Yo quick question I ended up getting the XTB Menasor with the left arm and left leg XTB figures and the right arm and right leg DX9 figures by mistake.....Is that going to matter because of size differences when combining them???? Please let me know yo?
Nice work, Ben - great to see everything that's involved with the trailer and accessory set finally! I do like the look of combined mode so can't wait to get it all in hand soon. :)
I had no ide you run a UA-cam channel and a really nice one in fact! I'm a huge fan of your photos, now I'm gonnabe following you here as well! XD Happy new 2021, mate! :)
Glad to see the shell pieces in use as I can now say I wouldn’t have needed the accessory kit. The shells throw off the upper proportions too much for my liking and I don’t like being able to see the original spoiler under Dragstrip’s shell. It doesn’t matter for me anyway as XTB was never going to be my combined set (I was lucky enough to get the set for cheap earlier this year), that will be DX9.
This reminds me of why I've stopped buying a lot of third party and masterpiece figures (aside from the price). So many small, delicate hinges and tabs I'm afraid of breaking them, and transformations that are so frustratingly complex I'm tempted to break them.
That's why I decided to go with the DX9. It may or may not be the best or most accurate, but the transformations for all the team are pretty straight forward and easy. I like the look of the XTB too, but just too complicated (for me).
Congratulations, Ben. You have the only review of this trailer, like, ever. Literally, NO one has ever reviewed this piece besides you. I'm honestly not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
Dear God. Watching this transformation, I haven't felt such horror since Bold Forms Gladius. I wouldn't buy this if I had cancer and it held the cure. This makes FansProject Intimidator look easy by comparison. It makes DX9 Atilla look like a one-step changer.
Hi Ben, nice review.. When you described DX9's Motormaster trailer, I thought back to Emgo's review, when he rolled it all across from right to left past the camera, it looked like the opening shot of the Spaceship from Spaceballs.... all it needed was an "I brake for nobody" bumper sticker at the back.
@Cmndr Roy Fokker find a more critical reviewer like Bobby skull face or JOBBY. Sometimes those guys find things that other reviewers just want to ignore and it ended up saving me money
Ive just realised I could've saved myself money by NOT buying the 2 leg bots.. Can't see em from front and menasor isn't effected at all by them being there lol.. There's where you can save money for trailer and add ons!!!
This is crazy. The trailer alone is almost an entire robot by itself. ...and seeing it with the shells. Has there ever been a combiner that needed it's actual components less?
Dang!! Let me go get my Popcorn..couldn't wait for this review! Am sorry Ben but I stole your pics from Daimchoc Report and Trans Fans FB page and posted it on IG. My apologies and thank you for your amazing incredible reviews 🙏 ❤ Hope you had a merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 and hope you have a Happy Healthy Prosperous New year. 🌟
Thanks Ben. You have me sold on the Trailer set only. I only like the Accessory pack for the vehicle mode cannons. I have the complete DX9 set, which I like already, but the X-transbots set looks more detailed. And, I'm a sucker for realistic cars that turn into bots.
thank you so much! Your video came just in time. It made me opt-out on the accessory pack. Although the guns are a nice add-on don't think the shells are worth it
That’s what I am here for bud , yes I like the Kit but it’s not essential , everything works perfectly well without it ... still think the motormaster faces should have been included in the trailer though
@@Benscollectables agree! not sure what's up with x-transbots... I think they used to be fans orientated, but now these rediculous prices for the trailer, and then an extra accesory pack with items, which should have been included with the bots... dissapoiting to say at least...
@@Benscollectables X-Transbots said in a couple of FB posts they would be included. Then lying about this is the reason I will not buy X-Transbots after I get the trailer.
Thanks for the overview of the figure Ben and comparing shells and no shells. I've ordered the accessories but I think I'll keep them in the box, he looks far more proportionate without them. Regarding the motormaster install in the back of the figure, I've had a mess with my figure, flipped that hidden hinge on him. How is he held in place? is it solely resting the weight of the cab section there with the legs pegged in place to the back pack portion of the trailer? Or is there some that cradles the truck inside of the torso there? Your review has got me absolutely pumped to receive my copy, cannot wait...even if it looks to be panel hell :D
I'm not sure if this was already asked and answered Ben, but the add on kit and trailer, did you get the official release or the prototype version to fiddle with and review?
I'm liking the headsculpt more on Monolith than Attila. I think it's the paint apps...the flat gray looks better than the shiny silver. You see the expression better on it like that. Maybe it looks different in person than in videos, but the silver paint washes out the face for Attila tbh. I think the extra paint apps on the arms plus the elbow joints for the Monolith body really helps sell the arm bots more too.
I am SO excited! He will be my first complete combiner! I feel like he looks a generation newer than DX9's. I wasn't planning on getting the accessory kit, and your side by side (thank you!) of both has just confirmed that for me. I think the cars should all look the same size. That hidden joint on Motormaster blew my mind, haha. How'd they get that by me?
Seeing the Menasor with and without the kit side by side, it really doesn't look bad without the kit. This might take the sting off of having to buy the extra accessory kit, but 230 for the trailer is still a kick in the nads. I think the without kit Menasor looks overall better. It is a slimmer looking combiner so the extra arm parts give him an almost gorilla look, or just disproportionate when compared to the lower torso part.
I actually think it looks worse with the car shells, they make the legs look way too small. If you skip the accessory pack you can get the trailer from ShowZ for 199, so it's not that bad
@@davidez4640 Yeah, the proportions will be way off with the add ons. I only heard that the arms were going to be too skinny without them, but looking at them in the video, they look perfectly fine.
Mine doesn’t have the spring on the top of the arm that holds death wish in place. I hope the store and xtransbots gets me what I need to fix combined mode
Excellent video chap. That is a good looking combined mode especially with that shouting face. But yeah that price for the trailer is a bit cheeky considering they didn't announce that being their plan at the start. Good comparison to DX9 at the end too 👍
I get that we're basically getting Menasur when buying the trailer, thus the cost, but that plastic shitshow that is base mode could have been done away with completely, and whatever they spent on figuring that out could've gone toward hip ratchets. Thanks for this review!
Transformation looks painful but the end product appears sophisticated and arguably most important, largely stable (wonder how the forward leg movement and knees will hold up). Also that shiny black is gorgeous....
Wow, This guy is absolutely incredible looking! I was hoping he would not look this good so I could display the individual bots in bot mode, due to matching size scale with the Hasbro/Takara Masterpiece line. Now I am really in a pickle! Happy New Years TF fans!
Just going off what I'm familiar with (I've not split Dragstrip, but I'm assuming it'd be the same) it's far easier to split Dead End and Dragstrip while they're in their robot modes and then just transform them piecemeal like normal.
Gonna be honest: Menasor is the one combiner who companies could stand to abandon the original on-screen design for. I'm not saying this figure doesn't look great and I'm not saying that it's not involved because I love the idea of the trailer acting as all of the "ZETA bits" but uh... man... That trailer is its own member.
The total cost of all X-Transbots Stunticons and the Menasor kibble is not that far off from the projected total cost of all the Fanstoys Stunticons and their Menasor kibble (probably not even a $30,- difference), with the biggest gripe being that X-Transbots quality does not even come close to Fanstoys' level of build and material quality. So people who thought that they would be in for the budget Menasor, end up paying almost the same as they would for the Fanstoys Menasor, and that is just unacceptable. It is almost a scam.
Well we do not know what will the last FT piece, the one with the combiner parts, gonna costa, I feat it will be hugely expensive, making FT Menasor way more expensive. But there is also huge difference in quality between them, so that higher price would still be justified
@@davidez4640 A very strong rumor (semi-confirmed by Fanstoys) has it that Dead-End will include the second trailer for Motormaster which transforms into the Menasor skeleton, for an estimated total price of $220,-. Fanstoys will be more expensive than X-Transbots, that is true, but the difference in price is so minimal that people would have been better off collecting Fanstoys from the getgo, instead of X-Transbots. You get way more bang for your buck with FT.
Interesting video Ben. I had no idea the add-on pieces were over-size. From looking at the images of it I assumed the pieces were there to give the illusion of the full bot without having the arm bots connected. E.g. To allow you to have the Menasor figure look complete and alllow you to display the individual bots along side...
Yesssss! I'm all in for this whole set. I wanted this one to be my Menasor and FansToys for individual bots and I'm not disappointed. I don't care for that base mode at all, but the combined mode looks amazing. Great proportions. DX9 looks great too... but I don't know... there's something on that one that throws me off. I think it's those huge boxy lower legs. On the X-transbots it's more anatomically correct. But, that transformation on XTB's trailer, thought. I'm dreading that part. Looks very complicated. 😅 lol Thanks for the detailed video. And for taking the time to show him with and without the expansion kit.
Regardless, this is pretty damn awesome. Wish I could have had this when I was a kid though. I mean, I do love my original Menasor and the Stunticons. But, ANYTHING that looks directly like the animated series is ALWAYS a plus in my book.
Thanks for the review, Ben. I'm still not happy with XTB's shennanigans as are a lot of fans I imagine. As a buyer, I'd be very much concerned with not having forward hip ratchets. It may not seem a big deal on the surface, but talk to anyone with a big combiner in their collection with weak hips and you'll see the look of deepest pain and sorrow lol. Would have liked to have seen comparisons between the naked Menasors and then with DX9's kitted up as well (minus dragstrip if you don't have him yet) to get better idea of each's overall aesthetics.
@@Benscollectables very interesting and you’re correct. Although he’s depicted differently in later generations, G1 indeed has them behind which is a little odd now to think of it.
I was okay with the price before, at least from showz, but now I think it’s justified. That is crazy complex, even for a combiner. And I am glad the accessories are separate. I don’t want them. Those shells look like shells, and not in a good way. Looks much better without them. The only part I might want are the alt mode cannons. I hope they sell those separately at some point.
When it comes time to compare figures and bank statements between XTB and FT are you really going to feel the same about that justified price? I'd wager not... As someone else mentioned, the rest of FT Menasor is most likely coming with Dragstrip for the same price as XTB's trailer putting XTB's Menasor's total cost very much in the same ballpark as FansToys. While XTB is good and I have a fair number of their figures...they're not in FansToys ballpark anywhere except for dollar signs.
I was gonna purchase the Menesor but opted for the Devastator limited Black judge version with upgrades. Next i want Pandinus but it’s practically sold out everywhere i look and very overpriced with private sellers
Eh...I would have preferred he showed DX9's combined up even if he didn't have dragstrip yet, otherwise it looks like he's comparing a finished figure to half finished one. Putting the cars on fills and finishes the DX9 Menasor out and it does make a difference in it's looks. My biggest & loudest gripe with DX9's is there's obvious trailer bits hanging off, but I think the proportions are a lot better and I prefer the cleaner look overall with Menasor and the individual bots. XTB's chest, torso, and hips all look like a single block and looks too long in comparison with the rest of the body. Something about it says "stick figure" to me. I think the addon kit helps the XTB one look more bulky and less stick figure like. I expect FT to blow them both out of the water tho...and for the money XTB is asking you probably could have went with FT if you were an early adopter and have been happier in the long run with an even better looking figure. DX9 has done what they've always kinda done. Give you some great looking bots with their own flavor in aesthetics while keeping a mind toward efficient engineering and playability. They tended to take some chances at times too with their stuff which hasn't always endeared them to certain segments of the fandom. I always saw them as a dark horse compared to their contemporaries.
@@Posit_Zero_Blue idk bro, I have the DX9, but seeing this comparison I like the face sculpt and the body sculpt of XTB. It looks more of a quality figure and I like how they painted the arms the same color of the cars. Yes, FT will probably have a better combiner but I plan on leaving mine in bot 🤖 mode due to how incredible they look. I also feel like the accessory pack is not needed. It looks good with just trailer. XTB fans will be happy they got such a good looking combiner.
@@RoaddogRoaddog I'm looking at it thru the lens of my other combiners, and they all pretty much adhere to the wide chest narrow waist aesthetic from Zeta to warbotron to make toys, to generation toy. I have DX9 Menasor too and it starts to look out of place a bit being as barrel chested as it is lol. Different strokes/folks. XTB is definitely more engineered and certainly a lot of thought has gone into the combiner but I'm not sure that translates to quality as missing a forward hip ratchet is a pretty glaring oversight. The more complex transformations I see the more I'm concerned about potential CQ issues or which little piece I'm going to have to send back. Maybe I'm just getting old & crotchety lol but I guess I've come to value economic efficient design as the elegant option. The best engineers always meet their goals in the most simple way possible. Big picture tho...these are all nitpicks. We should be so happy to have incredible options and not have to feel we have to settle.
Combined mode looks perfect to me. I only hope that x-transbots will release an improved, nicely painted version of Crackup some day, to match the rest of the figures (like the youth version). Not that I don't like it, but it definitely stands out a little. Can't wait for the trailer to arrive.
Hope it is worth it for those who went with XTB. Curious to see how FT Menasor will turn out since thats the route I have taken. I'm also hoping that XTB will still do their Omnibots after this debacle.
Appreciate the review! I'm torn on which set to get. I kinda wish the XTB and DX9 Menasors would do a Dragonball Fusion dance to get the ultimate Menasor haha. Merge DX9's height and bigger legs with XTBs sculpt, metallic colors and bigger arms and there you go haha. 😅
It's nice, much nicer than I was expecting, in fact. But I'm sticking with DX9, though. Atilla is a good balance of price, form and fun transformation.
Thanks for another thorough review, Ben. I really like the look of the upper body, but is it just me or does something look ‘off’ with the lower body? Are the hips too close together/narrow, legs too skinny & feet a tad oversized like clown feet?? I have all the XTB bots but really torn on getting the trailer. Gona give kit a hard pass though, it’s worth £15/20 at most to me, but to each their own obviously.
Well I think the Xtransbots release looks better than I thought it would. The base mode is trash and the transformation is a nightmare, but I do like the more detailed look of their combined mode. I was also surprised, that for me, it looks better without the add-on kit. The gorilla arms really throw off the proportions. The lack of height along with the lankiness of the figure is an issue though. However, when it's all said and done, I think Fans Toys will be the big winner here. You will get the added details like XT with the size of Dx9, but you will also get better paint applications, and a better transformation if you go with the Fans Toys version. But, both Dx9 and Xtransbots are serviceable options.
Hi Ben, thank you for the elaborate review and for helping all of us decide :) You mention the Youth version a couple of times. Do you know if this trailer will be used for the Youth version as is, or if there will be adjustments and a separate Youth release?
I always did wonder how they made the arms articulate on Menasor. EDIT: I think the silver part on Dragstrip needs to move up into the seat section. Its on a double hinge I think.
thank u for saying that, omg. yeah at least the Combiner Wars version actually made the cars become the limbs instead of just attaching into the limbs.
The X-Transbots Menasaur looks way better than the DX-9 one to me even if he is a bit shorter. He looks more premium and slick. I don't think the upgrade pack is needed at all. I like the arms better without the extra bulk. The transformation looked very complex but the final result looks very good. If I needed Menasaur in my collection this would be a no-brainer between these two choices. I'm not sure how FansToys will be when it is all done but this will be a tough competitor.
I love the Menasor mode. I even forgive the dodgy friction joints on the thighs. What made my heart sink was the complexity of the transformation. Paying all that money to get to the point where I’m throwing it across the room in frustration. I’d actually pay for someone to combine the whole thing for me.
The shells are horrible. Thanks for helping with that. The trailer is serviceable though. They will look great in car mode or robot mode. I'll use dx9 for combiner. definately ain't doing the add on kit.
Wow the transformation looks like a huge pain In the ass, did it need to be this complex? I think it looks better with no car shells they make the arms look way too large for the body, and that it's good cause it's mostly the extra cost of the accessory pack that pissed off people, and in my opinion it can easily be skipped. Too bad the combiner is too short compared to constructor and zetas ones, cause overall it looks a bit better than DX9 one
Ben kept iterating that they should put ratchets in the thighs so probably won't do poses. I understand why he probably didn't want to show it falling over. This Trailer is going to make or break them so Ben is probably hoping they pick up on his repeating it needs ratchets so they put ratchets in lol.
1. There are pics on XTB's Facebook page that show great poses. 2. Ben said in another comment that he has information suggesting that they added hip ratchets for the forward/backward motion. Hopefully they did.
@@iamtheomnimonkey His exact comment doesn't really suggest that. If anything, it suggests they tightened the joints. Adding ratchets at this stage would require tweaking the moulds. It's more likely they just tweaked the tolerances slightly to make the hips tighter... meaning they'll still loosen up over time more than a ratchet joint would.
Added some photos on Facebook of comparisons , click here to view them facebook.com/362193183861541/posts/3802881716459320/?d=n
Yo quick question I ended up getting the XTB Menasor with the left arm and left leg XTB figures and the right arm and right leg DX9 figures by mistake.....Is that going to matter because of size differences when combining them???? Please let me know yo?
I actually don't mind Menasor being a bit smaller. He is made mostly of car-bots. Thank-you Ben for the review. Very thorough.
Me either, a cm or two won’t shake me up as long as he’s awesome
Nice work, Ben - great to see everything that's involved with the trailer and accessory set finally! I do like the look of combined mode so can't wait to get it all in hand soon. :)
I had no ide you run a UA-cam channel and a really nice one in fact! I'm a huge fan of your photos, now I'm gonnabe following you here as well! XD Happy new 2021, mate! :)
@@TAURON85 thanks very much! The channel is quite a new thing - only started in April. I appreciate it!
I was surprised they dare to ask so much for both the trailer and the accessory pack... Not quite the X-Transbots we are used to...
What a beast! My all time favorite combiner😍
Sunbee
Devastator edges him out for me
Now hoping they do a Superion!
Glad to see the shell pieces in use as I can now say I wouldn’t have needed the accessory kit. The shells throw off the upper proportions too much for my liking and I don’t like being able to see the original spoiler under Dragstrip’s shell. It doesn’t matter for me anyway as XTB was never going to be my combined set (I was lucky enough to get the set for cheap earlier this year), that will be DX9.
Man this is the channel you get everything out first! Keep up the great work loved that u got the px22 review out quick!
Love this!!!! Thank you Ben, I went ahead and got my Motormaster and two arm bots ready to go. I hope this ships within the 1st week of January.
Can you clip on the arm shells without the cars?
Nit pick : as a truck driver most long box trailers are 53’ , there are 28,40,45,53 and 60 ‘ trailers so really both aren’t too far off .
This reminds me of why I've stopped buying a lot of third party and masterpiece figures (aside from the price). So many small, delicate hinges and tabs I'm afraid of breaking them, and transformations that are so frustratingly complex I'm tempted to break them.
Agreed. It looks like such a stressful chore to Transform.
That's why I decided to go with the DX9. It may or may not be the best or most accurate, but the transformations for all the team are pretty straight forward and easy. I like the look of the XTB too, but just too complicated (for me).
So glad you posted this Ben. Cheers from NYC.
Congratulations, Ben. You have the only review of this trailer, like, ever. Literally, NO one has ever reviewed this piece besides you.
I'm honestly not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
Dear God. Watching this transformation, I haven't felt such horror since Bold Forms Gladius. I wouldn't buy this if I had cancer and it held the cure. This makes FansProject Intimidator look easy by comparison. It makes DX9 Atilla look like a one-step changer.
The tab on the red arm to attach the carbot was broken out of the box before even trying to transform. I hope it will still work
Hi Ben, nice review.. When you described DX9's Motormaster trailer, I thought back to Emgo's review, when he rolled it all across from right to left past the camera, it looked like the opening shot of the Spaceship from Spaceballs.... all it needed was an "I brake for nobody" bumper sticker at the back.
This video really gives me some buyer's remorse for the accessory kit. I think it looks significantly better without the shells.
Ben is always kind when comes down to criticising the figures. The base mode looks like a floppy mess.
That backpack is ridiculous
Apparently he didn't transform it correctly.
Not fun at all the transform
@Cmndr Roy Fokker find a more critical reviewer like Bobby skull face or JOBBY. Sometimes those guys find things that other reviewers just want to ignore and it ended up saving me money
@Cmndr Roy Fokker Skullface and Jobby are the ones I would trust if I were on the fence about a figure. And Jobby is hilarious.
Ive just realised I could've saved myself money by NOT buying the 2 leg bots.. Can't see em from front and menasor isn't effected at all by them being there lol.. There's where you can save money for trailer and add ons!!!
That’s why I went with Fanstoys because they can shift the two cars to the front otherwise no one can see them!!!
You don't need motor matter either
Personally, I don't make a habit of only ever looking at my toys from a perfectly straightforward angle.
This is crazy. The trailer alone is almost an entire robot by itself.
...and seeing it with the shells. Has there ever been a combiner that needed it's actual components less?
I just transform them back in alt mode, waiting for the shel + plus the ad on’s. Shipping from HK still cheaper 310 usd + shipping
Dang!! Let me go get my Popcorn..couldn't wait for this review! Am sorry Ben but I stole your pics from Daimchoc Report and Trans Fans FB page and posted it on IG. My apologies and thank you for your amazing incredible reviews 🙏 ❤ Hope you had a merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 and hope you have a Happy Healthy Prosperous New year. 🌟
Appreciated the well done review. I am surprised by the lack of forward ratchets on the legs...
Thanks Ben. You have me sold on the Trailer set only. I only like the Accessory pack for the vehicle mode cannons. I have the complete DX9 set, which I like already, but the X-transbots set looks more detailed. And, I'm a sucker for realistic cars that turn into bots.
thank you so much! Your video came just in time. It made me opt-out on the accessory pack. Although the guns are a nice add-on don't think the shells are worth it
That’s what I am here for bud , yes I like the Kit but it’s not essential , everything works perfectly well without it ... still think the motormaster faces should have been included in the trailer though
@@Benscollectables agree! not sure what's up with x-transbots... I think they used to be fans orientated, but now these rediculous prices for the trailer, and then an extra accesory pack with items, which should have been included with the bots... dissapoiting to say at least...
@@GenXToysGeek They increased the cost of all their figures, 185 bucks for the quintesson egg guy is ridiculous
@@davidez4640 agree!
@@Benscollectables X-Transbots said in a couple of FB posts they would be included. Then lying about this is the reason I will not buy X-Transbots after I get the trailer.
Thanks for the overview of the figure Ben and comparing shells and no shells. I've ordered the accessories but I think I'll keep them in the box, he looks far more proportionate without them.
Regarding the motormaster install in the back of the figure, I've had a mess with my figure, flipped that hidden hinge on him. How is he held in place? is it solely resting the weight of the cab section there with the legs pegged in place to the back pack portion of the trailer? Or is there some that cradles the truck inside of the torso there?
Your review has got me absolutely pumped to receive my copy, cannot wait...even if it looks to be panel hell :D
Mine is slotted in resting his front wheels above the folded in hinges BUT I am not sure if that’s right or not lol 😂 kind of guessing
Nice review. Love the xtransbots over the dx9. He looks more boxy where xtransbots looks slimmer.
I'm not sure if this was already asked and answered Ben, but the add on kit and trailer, did you get the official release or the prototype version to fiddle with and review?
I'm liking the headsculpt more on Monolith than Attila. I think it's the paint apps...the flat gray looks better than the shiny silver. You see the expression better on it like that. Maybe it looks different in person than in videos, but the silver paint washes out the face for Attila tbh. I think the extra paint apps on the arms plus the elbow joints for the Monolith body really helps sell the arm bots more too.
I am SO excited! He will be my first complete combiner! I feel like he looks a generation newer than DX9's. I wasn't planning on getting the accessory kit, and your side by side (thank you!) of both has just confirmed that for me. I think the cars should all look the same size. That hidden joint on Motormaster blew my mind, haha. How'd they get that by me?
Are the cars on the legs upside down. I thought all the cars faced up
Where did you purchased the complete sets?
Thx for this surprising review. Happy new year Ben!
Lots of cuts and edits in the vid make me wonder what not shown.. otherwise looks pretty good, will have to think about getting it now
thats the best looking Menasaur ive ever seen, he looks better than the animated one
Seeing the Menasor with and without the kit side by side, it really doesn't look bad without the kit. This might take the sting off of having to buy the extra accessory kit, but 230 for the trailer is still a kick in the nads.
I think the without kit Menasor looks overall better. It is a slimmer looking combiner so the extra arm parts give him an almost gorilla look, or just disproportionate when compared to the lower torso part.
I actually think it looks worse with the car shells, they make the legs look way too small. If you skip the accessory pack you can get the trailer from ShowZ for 199, so it's not that bad
@@davidez4640 Yeah, the proportions will be way off with the add ons. I only heard that the arms were going to be too skinny without them, but looking at them in the video, they look perfectly fine.
Can you rotate his knees 180 degrees so you can see the leg cars?
Mine doesn’t have the spring on the top of the arm that holds death wish in place. I hope the store and xtransbots gets me what I need to fix combined mode
Great review buddy. Your channel is doing great, well done. Happy New year 🎉
Are the wrists floppy holding the weapons?
Excellent video chap. That is a good looking combined mode especially with that shouting face. But yeah that price for the trailer is a bit cheeky considering they didn't announce that being their plan at the start.
Good comparison to DX9 at the end too 👍
I get that we're basically getting Menasur when buying the trailer, thus the cost, but that plastic shitshow that is base mode could have been done away with completely, and whatever they spent on figuring that out could've gone toward hip ratchets. Thanks for this review!
The way deadend and dragstrip attach to the arms reminds me alot of the dx9 version
Brilliant side by side with the upgrade kit. The upgraded kit makes it looks like he was bullied in the gym, and every day is now arms day!
Transformation looks painful but the end product appears sophisticated and arguably most important, largely stable (wonder how the forward leg movement and knees will hold up). Also that shiny black is gorgeous....
This thing is awesome!
Awesome and big thanks Ben, looking forward to this set when it gets released.
Wow, This guy is absolutely incredible looking! I was hoping he would not look this good so I could display the individual bots in bot mode, due to matching size scale with the Hasbro/Takara Masterpiece line. Now I am really in a pickle! Happy New Years TF fans!
Just going off what I'm familiar with (I've not split Dragstrip, but I'm assuming it'd be the same) it's far easier to split Dead End and Dragstrip while they're in their robot modes and then just transform them piecemeal like normal.
Thanks for getting this review out so quickly. I'm definitely going to skip the accessory pack now that I've seen a good comparison. Good job man.
Gonna be honest: Menasor is the one combiner who companies could stand to abandon the original on-screen design for. I'm not saying this figure doesn't look great and I'm not saying that it's not involved because I love the idea of the trailer acting as all of the "ZETA bits" but uh... man... That trailer is its own member.
I'm looking forward to how MMC handle it, if they ever do Menasor as part of their All-In line.
The total cost of all X-Transbots Stunticons and the Menasor kibble is not that far off from the projected total cost of all the Fanstoys Stunticons and their Menasor kibble (probably not even a $30,- difference), with the biggest gripe being that X-Transbots quality does not even come close to Fanstoys' level of build and material quality. So people who thought that they would be in for the budget Menasor, end up paying almost the same as they would for the Fanstoys Menasor, and that is just unacceptable. It is almost a scam.
Well we do not know what will the last FT piece, the one with the combiner parts, gonna costa, I feat it will be hugely expensive, making FT Menasor way more expensive. But there is also huge difference in quality between them, so that higher price would still be justified
@@davidez4640 A very strong rumor (semi-confirmed by Fanstoys) has it that Dead-End will include the second trailer for Motormaster which transforms into the Menasor skeleton, for an estimated total price of $220,-. Fanstoys will be more expensive than X-Transbots, that is true, but the difference in price is so minimal that people would have been better off collecting Fanstoys from the getgo, instead of X-Transbots. You get way more bang for your buck with FT.
@@littledutch7549 if 220 is the price of the final component FT Menasor will be cheaper than i expected, hopefully that's true
Thank you for another great review. I think he looks fine without the accessory pack, so helped me make my decision.
A hefty price tag and no forward hip ratchets? What the actual F.
We should have gone with DX9.
Awesome figure. Love your reviews!
Interesting video Ben. I had no idea the add-on pieces were over-size. From looking at the images of it I assumed the pieces were there to give the illusion of the full bot without having the arm bots connected. E.g. To allow you to have the Menasor figure look complete and alllow you to display the individual bots along side...
Motormaster always remind me of the truck from Universal Soldier.
Nice throwback reference.
Yesssss! I'm all in for this whole set. I wanted this one to be my Menasor and FansToys for individual bots and I'm not disappointed. I don't care for that base mode at all, but the combined mode looks amazing. Great proportions. DX9 looks great too... but I don't know... there's something on that one that throws me off. I think it's those huge boxy lower legs. On the X-transbots it's more anatomically correct. But, that transformation on XTB's trailer, thought. I'm dreading that part. Looks very complicated. 😅 lol Thanks for the detailed video. And for taking the time to show him with and without the expansion kit.
Regardless, this is pretty damn awesome. Wish I could have had this when I was a kid though. I mean, I do love my original Menasor and the Stunticons. But, ANYTHING that looks directly like the animated series is ALWAYS a plus in my book.
Thanks for the review, Ben. I'm still not happy with XTB's shennanigans as are a lot of fans I imagine. As a buyer, I'd be very much concerned with not having forward hip ratchets. It may not seem a big deal on the surface, but talk to anyone with a big combiner in their collection with weak hips and you'll see the look of deepest pain and sorrow lol. Would have liked to have seen comparisons between the naked Menasors and then with DX9's kitted up as well (minus dragstrip if you don't have him yet) to get better idea of each's overall aesthetics.
He looks fantastic to be fair, way better than DX9. If only he was taller he'd be perfect for the collection
Looks great! I’m all in on FT but XTB’s looks mean. I’d grab it of they ever drop a box set.
Aren’t the vehicles on the legs supposed to be on the front?
Nope not for g1 animation accuracy
transformers.fandom.com/wiki/Menasor_%28G1%29
@@Benscollectables very interesting and you’re correct. Although he’s depicted differently in later generations, G1 indeed has them behind which is a little odd now to think of it.
Was the goal to have the most moving parts?
That, and the highest price for said parts.
I was okay with the price before, at least from showz, but now I think it’s justified. That is crazy complex, even for a combiner. And I am glad the accessories are separate. I don’t want them. Those shells look like shells, and not in a good way. Looks much better without them. The only part I might want are the alt mode cannons. I hope they sell those separately at some point.
When it comes time to compare figures and bank statements between XTB and FT are you really going to feel the same about that justified price? I'd wager not... As someone else mentioned, the rest of FT Menasor is most likely coming with Dragstrip for the same price as XTB's trailer putting XTB's Menasor's total cost very much in the same ballpark as FansToys. While XTB is good and I have a fair number of their figures...they're not in FansToys ballpark anywhere except for dollar signs.
Looks nice but I'll like more Havoc from transfrom mission figures.
Good video.
They are not comparable in any way or shape
@@davidez4640 I know. I understand
@@javilopez2515 that aside i have Havock too and i like it allot
@@davidez4640 bro love that figure ive just ordered it can't wait to have home
I was gonna purchase the Menesor but opted for the Devastator limited Black judge version with upgrades. Next i want Pandinus but it’s practically sold out everywhere i look and very overpriced with private sellers
Thanks so much for doing this video so soon 🙏😁👍
This looks so much better than the DX9 version. I think I made a mistake 😬, should have went with XTB.
Eh...I would have preferred he showed DX9's combined up even if he didn't have dragstrip yet, otherwise it looks like he's comparing a finished figure to half finished one. Putting the cars on fills and finishes the DX9 Menasor out and it does make a difference in it's looks. My biggest & loudest gripe with DX9's is there's obvious trailer bits hanging off, but I think the proportions are a lot better and I prefer the cleaner look overall with Menasor and the individual bots. XTB's chest, torso, and hips all look like a single block and looks too long in comparison with the rest of the body. Something about it says "stick figure" to me. I think the addon kit helps the XTB one look more bulky and less stick figure like. I expect FT to blow them both out of the water tho...and for the money XTB is asking you probably could have went with FT if you were an early adopter and have been happier in the long run with an even better looking figure. DX9 has done what they've always kinda done. Give you some great looking bots with their own flavor in aesthetics while keeping a mind toward efficient engineering and playability. They tended to take some chances at times too with their stuff which hasn't always endeared them to certain segments of the fandom. I always saw them as a dark horse compared to their contemporaries.
@@Posit_Zero_Blue idk bro, I have the DX9, but seeing this comparison I like the face sculpt and the body sculpt of XTB. It looks more of a quality figure and I like how they painted the arms the same color of the cars. Yes, FT will probably have a better combiner but I plan on leaving mine in bot 🤖 mode due to how incredible they look. I also feel like the accessory pack is not needed. It looks good with just trailer. XTB fans will be happy they got such a good looking combiner.
@@RoaddogRoaddog I'm looking at it thru the lens of my other combiners, and they all pretty much adhere to the wide chest narrow waist aesthetic from Zeta to warbotron to make toys, to generation toy. I have DX9 Menasor too and it starts to look out of place a bit being as barrel chested as it is lol. Different strokes/folks.
XTB is definitely more engineered and certainly a lot of thought has gone into the combiner but I'm not sure that translates to quality as missing a forward hip ratchet is a pretty glaring oversight. The more complex transformations I see the more I'm concerned about potential CQ issues or which little piece I'm going to have to send back. Maybe I'm just getting old & crotchety lol but I guess I've come to value economic efficient design as the elegant option. The best engineers always meet their goals in the most simple way possible.
Big picture tho...these are all nitpicks. We should be so happy to have incredible options and not have to feel we have to settle.
Combined mode looks perfect to me. I only hope that x-transbots will release an improved, nicely painted version of Crackup some day, to match the rest of the figures (like the youth version). Not that I don't like it, but it definitely stands out a little. Can't wait for the trailer to arrive.
Where can I get them?
32:10 such a great looking monolith and the height had to blew it
Hope it is worth it for those who went with XTB. Curious to see how FT Menasor will turn out since thats the route I have taken. I'm also hoping that XTB will still do their Omnibots after this debacle.
Appreciate the review! I'm torn on which set to get. I kinda wish the XTB and DX9 Menasors would do a Dragonball Fusion dance to get the ultimate Menasor haha. Merge DX9's height and bigger legs with XTBs sculpt, metallic colors and bigger arms and there you go haha. 😅
It's nice, much nicer than I was expecting, in fact. But I'm sticking with DX9, though. Atilla is a good balance of price, form and fun transformation.
overall finish is excellent, but the non ratcheting of the forward and back moment of the thighs is a concern. XTB must have their reasons
I definitely followed this ENTIRE transformation lol
You got this already? Damn you doing big things 😊
Happy New year
Thanks for another thorough review, Ben. I really like the look of the upper body, but is it just me or does something look ‘off’ with the lower body? Are the hips too close together/narrow, legs too skinny & feet a tad oversized like clown feet?? I have all the XTB bots but really torn on getting the trailer. Gona give kit a hard pass though, it’s worth £15/20 at most to me, but to each their own obviously.
Well I think the Xtransbots release looks better than I thought it would. The base mode is trash and the transformation is a nightmare, but I do like the more detailed look of their combined mode. I was also surprised, that for me, it looks better without the add-on kit. The gorilla arms really throw off the proportions. The lack of height along with the lankiness of the figure is an issue though. However, when it's all said and done, I think Fans Toys will be the big winner here. You will get the added details like XT with the size of Dx9, but you will also get better paint applications, and a better transformation if you go with the Fans Toys version. But, both Dx9 and Xtransbots are serviceable options.
Hi Ben, thank you for the elaborate review and for helping all of us decide :)
You mention the Youth version a couple of times. Do you know if this trailer will be used for the Youth version as is, or if there will be adjustments and a separate Youth release?
I have no more information I’m afraid but I’ll do some digging
Well the shell accessories are a pass. I might pass up on the trailer, too and just get DX9.
insane engineering
I always did wonder how they made the arms articulate on Menasor.
EDIT: I think the silver part on Dragstrip needs to move up into the seat section. Its on a double hinge I think.
I always thought Menasor had such a lazy and boring desgin, his body is 95% trailer and the cars are just extra armor but not actually required lol
That’s halairious, I was hopeing it would be motor master super mode.
thank u for saying that, omg. yeah at least the Combiner Wars version actually made the cars become the limbs instead of just attaching into the limbs.
i like the face sculpt but he doesn't look like he could do dynamic poses. seems like he would be too top heavy.
Looks great but I'm half way through collecting the DX9 version
With the upgrade parts can you cheat and not even need the arm bots? I imagine from certain angles it’ll work
I do not think you can clip the car shells directly on the arms without the actual cars. Maybe of someone 3d prints the arm cars...
Is this a pre-production sample?
Yes
Ok so all the things that were a problem could be fixed
Thanks for replying!
@@rayceclement9414 🤣
Hi Ben great vid figure looks outstanding. How does he compare to zeta superior height wise
Zeta superion is just as tall as DX9 Menasor, so you can see it's a good bit shorter
the good news is there is going to be one more of these sets available for someone else cause there is no way i'm paying that much.
The X-Transbots Menasaur looks way better than the DX-9 one to me even if he is a bit shorter. He looks more premium and slick. I don't think the upgrade pack is needed at all. I like the arms better without the extra bulk.
The transformation looked very complex but the final result looks very good. If I needed Menasaur in my collection this would be a no-brainer between these two choices. I'm not sure how FansToys will be when it is all done but this will be a tough competitor.
I love the Menasor mode. I even forgive the dodgy friction joints on the thighs. What made my heart sink was the complexity of the transformation. Paying all that money to get to the point where I’m throwing it across the room in frustration. I’d actually pay for someone to combine the whole thing for me.
The shells are horrible. Thanks for helping with that. The trailer is serviceable though. They will look great in car mode or robot mode. I'll use dx9 for combiner.
definately ain't doing the add on kit.
Wow the transformation looks like a huge pain In the ass, did it need to be this complex? I think it looks better with no car shells they make the arms look way too large for the body, and that it's good cause it's mostly the extra cost of the accessory pack that pissed off people, and in my opinion it can easily be skipped. Too bad the combiner is too short compared to constructor and zetas ones, cause overall it looks a bit better than DX9 one
Great review, but I'm glad I went with DX9.
was hoping for more action poses. does it mean he's too weak to pose?
Ben kept iterating that they should put ratchets in the thighs so probably won't do poses. I understand why he probably didn't want to show it falling over. This Trailer is going to make or break them so Ben is probably hoping they pick up on his repeating it needs ratchets so they put ratchets in lol.
@@ReverendPONT It's already shipping, so they won't be able to add ratchets now, unfortunately...
what I was afraid of
1. There are pics on XTB's Facebook page that show great poses.
2. Ben said in another comment that he has information suggesting that they added hip ratchets for the forward/backward motion. Hopefully they did.
@@iamtheomnimonkey His exact comment doesn't really suggest that. If anything, it suggests they tightened the joints. Adding ratchets at this stage would require tweaking the moulds. It's more likely they just tweaked the tolerances slightly to make the hips tighter... meaning they'll still loosen up over time more than a ratchet joint would.
Love the video
I've got this pre-ordered but it looks like a nightmare to transform, YIKES!