The LEPIN "LEGO" for non sensitive types
Discussion
Leading on from the "other" thread, it's probably best to start a separate one for those of us with a little interest in the contents and quality of the kits from LEPIN. I do not want this thread to descend into a b
h fest, so please let's just keep it about the kits contents.
As most of you know I bought four kits from a local toy shop the other day and have now completed the VW splitty.
Thoughts on this set from me are;
Build quality is spot on,
The pieces clip together as they should,
Annoyingly the bags aren't numbered so it's a case of just cracking on from the random bags,
I wasn't missing any parts, in fact I had some left over including an arsenal of guns,
The instruction book didn't cause any issues re colour that I had read about prior to opening this kit,
Value for money wise I'd say you would be hard pushed to beat it.
Onto the finished article
I do have the Millennium Falcon on order with my local store along with the Porsche, and I will have the complete set of modular houses that they make I just couldn't carry more than the four sets I chose yesterday.
I will start on one of the modular sets next.
h fest, so please let's just keep it about the kits contents. As most of you know I bought four kits from a local toy shop the other day and have now completed the VW splitty.
Thoughts on this set from me are;
Build quality is spot on,
The pieces clip together as they should,
Annoyingly the bags aren't numbered so it's a case of just cracking on from the random bags,
I wasn't missing any parts, in fact I had some left over including an arsenal of guns,
The instruction book didn't cause any issues re colour that I had read about prior to opening this kit,
Value for money wise I'd say you would be hard pushed to beat it.
Onto the finished article
I do have the Millennium Falcon on order with my local store along with the Porsche, and I will have the complete set of modular houses that they make I just couldn't carry more than the four sets I chose yesterday.
I will start on one of the modular sets next.
|http://thumbsnap.com/rSJEgPWJ[/url]
Since my post on the Lego thread was deleted, I'll reiterate my point on here.
The prices are about 1/3 of UK RRP for the genuine sets; often it's possible to get sets a bit cheaper than RRP though with the modulars you're unlikely to get more than a few pounds off.
Bearing in mind the lack of R&D, licensing costs etc by Lepin and the missing pieces, I don't think that's amazing value. Considering the resale value of Lepin products is going to be negligible it'd be cheaper to buy the real thing if you ever expected to sell it.
The big issue with Lepin is their ripping-off exact Lego sets; Megablocks et al have been doing their own thing for years, using pieces which fit with Lego due to the expiry of Lego's patent. But they can't make exact replicas of the bricks or sets. At least they don't have a Lego logo on them.
The prices are about 1/3 of UK RRP for the genuine sets; often it's possible to get sets a bit cheaper than RRP though with the modulars you're unlikely to get more than a few pounds off.
Bearing in mind the lack of R&D, licensing costs etc by Lepin and the missing pieces, I don't think that's amazing value. Considering the resale value of Lepin products is going to be negligible it'd be cheaper to buy the real thing if you ever expected to sell it.
The big issue with Lepin is their ripping-off exact Lego sets; Megablocks et al have been doing their own thing for years, using pieces which fit with Lego due to the expiry of Lego's patent. But they can't make exact replicas of the bricks or sets. At least they don't have a Lego logo on them.
Jobbo said:
Since my post on the Lego thread was deleted, I'll reiterate my point on here.
The prices are about 1/3 of UK RRP for the genuine sets; often it's possible to get sets a bit cheaper than RRP though with the modulars you're unlikely to get more than a few pounds off.
Bearing in mind the lack of R&D, licensing costs etc by Lepin and the missing pieces, I don't think that's amazing value. Considering the resale value of Lepin products is going to be negligible it'd be cheaper to buy the real thing if you ever expected to sell it.
The big issue with Lepin is their ripping-off exact Lego sets; Megablocks et al have been doing their own thing for years, using pieces which fit with Lego due to the expiry of Lego's patent. But they can't make exact replicas of the bricks or sets. At least they don't have a Lego logo on them.
I agree. Spending £60 on a Lepin modular building makes absolutely no sense when you can buy a Lego one for £120 that will always be worth £90 on the second hand market. However a 10179 for £150 is a game changer. I would love a UCS MF but there is no way whatsoever I would spend £2k on a lego kit.The prices are about 1/3 of UK RRP for the genuine sets; often it's possible to get sets a bit cheaper than RRP though with the modulars you're unlikely to get more than a few pounds off.
Bearing in mind the lack of R&D, licensing costs etc by Lepin and the missing pieces, I don't think that's amazing value. Considering the resale value of Lepin products is going to be negligible it'd be cheaper to buy the real thing if you ever expected to sell it.
The big issue with Lepin is their ripping-off exact Lego sets; Megablocks et al have been doing their own thing for years, using pieces which fit with Lego due to the expiry of Lego's patent. But they can't make exact replicas of the bricks or sets. At least they don't have a Lego logo on them.
Itll be interesting to see how the white bricks hold up to UV, considering the yellowing and disintegration of legos white bricks.
Im not a fan of rip off products, especially of lego BUT lego prices have spiralled and what was once a product all kids from all backgrounds should have has become a bit of a niche product, its just a shame lepin is copy the sets and not endeavouring to make its own, making the brick model landscape more diverse.
Their are a lot of worthy vehicles that could be made into models and take directions that the fanatical lego company never will, like a truly unisex range of sets.
Im not a fan of rip off products, especially of lego BUT lego prices have spiralled and what was once a product all kids from all backgrounds should have has become a bit of a niche product, its just a shame lepin is copy the sets and not endeavouring to make its own, making the brick model landscape more diverse.
Their are a lot of worthy vehicles that could be made into models and take directions that the fanatical lego company never will, like a truly unisex range of sets.
My take away from the pictures and descriptions given of the Lepin stuff is that the interchangeability is obviously there and you could mix it with the real branded stuff and not notice.
The sets don't include the Lego logo so at least its not a total rip off copy and it makes it easy to spot.
The injection moulding seems to be a little off, there is visible shrinkage around the injection spots and some waviness of flat edges but overall its not bad, just not quite as good as the main brand.
I wont be buying any but I know what to look for in a fake now although having said that if I were 10 again I would not give a monkeys about it and play with it all the same, it looks right and probably plays right.
The sets don't include the Lego logo so at least its not a total rip off copy and it makes it easy to spot.
The injection moulding seems to be a little off, there is visible shrinkage around the injection spots and some waviness of flat edges but overall its not bad, just not quite as good as the main brand.
I wont be buying any but I know what to look for in a fake now although having said that if I were 10 again I would not give a monkeys about it and play with it all the same, it looks right and probably plays right.
sandman77 said:
I agree. Spending £60 on a Lepin modular building makes absolutely no sense when you can buy a Lego one for £120 that will always be worth £90 on the second hand market. However a 10179 for £150 is a game changer. I would love a UCS MF but there is no way whatsoever I would spend £2k on a lego kit.
Quite agree. Can't see a great deal of point for current stuff, but it starts looking more attractive when you consider the discontinued sets like 10179.It's always grated on me the whole culture of purchasing multiple copies of the limited edition sets purely for 'investment' purposes then holding them for resale, effectively limiting supply and thus helping push the price up. "I've got more spending power than you so I will buy loads and then if you want one you will have to buy one from me, but for more than it would have cost if you had been able to buy one direct in the first place".
I would absolutely love a UCS Millenium Falcon. I want one to enjoy building and then proudly display, not leave in it's original cellophane tucked away in the loft because it's worth too much money to risk opening. I would happily pay a few hundred £ for one. But not the £2k+ these 'collectors/speculators' are asking.
It would be great if those sets could be officially re-issued, increase supply and hopefully devalue those sets in circulation enough that they could find their way into the hands of people who actually want to enjoy them. If that were to happen I'd be at the front of the queue to buy one. But that's just not likely.
In those instances I can't see that I would lose any sleep buying a £150 imitation set. I don't care about re-sale value, I don't buy any of this stuff with any intention of selling on- it gets built to be enjoyed.
So faced with a choice between paying £2,000-£3,000 to an unscrupulous speculator, or £150 to one of these Chinese companies, I can't say I'd find it an even remotely difficult decision.
Perhaps my moral compass isn't as straight as I thought.
Not sure why Lepin are having such a hard time on this thread compared to lego. Lego stuff isn't really fit for purpose.
They will sell you a vehicle or truck with hydraulic grab all on the back which has a weak point of the gears. Run the gears for more that an hour and one of them will break. The rubber bands they give you last all of week if you place the vehicle anywhere sunny and then disintegrate
Sorting out non UV degrading bands and gears made of something slightly stronger than their current plastic is easily done but lego don't really care because they are more intent on employing lawyers than material engineers.
Don't have much sympathy as after their patients have run out they only have themselves to blame.
They will sell you a vehicle or truck with hydraulic grab all on the back which has a weak point of the gears. Run the gears for more that an hour and one of them will break. The rubber bands they give you last all of week if you place the vehicle anywhere sunny and then disintegrate
Sorting out non UV degrading bands and gears made of something slightly stronger than their current plastic is easily done but lego don't really care because they are more intent on employing lawyers than material engineers.
Don't have much sympathy as after their patients have run out they only have themselves to blame.
Squirrelofwoe said:
Quite agree. Can't see a great deal of point for current stuff, but it starts looking more attractive when you consider the discontinued sets like 10179.
It's always grated on me the whole culture of purchasing multiple copies of the limited edition sets purely for 'investment' purposes then holding them for resale, effectively limiting supply and thus helping push the price up. "I've got more spending power than you so I will buy loads and then if you want one you will have to buy one from me, but for more than it would have cost if you had been able to buy one direct in the first place".
I would absolutely love a UCS Millenium Falcon. I want one to enjoy building and then proudly display, not leave in it's original cellophane tucked away in the loft because it's worth too much money to risk opening. I would happily pay a few hundred £ for one. But not the £2k+ these 'collectors/speculators' are asking.
It would be great if those sets could be officially re-issued, increase supply and hopefully devalue those sets in circulation enough that they could find their way into the hands of people who actually want to enjoy them. If that were to happen I'd be at the front of the queue to buy one. But that's just not likely.
In those instances I can't see that I would lose any sleep buying a £150 imitation set. I don't care about re-sale value, I don't buy any of this stuff with any intention of selling on- it gets built to be enjoyed.
So faced with a choice between paying £2,000-£3,000 to an unscrupulous speculator, or £150 to one of these Chinese companies, I can't say I'd find it an even remotely difficult decision.
Perhaps my moral compass isn't as straight as I thought.
I know we're slipping away from the point of the thread again, but I have to say, I whole heartedly agree with the above post. The whole idea of buying a couple sets to put away for "investment purposes" is all a bit odd for a child's toy. They are toys and should be enjoyed (by children and adults alike). Anyway, back to talking about knock off Chinese stuff, as you were.It's always grated on me the whole culture of purchasing multiple copies of the limited edition sets purely for 'investment' purposes then holding them for resale, effectively limiting supply and thus helping push the price up. "I've got more spending power than you so I will buy loads and then if you want one you will have to buy one from me, but for more than it would have cost if you had been able to buy one direct in the first place".
I would absolutely love a UCS Millenium Falcon. I want one to enjoy building and then proudly display, not leave in it's original cellophane tucked away in the loft because it's worth too much money to risk opening. I would happily pay a few hundred £ for one. But not the £2k+ these 'collectors/speculators' are asking.
It would be great if those sets could be officially re-issued, increase supply and hopefully devalue those sets in circulation enough that they could find their way into the hands of people who actually want to enjoy them. If that were to happen I'd be at the front of the queue to buy one. But that's just not likely.
In those instances I can't see that I would lose any sleep buying a £150 imitation set. I don't care about re-sale value, I don't buy any of this stuff with any intention of selling on- it gets built to be enjoyed.
So faced with a choice between paying £2,000-£3,000 to an unscrupulous speculator, or £150 to one of these Chinese companies, I can't say I'd find it an even remotely difficult decision.
Perhaps my moral compass isn't as straight as I thought.
Marvindodgers said:
I know we're slipping away from the point of the thread again, but I have to say, I whole heartedly agree with the above post. The whole idea of buying a couple sets to put away for "investment purposes" is all a bit odd for a child's toy. They are toys and should be enjoyed (by children and adults alike). Anyway, back to talking about knock off Chinese stuff, as you were.
I can totally see why they do it, there's a load of money to be made as a consequence of the huge demand + limited supply. It's just very frustrating as it takes it out of the hands of those who want to enjoy the sets as per their intended purpose. Obviously LEGO themselves could reduce this by simply increasing the supply of these sets, thereby making more money themselves but in theory stopping a lot of this artificial price inflation. And potentially stopping a chunk of people (myself very much included) looking at these knock-off alternatives.There are also several Technic sets I would absolutely love (8258, 8109 principally)- I'd gladly pay LEGO's RRP for those sets (as expensive even as LEGO is), but not the 3 x RRP being asked by these 'investors'.
Anyway, cheers for posting the pictures Mike, very interesting to see. I'm looking forward to hearing your opinion of the other sets once you've built them.
paul_y3k said:
Has anyone in the UK bought one yet ? Is their a hefty customs bill watiign at import ?
My wife wants to finish the modular sets, but we can't afford the ebay prices for the discontinued sets ...
I am considering the Death Star 2. The most likely route is with a Chinese/HK seller through Aliexpress, although I have never used them before. I will expect to get hit with customs charge of about 20% + £8.My wife wants to finish the modular sets, but we can't afford the ebay prices for the discontinued sets ...
A bit worried about credit card fraud with an unknown company on the other side of the planet.
ColinM said:
paul_y3k said:
Has anyone in the UK bought one yet ? Is their a hefty customs bill watiign at import ?
My wife wants to finish the modular sets, but we can't afford the ebay prices for the discontinued sets ...
I am considering the Death Star 2. The most likely route is with a Chinese/HK seller through Aliexpress, although I have never used them before. I will expect to get hit with customs charge of about 20% + £8.My wife wants to finish the modular sets, but we can't afford the ebay prices for the discontinued sets ...
A bit worried about credit card fraud with an unknown company on the other side of the planet.
Re taxes, unfortunately I cannot help on that one.
ColinM said:
The most likely route is with a Chinese/HK seller through Aliexpress, although I have never used them before. I will expect to get hit with customs charge of about 20% + £8.
A bit worried about credit card fraud with an unknown company on the other side of the planet.
I've been buying stuff from Aliexpress for a few years and never had any issues, as an aside when you pay for your items the seller doesn't get the money till you confirm delivery and are happy, because of this I have found that the seller is always keen to sort issues out quickly.A bit worried about credit card fraud with an unknown company on the other side of the planet.
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