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Post by Mechanical Flesh on Oct 16, 2014 11:51:48 GMT -5
So. While we're all waiting for the December/January big hitters, to say R.I.P to our beloved wallets, I thought I needed something to entertain myself with for the time being  so I began to look around some stores and toy shops to see if I could find anything good and/or cheap to suit my needs. And last week I came across what appeared to me as a MIB Bandai GX-23 Zambot 3. Presumably the reissue, but I'm not sure. Price was not indicated, and since I was busy buying something else, I decided to wait and gather some info about the SoC before anything. Premise, I watched the whole Zambot 3 anime, and really liked it. I need a Zambot 3 in my collection, hehe, and when the time comes I'll buy a GX-53 and a GX-66 to complete the "muteki trilogy"  but first things first: I watched some reviews online, including Charles's and Chachipower's ones (props to you guys, very nice reviews). Overall, the toy is fine, good anime-matching colours, size, weight, anime-accurate transformations and combination, array of weapons... nice ratchet joints too. The only gripe, as you probably know, is the limited leg articulation. Given, I will probably display it in a neutral standing pose, along with its "brothers". I'd just like to have some leg spread, that's all. You know, not having the legs perpendicular to the ground, like a vintage toy... Well, maybe I'll be able to get just a bit of leg spread, who knows. Anyway, the 2 things I wanted to ask you, are: 1) What do you think is, at the moment, a good and fair price for a MIB GX-23? I checked the prices that people are asking for on ebay and amazon, more or less, and the last thing I want is getting ripped off. So yeah, your opinions on this. And 2) Do you think it's time for Bandai to get back to work on a new Zambot? An improved version, maybe with *cough* better articulation? We got the new Combattler after all, and the not-as-cool Daitarn 3 repaint. Even good ol' Voltes V is getting its third entry in the SoC line, and Tryder hit the shelves just a few months ago. So why no new Zambot? I heard something about a new SoC Zambot coming out just after the GX-65 Daitarn, but that was months ago and no news regarding the moon-crested robot since. I'll check the aforementioned shop again on Saturday, so you have roughly 48 hours to share your thoughts on the subject, before I go about my quest  |
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Post by tetsuryu on Oct 16, 2014 13:22:29 GMT -5
You forgot Zambo Ace's legs breaking at knees.
As for the price...well, how much do you expect to pay for one?
I myself am really hoping to complete the Super Muteki Bros 3 as well, but since Daitarn 3 already got a repaint to make it match the newest entry better...I suspect Zambot 3 will receive a similar treatment down the line, so I'm holding out for that. Even if it has no changes at all besides the colours.
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Oct 16, 2014 13:57:30 GMT -5
I wouldn't really pay more than $100 for one. It already got reissued once. $150 would probably be pushing it. Remember to check selling prices at mandarake and yahoo japan for a closer look at what they "really" sell for. If you have to pass on this for now don't get bummed, this one is ALWAYS available.
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Post by Mechanical Flesh on Oct 16, 2014 14:22:37 GMT -5
You forgot Zambo Ace's legs breaking at knees. As for the price...well, how much do you expect to pay for one? I myself am really hoping to complete the Super Muteki Bros 3 as well, but since Daitarn 3 already got a repaint to make it match the newest entry better...I suspect Zambot 3 will receive a similar treatment down the line, so I'm holding out for that. Even if it has no changes at all besides the colours. Uh, didn't know about Zambo Ace's knees. Is that severe? Granted, I'll never do crazy things with Zambo Ace, I'll just turn it into ZamBird from time to time, or spread his legs a bit and equip it with the accesory belt. As for the price, what I usually see on Amazon and Ebay is people selling it for... well, there are some crazy sellers who ask for over 300$, some even 400$, but the majority sells for just over 200$. Which is still a lot. Saturday I'll go to that shop and ask how much they sell it for. If it's significantly less than what I saw online, I might get it. Anyway, if Bandai is just going to repaint Zambot, not making any changes to the leg articulation system, they ain't gonna see a penny from me. The GX-23 already matches very well the colors in the show, no need for (just) a repaint. The same reason why I'll get a GX-53 Daitarn rather than a GX-65, when the time comes. Well, Bandai didn't announce anything yet. We still don't know what will come after GaoGaiGar... Better safe than sorry. If Bandai remakes Zambot, and improves it, then I'll buy that one too. And probably display the GX-23 as the individual units (after all, it's the only combiner from the Muteki family). |
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Post by Mechanical Flesh on Oct 16, 2014 14:29:11 GMT -5
I wouldn't really pay more than $100 for one. It already got reissued once. $150 would probably be pushing it. Remember to check selling prices at mandarake and yahoo japan for a closer look at what they "really" sell for. If you have to pass on this for now don't get bummed, this one is ALWAYS available. Given I live in Italy, prices get a bit "inflated" due to shipping... and taxes... On Mandarake there's a used one, with "damaged box", at 12K yen. And Yahoo Japan lists some GX-23 at 18K-19K, just one at 15K. So we're already over 150$ aren't we? Plus shipping, this thing could reach 200$. That's around 150 euros, and that was the price that I thought I might get for the one in the store. I'm being optimistic here. I really wish to spend not much more than that. We'll see... |
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Oct 16, 2014 15:54:57 GMT -5
I wouldn't really pay more than $100 for one. It already got reissued once. $150 would probably be pushing it. Remember to check selling prices at mandarake and yahoo japan for a closer look at what they "really" sell for. If you have to pass on this for now don't get bummed, this one is ALWAYS available. Given I live in Italy, prices get a bit "inflated" due to shipping... and taxes... On Mandarake there's a used one, with "damaged box", at 12K yen. And Yahoo Japan lists some GX-23 at 18K-19K, just one at 15K. So we're already over 150$ aren't we? Plus shipping, this thing could reach 200$. That's around 150 euros, and that was the price that I thought I might get for the one in the store. I'm being optimistic here. I really wish to spend not much more than that. We'll see... The damaged box is probably a perfect toy with just a damaged box. So that's $120 US right now before shipping. I'd guess shipping to me would be $40 minimum. I'm on the east coast of the U.S. I've had Zambots offered to me often, usually at $130-150 but I'm just not a big SOC collector. The $100 I mentioned is what I would spend on it personally, just my opinion. Check out some reviews from Gold, chachipower/rocketpuncharmy, and CollectionDX for a better idea on the figure and any issues before you buy it. It is a great looking toy. There should be a thread here about Zambot too. |
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Post by Mechanical Flesh on Oct 16, 2014 16:28:53 GMT -5
The damaged box is probably a perfect toy with just a damaged box. So that's $120 US right now before shipping. I'd guess shipping to me would be $40 minimum. I'm on the east coast of the U.S. I've had Zambots offered to me often, usually at $130-150 but I'm just not a big SOC collector. The $100 I mentioned is what I would spend on it personally, just my opinion. Check out some reviews from Gold, chachipower/rocketpuncharmy, and CollectionDX for a better idea on the figure and any issues before you buy it. It is a great looking toy. There should be a thread here about Zambot too. Gold... I don't think Gold ever reviewed the SoC Zambot 3... I know he reviewed the GX-23A, the ZamboAce with metallic paintjob, and chromed moon crest and chestplate. But not the Zambot. Also, no threads about the GX-23 here (not specifically), there's just one thread started by a user who broke a joint of the figure, and asked for help. I did however watch Chachipower's review, on it's RPA channel, and also OptimusPrimeSG's review, he's another RJ forum member here. I've read the review over at CollectionDX as well. I know pros and cons of the toy already, and I'm willing to buy it. I'll just have to see how much they ask for it in that comic store I'll go to this saturday... really, that's the only limiting factor, the price. Hehe, we'll see. Also, something peculiar: half of the reviewers, when handling Zambot, said that there was a problem with the ankle joints, so that the figure could not stand upright without bending the knees first. But all of the other reviewers didn't mention the problem, and in their photos/videos you can see the toy standing right up with the legs straight. Someone commented on Chachipower's video that the ankles could be "collapsed" to make Zambot stand straight without problems. So I guess that's not really an issue, probably some reviewers didn't notice. So the only "real" issue is just the lack of leg-spread ability. Oh well. I'll settle for a neutral pose  |
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Oct 16, 2014 20:56:45 GMT -5
I wasn't sure if gold had done one. I really thought we had a thread here LoL, I mean we have one for almost every other one.
I actually almost bought the one on Collectiondx at one of the summits but passed on it. It is a big figure and really nice. Just like you, the thing limiting me from getting it is price.
Sounds like you are good to go though, so let us know how you make out. Good luck!
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Post by tetsuryu on Oct 17, 2014 1:49:55 GMT -5
I can't remember who made the original post, but someone recommended removing Zambo Ace's feet for the combination - this, of course, would require you to somehow push out the pins holding the feet to the legs - but this apparently increased the range of leg motion in combined mode a great deal.
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Post by Mechanical Flesh on Oct 17, 2014 3:52:18 GMT -5
I can't remember who made the original post, but someone recommended removing Zambo Ace's feet for the combination - this, of course, would require you to somehow push out the pins holding the feet to the legs - but this apparently increased the range of leg motion in combined mode a great deal. I am aware of that technique, many people who own a GX-23 removed ZamboAce's feet, since they practically block the thighs from inside Zambot's body. There are some drawbacks though: the ankles of Zambot do not allow for side to side feet movement, so if you spread the legs, the toy will rest only on the sides of its feet. That'd look awkward, but it would also stress the ankle joints and decrease the stability of the toy. I think I'll just keep it as it is, in the hope that Bandai one day will improve the GX-23 design and give us something better, articulation-wise. |
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Post by reVolVer on Oct 17, 2014 4:50:18 GMT -5
In terms of availability...GX-23 was one of the easiest to get from SOC line. Ive got one myself for 100usd a not so long ago.
for that price, i can say its a steal considering the large size, good metal content and cool modes Zambot 3 has...albeit those minor issues, so i didnt even think twice.
I even seen loose ones go low for as much as 50-60usd way back... probably reason why ive seen a few people owning two sets.
if u cant find that price range,, i suggest wait for a reiissue.
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Post by Mechanical Flesh on Oct 17, 2014 8:08:23 GMT -5
In terms of availability...GX-23 was one of the easiest to get from SOC line. Ive got one myself for 100usd a not so long ago. for that price, i can say its a steal considering the large size, good metal content and cool modes Zambot 3 has...albeit those minor issues, so i didnt even think twice. I even seen loose ones go low for as much as 50-60usd way back... probably reason why ive seen a few people owning two sets. if u cant find that price range,, i suggest wait for a reiissue. 100$ would indeed be a steal. But this figure has already been reissued (probably some time before the coming of GX-66? I can't remember) and probably won't be reissued for quite a long time, or even never again  Sure 100$ would be great. Shipping costs to here would raise the price a bit anyway, though. Ahh, we'll see how things go tomorrow afternoon. |
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Post by tetsuryu on Oct 17, 2014 9:05:56 GMT -5
It was last reissued spring last year IIRC.
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Oct 17, 2014 10:51:30 GMT -5
It was last reissued spring last year IIRC. Yup and it was surprising because nothing was changed. I was also surprised because it's always been "available", in general. |
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Post by Mechanical Flesh on Oct 17, 2014 11:28:25 GMT -5
It was last reissued spring last year IIRC. Yup and it was surprising because nothing was changed. I was also surprised because it's always been "available", in general. So it's been 1 and a half years more or less, since the reissue. Mhm... don't really know why Bandai decided to do so, during that period. There's not even a real logic answer to this: they reissued Zambot way after the GX-53 Daitarn came out, so most collectors who wanted to get the "Moon and Sun" brothers would have already acquired a Zambot in the meantime. On the other hand, they reissued it before they announced the GX-65 recolor and GX-66 Tryder, so again, no real interest in getting a Zambot, you'd know of the other 2 robots just a few months later, meanwhile you missed POs or other things... And nothing was changed, yeah. Just the box art, a little, and nothing more. Same mold, same colors (those are actually fine), same *sigh* leg problem. It's the same toy, nothing more and nothing less. Here's hoping that we see a new Zambot in the near future. |
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Post by B- on Oct 17, 2014 16:25:27 GMT -5
154$ at Anime export.
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Post by Mechanical Flesh on Oct 17, 2014 19:11:16 GMT -5
Thanks for the heads up Baron, checked it out unfortunately, with a packed weight of 2.3 Kg and having to ship it to Europe, I'd have to pay an extra 90$  Done the math. I'd pay more or less the same if I got one on ebay/amazon from local sellers... so for now I say, let's just wait until tomorrow, and see how things turn out. |
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Post by B- on Oct 17, 2014 19:54:29 GMT -5
oh crap really? wow thats alot for shipiing!! to USA its usually like 25-50$ EMS!!
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Post by tetsuryu on Oct 18, 2014 0:59:38 GMT -5
Wow MF, sounds like you'd really be better off getting one off Mandarake.
In fact, you could probably ask them to send it via DHL instead of EMS if it's cheaper at the order phase.
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Post by chogokinabdul on Oct 18, 2014 1:59:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the heads up Baron, checked it out unfortunately, with a packed weight of 2.3 Kg and having to ship it to Europe, I'd have to pay an extra 90$ Done the math. I'd pay more or less the same if I got one on ebay/amazon from local sellers... so for now I say, let's just wait until tomorrow, and see how things turn out. where are you in Italy? are you in rome? if so there is a couple of collector shops that still carry zambot! but I am not sure how much were they selling them for |
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