We had someone send in an email to us and we thought it was a pretty important question that he was answering and not only did he deserve an answer but that answer should be provided to everyone as else as well.
Fernando Flores writes to us as asks:
“I have a question about your seekers. They look quite nice, but I am a bit concerned about the joints and stability… How many of the joints are ratchets?! I usually favor rachet joints over friction due to strength and durability. Thank you.”
A response was provided to Fernando and that response is also provided here for others to read as well.
“Thank you for your message and your concerns.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to using ratchets in joints and we have been looking at all the positives and the negatives of each variation.
Friction joints, when designed properly do have a very long shelf life and have a lot of play value as well. Using a ball joint or a universal joint on a figure allows for a much larger range of articulation and thereby giving the figure an even larger range of emotions available as you are not hindered by the ‘clicks’ of the ratchet and then maybe limited to straight leg or A-Stance positions when trying to pose and play with a figure. A ratchet joint also means that for transformation the ratchet must be in the exact correct position when transforming or certain parts and pieces may not align properly and can lead to breakage a lot easier.
Friction joints when designed properly use not just ABS plastic but a harder material they call POM. When you combine a joint with ABS and POM it has a much longer wear time to the joint due to the strength of the POM material. You can also line joints with a more rubbery type of plastic like a Polyurethane. This will give the joints a good tight fit and allow you to keep a tightness over a long period of time as the pressure from the surrounding plastic presses the part into the polyurethane and since this does not cause wear, the joint will stay tight for a good long time.
There are many different types of joints on the Renegade figure as we are currently discussing options and viability with the factory for different types of joints and what are the best options for good tight joints combined with a long lasting wear factor.