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Totally out of the left field comes this announcement of a Kondo-style Geara Doga "Variable Action Kit"

Preordered 2 at Nin Nin Game. Other links: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/11264608 https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0FT2C2863 https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEOGDS-937958 https://moehime-japantoys.com/shop/plastic-model/chogokin-series/dx-soul-of-chogokin-vf-17s-nightmare-stealth-valkyrie-gamlin-kizaki-custom/ https://www.yoyakunow.com/en/robots/25380-dx-chogokin-vf-17s-nightmare-stealth-valkyrie-gamlin-kizaki-custom.html

Does it actually look better with the longer arms? I would of thought the short arm was the best height for it in fighter mode.

Same. Used your affiliate link. Not sure how that works or how trustworthy companies are regarding referral rewards. This was an immediate buy for me. I was lucky enough to pick up the 1/65 version 6-7 years ago off Mandarake; it's such a stupid-fun toy. Highly recommended.

Honestly, I got one, but I don't know if I want to keep it due to all the aformentioned accuracy issues. At the very least, is it safe to assume they'd fix the QC and design issues of the 171?

Completely forgot about this one. VF-17 still available on HLJ as of this writing. A PO that doesn't instantly sell out must keep the Bandai execs up at night.

got one from hlj! https://www.hlj.com/?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=scorchedearthtoys

Yeah, once they've put out product images, it's pretty unlikely Bandai will make any changes at all, no matter what feedback they get. They sat on the YF-21 for so many years, and had so much time to correct their bad decisions, but nothing ever changed from that first prototype.

Yeah, it seems they "rebooted" their page, got mine now

It's fixed, the page was broken and listed as out of stock, try again now. I think they prematurely added all of the products to the main page, and then had to re-list and re-link all of the Bandai products they added, because the pages were all 404 errors.

And here I tought it would be an easy pre-order, HLJ crashed and then went to order stop

Up on AE, go one no fuss. https://anime-export.com/index.php?product=97550 HLJ seems to be having web issues though, it's listed on the main page, but the link is dead. Seems that they added all of the Bandai products to the front page, but none of the individual item pages are ready. Edit: Working now: https://www.hlj.com/dx-chogokin-vf-17s-nightmare-stealth-valkyrie-gamlin-kizaki-s-banc692672

Amiami’s preorder page for the DX Chogokin VF-17S: https://www.amiami.com/eng/detail?gcode=FIGURE-192154

You can never be done tweaking a piece of art, so this is a good place to let this piece be completed. I just want to request a shot with the regular 31A beside or in formation with this, just to see them together, if it's not too much trouble.

You realize they're doing none of that, right?

It is; the original has fists that are like Prime's in that they need to be "plugged into" the forearms. On that note, since I have both the original and the ML version, let me post some pics comparing differences in both: Robot mode: On the right is the original G1 version, while on the left is ML Sunstreaker. Noting differences between the two, the ML version weighs slightly more due to the inclusion of more diecast (the hip/ pelvis joints and shoulder sway hinged on the body). Also, the feet have hinged ankle tilts that allow Sunstreaker to stand while his legs are posed in an "action stance". Transformation: Transform is generally the same, although you now have the legs splitting apart which requires them being slotted back together when converting to vehicle mode: Of particular interest, the feet now have a ratchet mechanism that "clicks" when they're flipped up or down. Also, the canopy/ windshield tabs into the main body to reinforce the vehicle and robot modes. Just be careful to remember to unplug it, or you can damage the tabs and even shear them off. Vehicle mode: Pretty much the same, no particular changes here. My G1 original is a slightly different shade of yellow as I rebuilt it from parts I got from 3 broken ones, and all of them were slightly differing shades of yellow! Speaking of the fists, here's close-up of the new transformation for them: They pivot back into the forearm, but can remain flipped around or even removed in favor of either the included original issue fists or one of three missiles (I opted to keep the flip-in fists and give the original-versions to my G1, although they do not stay well in the launcher arms). One major change is the linkage for the head/ engine/ canopy unit; when converting to robot mode, it can be a royal pain to line it up properly in order to compact down and click into place: The left pic (ML) shows it "open" from car mode, while the right shows it compacted and locked down. If you don't, the head/ engine unit won't line up properly and the canopy/ windshield won't tab in solidly. For comparison, here's the G1 original's version: Both just "pop in" to the hinge, but I don' t recommend removing and reattaching either repeatedly, as it can stress the plastic attachment points on the main body and loosen the joint as a whole. You also risk breakage with that as well. One final note I have is the sculpt on both faces: The mouths look slightly different between them; a good job resculpting the original nonetheless. The eyes (like on ML Optimus Prime) appear to be separate pieces of plastic slotted in from behind, as they appear much brighter than painted plastic and have a "seam" around them upon closer examination. I can't say I blame them, as this allows them to not have to paint the eyes and yet have a cleaner look to them. Anyways, I hope this adds to your review Mike and helps out in some way!

There is no end to your madness. I love it!!!!👍

I think we're firmly in the realm of Bandai retreading designs that Yamato already covered the demand for a decade ago, and we're in a market that didn't have that much demand to begin with. I'll see if I can pick up an HLJ or AE order, but I'm not going to stress over it. I should really be asleep before they go on sale, but I would not be surprised to see them still available when I wake up.

Adding teeth.

1.31 Regulatory Charges. 7.47 Duties (They marked the item as from Japan, not China, so it's only 15% and they valued the item at $24.90 each) 17 For Duty Tax Processing. Interesting note about the Duty Tax Processing. HLJ are overcharging for that. Based on the size/weight of the P versus a Mafex (and my previous shipment from them) they've also doubled the base DHL price. I did the math on the real price. Total if they did full price and marked from China should have been 91.30.

Interesting, I will be interested to see how that goes, I have a pair ordered there.

@rsvictor1976 The bases are definitely quite stable. I have many other DX VF-1s on Archi Pro stands in much higher angle of banks, but most of them are utilizing the larger arm. The one pictured could be angled much higher and the DX VF-1 would have no problem staying attached to the mount. That specific setup is extremely tame versus what you can do with the Archi Pro stands. MB

Well, BigInJapan ROYALLY undervalued that item. We'll see if DHL catches this.