Golden Arms Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 (edited) Flying with the Valkyries: YF-29 Durandal Valkyrie Review Part 1/3 Flying with the Valkyries: YF-29 Durandal Valkyrie Review Part 2/3 Flying with the Valkyries: YF-29 Durandal Valkyrie Review Part 3/3 There you go Great vid guys. I don't think I could've transformed this thing properly without it. Be careful with the paint on the head. The black portion at the back can easily be scratched. In Battroid mode, the shield comes off rather easily, but it's a minor gripe. Overall a great toy. This is the toy that the 1st version vf-25 shouldv'e been. Bandai should also redo the vf-27 as well. Edited July 8, 2011 by Golden Arms Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aurance Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 The wing engines are pretty loose on mine. It seems to be a common problem. I might just superglue it in place; I'm not really enamored with the swivel engine anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueMax Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Re-do the 27? Isn't that where the improvements started and generally people are happy with them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matrix Soul Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Re-do the 27? Isn't that where the improvements started and generally people are happy with them? Yeah, but the 27 still had the old crotch lock and loose shoulders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s001 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Comparison shot from bleumer1909 I don't know why, but Yamato and Bandai valkyries just don't look ok toghether. I want to blame the MF mecha style on the Bandais but I'm not sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raptormesh Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I don't know why, but Yamato and Bandai valkyries just don't look ok toghether. I want to blame the MF mecha style on the Bandais but I'm not sure. I get the same feeling, because when I look at them on my desk, one could pass as quasi-models and the other could not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chen Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 (edited) Yeah I agree but I think it has more to do with just the basic designs than the company making them. Plus Bandai's Macross Frontier stuff has that glossy "toy" look while Yamato has mostly gone with the flatter realistic approach. Still I love the new YF-29, it's a little fiddly to transform and all the fins and wings means you have to be careful when transforming it but it may be the first Macross toy I own that I will keep in Battroid mode instead of fighter mode. Also no scratches or paint chips on mine, I've read and seen enough reviews that I was aware of the problem areas and also I just popped the head off while transforming it. Edited July 8, 2011 by chen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobber Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Just noticed a marking that is missing from the DX. It doesn't have the black triangular markings in front of the intakes. They are on the 1/100 model but not sure if there are on the CG. I know the 25 has them and I think the 27 has them as well. Pretty large markings to leave off imo. Still can't wait for mine to arrive. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Random Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Yeah I agree but I think it has more to do with just the basic designs than the company making them. Plus Bandai's Macross Frontier stuff has that glossy "toy" look while Yamato has mostly gone with the flatter realistic approach. Still I love the new YF-29, it's a little fiddly to transform and all the fins and wings means you have to be careful when transforming it but it may be the first Macross toy I own that I will keep in Battroid mode instead of fighter mode. Also no scratches or paint chips on mine, I've read and seen enough reviews that I was aware of the problem areas and also I just popped the head off while transforming it. I agree. To me Yamato VF-19 kai Mac7 just screams toy as do most of the Mac 7 designs. I think it is probably the blocky proportions and bright colors. The Mac F designs also tend to look more like toys to me due to pin stripping and all the SMS markings. SMS valks tend to be more akin to a race car rather than a military aircraft. Bandai valks are definitely glossy, which adds to the toylike appearance, but I think this works well for the flashy SMS designs - the YF-29 in particular. The Bandai glossiness will start to bother me if a VF-171 comes along since I feel that NUNs birds should be matte like standard military aircraft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archer Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 I don't want to incite a flame war or anything guys, but for those that have both, which do you think is better? The yf-29 or the VF-19 kai from Yamato? Problem is that I can only pick up one atm, so I want to get the one that is better in the general opinion... In terms of design, I like both, so it comes down to a matter of build and quality really for me, and value for money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reïvaj Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 I don't want to incite a flame war or anything guys, but for those that have both, which do you think is better? The yf-29 or the VF-19 kai from Yamato? Problem is that I can only pick up one atm, so I want to get the one that is better in the general opinion... In terms of design, I like both, so it comes down to a matter of build and quality really for me, and value for money In terms of build and quality I'd say the VF-19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eugimon Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 I don't want to incite a flame war or anything guys, but for those that have both, which do you think is better? The yf-29 or the VF-19 kai from Yamato? Problem is that I can only pick up one atm, so I want to get the one that is better in the general opinion... In terms of design, I like both, so it comes down to a matter of build and quality really for me, and value for money That's really tough. Both are game changers for their respective lines. The 29 has more paint apps and more gimmicks and it comes with a stand. Where the Kai wins is in the transformation. Everything tabs together at each step so that no part is flopping around. This is really most noticeable for me when I'm going from battroid to fighter. I think the 29 is the far more impressive looking toy but the Kai is the better engineered toy, in my opinion. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueMax Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Flying with the Valkyries: YF-29 Durandal Valkyrie Review Part 1/3 Flying with the Valkyries: YF-29 Durandal Valkyrie Review Part 2/3 Flying with the Valkyries: YF-29 Durandal Valkyrie Review Part 3/3 There you go Nice! Thanks for the tips! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aurance Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 I think the 29 is the far more impressive looking toy but the Kai is the better engineered toy, in my opinion. Totally agree. And yes, both are still pretty great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0n5t3r Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 (edited) not 100% sure about this info but I heard from one of the sellers i get from here locally that only 40% of the planned production for the YF-29 made it out during the initial release. i hope it's true and the other 60% will be available in the market soon. Edited July 10, 2011 by m0n5t3r Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macross_Fanboy Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I might have to pick me up a VF-27 and YF-29 when I go to Japan to visit this September. Looking at these pictures is enticing me as I think their fighter modes look sweet, I probably won't transform them except upon receipt to make sure nothing is broken, seeing as its a Bandai...but you guys said besides some tampo they're all good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aurance Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Observation: I have a feeling that the metal-on-metal ball joints on its shoulders and thighs could get loose fairly quickly. We'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestar Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I don't want to incite a flame war or anything guys, but for those that have both, which do you think is better? The yf-29 or the VF-19 kai from Yamato? Problem is that I can only pick up one atm, so I want to get the one that is better in the general opinion... In terms of design, I like both, so it comes down to a matter of build and quality really for me, and value for money I have both in hand, so hopefully my post can be of some help. I agree with a previous boarder: vf19 for build and quality. But it really also goes back to personal taste as well. Some people love the newness of design in the yf-29, while some prefer the solid feel that the vf-19 offers. Although I'm in the latter category, I can't deny the fun factor that the YF-29 has: swiveling wing engines, rotating twin beam cannons, and new beam gun pod that splits open. What the vf-19 lacks in gimmicks, it makes up with superior fit and finish. But both are gorgeous in all modes. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacrossJunkie Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I don't want to incite a flame war or anything guys, but for those that have both, which do you think is better? The yf-29 or the VF-19 kai from Yamato? Problem is that I can only pick up one atm, so I want to get the one that is better in the general opinion... In terms of design, I like both, so it comes down to a matter of build and quality really for me, and value for money Despite only having the YF-29, I would say if you like the VF-19 Kai, then go with that. I have found the YF-29 to be somewhat frustrating. The metal shoulder hinges get loose quickly (the left one on my got loose over two days) and attempts to tighten it with super glue have failed. The arms and legs are loose at certain positions as well. There are numerous points where the paint scratches off just by the act of transforming it, even if careful. Not to mention the paint itself still doesn't seem to adhere very well to the plastic. It's to the point that I've had to modify the toy just to prevent the paint from being scraped off. From reading over the VF-19 thread, the VF-19 doesn't seem to have any significant issues other than people worrying that the ball jointed ankles might become loose over time. They both look great, but the 19 seems to be better engineered and suffers from fewer QC issues than the 29. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanedas Bike Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 The design/look of the YF-29 as really grown on me since I've had some time with the Bandai DX in addition to giving me hope for the VF-25 v2. On the note of the 19 or 29 and which is the better buy, hopefully I'm not the only one that finds it funny or odd that the talk of better QC (at least for these two releases) has trended in favor of one particular direction/company over another. -b. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperHobo Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Despite only having the YF-29, I would say if you like the VF-19 Kai, then go with that. I have found the YF-29 to be somewhat frustrating. The metal shoulder hinges get loose quickly (the left one on my got loose over two days) and attempts to tighten it with super glue have failed. The arms and legs are loose at certain positions as well. There are numerous points where the paint scratches off just by the act of transforming it, even if careful. Not to mention the paint itself still doesn't seem to adhere very well to the plastic. It's to the point that I've had to modify the toy just to prevent the paint from being scraped off. From reading over the VF-19 thread, the VF-19 doesn't seem to have any significant issues other than people worrying that the ball jointed ankles might become loose over time. They both look great, but the 19 seems to be better engineered and suffers from fewer QC issues than the 29. Try using some clear nail polish on the metal hinges. I applied some around the pin and tried to ease it into the hinge and it worked wonderfully. Just a little will do the trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacrossJunkie Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 On the note of the 19 or 29 and which is the better buy, hopefully I'm not the only one that finds it funny or odd that the talk of better QC (at least for these two releases) has trended in favor of one particular direction/company over another. -b. The irony definitely wasn't lost to me when I made my post, but who knows? Yamato's next release could have QC issues too (hopefully not), but Yamato overall has really improved their QC compared to years past. Unfortunately, I think the same QC issues with Bandai's DX line will crop up in the V2 VF-25 as well since they will very likely be using the same glossy plastic that doesn't allow for good paint adhesion and the metal joints will likely still get floppy over time even with no use. My 29 also came covered in grease, which is odd since there are others that have said theirs were clean. To be fair, Bandai seems to be stepping up their game as well with what seems to be more effort being put into their Macross releases now than when those half assed DX VF-25s came out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UN Spacy Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 Anyone fill out the online survey after scanning the bar code leaflet which was inside the instruction manual bag? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UN Spacy Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 So I'm going thru the survey...I like how they ask what're you three favorite things about it. Please tell us the best of products. (Up to 3) [essential] 1. Well proportioned style 2. Is a good size 3. Good Modeling 4. Good texture paint 5. Wide range of motion 6. Many moving parts 7. A high degree of repeatability of a character 8. Heavy 09. Marking 10. Deformation Mechanism 11. The 遊Biyasu 12. Package 13. Reproduce the stretching of the wing during high-speed cruise 14. Cannon is capable of operating the unit back and turning up in the play as well as bidding 15. Repeatable both monodentate and double seat 16. Fighter tarmac (landing) can be suspended in a state Ganpoddo 17. Decorate stand comes with three forms 18. YF-29 like the Valkyrie Dyurandaru 19. Work "Macross F" like 20. Other Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacrossJunkie Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 So I'm going thru the survey...I like how they ask what're you three favorite things about it. Please tell us the best of products. (Up to 3) [essential] 1. Well proportioned style 2. Is a good size 3. Good Modeling 4. Good texture paint 5. Wide range of motion 6. Many moving parts 7. A high degree of repeatability of a character 8. Heavy 09. Marking 10. Deformation Mechanism 11. The 遊Biyasu 12. Package 13. Reproduce the stretching of the wing during high-speed cruise 14. Cannon is capable of operating the unit back and turning up in the play as well as bidding 15. Repeatable both monodentate and double seat 16. Fighter tarmac (landing) can be suspended in a state Ganpoddo 17. Decorate stand comes with three forms 18. YF-29 like the Valkyrie Dyurandaru 19. Work "Macross F" like 20. Other I have no idea what some of those options mean. In particular #7, 11, 16 (something about the gunpod), 18, and 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UN Spacy Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 IN for random gift using my Tenso provided address in Japan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reïvaj Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 IN for random gift using my Tenso provided address in Japan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archer Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 ^^Thanks for all the comments above regarding my dilemma. I, in the end, chose to buy the VF-19 kai over the yf-29. It came down to a matter of that I slightly "prefer" the design of the VF-19 over the YF-29, and that I am quite worried about the looseness over time, paint chipping, grease, etc. issues that seem to be cropping up with this release. The VF-19 release seemed much more solid imho, and that cockpit gimmick was enough to push me over the edge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fly4victory Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 Yamato already proved that too much metal in a valk is bad with the 1/72 Macross Plus line so picking the VF-19K over the YF-29 is wise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renato Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 Yamato already proved that too much metal in a valk is bad with the 1/72 Macross Plus line so picking the VF-19K over the YF-29 is wise. The VF-19 has a LOT of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ff95gj Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I like a lot how my YF-29 looks, but its left arm is floppy and the crotch very loose. I still look forward to the VF-25F v2, but I like the Yamato engineering better. I mean the newer ones. My YF-19 and YF-29 can't share hands because they can't keep their arms up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0n5t3r Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I like a lot how my YF-29 looks, but its left arm is floppy and the crotch very loose. I still look forward to the VF-25F v2, but I like the Yamato engineering better. I mean the newer ones. My YF-19 and YF-29 can't share hands because they can't keep their arms up. just let them shake each others crotch then... the YF-29 has a "loose" crotch after all... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperHobo Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 just let them shake each others crotch then... the YF-29 has a "loose" crotch after all... You know something I've realized? Ever since the 25, 27 and 29 series was spawned, I have never heard so many discussions/jokes/innuendos about a robot's hips and crouch before in my mecha enthusiast life. Then again, who could blame them (us) that thing is practically pointing at you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoosh Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I like a lot how my YF-29 looks, but its left arm is floppy and the crotch very loose. I still look forward to the VF-25F v2, but I like the Yamato engineering better. I mean the newer ones. My YF-19 and YF-29 can't share hands because they can't keep their arms up. some nail polish can help And yes, Yamato is still better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matrix Soul Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Have a YF-29 that I reviewed up for sale, there is a catch though, it's just the jet with articulated hands and shield, no extra hands, stand, or the gun. Also as shown in the review, the right booster is a little loose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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