1/6th Figure Quality Expectations

[BadMoon]

I don't understand the constant complaining when it comes to this scale. I think the people that complain about 12 inch figures don't understand what they are buying. You are essentially buying a 12 inch action figure. Yes action figure. You are able to voice your opinion and I have no problem with that. However, if you expect a higher end collectible then belly up to the bar and pay for it. I just don't see how much more accurate some people expect these things to get. I really don't. They are small, plastic, and essentially toys. I really just don't get it when people really fly over the deep end over this stuff. I understand they are expensive and such. However, if you can't afford them then by all means you shouldn't pay for them. Especially if you don't like them.

That all being said I am curious. What are your expectations? Do you expect a 12 inch figure for $89.99 or even $179.99 to look exactly like the actor or actress in every shade of light and pose? What do you want out of your TOYS?

 

[galactiboy]

At this point I think my expectations really depend on the company...

Sideshow: I expect a lower price than others, but still a figure that is kickass and looks good in a display. I know the paint is touchy and the buck is lame. But, this is most likely changing as we are getting a lot of upgrades soon. But they always have great accessories... just look at the last Luke.

Hot Toys: Hurts the wallet more, but you typically get top-notch figures. Great likenesses, excellent clothing and accessories. However, sometimes they miss (odd heights, too dark skin tones) but in general I know its probably not going to get any better.

Medicom: I know I'm gonna pay a lot. However, what you see in prototype (with the exception of some paint work) is what you get. I like them for stylized (especially anime) characters and their tailoring is very fine quality.

 

[EVILFACE]

I look at the price and what I am getting. If it's $50 bucks, I will cut is some slack because of the price point. If it is $150+, it better be pretty damn good with a very close likeness and a detailed outfit and be in scale with the rest of my collection.

 

[BadMoon]

At this point I think my expectations really depend on the company...

Sideshow: I expect a lower price than others, but still a figure that is kickass and looks good in a display. I know the paint is touchy and the buck is lame. But, this is most likely changing as we are getting a lot of upgrades soon. But they always have great accessories... just look at the last Luke.

Hot Toys: Hurts the wallet more, but you typically get top-notch figures. Great likenesses, excellent clothing and accessories. However, sometimes they miss (odd heights, too dark skin tones) but in general I know its probably not going to get any better.

Medicom: I know I'm gonna pay a lot. However, what you see in prototype (with the exception of some paint work) is what you get. I like them for stylized (especially anime) characters and their tailoring is very fine quality.

Pretty much what I expect as well. I am more interested to hear from the people that seem to complain in every thread about quality. Here is the place to let it out. What really bug you.

 

[preeny101]

I'm a 1/6 collector and I think that it is important to have realistic expectations when collecting in this scale. A lot of things won't translate exactly so you have to be more forgiving than you would with a PF.

 

[BadMoon]

I'm a 1/6 collector and I think that it is important to have realistic expectations when collecting in this scale. A lot of things won't translate exactly so you have to be more forgiving than you would with a PF.

 

[tomandshell]

I don't think I have ever returned a 12" figure for quality/nitpick reasons. I have returned multiple PFs because my standards are higher for the more expensive 1:4 scale pieces.

 

[Voorhees27]

Good thread. I see it this way, if its a Sideshow $50 piece then I see it as something similar to a Toys R Us 12"er so I don't "Expect" it to be lifelike (BTW i'm not saying Sideshow IS TRU quality, I love Sideshow)

When it comes to Hot Toys I pay more because I see the better quality, if its not "Perfect" I STILL want it, why? because its the very BEST you can get, in other words there isn't anything better so I get it!

No picking here, I am happy with both Sideshow and Hot Toys, I think they are 2 great companies. As for Medicom I see the company as a decent product but way overpriced for what you get.

Now IF there were like 20 companies making TDK pieces then I could see myself becoming WAY more picky.

Again great thread!

 

[galactiboy]

Pretty much what I expect as well. I am more interested to hear from the people that seem to complain in every thread about quality. Here is the place to let it out. What really bug you.

So are you saying I'm not whiney enough

 

[Cocoboloboy]

It's all relative. When I get a really nice figure like Old Ben one month and then pay even more for a figure like Aayla a few months later then I complain. Consistent quality and good proportions vs. price is what I look at.
These things cost $60 to $160 more than Hasbro's 12'' figures and I expect them to be that much better.

I don't really consider a $150 doll a toy anymore. Even though it's made out of plastic they are being marketed and sold as high end collectibles so they should reflect that in quality and accuracy.

 

[OSCORP]

It's all relative. When I get a really nice figure like Old Ben one month and then pay even more for a figure like Aayla a few months later then I complain.

Thread over.

 

[sladesuperagent]

It is ALL relative--just like collecting in general. If I want something enough, I'll get it. I prefer waiting until after the item is released, so I know what to expect quality-wise--but of recent I've been buying early at retail, so I'm not the last guy to wanna get a piece that's super-hot and then hafta pay premium prices for it on ebay later. For a high cost item (HT Predators), I expect better quality than a lower cost item (anything still on a Buck body). I also have certain expectations when it comes to how it will fit into my collection with other things. This is probaly why I only own a handful of Medicom figures and mostly HT and SS 1/6.

The other thing is that when you collect high-end stuff (props, PF's, 1/6), you can't be a super-frugal cheapskate. You hafta be able to weigh want/desire with cost and finally long term worth. A lot of people here say that they're "not into collecting for the 'investment' side of it"--but that's b.s. If that were true, we'd all be collecting sea shells.

 

[turtlepower73]

i agree with the first comment.
but your right there are people who just don't get it. the whole complete head could be right ,but he has to much nostril hair or his hair is not wavey enough. if you want a figure with hair collect barbies so then you can style it.

 

[nash]

Im over the 12" figures, just like im over mini busts.

 

[shaun-o]

When it comes to my 1/6 scale figures I'm not anal at all. As long as someone who is not a collector sees my stuff and says "Wow, that's an amazing (lets say Luke Skywalker)" then it's a good likeness IMO. I think the real question is why do we buy this stuff in the first place.

 

[FlyAndFight]

I feel that if I spend 80+ on a figure and have to end up getting the headsculpt repainted and the body swapped out, I think I'm entitled to complain just a tad.

As for expectations, simply take a look at some of the other higher-end 12" figure manufacturers and compare fidelity of details, paint applications, and base bodies.

On Average:

DML/Dragon: $40+, good detailing, very good paint apps, good bodies.
BBi/Blue Box: $40+, very good detailing, excellent paint apps, very good bodies.
Hot Toys: $90+, excellent detailing, good paint apps, very good bodies.
Sideshow: $80+, very good detailing, fair-good paint apps, fair bodies.
Medicom: $140+, very good detailing, very good paint apps, very good bodies.

I don't consider these high-end figures as "toys", per se. I don't "play" with them but pose them and display them, just as I would display my PF's and statues. I see them more as miniature PF's or "Posable Statues"* .

*(all rights reserved.)

With that being said, if we don't share our opinions regarding possible pluses and minuses found in these figures, then the manufacturers won't get the feedback from their customers that they have actually used in the past to improve the figures. There are several instances where fan feedback... i.e. "complaints", have led to the manufacturer to update or improve the product prior to releasing. (colors and/or design of clothing, headsculpts, paint apps, etc...)

Finally, if you remove all honest gripes and complaints, these forums would be b-o-r-i-n-g...

 

[galactiboy]

Yeah, differences of opinion make this an interesting place... but the attitudes we sometimes see can be a bit draining.

 

[FlyAndFight]

I have no problems with legitimate complaints. I think what can get a bit draining are those people that defend particular manufacturers regardless if the product(s) are lacking.

 

[The Josh]

I expect to get what I pay for. I don't expect the same level on these as say I would a PF because the cost is lower. I've gotten great stuff from all three and gotten stuff from them that wasn't so great.

 

[Nolocke]

I expect my 12 inch figures to walk and talk, i want the details so real that I never have to leave my house again and just hang out with my toys all day. Anyone here anal? Nah I didn't think so.