[Kamen Rider Die]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShyGuy

Oh man I feel this, that's exactly the reason I eventually just stopped collecting Transformers. That was my main collection hobby for years, but trying to keep up with it got too overwhelming. Figuarts doesn't feel nearly as hectic in that regard. Even if something does come along in the next few years that somehow surpasses the Seihou line, they're such good figures that they'll be able to hold their own for a very long time I think.

As for stores, I almost always use Mandarake and Jungle, both are roughly equal. In my experiences their prices are also more or less the same, depending on the condition of the item. Between the two of them, you're likely to find what you're looking for without too much trouble. I doubt you'll find better deals anywhere else, and the exchange rate when ordering from Japanese sites can sometimes basically function as a discount, at least for USD. In my experience the exchange rate almost always favors the dollar, and while it's usually not a huge difference, it can still save a little bit of money.

As someone who brought up Transformers as a negative comparison, let me now play Devil's Advocate and suggest that the endless iterating of Transformers toys creates less The Ultimate Version and more A Different Take. Like, I've got the V2 and V3 Optimus Masterpieces and... it's hard to say that one's better than the other. The V2 is bulky and non-cartoon-accurate, but it's a blast to transform and something I pull off the shelf occasionally for fun. The V3 looks like he stepped off of an animation cel, but I transformed him one time and hated it. With Transformers, I don't feel like a new version necessarily usurps a previous version. Visually, sure, but engineering-wise? Not necessarily! (The best version of Arcee is the Headmaster version from HasCon, and I will fight anyone who says different.)

And, yeah, the yen to USD exchange rate can be a nice bonus. I remember the feeling of disappointment a few years ago, as the yen strengthened and I saw my HLJ discount reduce. Nice when it happens, sucks when it doesn't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrWilliamGraham

Fantastic, just a heads up ami ami updates their used page everyday except Sundays. So if there's something you really want, maybe its best to jump on it quickly?

What other pieces are on your list if you don't mind sharing?

Happy Hunting

Did not know that about AmiAmi! I'll keep it in mind!

(Oh, and thanks for the SHF Upgrade tip on the Decadriver. Someone on eBay is selling what looks like the same thing for $45, which combined with the Neo Seihou is still less than getting the original by, like, 3K yen.)

The main figures I'm looking to get are from series I've already finished, since I can open and display them immediately. (I can't have a trophy up if I haven't earned it!) Those are Kuuga, Agito, Hibiki, and Double. Then there are the figures I'll need in the future, like Kabuto, Kiva, and Decade. Eventually I'll need a Zi-O and a Zero-One, but that's down the line and probably just regular SHFs. (Also JFC Bandai, Seihou Fourze, please and thank you.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathryuger321

I use AmiAmi exclusively. Jungle doesn't do DHL which is my only option for shipping right now, and I was banned from Mandarake for too many cancellations (Excuuuse me for getting caught in a category 4 hurricane...).

I got my Kabuto and Agito for a great deal off Facebook, but that is EXTREMELY rare. Kuuga I got for a good deal off RangerBoard.

I've seen Kuuga pop up for around 9,500 before on AmiAmi if you can catch it.

I did Jungle via EMS, which I'm not even sure is an option these days. (Haven't checked in a while!) I'm pretty much exclusively AmiAmi and DHL. So fast, so easy.