Video review of Studio Series SS-78 RotF Sideswipe

Jolt is looking great, very excited to get ahold of it. Sideswipe looks snazzy too, I like the darker plastic color with the added silver paint in bot mode. The lack of headlights is pretty weird though.

Is that a new headsculpt on Sideswipe?

william-james88 wrote:Is that a new headsculpt on Sideswipe?

I think it’s the same sculpt but with some new silver paint. The paint does make a lot of difference, though!

william-james88 wrote:Is that a new headsculpt on Sideswipe?

Same head, but differently painted.

Kinda prefer the original, probably because of the smaller backpack and a spoiler on the car -plus I'm using it as WFC Rid steeljaw anyways.

As much as I love the ROTF vehicle mode, it still suffers from past figures of this form... the ugly backpack. Best thing that could've happened to, Sideswipe, was becoming a convertible.

JazztfLaw wrote:As much as I love the ROTF vehicle mode, it still suffers from past figures of this form... the ugly backpack. Best thing that could've happened to, Sideswipe, was becoming a convertible.

Agreed

Man, Jolt looks incredible! He looks so much better than that first image made him appear.

Sideswipe is also really well done, like the new paint on the head to improve it.

Looking forward to both of these figures

Jazz really does make the best travel companion. this little dude is still my favorite SS figure. and he has the honor of maybe being the highest in altitude transformer ever photographed? 41,000 feet!

That is pretty awesome D-Max! And inspiring, the family is having Christmas in St. Thomas, I gotta start thinking about which bots get to come with for some photo fun.

Great pics, D-max! Really like the outdoor pics.

Brought a few figures with me to my new place, Evasion Prime isn’t Studio Series but he does scale nicely with them! These are some of my favorite figures:


I also brought Thundercracker and Scrapper as future customs projects while I’m here.

I’ve been looking for Grindor around here but have been unsuccessful so far. Haven’t seen any Studio Series between 3 Targets and 3 Walmarts now. . .

Had a really weird find at Target today - I finally tracked down a Studio Series Grindor today and only realized after I picked it up - it wasn’t Grindor. As far as I can tell, the box is still sealed, the plastic ties are still in place and the tray has Ravage in his spot, so this is either the most skilled and elaborate toy swap I’ve ever seen or the factory tossed an old wave one Blackout in the box. I’m still pretty confused right now

Autobot Roadburn wrote:Had a really weird find at Target today - I finally tracked down a Studio Series Grindor today and only realized after I picked it up - it wasn’t Grindor. As far as I can tell, the box is still sealed, the plastic ties are still in place and the tray has Ravage in his spot, so this is either the most skilled and elaborate toy swap I’ve ever seen or the factory tossed an old wave one Blackout in the box. I’m still pretty confused right now

My bet is on a toy swap. If you are careful enough you can cut a piece of tape the same size to go over the one you cut when opening. In theory the ties can be removed carefully with tweezers from the back of the clamshell to free the figure and in theory replaced the same way from the front but it is REALLLY hard to do.

Now, to be clear, I am not some shady toy swapper. I'm just OCD and at one time (years ago) tried saving all the packaging, even the ties to be able to put them back to almost new condition. The difficulty of messing with those ties changed my thinking really quick. So my bet is on a toy swapper with an incredible amount of patience and skill.

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

Autobot Roadburn wrote:Had a really weird find at Target today - I finally tracked down a Studio Series Grindor today and only realized after I picked it up - it wasn’t Grindor. As far as I can tell, the box is still sealed, the plastic ties are still in place and the tray has Ravage in his spot, so this is either the most skilled and elaborate toy swap I’ve ever seen or the factory tossed an old wave one Blackout in the box. I’m still pretty confused right now

My bet is on a toy swap. If you are careful enough you can cut a piece of tape the same size to go over the one you cut when opening. In theory the ties can be removed carefully with tweezers from the back of the clamshell to free the figure and in theory replaced the same way from the front but it is REALLLY hard to do.

Now, to be clear, I am not some shady toy swapper. I'm just OCD and at one time (years ago) tried saving all the packaging, even the ties to be able to put them back to almost new condition. The difficulty of messing with those ties changed my thinking really quick. So my bet is on a toy swapper with an incredible amount of patience and skill.

It’s actually easier than that to open SS boxes, you just have to carefully unfold the flaps at the bottom and then fold them back when you’re done (not a toy swapper, just like reusing boxes for cityscapes.)

Ig89ninja wrote:

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

Autobot Roadburn wrote:Had a really weird find at Target today - I finally tracked down a Studio Series Grindor today and only realized after I picked it up - it wasn’t Grindor. As far as I can tell, the box is still sealed, the plastic ties are still in place and the tray has Ravage in his spot, so this is either the most skilled and elaborate toy swap I’ve ever seen or the factory tossed an old wave one Blackout in the box. I’m still pretty confused right now

My bet is on a toy swap. If you are careful enough you can cut a piece of tape the same size to go over the one you cut when opening. In theory the ties can be removed carefully with tweezers from the back of the clamshell to free the figure and in theory replaced the same way from the front but it is REALLLY hard to do.

Now, to be clear, I am not some shady toy swapper. I'm just OCD and at one time (years ago) tried saving all the packaging, even the ties to be able to put them back to almost new condition. The difficulty of messing with those ties changed my thinking really quick. So my bet is on a toy swapper with an incredible amount of patience and skill.

It’s actually easier than that to open SS boxes, you just have to carefully unfold the flaps at the bottom and then fold them back when you’re done (not a toy swapper, just like reusing boxes for cityscapes.)

Oh duh, how could I have forgotten that. I learned that the hard way paying extra for a packaged version of Ratchet from a Chinese eBay seller last year, when it was obviously a factory defect shoved into a new box. That was the 1 and only time I tried a Chinese eBay seller.

Hey IG89ninja. Looking at your banner, have you completed the SS Devastator yet?

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

Autobot Roadburn wrote:Had a really weird find at Target today - I finally tracked down a Studio Series Grindor today and only realized after I picked it up - it wasn’t Grindor. As far as I can tell, the box is still sealed, the plastic ties are still in place and the tray has Ravage in his spot, so this is either the most skilled and elaborate toy swap I’ve ever seen or the factory tossed an old wave one Blackout in the box. I’m still pretty confused right now

My bet is on a toy swap. If you are careful enough you can cut a piece of tape the same size to go over the one you cut when opening. In theory the ties can be removed carefully with tweezers from the back of the clamshell to free the figure and in theory replaced the same way from the front but it is REALLLY hard to do.

Now, to be clear, I am not some shady toy swapper. I'm just OCD and at one time (years ago) tried saving all the packaging, even the ties to be able to put them back to almost new condition. The difficulty of messing with those ties changed my thinking really quick. So my bet is on a toy swapper with an incredible amount of patience and skill.

I’d assume that’s most likely what happened. Either way if it was replaced it was really well done and I’m surprised they bothered leaving Ravage in the box. Oh well, I’m probably gonna return it then and try to find an actual Grindor

Autobot Roadburn wrote:

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

Autobot Roadburn wrote:Had a really weird find at Target today - I finally tracked down a Studio Series Grindor today and only realized after I picked it up - it wasn’t Grindor. As far as I can tell, the box is still sealed, the plastic ties are still in place and the tray has Ravage in his spot, so this is either the most skilled and elaborate toy swap I’ve ever seen or the factory tossed an old wave one Blackout in the box. I’m still pretty confused right now

My bet is on a toy swap. If you are careful enough you can cut a piece of tape the same size to go over the one you cut when opening. In theory the ties can be removed carefully with tweezers from the back of the clamshell to free the figure and in theory replaced the same way from the front but it is REALLLY hard to do.

Now, to be clear, I am not some shady toy swapper. I'm just OCD and at one time (years ago) tried saving all the packaging, even the ties to be able to put them back to almost new condition. The difficulty of messing with those ties changed my thinking really quick. So my bet is on a toy swapper with an incredible amount of patience and skill.

I’d assume that’s most likely what happened. Either way if it was replaced it was really well done and I’m surprised they bothered leaving Ravage in the box. Oh well, I’m probably gonna return it then and try to find an actual Grindor

I bet we'll eventually see someone even more skilled and shady leaving behind a Grindor with Blackouts hands after doing a hand swap instead of the whole figure.

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

Autobot Roadburn wrote:

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

Autobot Roadburn wrote:Had a really weird find at Target today - I finally tracked down a Studio Series Grindor today and only realized after I picked it up - it wasn’t Grindor. As far as I can tell, the box is still sealed, the plastic ties are still in place and the tray has Ravage in his spot, so this is either the most skilled and elaborate toy swap I’ve ever seen or the factory tossed an old wave one Blackout in the box. I’m still pretty confused right now

My bet is on a toy swap. If you are careful enough you can cut a piece of tape the same size to go over the one you cut when opening. In theory the ties can be removed carefully with tweezers from the back of the clamshell to free the figure and in theory replaced the same way from the front but it is REALLLY hard to do.

Now, to be clear, I am not some shady toy swapper. I'm just OCD and at one time (years ago) tried saving all the packaging, even the ties to be able to put them back to almost new condition. The difficulty of messing with those ties changed my thinking really quick. So my bet is on a toy swapper with an incredible amount of patience and skill.

I’d assume that’s most likely what happened. Either way if it was replaced it was really well done and I’m surprised they bothered leaving Ravage in the box. Oh well, I’m probably gonna return it then and try to find an actual Grindor

I bet we'll eventually see someone even more skilled and shady leaving behind a Grindor with Blackouts hands after doing a hand swap instead of the whole figure.

Oh dear god I hope not lol. I’ve had a hard enough time finding these things as it is. I did manage to find the Netflix Primal and Rattrap set though so it wasn’t a total bust.

LinaNui wrote:Hey IG89ninja. Looking at your banner, have you completed the SS Devastator yet?

I actually have, but the sheer size of the team made the aspect ratio look ridiculous.

Autobot Roadburn wrote:Had a really weird find at Target today - I finally tracked down a Studio Series Grindor today and only realized after I picked it up - it wasn’t Grindor. As far as I can tell, the box is still sealed, the plastic ties are still in place and the tray has Ravage in his spot, so this is either the most skilled and elaborate toy swap I’ve ever seen or the factory tossed an old wave one Blackout in the box. I’m still pretty confused right now

That is ridiculously odd.

I find it so funny and sad that people (not me yet, can't really afford to yet either) are finding Grindor before he's even been officially revealed. 2 months after the SS86 guys, and no reveal for the live action ones, their wavemates no less.

I would like to get a Grindor right now purely to say I got a figure before it was even revealed, but for money just yet.

About time, Hasbro officially revealed Grindor, Jolt, ROTF Bee, and Thrust:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CReDOF3hl1J/?hl=en

They gave Jolt a DOTM background though xD

Thanks to Seibertronian EvasionModeBumblebee, we've been alerted to Hasbro's social media channels and their (finally) official reveal of the remaining Studio Series Wave 3 figures for 2021! These images come to us from the Transformers Instagram page, where the reveals have been dubbed #StudioSeriesSunday. We have official pictures of Studio Series 73 Leader Class Grindor and Ravage; Studio Series 74 Revenge of the Fallen Bumblebee with Sans Witwicky; Studio Series 75 Revenge of the Fallen Jolt, and Studio Series 76 Bumblebee Voyager Class Thrust! While these figures have been leaked for a while now (and even found in stores), we now have official confirmation and photos. Check out the photos below!



















While they're all transformed correctly, it appears that Jolt has been given a background for Dark of the Moon, or perhaps the first live-action movie, rather than the one for his big scene during the battle of Egypt. Hopefully, Hasbro will rectify this before the figure is released.

So how that we have the rest of Wave 3 officially revealed, do you plan on picking up any of these figures? Grindor will be shipping in cases with Studio Series 86 Leader Class Slug; Thrust will be packed with Studio Series 86 Voyager Wreck Gar; and Jolt and Bumblebee will be shipping with Studio Series 86 Deluxe Class Gnaw.

Let us know what you think about these figures below!

So why does Jolt have a Dark of the Moon Chicago battle backdrop when he wasn't in Dark of the Moon? Wouldn't the Egypt battle backdrop that Bumblebee has be more fitting? Either way, Jolt himself looks pretty good, and I will be getting him.

Munkky wrote:So why does Jolt have a Dark of the Moon Chicago battle backdrop when he wasn't in Dark of the Moon? Wouldn't the Egypt battle backdrop that Bumblebee has be more fitting? Either way, Jolt himself looks pretty good, and I will be getting him.

That may have been a goof given that Jolt still had toys released for the 2010 and DotM lines.

I kinda like the little bloke running with the stolen factory samples

They really couldnt have given us this in the last fanfirstfriday but instead just give it a post. If it were vice versa and 86 movie figure got revealed in a post it would have been treason but because is bayverse its fine

Brutal brawl wrote:They really couldnt have given us this in the last fanfirstfriday but instead just give it a post. If it were vice versa and 86 movie figure got revealed in a post it would have been treason but because is bayverse its fine

Agreed. Pretty hypocritical.

jtanimator wrote:

Brutal brawl wrote:They really couldnt have given us this in the last fanfirstfriday but instead just give it a post. If it were vice versa and 86 movie figure got revealed in a post it would have been treason but because is bayverse its fine

Agreed. Pretty hypocritical.

beyond anything else, it's just poor business sense to neglect product like that, they've lost out on pre-orders to actual brick and mortar sightings, like not even rare ones, a lot of people have nabbed grindor or slag already - myself included, that's revenue they can't recoup with pre-orders now

Hellscream9999 wrote:

jtanimator wrote:

Brutal brawl wrote:They really couldnt have given us this in the last fanfirstfriday but instead just give it a post. If it were vice versa and 86 movie figure got revealed in a post it would have been treason but because is bayverse its fine

Agreed. Pretty hypocritical.

beyond anything else, it's just poor business sense to neglect product like that, they've lost out on pre-orders to actual brick and mortar sightings, like not even rare ones, a lot of people have nabbed grindor or slag already - myself included, that's revenue they can't recoup with pre-orders now

It feels as if the Transformers brand team are still working out the kinks with online reveals, it was clear in the last couple of Fans First Friday streams that the guys were really uncomfortable. These figures should've been announced months ago, but for whatever reason they decided to dedicate the stream esclusively to 1986 and push back the other reveals. It feels like this "Studio Series Sunday" reveal was rushed out because someone at Hasbro noticed the figures were leaking on the internet and even appearing in stores ahead of thd reveal schedule. I also see no reason why the Studio Series stuff, both regular and 1986, couldn't have been announced in the same stream as Kingdom wave 3 back in April.

In the past, the brand team would only ever talk directly to consumers at large-scale panels at comic-cons and toy shows where they'd reveal a full six months worth of product all at once, but those have been illegal for a year and a half, and it's clear that they've never really got used to doing reveals like this.

Munkky wrote:

Hellscream9999 wrote:

jtanimator wrote:

Brutal brawl wrote:They really couldnt have given us this in the last fanfirstfriday but instead just give it a post. If it were vice versa and 86 movie figure got revealed in a post it would have been treason but because is bayverse its fine

Agreed. Pretty hypocritical.

beyond anything else, it's just poor business sense to neglect product like that, they've lost out on pre-orders to actual brick and mortar sightings, like not even rare ones, a lot of people have nabbed grindor or slag already - myself included, that's revenue they can't recoup with pre-orders now

It feels as if the Transformers brand team are still working out the kinks with online reveals, it was clear in the last couple of Fans First Friday streams that the guys were really uncomfortable. These figures should've been announced months ago, but for whatever reason they decided to dedicate the stream esclusively to 1986 and push back the other reveals. It feels like this "Studio Series Sunday" reveal was rushed out because someone at Hasbro noticed the figures were leaking on the internet and even appearing in stores ahead of thd reveal schedule. I also see no reason why the Studio Series stuff, both regular and 1986, couldn't have been announced in the same stream as Kingdom wave 3 back in April.

In the past, the brand team would only ever talk directly to consumers at large-scale panels at comic-cons and toy shows where they'd reveal a full six months worth of product all at once, but those have been illegal for a year and a half, and it's clear that they've never really got used to doing reveals like this.

I’ve noticed this. It’s wild to me how much better things were just a year or 2 ago when they could make their reveals at comic cons and such. I hate to say the grass is greener, but I just can’t wait for those days to come back. The anticipation of waiting on line all day for the live streams of the TF panels at cons for massive reveals, waiting for the pics of the prop displays to be released so I can finally get a good look at the new SS and WFC figures, it’s all just a good time. You’d have thought that they would at least try to replicate that excitement in their FFF’s, but whatever. I’m just crying up a storm now lol.

Sabrblade wrote:

o.supreme wrote:

LinaNui wrote:As it has been stated countless times above, This is supposed to be a callback to Armada Thrust who was green and grey. Not everything has to reference back to G1.

Why would they homage Armada Thrust in a film that homages the original Transformers? TRUE not everything has to be about The Transformers, but it was obvious where the BB movie was taking its designs from, and it wasn't Armada.

I'm really not upset, just pointing out a lack of logic/consistency. They can call him Sunstorm for all I care, it's just odd is all. Also good to know how high you can count since ONE person stated it was based on Armada Thrust, and one other person quoted it.

Probably because they didn't want to have three red Seeker jets in the movie (the other two being Starscream and Blitzwing), and Armada Thrust is the better Thrust.

I'm happy to see some homages to the Unicron trilogy. Plus to be fair he is still a conehead like in G1

They are looking really good. Jolt, Grindor, and Thrust are definites for me. I already have that Bee from Buzzworthy so I can pass on him

£52.95 - Kapow Toys (10% deposit available)

DUE LATE AUGUST

Anyone after Grindor & Ravage. Kapow has "import stock". Which means it won't be there for long.

If you would be so kind

Finished paint work on Scrapper! Honestly, I still have a hard time picking my favorite Constructicon, but Scrapper is definitely up there.

Quick question:

Why is Battle Damaged Megatron (SS-31) listed for preorder on Target.com?
Is this a new/improved deco?
This is one of a handful of SS figures I'm tempted by... So just more curious than usual.

Sowndwave76 wrote:Quick question:

Why is Battle Damaged Megatron (SS-31) listed for preorder on Target.com?
Is this a new/improved deco?
This is one of a handful of SS figures I'm tempted by... So just more curious than usual.

They’re rereleasing it and the SS-24/25 Bumblebee 2-pack. Battle damaged Megs has a new head sculpt and gunmetal weathering paint work. I’ve also heard it pins the leg panels that like to pop off on the original.

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:Quick question:

Why is Battle Damaged Megatron (SS-31) listed for preorder on Target.com?
Is this a new/improved deco?
This is one of a handful of SS figures I'm tempted by... So just more curious than usual.

They’re rereleasing it and the SS-24/25 Bumblebee 2-pack. Battle damaged Megs has a new head sculpt and gunmetal weathering paint work. I’ve also heard it pins the leg panels that like to pop off on the original.

Thanks for the info. I figured he had to have at least something new...
I'm so tempted to get this guy, although I have nothing from SS.

Also, really impressive customs work on that Scrapper!!!

Sowndwave76 wrote:
Thanks for the info. I figured he had to have at least something new...
I'm so tempted to get this guy, although I have nothing from SS.

Also, really impressive customs work on that Scrapper!!!

Thank you very much!

Sowndwave76 wrote:

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:Quick question:

Why is Battle Damaged Megatron (SS-31) listed for preorder on Target.com?
Is this a new/improved deco?
This is one of a handful of SS figures I'm tempted by... So just more curious than usual.

They’re rereleasing it and the SS-24/25 Bumblebee 2-pack. Battle damaged Megs has a new head sculpt and gunmetal weathering paint work. I’ve also heard it pins the leg panels that like to pop off on the original.

Thanks for the info. I figured he had to have at least something new...
I'm so tempted to get this guy, although I have nothing from SS.

Also, really impressive customs work on that Scrapper!!!

Over the past few weeks, Target has been re-releasing some of their exclusives that sold out very quickly. Doing some quick math I figure I saved at least $250.

Greetings. For anyone who has SS Grindor I am just curious. I'd like to see a comparison photo with Ravage and any of the Lionizer type WFC Battle Masters. In my mind I keep thinking Ravage is just a non-transformable retool as they look very similar, however they may be different in size and scale. Any pics would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

o.supreme wrote:Greetings. For anyone who has SS Grindor I am just curious. I'd like to see a comparison photo with Ravage and any of the Lionizer type WFC Battle Masters. In my mind I keep thinking Ravage is just a non-transformable retool as they look very similar, however they may be different in size and scale. Any pics would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

No pics, but I can confirm that SS Ravage is most definitely not a retool of anything else we've seen. He is tiny, about 1/2 the size of Lionizer. I'll try to get some photos later.

^ No rush, but I appreciate the response.

Another question I have just came up...it kind of crosses over with the Buzzworthy line. I know that SS74 (RotF BB) first was released in the Buzzworthy line, but is now getting a standard SS release late this year.

I just noticed one of the new Target 2 packs has a 79 "High Octane" BB. Is this truly something new, or just another repaint?

Well I guess we know 78 is RotF Sideswipe, and if 79 is this new "High Octane" BB. we still don't know what 77 is yet correct?

o.supreme wrote:^ No rush, but I appreciate the response.

Another question I have just came up...it kind of crosses over with the Buzzworthy line. I know that SS74 (RotF BB) first was released in the Buzzworthy line, but is now getting a standard SS release late this year.

I just noticed one of the new Target 2 packs has a 79 "High Octane" BB. Is this truly something new, or just another repaint?

Well I guess we know 78 is RotF Sideswipe, and if 79 is this new "High Octane" BB. we still don't know what 77 is yet correct?

So I was a little off on my size estimation, Ravage is about 2/3 the size of Lionizer, not 1/2, but definitely not a retool or even shared parts.




SS79 High Octane Bee is both new and old. It is new for the SS line and will be an individual release as SS79, but I believe he is just a re-release of High Octane Bee from the AoE toyline.

Yep the brand team seems intent on kicking the bayverse fans in the nuts over and over again.

Not sure on what will be SS77 yet, but most likely a deluxe since 76 is BB Thrust.

Awesome, thank you so much. Yep definitely different toys, but without the comparison, you could maybe see the similarity in the leg designs that might make me think there was some shared parts initially .

Also, yeah that is tough luck. I know there have been a few TLK toys rebranded as SS, but they werren't that far off. But I think this is a first, taking a toy from 2014, and slapping it with some new paint and calling it "SS" 7 years later?

o.supreme wrote:^ No rush, but I appreciate the response.

Another question I have just came up...it kind of crosses over with the Buzzworthy line. I know that SS74 (RotF BB) first was released in the Buzzworthy line, but is now getting a standard SS release late this year.

I just noticed one of the new Target 2 packs has a 79 "High Octane" BB. Is this truly something new, or just another repaint?

Well I guess we know 78 is RotF Sideswipe, and if 79 is this new "High Octane" BB. we still don't know what 77 is yet correct?

While ss79 is high octane bee, that specific toy is not new. It seems to be a rerelease of the AOE high octane bee. Which is too bad since many were hoping for a new mold if that design.

While rotating some displays last night I pulled out SS KSI Drone (blue stinger basicly, which is what I refer to him as ) and remembered what a nice little deluxe it is! Sure the articulation is not the most extreme and there is a good chunk of .. car? hanging off the back of the calves but that really doesn't stop me from enjoying the rest of it. Transformation is one of the less fiddley car ones out of the SS line and it's pretty neat how everything tucks in and spins around so compactly.

So for SS Deluxe cars my top list (in no order) would be Jeep Bee, DoTM Ratchet, Blue Sting and Dropkick although Dropkick while I do love requires some major patience to get into vehicle mode which could be a deterrent for some people

I'm curious what other people's top car Deluxes would be

M. Spector wrote:I'm curious what other people's top car Deluxes would be

I've owned 07 Movie Ratchet, 76 Camaro and 08 Camaro Concept Bumblebee, Barricade, Sideswipe, Jazz, Lockdown and DOTM Soundwave. Out of those I'd say I like 08 Camaro Concept Bumblebee and Barricade the most, I still enjoy switching them between robot and car every so often. I sold Ratchet, Sideswipe and 76 Camaro Bumblebee on Ebay recently, but I may get the upcoming ROTF Sideswipe because it does look to be an improvement.

M. Spector wrote:I'm curious what other people's top car Deluxes would be

I didn't bought much SS cars. For the few I got, SS 2007 Jazz is on the top of my list. It's so close to a mini MP if it weren't for the impossibility to tuck in the backpack further in such a tiny package.