Reissue Vs. Original

[Blitzkrieg]

I was doing some thinking today, and I was wondering what everybody thinks about the Reissue TF'ers out there; for a smaller amount, you can have a brand new reissue that is in a fresh new box, figure is mint, etc, etc. I bought the Takara Encore Ironhide & Ratchet for 26 bucks, not each for both. I was looking at the Encore Bruticus, and it's much cheaper than an orginal. Don't get me wrong, I want to add original TF'ers to my collection if I can get them, but if I can't, I think a reissue is just as good. Comments?, Opinions?.

[shockwing]

well I dont collect G1 but It would not matter to me as long as I have a HASBRO/TAKARA release

[razin]

My collection is primarily reissue. I prefer them unless I can get a pristine original at decent cost. I'm not a collector who cares if its a vintage item, my collecting is simply nostalgic, its the same toy, just newer, all good to me.

[Alexander Quinn]

I enjoy the modern engineering in toys, so I'm prone to the Classics / Generations myself, but if I get an itch for a figure that I remember from my childhood, I don't want to shell out $300 for a semi busted jet missing it's weapons, robot hands and with half of it's stickers peeling off. I also don't want it to smell like a musty basement from New Jersey. So, I'm pro-reissue. Only one I have is Sideswipe, and for the $15 price tag I paid for him, I'm very happy with him.

[Deemar]

I collect vintage only, I've found a few reissue parts in my collection and got rid of them promptly. For me it's 2 things, one is the older figures have character, either they're characteristically loose or a common piece is missing/broken off and it's expected with age. The other thing is the thrill of the hunt, tracking down an original is very satisfying once you get it. I finally got my battery cover for Shockwave and it makes me very happy.

[Lucid Harbinger]

I'm of the same opinion as razin. Except for some Combaticons and Seacons, the only original G1 items in my collection are ones that haven't been reissued (though it helps that I started out only collecting combiners). Having the official toy (haven't ventured into KOs yet) is more important to me than having the original toy. In fact, good condition trumps all: Price depending, I'd consider buying reissues of some original complete toys I have that are showing their age, like my Aerialbots.

[Hobbyist Prime]

Originally Posted by Deemar

I collect vintage only, I've found a few reissue parts in my collection and got rid of them promptly. For me it's 2 things, one is the older figures have character, either they're characteristically loose or a common piece is missing/broken off and it's expected with age. The other thing is the thrill of the hunt, tracking down an original is very satisfying once you get it. I finally got my battery cover for Shockwave and it makes me very happy.

This is my thinking 100% the only reissues I pick up are ones for my friend who just likes them for the nostalgia so it doesn't matter to him.

[osotech]

Originally Posted by razin

My collection is primarily reissue. I prefer them unless I can get a pristine original at decent cost. I'm not a collector who cares if its a vintage item, my collecting is simply nostalgic, its the same toy, just newer, all good to me.

same goes for me

and i dont mind some ko (good one); nobody touch my g1 except me, so it's mainly display,
and i can save big $$ to buy mor tf

[Vain]

Once again as many pointed out, it depends what kind of collector are you.

Are you collecting 'casue these things are valuable? Then get ready to dish it out.

Are you collecting because you like them? Then there shouldn't be a problem to just roll with the cheaper reissues.

I don't own any G1s or any reissues, but man oh man would I love a G1 Sunstreaker but without a reissue, I can't expect to be able to find a pristine one and if I do, do I really have the extra funds for it..I'm not sure yet.

[Bruticus82]

I collect primarily G1s, but I do buy reissues (or, yes, occassionally KOs) for pieces which are, I believe, excessively priced, or, where the reissue is close enough to the original for my taste.

For example, I have a Takara bookstyle reissue Kup/Wheelie, which I think is the "best" version of Kup (yes, better than originals) since he includes both his targetmaster and his gun. I also have a KO Shockwave and Reflector (more efficient in terms of price), and Encore reissues of inferno/ratchet (they were a good deal, and they're identical to the originals).

But that said, I avoid some hasbro reissues that use plastic instead of chrome weaponry, or have long missiles, short stacks, etc. to comply with new safety regulations. I'd prefer vintage pieces to reissues in these cases.

I'm also cautious about some reissues (Bruticus, Piranacon) which either use modified molds, or feature significantly degraded quality due to the reuse of the mold.