Which 1:18 scale figures do you prefer?

[spect_spidey]

I just started collecting 1:18 military figures. I currently only have 17 figures, with more on the way, all but one are 21st Century XD. The other is a Dusty Trails Paratrooper. I was wondering which figures forum members prefer and why?

[Jesse James]

That's tough to say, since they have all had their hits and misses, and there's a broad variance in overall quality in the lines, though I'd say Dragon and Dusty Trails are well to the bottom of my list (Hell, I'd even put Dragon a lot higher than Dusty Trails but still below 21st and BBI overall).

With 21st, the 1st series figures have major problems that you notice as they've improved over the years, and then you have misses like the "modern" line released amidst great figures like the Battel of the Bulge figures.

For BBI you have the same problem... The 1st series SWAT and SPec. Forces guys are great, and the Spec. Forces guys comprise the first TRU figures they released too... The Marines were so-so, as were their repaint Spec. Forces guys, however they were still superior to the 1st series 21st Century figures if you ask me.

Now you get to what's coming out today, and the BotB figures, Marines, and Japanese are all great figures coming out from 21st Century... But so are the World War 2 BBI figures that just started shipping recently, and while I'm not fond of the molded-on gear for their first Paratrooper figures they're still REALLY nice figures and stiff competition for 21st's stuff.

I'd say 21st's had better figures overall, since they go back to the Paratroopers with quality figures, but BBI's pretty much on-par right now. And if you get down to it then BBI's got superior sculpts I think... It's a really tight race so I think I like those 2 lines equally.

Dragon wins for overall sculpt and detail, but as "action figures" they suck. Good for the gear if you find them cheap enough though, and some nice diversity in a scene you're building.

[steelbonnet]

Well I for one cannot take part as I use from all the brand though have no pref on the actual figures par sa.

I like my figures to look right BUT have as much articulation as possible & alas None of the brands listed have given the figures the best form of artiulation IMO.

Agreed there marked improvements on earlier versions,bar Dragon which are statue troops.

DML,XD,BBI All have some outstanding Accessories & weapons.

With that I do think they all have a lot going for them as a basis to customize on from IMO

Ja
Steel Bonnet

[mediump]

I voted for BBi because I have more BBi US WWII figures than 21st now (and the detail and extras they come with i would say " kick them up a notch"), but it is only 21st that makes the enemy and that I think is a big part.-- the jap's give BBi a good run for their money, and I think are the best yet by 21st-- It is quite hard and a little unfair to choose between the two, so I choose both. And as for Dragon, they are great but lack artic. so I consider them just a little lesser...don't have any dusty's

[fredricchio]

It's so hard to choose between 21st and bbi right now. bbi has traditionally had better articulation but with the Japanese figs I think 21st has caught up to them. However bbi still is tops in accessories, just look at the WWII paras and infantry.

21st has done a broader range of figures, as well as Germans and Japanese, but they've also been doing WWII longer than bbi has; yet due to their association with TRU we'll probably never see Germans from bbi, and Japanese seem iffy at this point.

bbi's sculpts generally seem more detailed than 21st's, but I like 21st's face sculpts a lot better; they're much more unique and interesting, I think. I also like the way 21st has started doing repaints, it makes army building more fun.

So I think right now I have to give the edge to 21st, but really you should get them all if you can, including Dragon.

[tmanthegreat]

Its a hard call. 21c leads the way with figure type diversity (US & German Infantry, US & German paratroopers, US & German BoB soldiers, WWII USMC & Japanese figures, US and NVA Vietnam era figures, and Modern Special forces and Islamic militants) They have greatly improved the quality of their figures over the years as well. BBi seems to have traditionally complimented them by making what 21c really didn't make (i.e. decent modern soldiers). However, the newest BBI WWII Paras and Infantry are simply outstanding and largely blow away the earlier 21c Paras and Infantry as far as sculpting, detail and poseablitiy. I could go on here, but essentially its a tough call!

[digger]

I like this thread - I agree with T-man that it is a tough call.
BUT, I think there is one thing that seals the deal: ENEMIES.
BBI has not done ANY except for the Zero pilot.
If you read my posts you know I LOVE the new bbi guys, but frankly they have really only done 6 different carded WWII figures. Oh yea, there are 7 Jump ready paras - but that counts as ONE. So, they have 6 WWII figures and no enemies....can't really compare with 21st.

As said, bbi does have the edge in modern figures, but still you need 21st guys to be the bad guys.

I would LOVE to see bbi do some WWII Germans, Brits, or Russians with the same detail of these new guys. That would be a sight....if you could find any to buy.

[Morian Miner]

Two reason for 21C, although like everyone else has said they both are great - Enemies and Vietnam. 21C does them, BBi doens't.

[KAGNEW]

it would be a lot easier to judge if WallyWorld or TRU would stock more of them.
i seem to have to get a lot of them at online stores
i think the new BBi is just a tiny bit better then new 21s but it is close

[SGT. Saunders]

Hi Guys


I was going to say BBI's new figures, because I found that it was easyer to get a hand on BBI 1/18 figures then XD but now Im having a hard time to get a hand on the new new BBI WWII 1/18 figures Im up in the air with this 1.

SGT. Saunders

[spect_spidey]

Well, I just got my first bbi WW II figures today, complete set of the latest release. It is a tough call. Each company has its pros and cons. I ended up voting for 21st Century, but I will list my opinions on the 2 major lines.

21st Century Toys Pros
1. Germans, Japanese, etc. i.e. someone for the U.S. guys to fight.
2. Basic troop types for U.S. and Germans.
3. Figure stands and foot peg holes. Makes display easy.
4. Premolded arms for firing positions not obtainable with articulated arms.
5. Crisp, clean paint applications.
6. Can get pilots and vehicle drivers without buying vehicles. Big plus since I don't have space for 30 inch wing span planes.

21st Century Toys Cons
1. Articulated arms feel flimsy and too skinny on some figures.
2. Hole and peg accessories, some just don't fit right or are too small not to be molded onto the sculpt.
3. Very tight joints, some feel like they will break before they actually bend or twist.

bbi Elite Force 1:18 Pros
1. Accessories! While some don't really fit the character, it allows for you to arm other figures with the extras.
2. Articulation is great, fluid joints. Can assume tons of poses with little effort.
3. Detailed sculpts. I like that some of the figures have a resemlance to famous people.
4. Amazing weathered paint applications. These guys look like they have seen battle.

bbi Elite Force 1:18 Cons
1. Only sold at Toys'R'Us and online.
2. No Germans or Japanese, except the Zero pilot, or anybody for the U.S. guys to fight.
3. Can only get a few pilots without the aircraft.
4. No foot peg holes for stands.
5. Paratroopers without detachable chutes.

Just my two cents, however I am sure I will continue to collect both of these companies for a long time. Maybe one day I can weigh in on the aircraft, if I ever have space for any of it.

[kenhil2]

dont know if i can pick between bbi or 21st, they are both great but like everyone else has said they each have individual bonuses and setbacks, either way they are the 2 best out there, and i dont have any dusty trails or dragon because i dont like the statue type figs, they have to have articulation for me to buy them, and that is covered pretty well by 21st, bbi, and i'd throw power team in there too, the quality isnt as good as the other two, but the price is great for army building, and you can always add detail to them with gear and other mods and additions.