Packaging: I love this packaging! It’s an almost exact replica of the original Takara Predaking box set. The art isn’t the cool Dreamwave art of the HasTak commemorative re-issues, but the nostalgia of this packaging more than makes up for the difference. The tech specs as part of the box is also a great touch. I also liked the carry handle on the top of the box. The poster that’s included is also a nice touch.

 

 

Figures: I have a plastic version of the original Predaking, and there are a few differences. The first, and most obvious, is weight. The die cast re-issue makes the figures feel a little more substantial, especially in combined mode. I thought this was nice since Predaking was the largest G1 gestalt and should feel heavier than other gestalts. The die casting also makes some of the individual paint applications much nicer. The colors are brighter, and most of the die-casting is in areas that shouldn’t have chipping problems.

 

 

Overall: Really, I found myself comparing the die-casting and the plastic versions, which really doesn’t have much to do w/ the re-issue tag on these figures. I’ve never seen the original die-cast version of Predaking, so seeing this re-issue made me realize how much nicer the die-cast Predaking is than the all-plastic version. The re-issue just feels more substantial. This re-issue is well worth the price, especially if you want a Predaking and don’t have an original. I got mine for about $160, which ends up being a little more than $30 a figure. When I pieced together my original plastic version, I paid more than $160 total; if you’re going to get an orignal die-cast Predaking, you’re going to spend at least 3 times that. If you are looking to get a Predaking, this re-issue is a really good value.

Man those are nice.

So which is the die cast?

I had a Predaking (that is, my brothers and I had one) when I was a kid and this guy is exactly as I remember him. There's enough die-cast to make it feel nice and weighty without it wanting to fall over. I've looked around before to see how much it would cost me to put together a die-cast Predaking (I wasn't even aware that there WAS a plastic version until I started looking on Ebay), and it would have been a LOT more than this re-issue cost. Granted it's not an "original," but who cares? It looks, acts, and feels just like the original.

Man those are nice.

So which is the die cast?

The one on the right...I didn't put the labels on him (yet).

now I know why you had the tf sale on ebay :tflaugh

 

miester rocks btw

Teh Japanese goodness...