Would love to see you take that apart and fix up / repair some of the issues that it has dave! I haven't had any issues with my red Transformers but I've had similar issues with other toy lines
You could try dropping some clear coat into the joints, moving them gently as it dries, so that it builds up a bit of friction. You might want to look at the Yolo Park AMK model kits. They're fairly cheap and look to be decent quality, for the price. They do make larger, premium kits, if you're so inclined.
The main problem with stuf like RED and the Super 7 Transformers stuff has always been the price. It’s not worth it unless you find any of it on clearance
I wanted the figures to look like they did on tv and this is what i wanted as a kid. I proudly had a few action masters as a kid and they were regularly in play even with tmnt and WWF Hasbro’s. “SACRILEGE! HE’S A WITCH! BURN ‘IM!” they all scream.
I remember during lockdown I watched the Bumblebee movie and it reignited my childhood obsession/love for Transformers that had died after the second live action film. I bought the RED Optimus Prime and a few ReAction figures. I really just wanted to own figures that look like the cartoon or comic, and mostly for the classics that I didn't get in the 80s. My old Optimus has both legs snapped (and subsequently lost) at the ratchet part next tot the tyres, and it was always one of my all time favourite toys, so getting the RED version felt like the best way of replacing it. Looks awesome as it just sums up that cartoon look and feels very definitive in terms of appearance. I have worried about the legs potentially getting looser over time as they are so heavily weighted. I'm not too bothered about posing my figures so the ReAction range is great if you just want the G1 cartoon look on your shelf, but I felt that I needed to make an exception for my favourite, Optimus.
These are hit or miss most of the time. mine have tight joints, but Prime has a seized second knee joint, but looks great. The Megatron is pretty cartoon accurate.
Glad I watched this video first as I also saw Soundwave, Optimus & Megatron for £15 each in the Entertainer and very nearly picked them up. May wait to see if the price drops more before I pull the trigger. Looks a tad underwhelming. Great Review sir!
Bought mine from the entertainer and it also has issues with the legs being loose, the little door on the front is fine and it was advertised as having a swiveling torso but upon twisting it lightly once, the entire figure snapped in half, bit of a waste of money even if it WAS reduced as part of the 40 year anniversary
Hey Dave yep tend to agree, I picked up Prime and Megs when the price dropped to see what they were like and exactly the same experience, a low quality product not worth the OG price and tbh I found the designs quite underwhelming too but what are gonna do 😢
This video basically sums up the problems with the RED line. From what I’ve heard the QC in the RED line has been janky for most buyers. Good idea, but crummy execution. Along with some weird design choices. Like how the figures based on the Prime series weirdly having single jointed limbs at times. From what I’ve heard figures of that scale, 6 inches, are usually made with plastics that’s a bit flexible. It’s apparently there to prevent easy breakage. Like the Star Wars Black Series, GI Joe Classified & Power Rangers Lightning Collection lines. I get why, but it can result in problems like warped limbs & accessories depending on how they are packed. From what I’ve seen so far the figures in current main Transformers toy lines, Legacy, use pretty solid plastics most of the time. They may have the few QC issues, but at least they ain’t gummy most of the time.
I saw Soundwave and Optimus in a discount store here in the US for $15 but didn't like the look of what I could see in the box. I recall a lot of smacktalking on forums regarding quality too, but I could have that confused with the general "Transformer doesn't transform! Bad!" sentiment that follow around these type of figures. To my eye, the plastic of these things looked particularly bad, but maybe it's the color application. it just looked really cheap. I was very surprised when I saw the price. I would have expected $10ish. There are some Gundam figures making their ways to the same store that are $3 less but look much higher quality.
I can confirm that it’s not just your Soundwave that’s loose out of the box Dave and the cassette door on mine would not open. I also got Optimus prime and Megatron they both suffered to with all the joints very loose 🙁
These R.E.D. figures aren't good however I didnt want to pay the 50 quid odd for coronation starscream and picked the R.E.D. version up for £15 off Zavvi. The plastic quality is noticeably poor when in hand (I wouldn't advise using him for play) but displayed on the shelf he looks great next to Galvatron. Horses for courses i guess.
Strange, I literally have this figure on order from eBay right now. Should be here tomorrow. I have Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee and Starscream already. They're so close to being good but I have three problems: 1. Lack of character selection. In terms of G1 designs, you have two Autobots and about six or seven Decepticons (technically there are three Autobots but one is just a white repaint of Prime they have the cheek to sell as Ultra Magnus). Why could they not have given us more Autobots so we could make a proper diarama on the shelf? 2. Floppy limbs. As you say, they're mighty floppy and between that and the really soft plastic they are frustrating to try and pose. 3. Scale. The way the've handled scale is to basically make everyone exactly the same height, so Bumblebee and Megatron are exactly the same size. I guess if they'd tried to sell Bumblebee at full price but only made him half the size of the others they'd have been criticised, so this was their solution but it doesn't really work. Anyway, frustrating as I say because they're very close to being really good, and a nice cheap alternative to the Super 7 or Revoltech figures.
There used to be a red 5 shop relatively close to where I live and I was always very underwhelmed by their products.....with the exception of a knife set that had samurai sword handles. Which I imagine would have been just as flimsy but looked good in a nerd kitchen lol. For my overpriced money though hmv seem to have a lot more interesting nerd tat these days. Long gone are their predisposition for media and they've mostly replaced it with pop culture merch
I think it might just be your figure. I grabbed my figure as I was watching your review, and it has none of the problems yours did. I think with these, it's just hit or miss with the quality.
Hey Dave, Sorry to say, you must have just gotten a bad figure. I have 4 different R.E.D. figures (Soundwave, Megatron, Starscream, and Optimus Prime), and none of mine suffer from any loose joints. And in the case of Soundwave, I have a harder time getting the cassette bay to open, closing it is a non-issue. Maybe try flipping “Laserbeak” upside down, and see if that helps. His position might be what’s causing it not to close. And it doesn’t string open, by any means. The shoulder button just causes mine to pop open just enough to open it with my fingers. If you find another R.E.D. figure at a decent enough price, consider giving it another chance and pick it up, especially if it’s Megatron.
Speaking of legal issues, I got the recent Soundwave retro reproduction from Zavvi (as I'd never owned Soundwave but always wanted it), but it DOES feel a little cheaper with hot having the metal parts that the old ones had.
I've always been an action figure guy....but back in 2019 I ended up getting real into Transformers--I do not care about their transformations. They will always just be in robot mode. When the RED line was announced I thought it was PERFECT for me and I wished I had held out and saved my money for these...... and then it became clear that Hasbro did not give a **** about this line. I think we're 4 years in and they did like two waves a year before quietly cancelling the line, I guess?
It's not just Hasbro, lots of toys suffer like this. I just don't think they are designed to be played with for any length of time anymore. And they are also not designed to be fixed which is frustrating.
I bought 2 of these ..the first one had a floppy arm and the second one had floppy legs...so now I've just asked for a refund and the money is going back into my PayPal account as we speak 🗣️ definitely not the best transformer quality made..glad I only paid £11.25 and not the full £25 because certainly not worth that price point...out this wave Megatron is the best in my opinion
This figure kind of reminds me of some GI Joe classified figures I've gotten over the years. Just Hasbro using cheap plastic floppy joints QC issues. Sounds about right to me. I was so tempted to get into The red line. Glad I didn't. I'll stick to my g1 vintage Transformers. Excellent video as always!
transformers that dont "transform" are a ripoff and a slap in the face to the fans in my humble opinion. whats next cars that dont drive,, what do i know,, im just a guy with a dumb opinion
Would love to see you take that apart and fix up / repair some of the issues that it has dave! I haven't had any issues with my red Transformers but I've had similar issues with other toy lines
You could try dropping some clear coat into the joints, moving them gently as it dries, so that it builds up a bit of friction.
You might want to look at the Yolo Park AMK model kits. They're fairly cheap and look to be decent quality, for the price. They do make larger, premium kits, if you're so inclined.
The main problem with stuf like RED and the Super 7 Transformers stuff has always been the price. It’s not worth it unless you find any of it on clearance
I wanted the figures to look like they did on tv and this is what i wanted as a kid. I proudly had a few action masters as a kid and they were regularly in play even with tmnt and WWF Hasbro’s. “SACRILEGE! HE’S A WITCH! BURN ‘IM!” they all scream.
Great vid. I looked at it and left on the shelf. Was going to get this and Megatron, but got G1 Mirage instead. Good decision.
Hi Dave I have this exact figure of Soundwave; he's my favourite Decepticon/Transformer and just awesome!
My copy is on the stiff side - complete opposite to yours
My Entertainer had Megatron and Optimus too I bought all 3 and only Megatron had tight joints.
Thank you for sharing your review Dave.
Take care 😊
My pleasure!
I remember during lockdown I watched the Bumblebee movie and it reignited my childhood obsession/love for Transformers that had died after the second live action film. I bought the RED Optimus Prime and a few ReAction figures. I really just wanted to own figures that look like the cartoon or comic, and mostly for the classics that I didn't get in the 80s. My old Optimus has both legs snapped (and subsequently lost) at the ratchet part next tot the tyres, and it was always one of my all time favourite toys, so getting the RED version felt like the best way of replacing it. Looks awesome as it just sums up that cartoon look and feels very definitive in terms of appearance. I have worried about the legs potentially getting looser over time as they are so heavily weighted. I'm not too bothered about posing my figures so the ReAction range is great if you just want the G1 cartoon look on your shelf, but I felt that I needed to make an exception for my favourite, Optimus.
I have this figure and it’s in much better shape, it’s almost like this is a bootleg version of what I have
Weird. I wonder why that is.
Robot Enhanced Design... it finally makes sense to me now.
These are hit or miss most of the time. mine have tight joints, but Prime has a seized second knee joint, but looks great. The Megatron is pretty cartoon accurate.
my starscream is a bit floppy too, and the plastic is rubbery, interesting choices they made
Glad I watched this video first as I also saw Soundwave, Optimus & Megatron for £15 each in the Entertainer and very nearly picked them up. May wait to see if the price drops more before I pull the trigger. Looks a tad underwhelming.
Great Review sir!
Me: "20cm? What is that in Bumblebees? I'll use anything but the metric system!" 😂
About 2 and a half Bumblebees
Bought mine from the entertainer and it also has issues with the legs being loose, the little door on the front is fine and it was advertised as having a swiveling torso but upon twisting it lightly once, the entire figure snapped in half, bit of a waste of money even if it WAS reduced as part of the 40 year anniversary
There certainly are some quality issues with this toy.
Hey Dave yep tend to agree, I picked up Prime and Megs when the price dropped to see what they were like and exactly the same experience, a low quality product not worth the OG price and tbh I found the designs quite underwhelming too but what are gonna do 😢
This video basically sums up the problems with the RED line. From what I’ve heard the QC in the RED line has been janky for most buyers. Good idea, but crummy execution. Along with some weird design choices. Like how the figures based on the Prime series weirdly having single jointed limbs at times.
From what I’ve heard figures of that scale, 6 inches, are usually made with plastics that’s a bit flexible. It’s apparently there to prevent easy breakage. Like the Star Wars Black Series, GI Joe Classified & Power Rangers Lightning Collection lines. I get why, but it can result in problems like warped limbs & accessories depending on how they are packed.
From what I’ve seen so far the figures in current main Transformers toy lines, Legacy, use pretty solid plastics most of the time. They may have the few QC issues, but at least they ain’t gummy most of the time.
I'd love to see your thoughts on modern(mainline) tf figures, imo outside of poor clear plastic placement and lack of paint, they're great
I stopped buying most new transformers because of the quality of them. I'll stick to vintage. They have issues, but they can be fixed easy enough.
@@toypolloi fair enough, love your content
I saw Soundwave and Optimus in a discount store here in the US for $15 but didn't like the look of what I could see in the box. I recall a lot of smacktalking on forums regarding quality too, but I could have that confused with the general "Transformer doesn't transform! Bad!" sentiment that follow around these type of figures. To my eye, the plastic of these things looked particularly bad, but maybe it's the color application. it just looked really cheap. I was very surprised when I saw the price. I would have expected $10ish. There are some Gundam figures making their ways to the same store that are $3 less but look much higher quality.
I can confirm that it’s not just your Soundwave that’s loose out of the box Dave and the cassette door on mine would not open. I also got Optimus prime and Megatron they both suffered to with all the joints very loose 🙁
Such a shame
Superglue to the joints and keep working them.
I personally collect the Transformers Masterpiece line. (When I can afford them) 😅
These R.E.D. figures aren't good however I didnt want to pay the 50 quid odd for coronation starscream and picked the R.E.D. version up for £15 off Zavvi. The plastic quality is noticeably poor when in hand (I wouldn't advise using him for play) but displayed on the shelf he looks great next to Galvatron. Horses for courses i guess.
Strange, I literally have this figure on order from eBay right now. Should be here tomorrow.
I have Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee and Starscream already. They're so close to being good but I have three problems:
1. Lack of character selection. In terms of G1 designs, you have two Autobots and about six or seven Decepticons (technically there are three Autobots but one is just a white repaint of Prime they have the cheek to sell as Ultra Magnus). Why could they not have given us more Autobots so we could make a proper diarama on the shelf?
2. Floppy limbs. As you say, they're mighty floppy and between that and the really soft plastic they are frustrating to try and pose.
3. Scale. The way the've handled scale is to basically make everyone exactly the same height, so Bumblebee and Megatron are exactly the same size. I guess if they'd tried to sell Bumblebee at full price but only made him half the size of the others they'd have been criticised, so this was their solution but it doesn't really work.
Anyway, frustrating as I say because they're very close to being really good, and a nice cheap alternative to the Super 7 or Revoltech figures.
There used to be a red 5 shop relatively close to where I live and I was always very underwhelmed by their products.....with the exception of a knife set that had samurai sword handles. Which I imagine would have been just as flimsy but looked good in a nerd kitchen lol. For my overpriced money though hmv seem to have a lot more interesting nerd tat these days. Long gone are their predisposition for media and they've mostly replaced it with pop culture merch
🆒 Transformers!
I think it might just be your figure. I grabbed my figure as I was watching your review, and it has none of the problems yours did. I think with these, it's just hit or miss with the quality.
They certainly need better QC controls.
Big price difference in this and the Revoltec
Hey Dave,
Sorry to say, you must have just gotten a bad figure. I have 4 different R.E.D. figures (Soundwave, Megatron, Starscream, and Optimus Prime), and none of mine suffer from any loose joints. And in the case of Soundwave, I have a harder time getting the cassette bay to open, closing it is a non-issue. Maybe try flipping “Laserbeak” upside down, and see if that helps. His position might be what’s causing it not to close. And it doesn’t string open, by any means. The shoulder button just causes mine to pop open just enough to open it with my fingers.
If you find another R.E.D. figure at a decent enough price, consider giving it another chance and pick it up, especially if it’s Megatron.
Speaking of legal issues, I got the recent Soundwave retro reproduction from Zavvi (as I'd never owned Soundwave but always wanted it), but it DOES feel a little cheaper with hot having the metal parts that the old ones had.
I've always been an action figure guy....but back in 2019 I ended up getting real into Transformers--I do not care about their transformations. They will always just be in robot mode. When the RED line was announced I thought it was PERFECT for me and I wished I had held out and saved my money for these...... and then it became clear that Hasbro did not give a **** about this line. I think we're 4 years in and they did like two waves a year before quietly cancelling the line, I guess?
I think your doors broken. Mine does not seem to have that problem.
Thanks. I did think it was.
I picked up the 3 that are on sale at The Entertainer and I think that Soundwave is probably the weakest out of the 3.
Man that sucks . i think you got a reject .. mine don't got those issues Mr pollioi... I like the figure.. it a very close resemblance to cartoon
What a shame, Dave… Quality Control just isn’t a thing they care about anymore. #HasBroken
It's not just Hasbro, lots of toys suffer like this. I just don't think they are designed to be played with for any length of time anymore. And they are also not designed to be fixed which is frustrating.
@@toypolloi Absolutely! Mattel is just as guilty. It’s very unfortunate.
I bought 2 of these ..the first one had a floppy arm and the second one had floppy legs...so now I've just asked for a refund and the money is going back into my PayPal account as we speak 🗣️ definitely not the best transformer quality made..glad I only paid £11.25 and not the full £25 because certainly not worth that price point...out this wave Megatron is the best in my opinion
This figure kind of reminds me of some GI Joe classified figures I've gotten over the years. Just Hasbro using cheap plastic floppy joints QC issues. Sounds about right to me. I was so tempted to get into The red line. Glad I didn't. I'll stick to my g1 vintage Transformers. Excellent video as always!
Cheap, flimsy, inconsistent and with poor QC is unfortunately how hasbro treats all of the product lines.
Broken out of the box! Time to fix it? 😉
We need another company to take over Hasbro. Prices go up while quality goes down…
I don’t think the ‘only 15 pounds’ really helps your position. It was badly made and badly designed and doesn’t live up to the hype at any price.
Very true. At £15 I can let it go, that's my point. If I had spent more I would have been really disappointed. In either case it shouldn't happen.
In a certain Transformer fan of a certain age, when we hear 'non-transforming transformer', the first thing that comes to mind is 'Action Master'. :)
And Action Masters are great. I love those little guys.
Bumblebee from lego is quite good. 😊
I have been looking at that. I have Optimus Prime.
Not a patch on the transformers from the 80s
So it's basicly an oversized Action Master.
These figures were not received well
transformers that dont "transform" are a ripoff and a slap in the face to the fans in my humble opinion. whats next cars that dont drive,, what do i know,, im just a guy with a dumb opinion
Nope not for me lol
I had these and they're all junk.