved TF as a kid in the 80s, I only started collecting as a COVID-19 lockdown hobby. I had to learn so much through a lot of research, and MPs were far too expensive for an expanding collection, but hey, I had a lot of time on my hands during lockdown, too. Unlike a lot of other hobbies I started in lockdown, TF collecting is one of the few that continue to this day, and I love my figures as toys, puzzles, and colorful decorations for my home.
This is such a great video. I got back into Transformers a few years ago and was completely lost. I searched endlessly for a channel or online community for this basic info. Wish I had this then! You did a fantastic job here, truly a short (yet thorough) video for new collectors. Awesome work.
Thanks for the comment - hopefully it will reach some new collectors as they're just starting out. I'm hoping RUclips does it's job and places it in front of them! (But that's always a crap shoot - sigh).
Your synopsis is well thought, thank you. I would add a few bits of knowledge: In the States... the tendencies for overstocked items may end-up at clearance stores like Ross, Ollie's, Big Lots, and Citi Trends (possibly named differently in you part of the states) UK collectors, you should become friends with some Americans or Japanese collectors and vice-versa States collectors. If you're unhappy with the Hasbro line reach out to the third-parties as the price is sometimes higher but select, quality, and availability is most often great.
I do think every figure will get a SS86 release somewhere down the line. But holding out for that would require more patience and control of fomo than I can muster. Take this new legacy leader soundwave. You just know there's going to be a SS86 repaint sooner than later.
I think those figures that do crop up in the movie will come in SS 86 (I'm hoping for a better ravage at some point with Soundwave!) I picked up figures like Smokescreen and Trailbreaker though because I don't think they'll expand SS beyond movies to the TV show. Could be wrong though!
@@retroandreissue What also annoys me is how sometimes other lines are more cartoon/movie accurate than SS86. For instance, the recent legacy autobot 5-pack which I picked up, had a better Jazz (celshaded windows). The buzzworthy bumblebee redeco's of Ironhide, Prowl, Ratchet and Kup do too. There's no consistency in windshields in the 86 line 😅
@@retroandreissue And a last point of frustration is the use of gold paint on the ss86 dinobots. These should be film-accurare, not toy accurate. So why not just make them yellow instead of gold? They're doing this for the upcoming comic grimlock, but I don't like the use of blue instead of black. Guess I could kitbash these 2 together into my perfect grimlock if I really really wanted 😅 And don't get me started on the travesty that is Snarl's feet being a different colour than any other golden bit on the 5 bots 🙄 What an eyesore. And no upgrade kits to address this.
@@mdr8615 It's more case of they changed their mind about how to do windows part way through the product line. They should all be opaque in 86 now. Ultra Magnus still had transparent windows though.
@@mdr8615 Yeah, I get where the frustration comes from. I think they're not sure at times exactly what people want and how to get the figures out there. Like there was this whole thing with that 5-pack Hound being announced (or at least leaked) then not getting his own release. Very odd. I don't mind the gold on the dinos - but I would like consistency. Like the mix of yellow and gold on Snarl is annoying
This is honestly a really well-done video. While there is a value in long-time fans sharing what they have learned over the decades theyve been collecting, I’ve always been in the lookout for newer fans coming up with videos that are essentially “here’s what i’ve learned from recemt experienced and research” as there’s such a distillation of information and a present time perspective that at times more long-time fans dont typically go for. Reshared.
Thanks for the kind words! There's a ton of info from great creators on RUclips but it can be spread out and hard to find - my intention was to try to condense what I've picked up so far all in one place
Patience is definitely the biggest recommendation I can give. If you missed out on certain figures, then give it time. Eventually, there will be a re-release or an updated figure. When I started collecting, Siege Jetfire was $300, but two years in, he got a re-release, and I was happy to add him into my collection. My next biggest suggestion is that you don't always have to buy the updated figure. The recent Studio Series Bumblebee is a good example. I really like Netflix Bee's look over the SS86 version that just released. So I most likely won't be swapping out. Next, keep your collection focused. You don't have to buy everything that Hasbro releases. I was buying way too much of everything. Bay figures there, Masterpiece here, G1 everywhere. This is an expensive hobby, and eventually, you'll run out of money and space. So, I chose to focus my collection on what is really nostalgic for me. So, if it's not CHUG G1, Beast Wars, or Armada, it's gotta go! Lastly, have fun, and enjoy what you have.
Great Video! I jumped in to collected with studio series 86 hot rod, but was most interested in the Kingdom line for all the updated Beast Wars toys which Ive got almost all of and I'm working on a nice G1 collection my self now.
Great to hear! Are you happy with the Beast Wars versions they're releasing these days - I see them all the time when I'm hunting G1 and they seem pretty intricate and well detailed - with lots of articulation
Been collecting since I got my first job at fifteen now thirty and of course I had figures growing up but didn't really start until , I started making my own money but siege was were I definitely got into it and I went from just having a few unicron trilogy , generations and movie figures too having almost a modern complete g1 and beast war collection along with the other continuities now I'm here looking at many figures from different continuities like Japanese exclusive characters like Victory Saber to The Fallen and a transforming Ark this is something that I could only dream about ten years ago .
My tip, to add to this: If you are going for a whole look for a series, it doesn’t have to be from one theme. Currently, I am doing a G1 series, but I’m using a mixture of Studio series, Legacy, and WFC kingdom, as well as Siege. Because, frankly… at the end of it all, I just want it to represent the cartoon models as close as possible while not being a masterpiece model. I dunno, I just thought I’d share my advice too.
Great video, my guy. Im a g1 fan from the 80s and got into collecting Hasbro current runs as a fluke. I was making a 80s theme shelf of various franchises i was into back then to remind me of my youth. So i needed a representation of the Transformers of the 80s, and i ended up starting when the earthrise and studio series started. I fell in love with the Er Prime i got, and boom, im a collector. It can be so confusing at first, and I had to learn all the advice you're giving in this video on my own the hard way. And wow, what a lesson to learn. Just want to say i enjoyed this video. Great advice for newcomers.
Thanks - I was exactly the same, started collecting all the recent re-issues of TMNT, Ghostbusters etc - and started by picking up the re-releases of G1 in 80s style packaging. Then suddenly (I don't know exactly when or why!) I decided to pick up the modern figures. Since then they've pretty much become my focus since there's more to talk about with those. Those 80s figures look great carded and on display though!
Great video! I've been primarily a vintage GI Joe and MOTU Origins collector (among other vintage lines), but have recently gotten into collecting the modernized G1 TF, after having the vintage toys as a kid, and have to say it has been really confusing. I also latched onto the SS 86 line, but then realized that there are other G1 figures not included in it. The video gives a good and clear breakdown of what to look for, and pitfalls to avoid.
Great video. Here in Spain is quite more difficult to find some figures. I expect that Optimus Prime and Swoop will come to local stores, but I am dreaming with open eyes.
Loved your video mate. I went 31 years without collecting and only started again in 2021, I'm only a month off turning 46 now. My collection looks pretty similar to yours (I only have one original from the 1980's however and that's Devastator, which is comprised of the constructions , which makes 6 of course, but it's only a reissue and not the original release). I even shelled out for the three titan class figures of Omega Supreme, Scorponok and even the Autobot Ark. I have all of mine crammed into one big trophy cabinet, somehow😮. Everything you said in your video is spot on when it comes to collecting these elusive things... Except that some are just about impossible to find..AT ALL!. Perfect example; I live in Australia and was fortunate enough to stumble on about 7 different G1 headmaster figures at Target that I haven't seen for sale anywhere else. I assume they were Target exclusives. Did you get these in the UK?.. They were hard to find too as their online store wouldn't let you choose specific figures, THEY WOULD RANDOMLY SELECT THEM FOR YOU INSTEAD!?!?... Like WTF?. I had to go back to my local Target every week to find all 7. There were two other characters, Thrust and Red Alert (I think..) that were exclusive to only one store in the states too. But other than that I have managed to track down everything else . I have been burnt by eBay too many times, there is either parts missing, cheap knock-offs or some one trying to make double transactions on something you've already paid for...Stay away from eBay unless you like to gamble IMO . Anyway, much ❤ my friend 😉
I'm only 25, but I've been collecting since 2007 and most of what I own is original G1 and Masterpiece. It's really interesting to see how most people getting into the fandom again go straight to the modern mainline stuff. It does seem to be the most accessible!
Here's a helpful advice for Generations collectors: ONLY buy 1 version of each TF bots of their respective universe. It's helpful to me because it provides the luxury I need to army-build. Highly effective. For example: If you buy Legacy Armada Starscream; let that be your ONLY Unicron Trilogy Starscream no matter the follow-up toys of him. You can still go multiversal & have multiple Starscreams (Aligned, Bayverse, G1, etc.) on your shelves so long as they're not the same entity.
Remember that it is YOUR collection. Set it up the way it appeals to you. Also, No 1 company has the best depiction of every character. Don't hesitate to mix and match to fit your tastes. Again it's your collection. Lastly, for people in the U.S., check flea markets. A lot of times, you can find bots that had little or no run in your local stores at prices that are although higher than in stores, are lower than collector shops.
I got back into collecting about 2 years ago myself. Im a G1 guy all the way. My best advice is be patient. When u really get into it you will find that some characters that are a must have are no longer available at retail. BE PATIENT. VELOCITRON COSMOS is a prime example. He went for crazy prices on eBay and after market because he was so hard to find in the US. Studio 86 Grimlock was the same way. Now they are both going to be released next year as a package refresh for retail price. I’m glad I didn’t fall for buying cosmos and was able to find Grimlock at a very reasonable price. I want the head masters but will wait. They will eventually be released as new and better molds than what’s available now. Which isn’t bad but still.
thanks for this video! i just got back into collecting mainline hasbro, took a break for a few years and did 3rd party. changed my mind when they started making less clear plastic g1 figures. my first figs i got was 86 slug and legacy gears, and exo suit spike. i picked up the rise of the beasts weaponizers and they scale like the beastwars cartoon which is cool
im not going to collect clear plastic, but now that i have gears, i need 86 brawn, bumblebee, legacy cosmos, beachcomber, and kingdom warpath. i mainly just want to collect the dinobots and new minibots
I currently collect MPM style Transformers. Someday, I'd like to restart a G1 collection where I don't repeat any mold. For example, I may get Ironhide from Studio Series 86, but then I'd get Ratchet from the classics line. And all seekers would be different molds, etc.
There is rhyme and reason to figures being released, the biggest factor is MONEY. I knew Sudio Series 86 Optimus would reveal or sale around July so it's release can come out around Decmeber or Christmas; the most amount of money to be made.
Great overview of what is out there for the various lines. I highly recommend the SS86 for budget, with some mixed in MP versions of your favorites. Don't get a whole line, just get the bots you want to display for sure! and also the KO )knock off versions from Ali express can be just as detailed or better than hasbro releases, so what the video reviews and decide before dropping your hard earned $$ on these toys
Thanks for the advise. I just started collecting and concentrating on the SS86 line because of price point and quality is a good value but I have started branching out to Legacy. If the collectible is hot then it does feel like you won’t get it so if you are inpatient you are in trouble.
After reading every single comments for this video, the one I feel really hits the spot is the “get to know collectors from other regions/countries”. For example, some of you commented on Straxus being sold out / pre-ordered out in the UK, but you know what? There are plenty left for Hasbro Taiwan, HK, etc. So unless it’s a really sought-after character like the new SS86 Optimus Prime, I have not seen ANY figures sell out / pre-ordered out in Asia region’s Hasbro site. One big contributing factor is the availability of individual shop toy dealers. For example, Hasbro prices deluxe figures at 24.99 USD. If I order through these dealers, I can usually get them below 20 USD. Even though I had Transformers toys as a kid, I never really collected them. It wasn’t until last fall when both my twins really liked them and that’s when I started (hobby for all 3 of us). There was so many lines available and it was definitely confusing. I didn’t do enough research and started buying some here and there when the price seems good. But in retrospect, I should have picked up more figures because many are not available now and I don’t see them being re-issued for a long time to come. For example, Runamuck and Runabout. I agree that you don’t need to complete any series or line. Buy what you like based on what you can afford. Btw, with individual toy dealers, I constantly have about 1.2K USD of pre-orders on deck. Don’t be afraid of KOs! Some are really good quality. Dr Wu is awesome 😎 Love them mini sized figures!
I would tend to agree, been collecting since 83 and now steadily selling my 40yr collection and have moved to Masterpiece/third party primarily with the odd CHUG thrown in mainly as I have no space and also I have no big issue with KO’s 👀. The other point I would mention is that quite often the independents have to mark up their prices too when they do get hold of more stock of figures and Hasbro exclusives are also higher compared to non exclusive counterparts of the same size class, eBay is just full of scalpers and Charlatans in my experience and so unless you’re happy with the shelf warmers on shelves at Smyths or the odd surprise at Game or you’re happy to pay over the odds on Pulse or in Forbidden Planet or on Zavvi or are feeling reckless and go for eBay or Amazon then you have to have fingers and legs crossed that your favourite independents like Space Bridge or In Demand have or will get more stock but you still might pay a bit more for the privilege. Collecting vintage is different, it’s all about the thrill of the hunt, finding broken or incomplete figures you can restore (assuming you’re not buying to sell), going to toy fairs, charity shops, auctions etc. Now it’s still a little painful for mp/3p as half the time everything listed is out of stock I don’t know why they list stuff but if like me you’re ok with KO then Chinese marketplaces are you’re friend, there’s no huge rush generally and if like me you focus on a specific group or time period then you can get some great pieces this is ideal for me as like you say unless you pre order main line you aren’t getting it and I don’t work like that, I save or have money for purchases around birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas, rarely do pre orders align themselves for me and I only look a month or so prior I don’t regularly search for stuff I might like weekly, as I’d be surely disappointed even more so, anyway that’s my additional thoughts, best of luck 👍
I just started collecting G1 from my childhood. Blaster, Soundwave and Brawn. I still have G1 Optimus Prime but only the figure and not the Trailer. I seen the Missing Link C-01 Optimus that looked Exactly like my old Optimus, trailer and all. I picked it up and couldn't be happier. I'm hoping for a Missing Link Soundwave. Nothing compares to the OG G1 toys imo.
The classes were original size based, but now Voyager and Leader are almost the same thing, Leader was the current commander class. Feels like Leader is now just a voyager with a trailer or it's special in some way like a triple changer. Before Siege, Leader was most definitely the bigger version compared to voyager.
Still young I’m only 20 but I’ve never moved on for my love for transformers I’m so glad they are making all the classic figures there are so many I wanted when I was younger
Been collecting 30 years… funny yiur video popped up. I’ve decided to end my collecting in 2025, I have three to six of many of the season 1-3 characters.
I wonder if RUclips realised you were about to stop and is trying to keep the collecting bug going! Either way, thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed the vid
I am a collector here in the Philippines and start collecting from combiner war series. Looking to complete a toy line series. Then it come not all figure are the one that I know and like and since Transformers toys is expanding I need to choose and select which figure and what collection I am building to I focus on G1 characters until the 1986 movie and the beast wars now I am happy in what I have on my collection sourcing and waiting for any announcement joining groups to guide me what figure I need buy of I miss it on the first realaese then either wait on the secondary market or a re-release of the figure. I have a list of characters that are easily sold out.
Starting collecting a few months ago, trying collect g1 and some idw characters and only problem i have is scalping tbh. Managed to get 86 ultra Magnus and a decent price and i just managed to get the new Optimus prime of off amazon so I’m having a good run right now!
If you shop at big box stores with a large stock, wait for sales. I'm in the US so I buy from Walmart a lot. They usually charge $55 USD for a Leader Class there, but I can wait til the store wants to get newer stock in, and they'll drop Leader Class figures to $27 USD. And much lower for the smaller figures. I can get an originally $35 figure for $12, or an originally $20 figure for $10. Resist the urge to snatch it up before you miss out on it. I did that the first couple of purchases, only to see those same figures I wanted so badly, sitting static on a shelf and collecting dust for half off what I paid when it first came out.
Thank you for this video! This is exactly me. I have always been into action figures but when I was a kid the prices on the G1 toys were too high, and the pose ability back then was complete shit compared to your 3.75" GiJoes. I loved the cartoon as a kid and about a year ago I saw the Wreck Gar and Junk Heap figs from the 86 line and had to have them. Then I discover the Legacy Insecticons then Kingdom and Earthrise G1 figs. Like you I hope to have a full G1 (First 3 seasons and 86 Movie only) collection. It has been a challenge but going well so far. A Few things like you said about changing versions. I have been watching for a good deal on SS86 Cliffjumper but now I think I'll wait to see if they make a slight remold of the newer SS86 Bumblebee that I like better. Let us hope we get a few more package refreshes... Ultra Magnus, Beachcomber, Menasor T_T but we will see. So many characters in the 86 Movie they haven't made yet. Just don't want any dead ones.
I don't like the dead ones yet either - I've yet to pick up any of them! I think now they've redone bumblebee we will see an updated Cliffjumper. I bought my Cliffjumper (the Buzzworthy one) from a small online retailer when they got an even smaller restock about a year after he came out - but that was quite early on in my collecting - before I got of sense of how these things generally shake out. If I could go back I think I would probably hold off and wait for an update.
I feel like Transformers toy review space has gotten quite "commercaial" recently, like we must get review of this new release beacaus it would guarantee thousands of views. Though those videos are definitely entertaining, the warmth and love that exudes from your videos are so refreshing and wholesome. Your videos are so welcoming. Please keep loving the toys the way they are meant to be
My personal advice (I got back into buying the toys like three years ago). 1 It may worth to "wait" before buying a figure than to buy it asap but it will depends. The main reason why I got back into buying the toys is cos I didn't realise how cheap a figure can become if you wait a few months or a year. Example I found SS Dropkick for £8 four years ago! Like I said, it entirely depends on the figures as some can be sold out asap like Tarn while others can become shelfwarmer like Legacy Strongarm. 2 You should only really buy a figure you will "like". I know collectors will buy a figure to "complete" a set like getting all of the G1. I just know depending which set you want to complete, it will either make or break you. Like on Twitter, I know some people are trying to complete the whole G1 cast. One is doing fine and another just had an epiphany and had recent sold some of his figures to downside his collection. Granted it's entirely up to you. Like at the moment, I think I can easily just make a Resue Bot set since I already got Chase and Heatwave is coming next year. Also good advice on preordering! At the moment I am on the fence on the Comic Straxus. Like I want to get him but my personal stance is to never buy them at full price. At the moment, he is not soldout when compared to Comic Shockwave. I know they gonna release a non comic version along the line but I don't think I may liked him (more dark blue). Maybe I could wait for him to be discounted as an outlet sale (what the official Hasbro label their figures on sales) along the line?
Thanks for the advice! It's always hard to know what will sell and what won't - I noticed Straxus hasn't sold out which suggests he's not as sought after as Shockwave - but then that might be because Shockwave was underproduced and Strxus underproduced!
@@retroandreissue You mean overproduce? Oh another advice I forgot with the ebay stuff is that you shouldn't be afraid of the "preowned" figure. As long the photo are clear and the description said "for display purpose only", pet free"" and "in a smoke free enviorment", the figure it just as new as the day it was purchase! You just getting a new figures that has been opened for a good price. Like I bought Legacy Tarantulas and Skullgrim for £10 and they were basically brand new! Granted if it's preowned and it is an old figure then lower your expectation if you really want it if the price is right!
@@Renkencen Great advice - my first pre-owned figure was Smokescreen and I'm glad I got over the prejudice of needing something new in the box. He's good as new anyway!
@@retroandreissue Ok so comic Straxus is now sold out in Hasbro Pulse UK. A part of me is trying to fight my inner FOMO as mention already, I want him but didn't want to paid full price (£55.99) for him. Like you said, there is a high chance the comic line will get reissue but the question is now "when"? I think they could be restock before they are release in the UK (last week of September) as I could of sworn comic Grimlock was sold out when the links were up but you can still preorder him as I type this!
Interesting video Im an on/off cherry picking collector I collect some characters that I like. Im more a G1 collector but I like some new versions of the classic characters. Just subscribed can’t wait to see more videos btw nice collection Greetings from 🇨🇦
i would recommend preorder when its an exclusive. an example would be the marvel legends warbird that came out recently. if didnt pre order it probably wont get it.
And you barely even get into Masterpiece and the dozens of 3'd party stuff. I'm a collector, love G1 TFs! ...but I just can't keep up with all the different lines and classes. It's confusing as heck. Most of this stuff never even shows up in stores around here, so half the time figures come and go, and I never even know they exist. You had multiple figures in this video I'd love to have, but never even knew they existed until watching your video right now! So yeah, I love them, but trying to collect Transformers sucks. I mostly just enjoy what I have, and if im lucky enough to find something new that I like, I'll grab it.
I think that might be a philosophy for collecting in general - not getting hung up on getting everything is definitely something I want to remember. There are many more important things in life to worry about!
I agree with @magnusvb stay away from possibly completing a whole collection that you’re looking for because they’re on the market for only a limited amount of time before they’re already sold out and the scalpers are making a killing out there once they’re ordering the max from Hasbro they’re selling it for double or triple the price collect for love of collecting not necessarily the love of completion. I’m only collecting what I particularly like is mainly the G1 upgrade version of those characters.
im just getting into this line. is there a site to see what the original MSRP is on the transformers figures so that way we dont get scalped. and try to look for better deals? I have no idea what figures are supposed to go for since I Havent collected figures in years. currently I Have a large vintage gijoe collection but have really been wanting to get back into transformers also.
First I'd like to say that I'm not a g1 purist but I love g1. There's a company in China that makes decent quality knock offs of most of the original g1 figures. If your collection doesn't have to be 100 percent pure Hasbro why not give them a shot. They're on ebay, amazon, temu etc. But I love my mp36 Megatron.
Just sold my whole collection to a store. I gave away thousands of dollars of figures that I’ve collected for years for less than $1k. I was only missing earthrise skywarp and thundercracker. I was waiting for Swoop. I had all other dinobots. I kind of regret it but I feel free from all that now. Tired of the chase and spending all that money, preorders
Great video, but I'm sorry how do you take a 40 year hiatus, and been collecting for a few years now when transformers is literally 40 years old this year. You stop and start the same year?
I remember having Optimus Prime when I was 7, when he 1st came out. That's when I started collecting. But, I stopped after '87 because I really didn't like them & stayed with GI Joe. They weren't what I expected & what I saw on tv. I recently got into collecting again because now they look exactly what I wanted 40 years ago. I have TF's from Combiner Wars, Return of the Titans, POPT, Legacy, Generations, Buzzworthy, & the Netflix Trilogy. However, I do supplement some TFs & combiners with bootlegs (Bootleg does not denote poor quality), i.e Zeta, Unique, Magic Square, Generation Toy, Bad Cube, Jinboa, & etc. FYI, There is no such thing as 3rd/4th party companies, they are counterfeiters. If anyone here is a lawyer & can share that using the likeness of an intellectual property without the expressed consent from the proprietor is NOT counterfeit, please do so, that would help tremendously within the TF community.
I'm new to collecting and I'm not technically a "collector" because I am technically not buying with a specific goal in mind. I buy stuff that looks cool, like Tarn, or I buy toys of characters that I feel a connection to, like Armada Starscream (I started out with watching Armada as a child). I started out buying one's that I could afford (on clearance), then evolved into buying one that I like instead of 3-4 clearance toys. Now I've gone on to saving up a bit to buy better quality figures of characters that I like. Idc if they are third party either. I get the logic of not buying something unlicensed but I feel like at times Hasbro is seriously low balling us fans in terms of quality while third party at times is coming up with some pretty sick releases. Fans Hobby Armada Optimus is far superior to the official Armada Prime. Hasbro is a billion dollar company I could care less about licenced figures and their profits if they can't maintain quality.
do your research on the fans hobby Armada Optimus Prime , I heard that figure is actually very brittle and while third third party are usually better figures their quality can be a lot worse than hasbro its why , I prefer mainline over third party and its also cheaper in the long run in this case you're better of with the new mainline Armada Optimus Prime than the third party one but like I said do your research and then make your choice . Also what issues have you heard with the LE Armada Optimus Prime because , I have the figure myself and its definitely one of the best figures made by Hasbro and a lot of big name reviewers have no issues with the figure either like the only issue that I any and many others have is that he should of came with his minicon
@@thecasualknight2647 I actually haven't come across any videos that complain about the Fans hobby armada prime but maybe I should still do a bit more research on that. Thanks for the heads-up. And I agree that Third party toys can be a hit or a miss in terms of quality, which is why I usually tend to wait for a bunch of reviews to confirm if its good quality. My biggest gripe about Hasbro is them low balling us in terms of articulation. A simple foot pivot and waise joint shouldn't be that difficult to implement but we still have AUD 60 figures who don't have them. Not to mention the huge gaps in the limbs most of which aren't needed. And to make it worse, hasbro has shown us that they can make figures without all these issues, Tarn is the best example, that is a top quality figure. I also find it funny how none of their $60-80 range figures have any ratchet joints but my Perfect Effect Optimus not only has ratchet joints but also comes with articulated hands, something which Mainline Armada prime lacks at 3x the cost. Commander class figures without ratchets, waist swivel, and articulated hands is just hasbro taking the pi**.
Have you watch any reviews on the legacy Armada Optimus or the original Armada Optimus Prime because the newer doesn't really have those problems if we're talking about the whole figure . One there are no gaps on the limbs of both the combine and cab mode of Optimus Prime . Two the cab robot mode is voyager size which also forms the torso for the combine mod so it does have limitation on articulation but the combine mod is definitely very possible and has a waist swivel and ankle tilt with opening hands not the best but the hands do open . three while the trailer legs do not have ratchets joints they hold up pretty well but the legs that form the arms of the combine mode do have ratchets or at least what I consider to be ratchets joints . I'm in no way trying to force you to buy this in anyway and I'm hoping I'm not sounding rude either but the points your describing sound like you're talking about the original Armada Optimus Prime that is just a brick because the newer one was definitely well received in the transformers community don't get me wrong ,I get what your saying there's been a lot of figures I did feel like were cheeped out on but legacy Armada Optimus Prime is not one of them also check out Emgo316 and that toy guy , they did review on the fans hobby version and if my memory serves me right they're are the ones who brought up the issue with figure .
@@thecasualknight2647 Nah don't worry about it, it doesn't sound rude at all. As for Armada prime, yes I've watched more than a couple of them I believe, but the flaws I stated were more in general than just for Legacy Armada Prime. I think the figure is pretty good (I'm a sucker for Armada toys), but just saying that hasbro does tend to lowball us fans with a pretty decent number of their figures. I probably should've formatted my reply a bit better so that it was less ambiguous about this. Also I would like to note that the prices I stated were all in AUD not USD in case thats what caused the confusion. Also thanks for listing out specific names for the Hobby Armada Prime reviews that I should look out for, I'll definitely check them out before I make the decision. I'm a uni student so buying either one of those Armada prime's is a pretty big decision for me lol. Honestly, would've bought both if I could.
Thanks for the review. I have been collecting transformers for 10 years and I have only one point: if you are in Europe, you should accept the fact that you are fucked. Be prepare that some of the figures are not easy to find in Europe and you are forced to order them from USA or Japan. Prepare your wallet and be patient.
As someone with far too much original G1 stuff (original toy line), i won't buy the modern stuff, it's overpriced with continous repaints. Opt for 3rd party and pick a scale either legends or MP depending on space and budget.
Love, Loved collecting. Getting older now, bidenamics, All the corks of availability/ exclusive/games/ Companies take an advantage of our government's failings the last three years et cetera. Been backing off losing a little interest. Extremely selective on everything. Curious about "new" collectors.. Of what eventually... Smartphones
G1 is G1. Everything else has its own place. Just because it's a big red truck doesn't make it the first generation version of the toy just like the new Mustang isn't a first generation Mustang even if it looks like one. Not sure why Hasbro themselves can explain this but everybody still thinks everything is G1😂. The only modern G1 are repops. Currently, and for quite some time, we've been in Generations and it's not G1. Literally Hasbro themselves say it on their own Wikis. Look at the brand new first Generation G1 2024 Ford Mustang everyone. 😂😂😂😂
After 25 years of collecting transformers I have only 1 thing to say: go do something else. It's a frustrating, dissapointing, expensive and endless waiting hobby.
Then why in the hell are you watching this? Go watch gardening videos or something else. I'm glad you aren't collecting, more for us ppl who are awesome
Is transformers was my main collection.. But after master piece, It just got a little repetitive-repaint-re size etc, boring. The Last excitement....86 dinobot set.. pretty much just waiting for a reissue Regular grimlock
My tips for collectors are: don't bother with completing a collection, and don't buy figures just because the price is allright. Go for the ones you think are cool. Collecting just for the sake of collecting will end up make you feeling burnt out and with an empty wallet for when a character that you really want hits the shelves.
I just hate how expensive they’ve become. Even at retail. Similar figures (or even better) that you once saw on shelf used to cost 9.99 and now they’re like 24.99. It’s nuts.
Yes! People will argue that the aesthetics are better than ever, but to me they're just different. Not only that, but it is just a fact that the material quality has gone down substantially.
OMG Im 35 and just got back into collecting transformers, this video found me when I needed it most. Thanks man. I truly appreciate it.
Phew! That must mean RUclips's algorythm isn't completely clueless! I hope it was helpful
I'm 45 and had a bunch of the G1 when I was a kid, I started collecting again about five years ago. I started off with the mainline at the time but wasnt that into it until I discovered masterpiece figures. Now I'm almost done getting every character I want, just a couple left to get.
Good to hear! And thanks for watching
Cool to hear man , I'm 45 as well and only started collecting again back in 2021 . Started with studio series 86 Transformers the movie line figures, Jazz, Blur, Kup and Hot Rod . I got into WFC and Legacy line soon after. I now have a ridiculous collection of G1 inspired figures. I should probably post a video on RUclips or something. I hadn't collected since I was 12 years old .Much ❤ mate.
Oops, bad timing. With the last three years being pretty much crappy econ, Encompasses taken advantage on top of "bidenimics". Sorry
I advise collectors to get into reselling themselves. I personally use eBay. When a better version of a character/mold comes out, you can feel a little more justified picking up your hundredth Bumblebee when you have some extra money and space. I don’t choose to see it as me spending nearly $100 on the new commander class Optimus Prime, I’m just trading my Earthrise🤷
Great advice Noah, thanks!
Peak advice right here
Problem is… I also want to keep my Earthrise even when I get the SS86 Commander Class 😂
Actually, I kept Siege, Earthrise, Kingdom AND Netflix versions… 😅
I collect mainly live action transformers but I plan on getting studio series g1 optimus after watching the first 4 episodes of g1 the show is pretty entertaining
That new Commander class release does look pretty epic!
Oh boy, careful not to fall down the G1 rabbit hole. I started with collecting Studio Series, but then the WFC Trilogy line started making new figures and as I got those, I actually found them way better than the live action figures. More solid, better articulation, better accessories, all while being easier to transform.
@@dkkanofkash8798 facts😂 but I had experience with wfc trilogy and 86 figures since my brother collected a lot of g1 so I think I’ll be fine Im really only interested in optimus and I still prefer live action figures
Yes he is a must have@@retroandreissue
Excellent advice!
I only started my own collection around March/April last year, when a huge Smyths Toy Store opened up 5 minutes from my house, and I had some money kicking around after selling my YuGiOh Card collection.
I originally based my collection on figures from various scenes in the Marvel comics - Starting with a shelf of figures from the 'Return to Cybertron' arc, with Perceptor, Blaster, Seaspray, Powerglide, Warpath, Beachcomber and Cosmos on the Autobot Rebel side, and Straxus, Ramjet, Dirge, Thrust, Bombshell, Kickback and Shrapnel for the Decepticons . . . Filling in gaps and figures as I go along.
I have another shelf for the original Optimus Prime and co, versus Megatron and co, and yet another for the later Galvatron and cronies versus Rodimus, Ultra Magnus and others.
I focus mainly on G1, or so-called CHUG figures, but I do have a space for other random figures I just like the look of ... Tarn, Sky Lynx, the Toxitron line, and my top shelf pièce de résistance... a Masterpiece Shockwave facing off against the Studio Series Dinobots :)
I'm pretty focused on 86 and Legacy but I really liked the reissues they did a few years back that had the original packaging from the 80s. I wish they'd kept doing that! Thanks for the breakdown of your colleccting - it's always interesting to see what people prioritise. Everyone has their own criteria for what fits and what doesn't!
@@retroandreissue I grew up with Transformers, but never had enough money to afford them, except maybe at Xmas and Birthday. That was Thatcher's 80's for you! lol
As for point 3 about preorders it kind of depends where you live. In my country you have to preorder otherwise you can never be sure if it will turn out eventually. So you need to learn how is the distribution in your country. For point 2 if it was a popular character there is a high chance they will redo or rerelease them few years later, they need product with the same name every 4 years to keep the trademark. More niche characters are very unlikely to get a redo or rerelease in few years. Also it is less risky to wait for a sale with those niche characters because they have high chance of not selling out and go on sale.
Also my one advice for G1 collecting, stick mostly with Studio Series 86 when it comes to characters that did show up, even for 1 frame in 86 movie. For characters that didn't branch out to lines under the umbrella of Generations, it is rebranded every year and has sometimes exclusive sublines, etc. It is basicly an equivalent of Marvel Legends or Star Wars Black Series. Now if there is a character from 86 movie that is in Generations but is not in Studio Series only get them if you think they are good enough. If they aren't good enough in your opinion wait for eventual Studio Series version.
Thanks for the pointers - particularly the one about pre-orders being dependant on location. I was too brash there and should have added that caveat - it's easy to assume what's true for you is true for others - which is obviously not the case.
Started 2 years ago. Going to local toy shops has been a huge help! Buy a character you want or two and slowly amass a collection
Exactly - I'm not sure it would be half as enjoyable if you completed your collection straight away. Buying something new occasionally gives you time to appreciate the new purchase also
Great advice for people just getting onboard. I have collected on and off since their debut in 84. However I took a like 15 year pause on collecting. I dabbled a little when the titan master line hit. I saw that they were trying to get that G1 look for a lot of the characters. I just couldn't get into the headmaster thing. So i sold it all off. A year or so later I saw SS86 Hotrod on the shelf that caught my eye so I grabbed it. Then not much later I came across a SS86 Grimlock. I was like damn he looks like he just stepped out of the cartoon. After that I was hooked. It sounds like we are after the same thing. Im only looking for the characters from the OG cartoon with the exception of some comic only characters. Im not done but I am oh so very close.
Yep, that's pretty much my focus also. I'm hoping they keep doing more obscure comic characters like Emirate Xaaron and Straxus. When you say you are done - do you think you will upgrade later if they bring out revised versions of figures you already own?
@@retroandreissue For some Im sure I will. Id like to see a more refined Rodimus from the SS86 line. I of course will get SS86 Optimus. However most of the Earthrise Atubots and Decepitcons are so on point it would be hard to need to replace them. I will always replace a bot if they remake them in solid plastic over clear. So like the 5 pack with Hound I got not just for Hound but to have a solid plastic version of Jazz who has always been my favorite Autobot next to Snarl.
@@ryanweston6182 I really like that version of Jazz over the original but would never have bought the 5 pack if it weren't for Hound (and the fact I never picked up the others). Rodimus is one I hear a lot of people ask for an 86 version - here's hoping Hasbro is listening
10:10 - There's also the times when they release the "re-paint" first when it's obvious what character it's supposed to be, but that character gets released as the re-paint.
This video is such a great idea, and I wish I had this kind of guide around in 2020. Though I loved TF as a kid in the 80s, I only started collecting as a COVID-19 lockdown hobby. I had to learn so much through a lot of research, and MPs were far too expensive for an expanding collection, but hey, I had a lot of time on my hands during lockdown, too. Unlike a lot of other hobbies I started in lockdown, TF collecting is one of the few that continue to this day, and I love my figures as toys, puzzles, and colorful decorations for my home.
This is such a great video. I got back into Transformers a few years ago and was completely lost. I searched endlessly for a channel or online community for this basic info. Wish I had this then! You did a fantastic job here, truly a short (yet thorough) video for new collectors. Awesome work.
Wish I saw this when I started collecting lol. Super helpful, Thanks!
Thanks for the comment - hopefully it will reach some new collectors as they're just starting out. I'm hoping RUclips does it's job and places it in front of them! (But that's always a crap shoot - sigh).
Your synopsis is well thought, thank you. I would add a few bits of knowledge: In the States... the tendencies for overstocked items may end-up at clearance stores like Ross, Ollie's, Big Lots, and Citi Trends (possibly named differently in you part of the states) UK collectors, you should become friends with some Americans or Japanese collectors and vice-versa States collectors. If you're unhappy with the Hasbro line reach out to the third-parties as the price is sometimes higher but select, quality, and availability is most often great.
Thanks for the taking the time to add your perspective - much appreciated!
Would love a Transformers trading platform
I do think every figure will get a SS86 release somewhere down the line. But holding out for that would require more patience and control of fomo than I can muster. Take this new legacy leader soundwave. You just know there's going to be a SS86 repaint sooner than later.
I think those figures that do crop up in the movie will come in SS 86 (I'm hoping for a better ravage at some point with Soundwave!) I picked up figures like Smokescreen and Trailbreaker though because I don't think they'll expand SS beyond movies to the TV show. Could be wrong though!
@@retroandreissue What also annoys me is how sometimes other lines are more cartoon/movie accurate than SS86. For instance, the recent legacy autobot 5-pack which I picked up, had a better Jazz (celshaded windows). The buzzworthy bumblebee redeco's of Ironhide, Prowl, Ratchet and Kup do too. There's no consistency in windshields in the 86 line 😅
@@retroandreissue And a last point of frustration is the use of gold paint on the ss86 dinobots. These should be film-accurare, not toy accurate. So why not just make them yellow instead of gold? They're doing this for the upcoming comic grimlock, but I don't like the use of blue instead of black. Guess I could kitbash these 2 together into my perfect grimlock if I really really wanted 😅 And don't get me started on the travesty that is Snarl's feet being a different colour than any other golden bit on the 5 bots 🙄 What an eyesore. And no upgrade kits to address this.
@@mdr8615 It's more case of they changed their mind about how to do windows part way through the product line. They should all be opaque in 86 now. Ultra Magnus still had transparent windows though.
@@mdr8615 Yeah, I get where the frustration comes from. I think they're not sure at times exactly what people want and how to get the figures out there. Like there was this whole thing with that 5-pack Hound being announced (or at least leaked) then not getting his own release. Very odd. I don't mind the gold on the dinos - but I would like consistency. Like the mix of yellow and gold on Snarl is annoying
This is honestly a really well-done video. While there is a value in long-time fans sharing what they have learned over the decades theyve been collecting, I’ve always been in the lookout for newer fans coming up with videos that are essentially “here’s what i’ve learned from recemt experienced and research” as there’s such a distillation of information and a present time perspective that at times more long-time fans dont typically go for. Reshared.
Thanks for the kind words! There's a ton of info from great creators on RUclips but it can be spread out and hard to find - my intention was to try to condense what I've picked up so far all in one place
Patience is definitely the biggest recommendation I can give. If you missed out on certain figures, then give it time. Eventually, there will be a re-release or an updated figure. When I started collecting, Siege Jetfire was $300, but two years in, he got a re-release, and I was happy to add him into my collection.
My next biggest suggestion is that you don't always have to buy the updated figure. The recent Studio Series Bumblebee is a good example. I really like Netflix Bee's look over the SS86 version that just released. So I most likely won't be swapping out.
Next, keep your collection focused. You don't have to buy everything that Hasbro releases. I was buying way too much of everything. Bay figures there, Masterpiece here, G1 everywhere. This is an expensive hobby, and eventually, you'll run out of money and space. So, I chose to focus my collection on what is really nostalgic for me. So, if it's not CHUG G1, Beast Wars, or Armada, it's gotta go!
Lastly, have fun, and enjoy what you have.
I like that last point in particular - one I wholeheartedly agree with! Thanks
Im 27 and just started collecting transformers. I started collecting the studio series live action transformers (:
What I collected a lot as a kid
Great Video! I jumped in to collected with studio series 86 hot rod, but was most interested in the Kingdom line for all the updated Beast Wars toys which Ive got almost all of and I'm working on a nice G1 collection my self now.
Great to hear! Are you happy with the Beast Wars versions they're releasing these days - I see them all the time when I'm hunting G1 and they seem pretty intricate and well detailed - with lots of articulation
@@retroandreissue I've been really happy with most of them, they did a great job!
Been collecting since I got my first job at fifteen now thirty and of course I had figures growing up but didn't really start until , I started making my own money but siege was were I definitely got into it and I went from just having a few unicron trilogy , generations and movie figures too having almost a modern complete g1 and beast war collection along with the other continuities now I'm here looking at many figures from different continuities like Japanese exclusive characters like Victory Saber to The Fallen and a transforming Ark this is something that I could only dream about ten years ago .
My tip, to add to this: If you are going for a whole look for a series, it doesn’t have to be from one theme. Currently, I am doing a G1 series, but I’m using a mixture of Studio series, Legacy, and WFC kingdom, as well as Siege. Because, frankly… at the end of it all, I just want it to represent the cartoon models as close as possible while not being a masterpiece model. I dunno, I just thought I’d share my advice too.
Great video, my guy. Im a g1 fan from the 80s and got into collecting Hasbro current runs as a fluke. I was making a 80s theme shelf of various franchises i was into back then to remind me of my youth. So i needed a representation of the Transformers of the 80s, and i ended up starting when the earthrise and studio series started. I fell in love with the Er Prime i got, and boom, im a collector. It can be so confusing at first, and I had to learn all the advice you're giving in this video on my own the hard way. And wow, what a lesson to learn. Just want to say i enjoyed this video. Great advice for newcomers.
Thanks - I was exactly the same, started collecting all the recent re-issues of TMNT, Ghostbusters etc - and started by picking up the re-releases of G1 in 80s style packaging. Then suddenly (I don't know exactly when or why!) I decided to pick up the modern figures. Since then they've pretty much become my focus since there's more to talk about with those. Those 80s figures look great carded and on display though!
Oh thank you, this has been doing my head in. I had no idea what they had done
Great video! I've been primarily a vintage GI Joe and MOTU Origins collector (among other vintage lines), but have recently gotten into collecting the modernized G1 TF, after having the vintage toys as a kid, and have to say it has been really confusing. I also latched onto the SS 86 line, but then realized that there are other G1 figures not included in it. The video gives a good and clear breakdown of what to look for, and pitfalls to avoid.
Great video.
Here in Spain is quite more difficult to find some figures. I expect that Optimus Prime and Swoop will come to local stores, but I am dreaming with open eyes.
Loved your video mate. I went 31 years without collecting and only started again in 2021, I'm only a month off turning 46 now. My collection looks pretty similar to yours (I only have one original from the 1980's however and that's Devastator, which is comprised of the constructions , which makes 6 of course, but it's only a reissue and not the original release). I even shelled out for the three titan class figures of Omega Supreme, Scorponok and even the Autobot Ark. I have all of mine crammed into one big trophy cabinet, somehow😮. Everything you said in your video is spot on when it comes to collecting these elusive things... Except that some are just about impossible to find..AT ALL!. Perfect example; I live in Australia and was fortunate enough to stumble on about 7 different G1 headmaster figures at Target that I haven't seen for sale anywhere else. I assume they were Target exclusives. Did you get these in the UK?.. They were hard to find too as their online store wouldn't let you choose specific figures, THEY WOULD RANDOMLY SELECT THEM FOR YOU INSTEAD!?!?... Like WTF?. I had to go back to my local Target every week to find all 7. There were two other characters, Thrust and Red Alert (I think..) that were exclusive to only one store in the states too. But other than that I have managed to track down everything else . I have been burnt by eBay too many times, there is either parts missing, cheap knock-offs or some one trying to make double transactions on something you've already paid for...Stay away from eBay unless you like to gamble IMO . Anyway, much ❤ my friend 😉
I'd say get ready to sell your soul due to the over pricing for plastic.
This is a great overview and should be very helpful to a lot of collectors. Thanks!
I'm only 25, but I've been collecting since 2007 and most of what I own is original G1 and Masterpiece. It's really interesting to see how most people getting into the fandom again go straight to the modern mainline stuff. It does seem to be the most accessible!
Here's a helpful advice for Generations collectors: ONLY buy 1 version of each TF bots of their respective universe. It's helpful to me because it provides the luxury I need to army-build. Highly effective.
For example: If you buy Legacy Armada Starscream; let that be your ONLY Unicron Trilogy Starscream no matter the follow-up toys of him. You can still go multiversal & have multiple Starscreams (Aligned, Bayverse, G1, etc.) on your shelves so long as they're not the same entity.
Sounds like sensible advice - thanks!
Remember that it is YOUR collection. Set it up the way it appeals to you. Also, No 1 company has the best depiction of every character. Don't hesitate to mix and match to fit your tastes. Again it's your collection. Lastly, for people in the U.S., check flea markets. A lot of times, you can find bots that had little or no run in your local stores at prices that are although higher than in stores, are lower than collector shops.
Thanks you've solved my mystery of "Which line do I buy from?" :D I was totally confused by it!
Glad I could help!
Thank you so much for this video. It answered a lot of question I had.
I got back into collecting about 2 years ago myself. Im a G1 guy all the way. My best advice is be patient. When u really get into it you will find that some characters that are a must have are no longer available at retail. BE PATIENT. VELOCITRON COSMOS is a prime example. He went for crazy prices on eBay and after market because he was so hard to find in the US. Studio 86 Grimlock was the same way. Now they are both going to be released next year as a package refresh for retail price. I’m glad I didn’t fall for buying cosmos and was able to find Grimlock at a very reasonable price. I want the head masters but will wait. They will eventually be released as new and better molds than what’s available now. Which isn’t bad but still.
I held fire on Cosmos also. Great advice - patience is the key I think
thanks for this video! i just got back into collecting mainline hasbro, took a break for a few years and did 3rd party. changed my mind when they started making less clear plastic g1 figures. my first figs i got was 86 slug and legacy gears, and exo suit spike. i picked up the rise of the beasts weaponizers and they scale like the beastwars cartoon which is cool
im not going to collect clear plastic, but now that i have gears, i need 86 brawn, bumblebee, legacy cosmos, beachcomber, and kingdom warpath. i mainly just want to collect the dinobots and new minibots
and the legacy 5 multipack
I currently collect MPM style Transformers. Someday, I'd like to restart a G1 collection where I don't repeat any mold. For example, I may get Ironhide from Studio Series 86, but then I'd get Ratchet from the classics line. And all seekers would be different molds, etc.
There is rhyme and reason to figures being released, the biggest factor is MONEY. I knew Sudio Series 86 Optimus would reveal or sale around July so it's release can come out around Decmeber or Christmas; the most amount of money to be made.
Indeed - money is the driving factor behind any business
Great overview of what is out there for the various lines. I highly recommend the SS86 for budget, with some mixed in MP versions of your favorites. Don't get a whole line, just get the bots you want to display for sure! and also the KO )knock off versions from Ali express can be just as detailed or better than hasbro releases, so what the video reviews and decide before dropping your hard earned $$ on these toys
Thanks for the advise. I just started collecting and concentrating on the SS86 line because of price point and quality is a good value but I have started branching out to Legacy. If the collectible is hot then it does feel like you won’t get it so if you are inpatient you are in trouble.
After reading every single comments for this video, the one I feel really hits the spot is the “get to know collectors from other regions/countries”. For example, some of you commented on Straxus being sold out / pre-ordered out in the UK, but you know what? There are plenty left for Hasbro Taiwan, HK, etc. So unless it’s a really sought-after character like the new SS86 Optimus Prime, I have not seen ANY figures sell out / pre-ordered out in Asia region’s Hasbro site.
One big contributing factor is the availability of individual shop toy dealers. For example, Hasbro prices deluxe figures at 24.99 USD. If I order through these dealers, I can usually get them below 20 USD.
Even though I had Transformers toys as a kid, I never really collected them. It wasn’t until last fall when both my twins really liked them and that’s when I started (hobby for all 3 of us).
There was so many lines available and it was definitely confusing. I didn’t do enough research and started buying some here and there when the price seems good. But in retrospect, I should have picked up more figures because many are not available now and I don’t see them being re-issued for a long time to come. For example, Runamuck and Runabout.
I agree that you don’t need to complete any series or line. Buy what you like based on what you can afford.
Btw, with individual toy dealers, I constantly have about 1.2K USD of pre-orders on deck.
Don’t be afraid of KOs! Some are really good quality. Dr Wu is awesome 😎 Love them mini sized figures!
your making such good videos man, Really enjoying em!
Good to hear - glad you're enjoying them bud!
I would tend to agree, been collecting since 83 and now steadily selling my 40yr collection and have moved to Masterpiece/third party primarily with the odd CHUG thrown in mainly as I have no space and also I have no big issue with KO’s 👀. The other point I would mention is that quite often the independents have to mark up their prices too when they do get hold of more stock of figures and Hasbro exclusives are also higher compared to non exclusive counterparts of the same size class, eBay is just full of scalpers and Charlatans in my experience and so unless you’re happy with the shelf warmers on shelves at Smyths or the odd surprise at Game or you’re happy to pay over the odds on Pulse or in Forbidden Planet or on Zavvi or are feeling reckless and go for eBay or Amazon then you have to have fingers and legs crossed that your favourite independents like Space Bridge or In Demand have or will get more stock but you still might pay a bit more for the privilege. Collecting vintage is different, it’s all about the thrill of the hunt, finding broken or incomplete figures you can restore (assuming you’re not buying to sell), going to toy fairs, charity shops, auctions etc. Now it’s still a little painful for mp/3p as half the time everything listed is out of stock I don’t know why they list stuff but if like me you’re ok with KO then Chinese marketplaces are you’re friend, there’s no huge rush generally and if like me you focus on a specific group or time period then you can get some great pieces this is ideal for me as like you say unless you pre order main line you aren’t getting it and I don’t work like that, I save or have money for purchases around birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas, rarely do pre orders align themselves for me and I only look a month or so prior I don’t regularly search for stuff I might like weekly, as I’d be surely disappointed even more so, anyway that’s my additional thoughts, best of luck 👍
I just started collecting G1 from my childhood. Blaster, Soundwave and Brawn. I still have G1 Optimus Prime but only the figure and not the Trailer. I seen the Missing Link C-01 Optimus that looked Exactly like my old Optimus, trailer and all. I picked it up and couldn't be happier. I'm hoping for a Missing Link Soundwave. Nothing compares to the OG G1 toys imo.
i started collecting at the end of the 90s with beast wars, in a time when this series was new. at this class system has his premiere with beast wars.
Got To Say Love The List Is Also Good To Recommend Sales
The classes were original size based, but now Voyager and Leader are almost the same thing, Leader was the current commander class. Feels like Leader is now just a voyager with a trailer or it's special in some way like a triple changer. Before Siege, Leader was most definitely the bigger version compared to voyager.
Great video! Now cover the non hasbro manufacturers like Magic Square and New Age! 😂
I used to love these as a kid recently bought studio 86 bumblebee and the power link hot shot I’m so hype I wanted hot shot so bad as a kid
Still young I’m only 20 but I’ve never moved on for my love for transformers I’m so glad they are making all the classic figures there are so many I wanted when I was younger
Been collecting 30 years… funny yiur video popped up. I’ve decided to end my collecting in 2025, I have three to six of many of the season 1-3 characters.
I wonder if RUclips realised you were about to stop and is trying to keep the collecting bug going! Either way, thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed the vid
I appreciate the video sir! I wish I have these information when I was getting back. Good content. :)
Thanks - glad it struck a chord with you!
I am a collector here in the Philippines and start collecting from combiner war series. Looking to complete a toy line series. Then it come not all figure are the one that I know and like and since Transformers toys is expanding I need to choose and select which figure and what collection I am building to I focus on G1 characters until the 1986 movie and the beast wars now I am happy in what I have on my collection sourcing and waiting for any announcement joining groups to guide me what figure I need buy of I miss it on the first realaese then either wait on the secondary market or a re-release of the figure. I have a list of characters that are easily sold out.
Starting collecting a few months ago, trying collect g1 and some idw characters and only problem i have is scalping tbh. Managed to get 86 ultra Magnus and a decent price and i just managed to get the new Optimus prime of off amazon so I’m having a good run right now!
If you shop at big box stores with a large stock, wait for sales. I'm in the US so I buy from Walmart a lot. They usually charge $55 USD for a Leader Class there, but I can wait til the store wants to get newer stock in, and they'll drop Leader Class figures to $27 USD. And much lower for the smaller figures. I can get an originally $35 figure for $12, or an originally $20 figure for $10. Resist the urge to snatch it up before you miss out on it. I did that the first couple of purchases, only to see those same figures I wanted so badly, sitting static on a shelf and collecting dust for half off what I paid when it first came out.
Thank you for this video! This is exactly me. I have always been into action figures but when I was a kid the prices on the G1 toys were too high, and the pose ability back then was complete shit compared to your 3.75" GiJoes. I loved the cartoon as a kid and about a year ago I saw the Wreck Gar and Junk Heap figs from the 86 line and had to have them. Then I discover the Legacy Insecticons then Kingdom and Earthrise G1 figs. Like you I hope to have a full G1 (First 3 seasons and 86 Movie only) collection. It has been a challenge but going well so far.
A Few things like you said about changing versions. I have been watching for a good deal on SS86 Cliffjumper but now I think I'll wait to see if they make a slight remold of the newer SS86 Bumblebee that I like better. Let us hope we get a few more package refreshes... Ultra Magnus, Beachcomber, Menasor T_T but we will see. So many characters in the 86 Movie they haven't made yet. Just don't want any dead ones.
I don't like the dead ones yet either - I've yet to pick up any of them! I think now they've redone bumblebee we will see an updated Cliffjumper. I bought my Cliffjumper (the Buzzworthy one) from a small online retailer when they got an even smaller restock about a year after he came out - but that was quite early on in my collecting - before I got of sense of how these things generally shake out. If I could go back I think I would probably hold off and wait for an update.
I feel like Transformers toy review space has gotten quite "commercaial" recently, like we must get review of this new release beacaus it would guarantee thousands of views. Though those videos are definitely entertaining, the warmth and love that exudes from your videos are so refreshing and wholesome. Your videos are so welcoming. Please keep loving the toys the way they are meant to be
My personal advice (I got back into buying the toys like three years ago).
1 It may worth to "wait" before buying a figure than to buy it asap but it will depends. The main reason why I got back into buying the toys is cos I didn't realise how cheap a figure can become if you wait a few months or a year. Example I found SS Dropkick for £8 four years ago! Like I said, it entirely depends on the figures as some can be sold out asap like Tarn while others can become shelfwarmer like Legacy Strongarm.
2 You should only really buy a figure you will "like". I know collectors will buy a figure to "complete" a set like getting all of the G1. I just know depending which set you want to complete, it will either make or break you. Like on Twitter, I know some people are trying to complete the whole G1 cast. One is doing fine and another just had an epiphany and had recent sold some of his figures to downside his collection. Granted it's entirely up to you. Like at the moment, I think I can easily just make a Resue Bot set since I already got Chase and Heatwave is coming next year.
Also good advice on preordering! At the moment I am on the fence on the Comic Straxus. Like I want to get him but my personal stance is to never buy them at full price. At the moment, he is not soldout when compared to Comic Shockwave. I know they gonna release a non comic version along the line but I don't think I may liked him (more dark blue). Maybe I could wait for him to be discounted as an outlet sale (what the official Hasbro label their figures on sales) along the line?
Thanks for the advice! It's always hard to know what will sell and what won't - I noticed Straxus hasn't sold out which suggests he's not as sought after as Shockwave - but then that might be because Shockwave was underproduced and Strxus underproduced!
@@retroandreissue You mean overproduce?
Oh another advice I forgot with the ebay stuff is that you shouldn't be afraid of the "preowned" figure.
As long the photo are clear and the description said "for display purpose only", pet free"" and "in a smoke free enviorment", the figure it just as new as the day it was purchase! You just getting a new figures that has been opened for a good price. Like I bought Legacy Tarantulas and Skullgrim for £10 and they were basically brand new!
Granted if it's preowned and it is an old figure then lower your expectation if you really want it if the price is right!
@@Renkencen Great advice - my first pre-owned figure was Smokescreen and I'm glad I got over the prejudice of needing something new in the box. He's good as new anyway!
@@retroandreissue Ok so comic Straxus is now sold out in Hasbro Pulse UK. A part of me is trying to fight my inner FOMO as mention already, I want him but didn't want to paid full price (£55.99) for him. Like you said, there is a high chance the comic line will get reissue but the question is now "when"? I think they could be restock before they are release in the UK (last week of September) as I could of sworn comic Grimlock was sold out when the links were up but you can still preorder him as I type this!
Interesting video Im an on/off cherry picking collector I collect some characters that I like.
Im more a G1 collector but I like some new versions of the classic characters.
Just subscribed can’t wait to see more videos btw nice collection
Greetings from 🇨🇦
Greeting! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the vid
Very helpful, thank you.
Been collecting since Siege, my one regret is not getting Omega Supreme
i would recommend preorder when its an exclusive. an example would be the marvel legends warbird that came out recently. if didnt pre order it probably wont get it.
Why no reissue of the dinobots ss86?
It’s not like it wouldn’t sell.
Especially Grimlock and I’m not paying over 60 bucks!!
And you barely even get into Masterpiece and the dozens of 3'd party stuff. I'm a collector, love G1 TFs! ...but I just can't keep up with all the different lines and classes. It's confusing as heck.
Most of this stuff never even shows up in stores around here, so half the time figures come and go, and I never even know they exist.
You had multiple figures in this video I'd love to have, but never even knew they existed until watching your video right now!
So yeah, I love them, but trying to collect Transformers sucks. I mostly just enjoy what I have, and if im lucky enough to find something new that I like, I'll grab it.
I think that might be a philosophy for collecting in general - not getting hung up on getting everything is definitely something I want to remember. There are many more important things in life to worry about!
I agree with @magnusvb stay away from possibly completing a whole collection that you’re looking for because they’re on the market for only a limited amount of time before they’re already sold out and the scalpers are making a killing out there once they’re ordering the max from Hasbro they’re selling it for double or triple the price collect for love of collecting not necessarily the love of completion. I’m only collecting what I particularly like is mainly the G1 upgrade version of those characters.
im just getting into this line. is there a site to see what the original MSRP is on the transformers figures so that way we dont get scalped. and try to look for better deals? I have no idea what figures are supposed to go for since I Havent collected figures in years. currently I Have a large vintage gijoe collection but have really been wanting to get back into transformers also.
First I'd like to say that I'm not a g1 purist but I love g1. There's a company in China that makes decent quality knock offs of most of the original g1 figures. If your collection doesn't have to be 100 percent pure Hasbro why not give them a shot. They're on ebay, amazon, temu etc. But I love my mp36 Megatron.
The masterpiece Megatron looks fantastic! One I've always been tempted to buy
Jealous you have the new Hound! I couldn't bring myself to pay for the 5 pack, just for him.
Fun video keep up the good work and remember jesus loves you all god bless
Great video
Will we ever get a Cliffjumper in studio series 86. Is it just buzz worthy bumblebee
Just sold my whole collection to a store. I gave away thousands of dollars of figures that I’ve collected for years for less than $1k. I was only missing earthrise skywarp and thundercracker. I was waiting for Swoop. I had all other dinobots. I kind of regret it but I feel free from all that now. Tired of the chase and spending all that money, preorders
Pro tip: any toy based off the cartoons are fragile as hell so just go Movieverse
Great video, but I'm sorry how do you take a 40 year hiatus, and been collecting for a few years now when transformers is literally 40 years old this year. You stop and start the same year?
Haha - I see what you mean. Perhaps a 30 year hiatus is more accurate.
i like to stay up to date on new figure but i won’t buy a transformer unless it’s g1
Im jst collecting from the series an movie
What version of Galvatron is in the display case?
I remember having Optimus Prime when I was 7, when he 1st came out. That's when I started collecting. But, I stopped after '87 because I really didn't like them & stayed with GI Joe. They weren't what I expected & what I saw on tv. I recently got into collecting again because now they look exactly what I wanted 40 years ago. I have TF's from Combiner Wars, Return of the Titans, POPT, Legacy, Generations, Buzzworthy, & the Netflix Trilogy. However, I do supplement some TFs & combiners with bootlegs (Bootleg does not denote poor quality), i.e Zeta, Unique, Magic Square, Generation Toy, Bad Cube, Jinboa, & etc.
FYI, There is no such thing as 3rd/4th party companies, they are counterfeiters. If anyone here is a lawyer & can share that using the likeness of an intellectual property without the expressed consent from the proprietor is NOT counterfeit, please do so, that would help tremendously within the TF community.
What about the masterpiece series from takara tomy?
I'm new to collecting and I'm not technically a "collector" because I am technically not buying with a specific goal in mind. I buy stuff that looks cool, like Tarn, or I buy toys of characters that I feel a connection to, like Armada Starscream (I started out with watching Armada as a child). I started out buying one's that I could afford (on clearance), then evolved into buying one that I like instead of 3-4 clearance toys. Now I've gone on to saving up a bit to buy better quality figures of characters that I like. Idc if they are third party either. I get the logic of not buying something unlicensed but I feel like at times Hasbro is seriously low balling us fans in terms of quality while third party at times is coming up with some pretty sick releases. Fans Hobby Armada Optimus is far superior to the official Armada Prime. Hasbro is a billion dollar company I could care less about licenced figures and their profits if they can't maintain quality.
Indeed - there is a ton of competition out there so they need to be at the top of their game now more than ever
do your research on the fans hobby Armada Optimus Prime , I heard that figure is actually very brittle and while third third party are usually better figures their quality can be a lot worse than hasbro its why , I prefer mainline over third party and its also cheaper in the long run in this case you're better of with the new mainline Armada Optimus Prime than the third party one but like I said do your research and then make your choice .
Also what issues have you heard with the LE Armada Optimus Prime because , I have the figure myself and its definitely one of the best figures made by Hasbro and a lot of big name reviewers have no issues with the figure either like the only issue that I any and many others have is that he should of came with his minicon
@@thecasualknight2647 I actually haven't come across any videos that complain about the Fans hobby armada prime but maybe I should still do a bit more research on that. Thanks for the heads-up. And I agree that Third party toys can be a hit or a miss in terms of quality, which is why I usually tend to wait for a bunch of reviews to confirm if its good quality. My biggest gripe about Hasbro is them low balling us in terms of articulation. A simple foot pivot and waise joint shouldn't be that difficult to implement but we still have AUD 60 figures who don't have them. Not to mention the huge gaps in the limbs most of which aren't needed. And to make it worse, hasbro has shown us that they can make figures without all these issues, Tarn is the best example, that is a top quality figure. I also find it funny how none of their $60-80 range figures have any ratchet joints but my Perfect Effect Optimus not only has ratchet joints but also comes with articulated hands, something which Mainline Armada prime lacks at 3x the cost. Commander class figures without ratchets, waist swivel, and articulated hands is just hasbro taking the pi**.
Have you watch any reviews on the legacy Armada Optimus or the original Armada Optimus Prime because the newer doesn't really have those problems if we're talking about the whole figure .
One there are no gaps on the limbs of both the combine and cab mode of Optimus Prime .
Two the cab robot mode is voyager size which also forms the torso for the combine mod so it does have limitation on articulation but the combine mod is definitely very possible and has a waist swivel and ankle tilt with opening hands not the best but the hands do open .
three while the trailer legs do not have ratchets joints they hold up pretty well but the legs that form the arms of the combine mode do have ratchets or at least what I consider to be ratchets joints .
I'm in no way trying to force you to buy this in anyway and I'm hoping I'm not sounding rude either but the points your describing sound like you're talking about the original Armada Optimus Prime that is just a brick because the newer one was definitely well received in the transformers community don't get me wrong ,I get what your saying there's been a lot of figures I did feel like were cheeped out on but legacy Armada Optimus Prime is not one of them also check out Emgo316 and that toy guy , they did review on the fans hobby version and if my memory serves me right they're are the ones who brought up the issue with figure .
@@thecasualknight2647 Nah don't worry about it, it doesn't sound rude at all. As for Armada prime, yes I've watched more than a couple of them I believe, but the flaws I stated were more in general than just for Legacy Armada Prime. I think the figure is pretty good (I'm a sucker for Armada toys), but just saying that hasbro does tend to lowball us fans with a pretty decent number of their figures. I probably should've formatted my reply a bit better so that it was less ambiguous about this. Also I would like to note that the prices I stated were all in AUD not USD in case thats what caused the confusion.
Also thanks for listing out specific names for the Hobby Armada Prime reviews that I should look out for, I'll definitely check them out before I make the decision. I'm a uni student so buying either one of those Armada prime's is a pretty big decision for me lol. Honestly, would've bought both if I could.
Thanks for the review. I have been collecting transformers for 10 years and I have only one point: if you are in Europe, you should accept the fact that you are fucked. Be prepare that some of the figures are not easy to find in Europe and you are forced to order them from USA or Japan. Prepare your wallet and be patient.
2:55 show name?
As someone with far too much original G1 stuff (original toy line), i won't buy the modern stuff, it's overpriced with continous repaints. Opt for 3rd party and pick a scale either legends or MP depending on space and budget.
Love, Loved collecting. Getting older now, bidenamics, All the corks of availability/ exclusive/games/ Companies take an advantage of our government's failings the last three years et cetera. Been backing off losing a little interest. Extremely selective on everything.
Curious about "new" collectors.. Of what eventually... Smartphones
G1 is G1. Everything else has its own place. Just because it's a big red truck doesn't make it the first generation version of the toy just like the new Mustang isn't a first generation Mustang even if it looks like one. Not sure why Hasbro themselves can explain this but everybody still thinks everything is G1😂. The only modern G1 are repops.
Currently, and for quite some time, we've been in Generations and it's not G1. Literally Hasbro themselves say it on their own Wikis.
Look at the brand new first Generation G1 2024 Ford Mustang everyone. 😂😂😂😂
After 25 years of collecting transformers I have only 1 thing to say: go do something else. It's a frustrating, dissapointing, expensive and endless waiting hobby.
Thanks for the feedback - I hope I don't feel that way in 25 years!
Then why in the hell are you watching this? Go watch gardening videos or something else. I'm glad you aren't collecting, more for us ppl who are awesome
Is transformers was my main collection.. But after master piece, It just got a little repetitive-repaint-re size etc, boring. The Last excitement....86 dinobot set.. pretty much just waiting for a reissue Regular grimlock
After 5 years, I'm in agreement.
(Lowest I ever stooped was paying double what the Siege WFC Skywarp was worth in an eBay auction.)
@retroandreissue in 25 years I'll probably be dead lol
I’m done with Hasbro crap. They’re overpriced and don’t hold value. And dealing with scalpers is annoying.