Micro
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Joined on: Aug 12, 2009 10:44:17 GMT -5
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Post by Micro on Jul 17, 2011 14:46:59 GMT -5
I've collected Elite figures since the Mattel line began and I love it. I feel that the extra details, accessories, and articulation are well worth it and I'm getting the best wrestling figures for my collection.
But something has been stirring in me over the last couple of months that's starting to bug me. A silly, random musing at first but now, I can't stop thinking about it every time I go on a toy run...
I'm actually thinking of collecting a second set of the WWE roster in Basic form!
It started innocently enough; I'd pick up a neat debut figure of a Superstar I like. Then, I started picking up some cool Basics that I kept passing up for my "2nd Chance" reviews. As I looked over and reviewed these figures, I realized that Basics are actually pretty nice! When I set up my display area and looked over my Elite roster, and various Basics I have now, it hit me: Maybe it wouldn't be too bad to have a Basic version of everyone...?
How could I consider such insanity when I've already invested so much into the awesome Elite line? Well, here are some points I've been considering:
1. The clean look: Sure, I prefer the added articulation of Elites every time but, I have to admit, there is something nice about the way the Basic torsos look without the mid-section joint. They're almost like miniature maquettes and look neat when displayed.
2. Updated attires: More and more, I keep thinking: I wish the Elite version came in this attire. It started with Chris Jericho and keeps coming up when a new Basic shows up with a more recent look.
3. Lost Superstars: There are several good figures made that didn't get Elite versions, and a few never will! It's a shame we don't have Elite Shelton Benjamin, Chris Masters, Carlito, Primo, Hurricane, or Mike Knox. When you look at them, they're actually some of the best figures Mattel has made!
4. Only need one: I'm not thinking of picking up every Basic figure, like I do with my Elites, just one good version of each Superstar. I already have several Basics, so it shouldn't take long to go down the list.
The only downside is that this will cost quite a bit to put together. With SDCC around the corner, and new pre-orders coming soon, I just don't think I can spare that much right now. Still, this might become a fun side project and, with all the new updated Basics that come out, should be doable over time.
Well, thanks for reading through my rant. I'd appreciate any feedback from all types of fellow collectors; Either those with such extensive collections, those who only collect Basics, or those who only collect Elites!
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Post by Scott! on Jul 17, 2011 15:04:44 GMT -5
i think, because the basic figures come out a bit more regular than elites, and because they have so many basic lines that don't take as long to produce, were going to get updated attires a helluva lot faster.
speaking for myself, i collect elites mainly but alot of the basic figures do appeal to me either because of their attires and who they are.
i don't go all out to order them online but if i see them, i'll pick them up.
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Post by jfinnomore on Jul 17, 2011 15:16:59 GMT -5
i sorta have the same thing, i buy a basic when a guy gets debuted and when his elite comes i put the basic on a separate shelf. so i have a ton of the roster in basic and elite form.
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Post by 0,Y on Jul 17, 2011 15:25:22 GMT -5
I kinda agree with you. I use Elites for my animations and I only pick up guys I need for my animations. Basics are only for playing. I only buy guys I want to play with (not many)
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champofakind
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Joined on: Dec 1, 2010 12:41:23 GMT -5
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Post by champofakind on Jul 17, 2011 15:26:11 GMT -5
I love the basics. They are pretty much my whole collection. And they are getting a lot better(they were already awesome) but..the head scans, details and what not.
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Post by marino13 on Jul 17, 2011 15:29:04 GMT -5
I'm a much bigger fan of basics. And most of your reasoning is why. I prefer the smoother torsos & their trunks look better. I have one of all the current roster in basic form (except them damn Nexus two packs). I love the fact that between two packs and PPV series I'm able to keep updating my shelves on a regular basis.
I still collect Legends and some Elites to fix up the basic. But I don't have any current Elite figures on display.
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Post by Glovatrix-Brent on Jul 17, 2011 15:40:39 GMT -5
I just get basics of people that won't be getting Elite soon as far as I know. They are the same figures really. Same size, same scale, same parts. Why get crazy over mixing them?
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Post by calibruiser on Jul 17, 2011 15:43:32 GMT -5
I love the Basic line, Elite line is starting to grow on me more and more, I guess with the Elites it is the accessories that get me buying them, some of them its the headscan I love the best.
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Post by LA Times on Jul 17, 2011 16:10:40 GMT -5
I prefer the Elite ab crunch and leg articulation, but I buy basics for attires I like that will probably not be released in Elite form (DH Smith white/pink, Sheamus green/black, ADR white/silver).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2011 16:58:12 GMT -5
I use to only buy basics and pretty much after I bought a couple of elites, the elites started to grow on me. So I gave all of my old basics to my little brother. I only buy Divas in the basic Line and a Superstar every now and then.
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Post by Cammi Oh on Jul 17, 2011 16:58:20 GMT -5
I think the extra articulation and perks of the elites will keep me solely interested in that line. The only reason I think I'd buy a basic is for a head for a custom or something.
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noir
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Post by noir on Jul 17, 2011 17:57:21 GMT -5
I'm with you. I mean, I don't ONLY collect one style to the other - to me the basic line is just as good as the elite. but, for the most part, the Basic figures LOOK a lot better. I've been a toy collector for years (nerd alert!) and I've never been too keen on the ab crunch joint. This will sound kind of weird, but it makes action figures look too 'action figure-y'. Then again, I'll go for sculpt and paint over articulation any day. I do love the elites for action photos though, and I'm a total sucker for accessories!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2011 22:57:54 GMT -5
I like to buy both because I think of the elites as entrance gear, and the basics as in ring look. It is also easier and less expensive to buy more of the same guy in basics with new sculpt or tights, then to keep buying elites of the same guy.
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JoeRocco420
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Post by JoeRocco420 on Jul 17, 2011 23:37:54 GMT -5
I have a basic and an elite set! Nuts
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Warrior82
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Post by Warrior82 on Jul 18, 2011 0:01:59 GMT -5
You should start buying the basics man. They are great. I am a die hard Elite collector, But i have a Basic of everyone that has yet to get an Elite, That way atleast I have a figure of that star.
And they are all in perfect scale! Mattel are genius in making both Elites and Basics in scale.
And like mentioned, the Basics constantly get more outfit updates. If I see a Basic in an attire I like, I get it. Because they are awesome figures, and they go perfect with all my Elites.
Its totally Win Win buying both Basics and Elites.
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Post by Mr. #1derful 🇵🇸 on Jul 18, 2011 0:23:34 GMT -5
Seeing some of those sweet attires like many of the basic Reys and that new Danielson make me sad. I'd be all over those figures, if they had that extra leg movement. Basics are great for display, but to me those legs are such a buzzkill when it comes to doing wrestling moves. That's the deal breaker for me.
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Micro
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Joined on: Aug 12, 2009 10:44:17 GMT -5
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Post by Micro on Jul 18, 2011 3:55:26 GMT -5
Thanks for the different perspectives, guys! I double-checked my collection and found out that I had more Basics than I thought. It looks like I'm less than 30 figures away from a full Basic roster! They are the same figures really. Same size, same scale, same parts. Why get crazy over mixing them? You're right, there isn't anything wrong with mixing them. I guess there's an OCD part of me that just wants to fill in the gaps to a Basics collection that's so close to being complete, heheh! And they are all in perfect scale! Mattel are genius in making both Elites and Basics in scale. I agree, it was a brilliant move to keep the same scale throughout the entire line. With all the changing attires, a new favorite may be just a series away. For example, I really want that SummerSlam heel version of the Great Khali when it comes out! I have a basic and an elite set! Nuts Very nice, sounds like a great collection! Seeing some of those sweet attires like many of the basic Reys and that new Danielson make me sad. I'd be all over those figures, if they had that extra leg movement. Basics are great for display, but to me those legs are such a buzzkill when it comes to doing wrestling moves. That's the deal breaker for me. I feel the same way for the most part, I like to put together wrestling poses a lot so I really prefer the Elites in that regard. Adding classic Legends to the mix is a cool bonus too! Well, I appreciate all the different feedback. I'm glad we have the choices between Basics and Elites, it makes collecting Mattels fun. I think I'll stick to my original plan: Save up for all the post-SDCC Elite pre-orders first and gradually pick up some updated Basics as I come across them. I only feel a bit bad about passing on some one-shot Basic figures, like William Regal, Goldust, and Yoshi Tatsu. Hopefully, I'll bump into them again and give them a second chance as well!
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Post by Bandalero on Jul 18, 2011 7:47:59 GMT -5
I can't say I'm on that Basic-bandwagon. For me, toys that are marketed as wrestling action figures should be able to be positioned in the very basic of wrestling moves.
Yes I loved LJN and Hasbros as a kid, but times change and tastes change. If I wanted a statue I'd collect Ultimate fury - I'm not saying I play with my figures, but I do enjoy displaying them, posing them, and taking pics of them.
Figure 4's and Boston Crabs are impossible with Basic/RA's and sweet-chin-music looks redonkulous.
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JoeRocco420
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Post by JoeRocco420 on Jul 18, 2011 11:34:12 GMT -5
I have a complete Elite collection. (minus finally. I don't want him lol) I also have at least one of each superstars basic figure! The problem I have now is that I just bought a Yellow King of the Ring hasbro ring and 15 hasbros on eBay. I had a complete loose hasbro collection that I sold off 15 years ago. Wish I never did. So now I'm gonna add even more figures to my collection!! I started with only elites but when I walked into TRU and saw the basic 1 6 pack I had to have it.
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Post by facefullafist on Jul 18, 2011 12:06:27 GMT -5
i'm an Elite collector all the way, i could never collect Basics. there's nothing wrong with you wanting to collect both though, a lot of people do.
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