NewAge H34 Hephaestus Devastator Full Giftbox Set of 6
diode: This is definitely a highly recommended Devastator. The quality of plastic is high and due to the skeleton which is provided for combining different robots, it is super robust and can take many nice poses. I know, that extensive parts-forming may be disappointing or even prohibiting for many collectors (including me at first) but the overall result is worth the compromise.

The individual robots have a more plain look compared to Magic Square but the quality of plastic is better and thanks to their simpler engineering you get the feeling that you can transform and combine them back and forth without any fear of wear out. Magic Square robots, vehicles and combiner look more realistic and maybe better overall but Newage combiner is more toon-accurate.

I'm not sure if I can answer which Devy is better: this or Magic Square. I think it's a totally subjective matter which depends on your priorities and personal tastes.
[Pre-Order] DX9 Toys D21 Red Storm Sideswipe
diode: It's one of those cases in which I'm not sure how I should rate the figure: give 5 stars judging from the price and the expectations or 4 stars as a result of a comparison with an ideal, absolute, non-existent version of the character? Well, I went the first way :)
It is a typical DX9 figure. Nice design, clever engineering, decent materials (with metallic parts when necessary), nice colors, very good quality for the money. It's not hefty but it feels solid and well-made.
The transformation is easy but not intuitive and you need to be careful at certain steps. I suggest you watch the video of TMreviews rather than, let's say Mangmotion. It provides a thorougher and safer method to transform the figure.
FansToys FT-44 Thomas Astrotrain
diode: It is an excellent figure in every aspect: design, engineering, cartoon accuracy, quality of construction, quality of materials, articulation, precision, finish and look in all three modes. Without any doubt, the best Astrotrain out there so far.

It is so heavy and robust and you can't actually spot any visible flaws. A true masterpiece.
All three modes are fantastic thanks for the exceptional design, the details, the sculpturing, the combination of colors and the quality of paint. There are no parts or areas that seem neglected compared to others.
The included rails further boost the displaying possibilities since they enrich the look of the train mode and they serve as a stand that makes the shuttle look even more impressive.

The transformation is a bit tricky and the manual does not help much. I had to seek for transformation videos to overcome certain issues and to be sure I'm doing everything right. While transforming it to space shuttle, I had a hard time clipping the upper part of the rear end correctly: it required both pressure and technique. While transforming it to train, I found it hard to align the front end with the rear end and bring them to an appropriate distance in order to clip with each other safely. The hard ratchet joints in the legs made calibration difficult and there was no hint on which was the appropriate position of the legs in order to permit the two parts clip. In addition, you have to be a bit cautious throughout the transformation in order to avoid scratches in the paint.

Being the most expensive figure I had ever bought, I was worrying whether it deserves the money. Well, yes and no. It's worth some extra money compared to a simple masterpiece but maybe not so much. However, in every product of high quality there are elements you cannot see like the efficiency of the quality control, the R&D effort, the cost of precision in the production process and the need for the company to be profitable by selling fewer products than others. But again, I think a price at around 200 euros would be more reasonable.
Magic Square MS-01X+ Light of Freedom Optimus Prime Metallic Version
diode: Magnificent figure! The metallic paint in combination with the excellent mold create an eye-catching result.
It inherits all the good stuff from MS-01 plus the more shinny look. Nice proportions and nice details (I like the clear yellow plastic parts in the waist particularly). I also like how the axe is placed around his hand.

Although it is generally very well made, it does not have the heavy and robust feeling of TE-01. The joints are good but some of them are way too tight. You need to be cautious when moving his arms as they may scratch the back.

The transformation is easier than MP-44 or TE-01 and more intuitive. It is the first time a managed to transform a masterpiece figure based on the instructions, without watching a transformation video. The truck mode is very beautiful and realistic.

Overall, it is an imposing, well-made figure with nice engineering and a strong candidate for a masterpiece G1 Optimus Prime for every collection.
4th Party Masterpiece MP-27 Ironhide
diode: Nothing really to worry about. It's a well made KO with all the pros and cons of a KO. It feels light and cheap and there are some QC issues. But it is good-looking, it has a nice transformation and from aesthetics point of view it satisfies me in both modes.
In the absence of alternatives, it's a pass.

P.S. My uncle used to have a red Nissan Vanette so I couldn't help not ordering it! :)
NewAge H44EX Ymir Grimlock Limited Version
diode: It is actually my first Legends-scale figure and I'm thrilled so I don't know how objective I can be.
I like it a lot! The mold is neat, the color scheme is awesome, the quality of plastic is high and transformation is satisfactory. It has ab-crunch too! Great little Grimlock!
The price is a bit high though. In addition, I'm not sure for how long those golden-painted parts will keep their shine.
Overall, a great option for the scale, both in terms of quality and aesthetics.
NewAge H34 Hephaestus Devastator Full Giftbox Set of 6
diode: It's a blessing to have that toon version available and with all the components! Excellent look and quality.
On the downside, parts-forming is too much. I'm not against parts-forming in general, I just think they exaggerated. In that sense, I like the approach by Magic Square more.
In any case, it's a great Devastator and I might given in, considering that I recently got Omega Supreme by Newage :)
Cyber Era CE-06 Optimus Prime
diode: I was very much impressed with CE-06 Optimus Prime. It looks and feels premium and well-made. It has nice materials and many metal parts and it feels solid. It has nice friction joints carefully adjusted to be as tight as they should be. The paint application is perfect and there are many nice details allover the body.

The highlight of the figure are the three LEDs: in the eyes, the matrix and the gun. The lights have two modes. In the first mode they emit light constantly while in the second mode the eyes become darker, the matrix flashes in a very nice periodic way (resembling the pulse of the heart) and the tip of the gun flashes quickly, as if it is shooting. Awesome gimmicks!!!

Transformation requires several steps but it is not frustrating at all. In vehicle mode, I'd like more clearance from the ground as it feels that certain parts might touch the ground. In addition, two pins responsible for aligning the front part and the rear part of the truck tend not to stay in place. It can be a bit frustrating.

Overall, it is definitely a serious improvement over MPM-12 (and slightly oversized). It is not in scale with CE-01 Bumblebee of the same company nor with Megatank Monocrat. It is too small for both of them.
It is as good as it gets for the money and a very impressive piece.
Takara Tomy Missing Link C-01 Optimus Prime Toy Version w/ Trailer
diode: Strong G1 vibes and an Optimus Prime from the old days with a fresh touch!
For me, who never had Optimus as a kid and had only a few Transformers in general, this was a no-miss.
It is what it is: G1 Optimus with enhanced articulation. Great addition to many collections.
IronFactory EX-68 Jallguar
diode: I would really like to give five stars but it would not be fare.
Let me start with the positive aspects. I really like the overall design, the sculpted details, the colors, the presence as a whole. I also appreciate the quality of plastic and the paintwork. In addition, it comes with many accessories with which you can create some really nice scenes.
On the downside, I do not like its engineering that much. As in the other two figures I've received (Killbison and Drillhorn), it is not clear where several parts are supposed to be placed during the transformation. As a result, you have to make several adjustments in the end in order to achieve the expected alignment.
Even in this case, I highly recommend this set of figures.