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Post by magengar on Jun 11, 2013 15:23:04 GMT -5
Well, let's look at it this way: It's easy to overlook the fact that there is some weight distributed throughout this DX Maz figure, as with any (toy). For the size of this DX Maz, the engineering was necessary to co-exist with the mechanical appearance of those inner robot guts, to make it look mechanically Believable when you look at it. While at the same time, those parts also have to cooperate with one another in movement while staying connected as you pose it. That is why such science as Male and Female connection notches and locks exist in highly detailed toys. So, in essence, Bandai did their part by trying to explain how the elbow works and how it is to be connected when swapping those parts. It's all printed in the instructions. We just have to READ the instructions Carefully so that the DX Maz doesn't get damaged... That is where we do Our part. Too often, consumers un-box a product and expect to get the thing working right off the bat; the instructions are there but we often skip and read between the lines, because we wanna get this DX Maz badboy up and running... ...the excitement builds to a climax, and then "CRACK!" something broke or got damaged, all because we've cut corners in a hurry to get our new toy up and running right away. Toys do suffer in hasty hands. This DX Maz aint no "toy", and it was meant to be Handled with Care. zozo-mag The elbow issue is just that, an issue. It should have been addressed as in "fixed, corrected, or designed better." before it reached the consumers... "The Correct" way? Come on, I LOVE and respect Bandai, but simple act of connecting a elbow to a LARGE robot figure should not be a rocket science and have a seperate instruction sheet (really Bandai?)
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Post by greengetterguy on Jun 11, 2013 15:40:37 GMT -5
But for, A $400 plus figure, we should accept that as a par for the course? What's Bandai charging that much for?
IF it was a Transformer with transforming issue, I get that...maybe. Even then, figures' arm shouldn't fall out like that. One of the ways companies we love so much can improve is, when we the consumers point out the short comings. No?
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Post by magengar on Jun 11, 2013 15:54:35 GMT -5
You're right about that. If we don't point out the short comings, we're stuck with a product that has QC issues. Re-issues and corrections happen mostly due to customer feedback.
Now... if Bandai were to re-issue this DX Maz with a better or improved elbow design, that means a customer might have to shell out money to buy the whole set again. I hope that doesn't become the case with this DX Maz.
If the elbow needs an improved design... all Bandai has to do is manufacture another forearm from the same mold, but with a better connection design, and sell it as an optional part, so that the customer will just have to pay less money for that new forearm rather than buying the entire DX Maz set. Then just show proof of purchase that you already own the DX Maz, and you can order the new forearm at less cost.
zozo-mag
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Post by B- on Jun 11, 2013 17:17:24 GMT -5
Bandai will not admit the issue is an issue,they already stated the "correct" way to attach the elbow,therefor will never release a fix in any form.My opinion.Magengar youve spent so much time here being involved with the DX,writing about it,reviewing it etc.,you must really want it badly after all this time,I hope your taxes come quick! Godspeed!
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Post by B- on Jun 11, 2013 17:22:06 GMT -5
Remember, it is not a "click", it is a "snap". Literally, it sounds like when you break a plastic chopstick with your hands. Pretty loud. }D My first set of also have a loose elbow, very very loose elbow. I asked the shop to have my replacement, Good thing that he was in a good mood and he let me choose by myself among the pile of stocks during that time. My replacement set has no more elbow issue, but I dare not to try to play so much with it. Here are the elbow issues on my first set not 1, but 2 elbows...., I also shared this to Charles as well in FB and I had tried so many attempts and magic to have it fixed, but no luck. Your kidding right? it doesnt look like you spent more than 8 seconds trying to attach it in these shots.
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Post by bertology on Jun 11, 2013 18:23:28 GMT -5
That's how they look like when they are not snapped in correctly. }D Actually, the "new" instruction was released by Bandai few days after... I followed that religiously and it didn't work. Then came the new set, I did everything that was done on my first set including the "new" instruction and EVERYTHING is working well. In my experience, it is not just simply following instruction or what, It's my first piece that have an issue.
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Post by bertology on Jun 11, 2013 18:34:57 GMT -5
@baron You won't know how many wasted time I tried to figure out not unless you are in my place during that period. I even wanted their display set when they tried by themselves in the shop, and they saw it's not working. But all is well now on the replaced set.
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Post by bertology on Jun 11, 2013 18:41:25 GMT -5
So then, once the elbow is snapped in correctly that white thing in there should NOT be showing, correct? That would close the gap between the elbow and the forearm in that area between those two bands which I described earlier. zozo-mag yes mag, connected in just "snap"
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Post by B- on Jun 11, 2013 20:21:52 GMT -5
Good news is yours works now bertology!
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Post by kingdom2000toys on Jun 11, 2013 21:34:33 GMT -5
I own one. Purchased it from the 2nd released in Feb. I did a lot of reading on this issue before I bought.
1) Bandai is never admitting to any issue. It is what it is - a so so elbow design. 2) Some elbows were found to be looser than others. As stated by many who returned and received replacements - tighter elbows. 3) It is a GREAT figure despite the elbow. (Worth the $400 price tag is debatable.)
IMO - I like it. I wish the elbow design was better, but I am assuming a GIANT like Bandai will learn and engineer better.
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Post by TheMazingerZ on Jun 11, 2013 22:41:21 GMT -5
I still think it is more of an operator error than a bad elbow connection. Granted, Bandai should've come up with a better (easier) way to secure the forearms in place. Maybe magnetic, or some sort of tabs, or a combination of both. However, I do understand that Bandai meant for the DX to be more of a poseable display piece than a real SOC Action Figure. And so, they designed the elbow connectors to be as inconspicuous as possible, so they would not take away from the looks of the figure's Drill Missiles bay and Rocket Punch nozzle. To tell you the truth, there are only three things that bother me about the DX: 1. The eyes do not stay on when the Pileder is docked. Mazinger looks weird with those "dead" eyes. 2. The way the elbow joint looks when the arms are bent is awful. 3. Bandai could've implemented a tiny metal hinge in the forearm to upper arm connection (like they did with the prototype GX-01) to recreate the Drill Missile access door. There was no need to come up with a whole separate upper arm armor piece to accommodate the Drill Missile door. Other that that, I think Bandai did a very good job with the DX. }D
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Post by bertology on Jun 11, 2013 23:06:18 GMT -5
^ agree, overall it's an awesome figure (....no more complains on my replaced set)
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Post by magengar on Jun 11, 2013 23:34:46 GMT -5
Hailz YEAH I want this badboy, and I don't care about the elbow issue unless it's really Really REALLY critical with my unit after it arrives. Still waiting for my tax refund, and I'm growing anxious over it. For now, I'm stuck under an OCD (Obsessive Compulsory Disorder) doing live research and reviewing, reading other members' reports on this specimen, and reading the instructions for the elbow attachment procedure... back when the DX Maz had started shipping out, someone scanned and shared the instructions in .pdf format online at another forum, and that's where I've been getting my reference from regarding the elbow issue. zozo-mag Bandai will not admit the issue is an issue,they already stated the "correct" way to attach the elbow,therefor will never release a fix in any form.My opinion. Magengar youve spent so much time here being involved with the DX, writing about it, reviewing it etc., you must really want it badly after all this time, I hope your taxes come quick! Godspeed!
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Post by xTIMMYxCOREx on Jun 12, 2013 12:45:02 GMT -5
I still think it is more of an operator error than a bad elbow connection. Granted, Bandai should've come up with a better (easier) way to secure the forearms in place. Maybe magnetic, or some sort of tabs, or a combination of both. However, I do understand that Bandai meant for the DX to be more of a poseable display piece than a real SOC Action Figure. And so, they designed the elbow connectors to be as inconspicuous as possible, so they would not take away from the looks of the figure's Drill Missiles bay and Rocket Punch nozzle. To tell you the truth, there are only three things that bother me about the DX: 1. The eyes do not stay on when the Pileder is docked. Mazinger looks weird with those "dead" eyes. 2. The way the elbow joint looks when the arms are bent is awful. 3. Bandai could've implemented a tiny metal hinge in the forearm to upper arm connection (like they did with the prototype GX-01) to recreate the Drill Missile access door. There was no need to come up with a whole separate upper arm armor piece to accommodate the Drill Missile door. Other that that, I think Bandai did a very good job with the DX. }D THe on/off switch is too hidden.
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Post by anubis20 on Jun 12, 2013 13:07:46 GMT -5
I still think it is more of an operator error than a bad elbow connection. Granted, Bandai should've come up with a better (easier) way to secure the forearms in place. Maybe magnetic, or some sort of tabs, or a combination of both. However, I do understand that Bandai meant for the DX to be more of a poseable display piece than a real SOC Action Figure. And so, they designed the elbow connectors to be as inconspicuous as possible, so they would not take away from the looks of the figure's Drill Missiles bay and Rocket Punch nozzle. To tell you the truth, there are only three things that bother me about the DX: 1. The eyes do not stay on when the Pileder is docked. Mazinger looks weird with those "dead" eyes. 2. The way the elbow joint looks when the arms are bent is awful. 3. Bandai could've implemented a tiny metal hinge in the forearm to upper arm connection (like they did with the prototype GX-01) to recreate the Drill Missile access door. There was no need to come up with a whole separate upper arm armor piece to accommodate the Drill Missile door. Other that that, I think Bandai did a very good job with the DX. }D THe on/off switch is too hidden. Agreed! And the voice box turns off after 3 minutes of inactivity. It's not like bandai is paying for our batteries.
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Post by TheMazingerZ on Jun 12, 2013 14:29:00 GMT -5
I don't really mind the hidden switch or the 3 minute inactivity shut-off feature at all. But those dead eyes... jeez, at least Bandai should've molded them in clear yellow plastic then. }|
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Post by B- on Jun 12, 2013 20:01:00 GMT -5
Im not sure if you guys know this but the scrander wings ANGLE BACK!It doesnt say this in the instructions!Also I took about 4 hours today customizing my NEW 6th detolf to hold my 2 Mazingers with their bases used those u-wire clamps!!These are pics without teh bottom one aromored up I plan to do the half armour on him just excited so had to post early,will post in all glory tomorrow in larger pics!anyhow check the wing 45 degree angles.Sorry if someone mentioned this or has posted pics with the angled wings just been really busy lately.
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Post by TheMazingerZ on Jun 12, 2013 20:04:59 GMT -5
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Post by B- on Jun 12, 2013 21:25:00 GMT -5
Now Mazinger I do recall a discussion on how teh wings were not like the SOC wings like GX-01 etc,where the were automatically in that pose..but remember Ive been moving etc,redesigning my room etc etc...now IM hurt! no comment on my customized detolf?...LOL anyhow tomorrow Ill have teh whole set up,Ill post pics..if you want? PS this post was with you in mind TMZ Id hoped you didnt know about the scrander yet...! just trying to give you a happy surprise!
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Post by TheMazingerZ on Jun 12, 2013 22:24:42 GMT -5
LOL! Just kiddin' bro! I was going to check out Ikea to see if they had those clamps you used to drop the glass and make the shelf bigger vertically. Did you get hem from Ikea or somewhere else? It is a great idea for tall figures and setups!!! }D
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