Gundam Fix Figuration

[ComicKaze]

I just recieved Fix #0037 and it's incredible how far they've come. This is the updated version of Perfect Gundam. The old one was Fix #0002.

I can't believe Fix Figurations have internal skeletons now, even the torso has a skeleton...and it has a nice matte finish (looks shiny and rubbery in the pic for some reason) and panel lines and tiny decals that I couldn't possible have done on my own (I have terrible modelling skills). The only missing thing is a core fighter (impossible because of the skeleton frame in the torso) It only cost me $35. I can't believe how much value you get for so little. This is only the main suit though, I haven't even taken his Perfect armor out of the box yet! I just noticed, there's even a metal ring on the rifle grip for a strap! Too bad there isn't one included. Where can you get tiny straps?

More posable than Revoltech.

I wish I still had my old Fix #0002 to compare it with but a nasty little cousin of mine snapped off his leg a long time ago. All I have left is a photoshop diorama I did with it a long time ago. I wish I still had it, I prefered the headsculpt.

Edited June 5, 2008 by ComicKaze

[SuperHobo]

Are these FIX figures made mostly of PVC or ABS plastic?

[transfan52]

Are these FIX figures made mostly of PVC or ABS plastic?

You see comickaze most ppl on these boards are elitists when it comes to toys and collectibles and expect everything to be made out of abs like their beloved valks. Like the quote above me for example. All the toys that are made out there with abs usually cost a fortune and thats why valks are so expensive.

The appeal of the GFF figures though is that they're made from a reliable company like bandai and they are more affordable to the average collector, also bandai has a much better track record then say... yamato (dont get me started on them). It shouldnt matter what material they are made out of as long as its durable and is of good quality.

Edited June 5, 2008 by transfan52

[Arthurius]

This is nice, i didnt know that new FIX had inner skeleton. A question, do the pieces stay in place better than their old versions, cause all mine (old ones) fall apart easily, though i do understand it is like a model, however, my MG keep the parts without anything falling.

Thx

[mpchi]

You see comickaze all the ppl on these boards are elitists when it comes to toys and collectibles and expect everything to be made out of abs like their beloved valks. Like the quote above me for example. All the toys that are made out there with abs usually cost a fortune and thats why valks are so expensive.

Not true. Musou Shinki, TFs, Takara AG Votoms, Kubricks...etc. are made of ABS, but aren't really expensive or considered high end. Some people just don't like PVC because of the rubbery feel and softness (looseness of some pegs). Though I like both, when used appropriately. Diecast even better.

[transfan52]

This is nice, i didnt know that new FIX had inner skeleton. A question, do the pieces stay in place better than their old versions, cause all mine (old ones) fall apart easily, though i do understand it is like a model, however, my MG keep the parts without anything falling.

Thx

I have some of the newer ones and they tend to stay together alot better than the old releases. The zeonography line of fix though is much more durable than any GFF ive messed around with. The parts snap on and stay like glue, they can also do some extreme poses as well awesome figures IMO, at least the newer ones are ne way.

[jwinges]

I've yet to get a fix fix that I actually liked. Personally I think they are crap.

[SuperHobo]

Not true. Musou Shinki, TFs, Takara AG Votoms, Kubricks...etc. are made of ABS, but aren't really expensive or considered high end. Some people just don't like PVC because of the rubbery feel and softness (looseness of some pegs). Though I like both, when used appropriately. Diecast even better.

Excately, I just hate PVC and would much rather have a nice harder plastic. Transfan53 "All the toys that are made out there with abs usually cost a fortune and thats why valks are so expensive. " What are you basing this on? Practically all of the transformers figures being produced these days are made of hard ABS plastic.

[GobotFool]

The dislike for the FIX's is nothing elitist. Other than the fact that they are way over priced for PVC toys, I find PVC tends to lose its shape or sag over time.

The fix's are okay, but I honestly prefer the HCM-Pro's. Incredible detail and made out of tough ABS plastic. The small size and fairly affordable price allows me to build a massive mecha army with a great deal of variety.

Edited June 5, 2008 by GobotFool

[yellowlightman]

Aside from Jumbo Grade, FIX Figuration/Zeonography is my favorite line of Gundam toys, even if Katoki manages to piss all over the original designs.

The toys aren't too expensive, good detail, lots of cool variations you don't often see. The Deep Striker is absolutely awesome.

[ComicKaze]

After all this time, I prefer PVC to ABS.

Yes seriously.

ABS has always felt plasticky and hollow to me, while the Gundam Fix line uses PVC and a coating that makes it feel that has been airbrushed. I'm all about looks and the Gundam Fix line is probably the most beautiful and affordable line of unique and custom toy variations there is. Most of them are more beautiful than the actual kits (many of whom don't even exist).

Edited June 5, 2008 by ComicKaze

[ComicKaze]

Excately, I just hate PVC and would much rather have a nice harder plastic. Transfan53 "All the toys that are made out there with abs usually cost a fortune and thats why valks are so expensive. " What are you basing this on? Practically all of the transformers figures being produced these days are made of hard ABS plastic.

Except Transformers are mass produced by the millions and sold in every Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Toys R Us, KB, etc. in the U.S. They make so many it's cheap enough and yet Transformers have always been some of the most expensive toys kids will ever get, usually only a Christmas present (nowonder so many grew up to crave them). A tiny 5 inch Optimus Prime can cost $30.

There is good and bad for both ABS and PVC. Bad PVC is rubbery stuff like on the Mobile Suit in Pocket line, cheap keychain toys, etc. Good PVS is amazing, it's on the Fix Figures. It makes them organic, allows a certain degree of flex, and the material is coated to a matte finish that feels like an airbrushed model. Bad ABS is thin, too brittle. Gets wear lines cracks and breaks at many points (like on Yamato Valks in their inevitable early releases) or feels hollow when you tap it. Even worse when there are plastic swirls. Good ABS is thick as hell with some texture and a small degree of softness so that it is not so brittle...yet either molded and coated in such a way that it doesn't look like cheap plastic to the look or touch.

Gundam Fix is a toyline I can't even believe exist. $30-50 figures that basically look like minature versions of custom PG models or rare garage kits that would cost you hundreds in both dollars and hours to build. Plus you get tons of value for money because many of them are two figures in one or allow you to change parts and armor to create totally different models.

For those who don't have the time and budget to deal with models or garage kits, these are perfect and even better. Just the right size, almost the right price...and have incredible play value. I have ABS Gundam toys, they look like crap because they are just that...plain plastic with obvious stickers. I can't play with them anymore. FIX isn't perfect, often you might need to do some touchups of the paint because the details are so small but usually it's nothing major. These guys have TONS of tiny print and machine printed decals that you could never achieve with stickers or even slide on water decals. The exterior is awesome, I think I will give the internal skeleton a paint wash to give it some detail and texture and lines though.

Edited June 6, 2008 by ComicKaze

[mpchi]

FIX I think is a cool line overall. I really like their (Katoki) design and decaling. Look-wise, they bring out some of the best revisions on original designs. Though I have been warned enough to not dig deep into this line, due to fitment issues. Though I did get a Crossbone X-1 Kai and like it quite a bit. But I had most of my Gundam in MSIA line (yup, PVC galore), so don't need to expand into another Gundam line. Besides, my Gundam appetite is shrinking.

But I do think that ABS and PVC both have their use. Just need to be used appropriately. ABS for sturdy structure, PVC for parts that need some flex.

[Arthurius]

Does anyone know or have a link to which ones are the NEW (with iner sckeletons and parts that stay) FIX figures??

[Black Valkyrie]

Thanks for pics Kaze , looks interesting but Bandai are over doing it again as usual. Well its confirmed from Guntoa :

GFF Gundam Alex - w/ Chobham armor and frame system, September, 4,725 yen

[Beltane70]

I only own one Fix Figuration, the Xi Gundam. To this day I still hope that they'll produce a regular model, preferably a Master Grade kit.

[Vifam7]

Thanks for pics Kaze , looks interesting but Bandai are over doing it again as usual. Well its confirmed from Guntoa :

GFF Gundam Alex - w/ Chobham armor and frame system, September, 4,725 yen

I think I'd rather get the Super HCM Alex (which in the works according to pics from Wonderfest). The Katoki-fied Alex is blah (IMHO).

I'm kinda on the fence with GFF figures. Indeed, the detail on some of them are absolutely fabulous. And there are some mechs in the lineup that are not available anywhere else (like the Gundam X Divider). Best of all they all (save the Metal Fix line) pretty much come in 1/144 scale (my favorite scale).

That said, there are some things about GFF figures that I'm not too fond of. First, I'm not a fan of Katoki and his 'touchups'. His RX-78 Gundam Ver. ka is the worst (IMHO). Secondly, GFF figures sometimes have too many fiddly parts and pieces that tend to fall off too easily. Other times they come with too many unneeded/unwanted extras that could've been omitted or sold separately. Like my GFF Gundam X that comes with an option to turn it into a GX Bit. (who in the world wants a GX Bit figure). I'd rather do without those option parts and have the toy a bit cheaper. And finally, I hate those rubber hands. Pain in the ass to put the weapon in and have it stay in position.

As for the PVC vs. ABS plastic argument. Given my experience with HCMPros and a SuperHCM against MSiAs, EMSiAs, and GFFs - no question, toys made with ABS is my preference.

Edited June 6, 2008 by Vifam7

[SuperHobo]

I think I'd rather get the Super HCM Alex (which in the works according to pics from Wonderfest). The Katoki-fied Alex is blah (IMHO).

I'm kinda on the fence with GFF figures. Indeed, the detail on some of them are absolutely fabulous. And there are some mechs in the lineup that are not available anywhere else (like the Gundam X Divider). Best of all they all (save the Metal Fix line) pretty much come in 1/144 scale (my favorite scale).

That said, there are some things about GFF figures that I'm not too fond of. First, I'm not a fan of Katoki and his 'touchups'. His RX-78 Gundam Ver. ka is the worst (IMHO). Secondly, GFF figures sometimes have too many fiddly parts and pieces that tend to fall off too easily. Other times they come with too many unneeded/unwanted extras that could've been omitted or sold separately. Like my GFF Gundam X that comes with an option to turn it into a GX Bit. (who in the world wants a GX Bit figure). I'd rather do without those option parts and have the toy a bit cheaper. And finally, I hate those rubber hands. Pain in the ass to put the weapon in and have it stay in position.

As for the PVC vs. ABS plastic argument. Given my experience with HCMPros and a SuperHCM against MSiAs, EMSiAs, and GFFs - no question, toys made with ABS is my preference.

Indeed the Super HCM-Pros are pretty fantastic toys with sometimes more detail than the MG kit. Char's Zaku II is really heaven on bun. Honestly I would love to buy this line, but I'm still skeptical. Does anyone have a small review for the EX-S Gundam Special task force version? I love the design of that gundam, but I don't want it falling apart in my hands once I get it.

[ComicKaze]

Thanks for pics Kaze , looks interesting but Bandai are over doing it again as usual. Well its confirmed from Guntoa :

GFF Gundam Alex - w/ Chobham armor and frame system, September, 4,725 yen

What do you mean by overdoing it?

I am defintely getting that Alex though. Alex was my first Gundam kit in 1989. The first release had no Chobham Armor.

As for the criticism of Katoki - to be honest, I CAN'T STAND Gundams unless they are in the more extreme or updated Katoki style. I sold all my vanilla gundams years ago so I guess a line like this is tailor made for me.

Edited June 6, 2008 by ComicKaze

[transfan52]

Indeed the Super HCM-Pros are pretty fantastic toys with sometimes more detail than the MG kit. Char's Zaku II is really heaven on bun. Honestly I would love to buy this line, but I'm still skeptical. Does anyone have a small review for the EX-S Gundam Special task force version? I love the design of that gundam, but I don't want it falling apart in my hands once I get it.

I have the regular EX-S fix and I don't think you'll like it too much. The toy cant really stand on its own two feet as it is really back heavy but its meant to display on a stand which it comes with. Other than that everything on the toy is fine except the hip cannon that it comes with... Its really annoying because the front hip plate falls off constantly with the slightest movement and the gun support anchor is very short... Also it doesn't transform FYI.

Its a really nice display piece though but you cant really move it around or or pose it too much because the gun part is real finicky.

[ComicKaze]

Indeed the Super HCM-Pros are pretty fantastic toys with sometimes more detail than the MG kit. Char's Zaku II is really heaven on bun. Honestly I would love to buy this line, but I'm still skeptical. Does anyone have a small review for the EX-S Gundam Special task force version? I love the design of that gundam, but I don't want it falling apart in my hands once I get it.

What do you want to know about it?

Look, GFF is not going to be like MSIA or other toys. These are more like affordable garage kits that you can pose and display but they aren't really toys in that sense. That's why there are so many parts and options. It's not really to play with, it's to display in the mode and style of your choosing. Yes, the EX-S is not going to be really playable. It's certainly posable but the guy is so top heavy as per the design (can't be helped) that it's difficult to play with. The boosters and everything is solid but yeah, but the extra EX from S parts that you addon are not going to be staying on if you handle it too much. They stay on fine for display. It's one of my favorites. He has a subtle camo design in his blue as well. I typically leave the big fuel tanks off, I think they look a bit silly. I used to pose it in the style on the first page but now I just stand him up. There's lots of little features, for instance the shoulder panels slide apart and outwards. It stays together but if you handle it to much, YES, something will fall apart in your hands. You can always put it back together.

Basically this just saves me time and money building model kits - many of which will never have these variations as I am a Katoki fan. They are also the right size for display. 1/100 is way too unwiedly and 1/60 is just nuts. I sold my Yamato Valks because they were just a little too big for my desk. With FIX, it's customized 1/100 detail in a 1/144 size. They aren't perfect, it's a bit sloppy sometimes but all fixable and not a big deal at this pricepoint.

Edited June 6, 2008 by ComicKaze

[Lynx7725]

I agree with ComicKaze. My experience with FIX is that they serve better as poseable display pieces (which sometimes due to fit issues need a tad bit of tweaking) rather than toys. The material they are built of isn't typical display pieces but the quality is sufficiently high.

Personally, I might consider yet another FIX Alex, but I prefer the EMSIA line myself. I like the option to play with these things.

[GobotFool]

As for the criticism of Katoki - to be honest, I CAN'T STAND Gundams unless they are in the more extreme or updated Katoki style. I sold all my vanilla gundams years ago so I guess a line like this is tailor made for me.

I hear ya, the old vanilla style gundam's tend to look like stacked boxes. I myself also prefer the newer, more streamlined look of the katiki styled gundams.

[Black Valkyrie]

What do you mean by overdoing it?

Well, lets put this way :

1) MSIA ............... MSIA ver. 02 (most of the main suits) ... EMSIA.

2) MG .................. MG ver. 1.5 ........................................ MG ver .02.

3) FIX .................. FIX Chogokin (1/100) ......................... FIX Frame System.

4) HCM-Pro .......... Super HCM-Pro (1/144).

Over the best line I like is EMSIA. I had only one HCM-Pro figure and its the RX-78-2, it was very loose, so I ... and I`m not fan of RX-78 Gundam Ver. ka either. I prefer my Gundams mix of PVC and ABS, I don`t like ABS, only if they are kits.

[ComicKaze]

Well, lets put this way :

1) MSIA ............... MSIA ver. 02 (most of the main suits) ... EMSIA.

2) MG .................. MG ver. 1.5 ........................................ MG ver .02.

3) FIX .................. FIX Chogokin (1/100) ......................... FIX Frame System.

4) HCM-Pro .......... Super HCM-Pro (1/144).

Over the best line I like is EMSIA. I had only one HCM-Pro figure and its the RX-78-2, it was very loose, so I ... and I`m not fan of RX-78 Gundam Ver. ka either. I prefer my Gundams mix of PVC and ABS, I don`t like ABS, only if they are kits.

Isn't that rather consumer choice??? Would you rather be stuck with one kit or toy with one mold?

[Shun]

yup, totally agree that the FIX are not for fiddling around with. they're poseable display figures, not toy figures like the MSIA/EMSIA, or palm action completed kits like the super hcm-pro. I find it very frustrating to pose a FIX figure, various parts keep falling off, so i gave up the line very early. newer FIX might be better but i highly doubt so. it might be nice to look at, but only if u look from far. take for example the musha gundam - looks nice in pics, actual product looks nice from far, but if u look closer its crap.

on the other hand, i'd recommend the newer FIX Metal Composite line - these are expensive but really AWESOME QC!!! no kidding, paint work is perfect, and very very seldom heard of any problems (including paint work!). They look nice, u can fiddle around with it, and they're big (the rx-78s are 1/100 and Psycho Gundams are 1/144 which is almost as tall as Masterpiece Optimus). The upcoming metal composite is the Psycho Gundam Mk-II which is a very rare design - the old model of it is crap, and we dont get any other.

EDIT: Grammar :X

Edited June 7, 2008 by Shun

[yellowlightman]

on the other hand, i'd recommend the newer FIX Metal Composite line - these are expensive but really AWESOME QC!!! no kidding, paint work is perfect, and very very seldom heard of any problems (including paint work!). They look nice, u can fiddle around with it, and they're big (the rx-78s are 1/100 and Psycho Gundams are 1/144 which is almost as tall as Masterpiece Optimus). The upcoming metal composite is the Psycho Gundam Mk-II which is a very rare design - the old model of it is crap, and we dont get any other.

I've been seriously considering getting one of those... especially after finding the RX-78 Char Custom for about 5000yen.

[Morpheus]

I Always wanted the Deep Striker version of Fix

I'm cursing myself for not buying one when it was discounted over 50% in the Hobby shop near my home

Edited June 7, 2008 by Morpheus

[Shun]

I've been seriously considering getting one of those... especially after finding the RX-78 Char Custom for about 5000yen.

the price seems ok, but i've heard of very low prices in HK/JPN. not sure about that. The Char RX-78 comes with alot less accessories though, compared with the 78-2 and G3.

anyway, i have all the 4 Metal Composites and i'm very pleased to own them. no regrets. can't wait to get Psycho Mk-II! and i hope the series maintains its high QC standards.

I Always wanted the Deep Striker version of Fix

I'm cursing myself for not buying one when it was discounted over 50% in the Hobby shop near my home

Deep Striker is definitely a must-get IMO. true, the paint work is not perfect, but looking at the DS is really satisfying

Edited June 7, 2008 by Shun

[yellowlightman]

the price seems ok, but i've heard of very low prices in HK/JPN. not sure about that. The Char RX-78 comes with alot less accessories though, compared with the 78-2 and G3.

anyway, i have all the 4 Metal Composites and i'm very pleased to own them. no regrets. can't wait to get Psycho Mk-II! and i hope the series maintains its high QC standards.

Considering the normal retail is around 8000yen, I'd say that's not too bad. And yes, the price is in Japan. Cheapest I've seen so far here.

Also, the G-Fighter is lame and a waste of space and just an excuse to bump up the price. So lack of accessories in this case is a good thing.

[transfan52]

I Always wanted the Deep Striker version of Fix

I'm cursing myself for not buying one when it was discounted over 50% in the Hobby shop near my home

Alot of ppl complain about the deep striker though saying its lame and you cant really play with it or that parts fall off easily. But the deep striker is an expensive display piece really. Your not suppose to touch it once you put it all together. Ive always wanted one but I don't have the extra funds after all the valks ive purchased.

[GobotFool]

Alot of ppl complain about the deep striker though saying its lame and you cant really play with it or that parts fall off easily. But the deep striker is an expensive display piece really. Your not suppose to touch it once you put it all together. Ive always wanted one but I don't have the extra funds after all the valks ive purchased.

The deep striker has a tendency to sag under its own weight, particularly the back pack. for those brave enough drilling some holes for metal support rods might really help fix that problem.

I'm really hoping for a HCM-pro Dendrobium. This line is perfect for some of huge mobile armors.

Edited June 7, 2008 by GobotFool

[Black Valkyrie]

Would you rather be stuck with one kit or toy with one mold?

No

[Black Valkyrie]

You know with these new Fix Frame System, we can make some nice customs.

[Major Focker]

managed to score a deepstriker and dendrobium. not really a gundam fan, but i like how these two just look so... busy.

a bit disappointed that the fix dendrobium is a "compact" version, so i'm looking for another big fix. the only other big piece i'm aware of is the meteor, though not sure if that will ever get produced in the fix line.