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Post by GDomino on Jun 12, 2008 0:00:58 GMT -5
Last Gundam I bought was the FIX metal RX-78, though it is solid, I was somewhat disappointed that the smaller Super HCM pro version has more detail... It's a toy for my display and not really for play.
Now I'm checking out the Super HCM pro Char Zaku but also want a RX-78 to go in the same scale. How's the quality on these? I don't care about diecast content, and just wanna know if they can handle my beatings...
Pics and reviews would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Post by zephyranthes on Jun 12, 2008 2:25:46 GMT -5
I was also somewhat disappointed with the GFF Metal Composite RX-78 because of its relative lack of gimmicks and details compared to the Super HCM Pro. However, what the GFF version has going for it are the build quality, paint application, metal content, and size. I found that the quality control for the Super HCM Pro is not as good--sloppier paint application, bent parts, etc. The SHCM-Pro does feature a tiny amount of diecast in the soles of the feet. Also, the level of detail and number of gimmicks (fully transforming core fighter with landing gear, opening hatches galore) is unrivalled by any other RX-78 figure. Heck, it's like a PG kit that's been shrunk down to 1/144 scale. It is highly articulated and seems made to be played with. It's not as tough and abusable as an MSiA that's made largely of PVC, but it's much more fun than the GFF Metal. Hope this helps.
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Post by GDomino on Jun 12, 2008 8:28:16 GMT -5
Thanks Zeph. Any info helps... How's the plastic quality on these? I'm just looking for an action figure style gundam that can be posed and played with, without the worries of joints popping off or parts breaking. So far it seems the 1/200 HCMs fit the bill, but are just too small for me. 1/144 is a step up with MG style detailing but is a scale I haven't collected (still too small IMO).
I'll go ahead and order the SHCM Pro Zaku and RX-78 just to see if this is a line I can get behind... I do like the slow releases on these... Other than a repainted Zaku, anyone know what will be the next SHCM Pro?
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Post by zephyranthes on Jun 12, 2008 21:31:31 GMT -5
No word that I've heard yet about what the next SHCM Pro will be. The SHCM Pro's are largely constructed of nice ABS plastic. The joints of my RX-78 seem to be securely in place. No breakage yet. I hope the figures you receive have gone through a better quality control review and are free from defects. I've noticed that Bandai's QC as far as HCM Pros and SHCM Pros are concerned has slipped a bit. I don't know if it's due to producing on such a massive scale (sheer numbers) or because the oversight in the Chinese production plants is lagging. At least Bandai seems to be doing a better job on the higher end figures like the GFF Metal Composite and SOC lines.
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Post by GDomino on Jun 15, 2008 3:58:41 GMT -5
Thanks again Zephyranthes. I'm not a modeler so I want a good mix of detail, durability, and playability in my toys.
I tried a few of the regular GFF line a few years ago and I just didn't like them for what they were. They felt more like building blocks, that looked good when put together but not fun to handle, the detail was decent but a bit shoddy at times (as far as paint apps if you look closely), so I've known that even Bandai is not best as far as QC goes. The GFF metal RX-78 however was well worth what I paid for it due to the improved quality of the toy (and size) and what it came with. But it could've been so much better after seeing the gimmicks on the SHCM pro RX-78. The SHCM pros seem to be way over priced in my opinion for the line to succeed (without having handled one at this time, but we'll see), so I am hoping that the feel and quality be better than the FIX versions. Maybe I'll do a mini review when I get them... TBH, after seeing the pics and reviews on the Char Zaku, I'm more excited about getting that one in my hands than the RX-78...
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Post by zephyranthes on Jun 16, 2008 0:53:29 GMT -5
Your views on the GFF Metal Composite are similar to mine. High quality but could've been so much better. The SHCM Pro line is so much more fun to handle and actually play with instead of just displaying and looking good. Not to say that it doesn't look fine. It's just that the quality level (paint apps., construction) isn't up to standards of the GFF MC. I'm interested in the Mass Production (green) Zaku II...just hoping to score one of these at a reasonable price...maybe on clearance someday?
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