Need some opinions on figarti! (3 Viewers)

[Sgtkillroy1944]

never seen the figures in person so don truly know how they look( if you know what i mean minor details),compared to king and country for say how do they stand up?

 

[Currahee Chris]

I only collect their modern line but they are smaller than KC. In fact, I think the modern figures have gotten smaller since the initial releases.

 

[Mitch]

Without it being seen as an attack on Figarti their figures are not very good IMO and certainly not at the standard of their AFV's. Some say its their style I disagree and, cannot see the reasons for the overtly heavy shading or disparity in size either way too thin or way to enlarged.

I know they stated they were drawn from the model world realsim but, its not worked IMO and, they have thrown their hat in at the extreme end of that market.
Some are however, not too bad but, for me, on the whole, it lets their range down
Mitch

 

[Louis Badolato]

First, with regard to Chris statement concerning scale, Figarti's modern figures are 1:32 scale, and are definitely smaller than K&C. However, Figarti's WWII figures and vehicles are 1:30 scale and work together with K&C scale wise.

I have to respectfully disagree with Mitch. Some of Figarti's figures are excellent, and stand up to comparable figures from K&C, Honour Bound or Thomas Gunn miniatures. I actually prefer their painting, which has the complex shading and dry brushing so admired in Russian figures, to K&C or Honour Bound's.

The problem is Figarti figures are inconsistently sculpted. Some look great, properly proportioned and in natural poses. Others are just terrible, with limbs that are too long or short, and in poses no human could comfortably assume. My advice would be to take a look at photos of the figures you are interested in purchasing, or try to see them in person if possible, to be sure you are getting the level of quality you expect.

 

[Mitch]

Louis..

That is your right to air your opinion but, I draw everyones attention to Joe's westcoaster post and the posts from 1 onwards especially, 6,7,9 and many more that follow. These figures are not drybrushed or shaded in anyway shape or form to russian standards, or model standards for competitions, at least, none I have entered or any painting I have done since I was a child.

This painting is unrealistic and as a painter this is what I am basing my critique on. The paint strokes are heavy handed as is the shading techniques though, there is very little shading, as this is supposed to be subtle and tonally blend colours in. Where is that on these figures there is bland dark lines sepia looking and thats neither quality or realistic for human details and, for want of a word are poor. The camo patterns on german uniforms are poor and, are not like any patterns I have studied for painting figures do not stand up to TG CS HB or K&C.

I did say in my earlier post that some are OK but, they are certainly in the minority and I have discussed this in depth with a few on here in PM and have looked right back through the figarti inventory for fact rather than just saying these are poor for the sake. I have never been impressed with their figures from the first releases.

As I said some may be happy with them and see them as acceptable I just happen not to think they are compatible with the way they produce AFV's. IMO, they are last in the rankings of the main matt producers in terms of figure quality. I had hoped they would improve both sculpt and painting but, it seems they are happy with what they do.
Mitch

 

[Louis Badolato]

Louis..

That is your right to air your opinion but, I draw everyones attention to Joe's westcoaster post and the posts from 1 onwards especially, 6,7,9 and many more that follow. These figures are not drybrushed or shaded in anyway shape or form to russian standards, or model standards for competitions, at least, none I have entered or any painting I have done since I was a child.

This painting is unrealistic and as a painter this is what I am basing my critique on. The paint strokes are heavy handed as is the shading techniques though, there is very little shading, as this is supposed to be subtle and tonally blend colours in. Where is that on these figures there is bland dark lines sepia looking and thats neither quality or realistic for human details and, for want of a word are poor. The camo patterns on german uniforms are poor and, are not like any patterns I have studied for painting figures do not stand up to TG CS HB or K&C.

I did say in my earlier post that some are OK but, they are certainly in the minority and I have discussed this in depth with a few on here in PM and have looked right back through the figarti inventory for fact rather than just saying these are poor for the sake. I have never been impressed with their figures from the first releases.

As I said some may be happy with them and see them as acceptable I just happen not to think they are compatible with the way they produce AFV's. IMO, they are last in the rankings of the main matt producers in terms of figure quality. I had hoped they would improve both sculpt and painting but, it seems they are happy with what they do.
Mitch

Mitch,

As you are a painter, I defer to your estimate of the painting. However, I have to disagree with you about the improvement of their figue quality over time. Figarti has been in business only 7 years. I can take photos of their figures from the first Chinese officer figure they produced through every year to their present production. The improvement is off the scale. I can take photos of figures produced by other manufacturers over the same 7 year period from their commencement of production, and not a single one has ever come so far so fast. If you saw what K&C was doing over their first seven years (1984 to 1991), there is some improvement, but not nearly so much as Figarti has shown.

It is a bit unfair to compare Figarti's first seven years to companies like Honour Bound, which had been producing figures under the Beau Geste name for 15 years prior to launching Honour Bound, or Thomas Gunn, which was producing figures as New Model Army prior to the present launch.

I will take my favorite Figarti figures, the ones I consider very well sculpted, positioned, proportioned and painted, and take photos next to similarly positioned figures from other Toy Soldier manufacturers, and I defy you to say that they are not as good. On the other hand, the other manufacturers are much more consistent in the quality of their sculpting, so a poorly sculpted Figarti figure is going to fall way behind.

I have recommended to Rick, who employs several sculptors, that he figure out the sculptor that does the best work, and fire the rest. I believe that if he were to do that, his figures would be of a far more consistent quality.

 

[sammy719]

I believe overall the vehicles/tanks etc..are some if not the best polystone(metal) stuff on the market, at one time I did own a few vehicles, but have to agree with Mitch the soldiers need work, at least in WWII, they have hit a few spot on as Louis mentioned but overall must be more consistant with the soldiers, if they could capture the looks of the vehicles and put it towards the soldier aspects I think they would draw alot more collectors thier way...Sammy

 

[lancer]

All I can say is that the inferior paint and sculpting of the Figarti figures I have seen have halted me from buying any of them. -- Al

 

[Currahee Chris]

All I can say is that the inferior paint and sculpting of the Figarti figures I have seen have halted me from buying any of them. -- Al

I'll give you that but on the flipside, there are some great deals to be had on the secondary market for their figures- again, coming from a modern collector position.

I really like their modern figures. It's pretty much all I have purchased this year, save an onager or two

And Louis, I do agree with you when comparing Figarti to KC in relation to the time periods. So many people passed on earlier KC sets back in the day because they didn't look right or for whatever reason but look at some of the prices their older stuff commands now- figarti collectors could very well find themselves in the same position in 10-15 years.....collector's tastes are very very fickle.

Hey Sgt. Kilroy- buy what you like. At worst, you don't like them for whatever reason and return them. No harm, no foul.

 

[Mitch]

Louis...

I have seen the first ranges of Figarti and have several of their products so, as I said in my post I have looked back at the years of figarti and, lets say that paint and sculpt wise they are all over the place. Inconsistancy after seven years is not something that should be an issue they have their own factory and, should be able to see these issues as plain as day. I don't think I am being unfair to figarti comparing them to HB who were relatively knew to the WWII market and, in some of my posts I have also said that some HB are not brilliant figure wise as compared to their superb AFV's. Though the disparity between Beau geste and HB figures is huge and it is clear to see the differences.

I can say now that I do not think anything figure wise figarti have done is IMO equal or better than comparative manufacturer sets and, I have looked closely at this. I spoke with uksubs about this recently and yes, as he stated the british army figures (we discussed in particular) were better they were not as good as say comparable K&C brit figures IMO.

TG has hit the ground running and, has consistantly produced superb sets and is enhancing his brand with every release so, why is it so difficult for Figarti?? I have no idea if their sculptors and painters are not upto scratch then they should be history.

I don't even think CS had this difficulty as what they brought to the party was a new realism in sculpt that I have said was a few years ahead of its time and was difficult for the hobby to accept. However, their paint style was still and always has been consistantly good

The recent releases from Figarti I commented on in joe's west coaster are not, IMO the products of a company that has radically improved over a seven year period they look as if they are going in the opposite direction sadly.

I appreciate what you are saying about the early releases of K&C but, they were a long time ago in terms of what could be done, materials, paints, paint work and, the customer base they were appealing to. I think its fair to say that the modern customer is far more concerned with detail and quality than in 1984. so, for me, they cannot be used in comparison to a company that is producing now with all the modern developments in the hobby. If it were so, then TG would be producing what I call ''pants'' figures and we would, give them latitude in those early releases expecting them to get better over their growth and development.

The figarti sets I have are now on display with other makers figures figures and the figarti ones are in the boxes as I cannot have them out.

Its always amazed me why this should be the case how can you make and paint superb AFV's and then not have the same standard in figures. If as was suggested once when this was raised before by me they are keeping to the model world standards then for goodness sake immediately stop and forge a new way as its clearly not working.
Mitch

Mitch,

As you are a painter, I defer to your estimate of the painting. However, I have to disagree with you about the improvement of their figue quality over time. Figarti has been in business only 7 years. I can take photos of their figures from the first Chinese officer figure they produced through every year to their present production. The improvement is off the scale. I can take photos of figures produced by other manufacturers over the same 7 year period from their commencement of production, and not a single one has ever come so far so fast. If you saw what K&C was doing over their first seven years (1984 to 1991), there is some improvement, but not nearly so much as Figarti has shown.

It is a bit unfair to compare Figarti's first seven years to companies like Honour Bound, which had been producing figures under the Beau Geste name for 15 years prior to launching Honour Bound, or Thomas Gunn, which was producing figures as New Model Army prior to the present launch.

I will take my favorite Figarti figures, the ones I consider very well sculpted, positioned, proportioned and painted, and take photos next to similarly positioned figures from other Toy Soldier manufacturers, and I defy you to say that they are not as good. On the other hand, the other manufacturers are much more consistent in the quality of their sculpting, so a poorly sculpted Figarti figure is going to fall way behind.

I have recommended to Rick, who employs several sculptors, that he figure out the sculptor that does the best work, and fire the rest. I believe that if he were to do that, his figures would be of a far more consistent quality.

 

[lancer]

I'll give you that but on the flipside, there are some great deals to be had on the secondary market for their figures- again, coming from a modern collector position.

I really like their modern figures. It's pretty much all I have purchased this year, save an onager or two

And Louis, I do agree with you when comparing Figarti to KC in relation to the time periods. So many people passed on earlier KC sets back in the day because they didn't look right or for whatever reason but look at some of the prices their older stuff commands now- figarti collectors could very well find themselves in the same position in 10-15 years.....collector's tastes are very very fickle.

Hey Sgt. Kilroy- buy what you like. At worst, you don't like them for whatever reason and return them. No harm, no foul.

I understand, Chris. I do not collect "modern" conflict figures, WW2 being the latest period I have with the exception of one FOV Abrams and some of the superb, plastic McFarland moderns. Figarti moderns may be fine but I just haven't looked at them. I do like Figarti's armor and vehicles, though. -- Al

 

[Currahee Chris]

The figarti sets I have are now on display with other makers figures figures and the figarti ones are in the boxes as I cannot have them out.

this begs the question then, why buy them mate??? Seems like your quid could be better spent elsewhere?? Seem like fairly expensive boxes to put on display :tongue:

I've actually never really looked too in depth at the WW2 figures, again, we all know what I like, but the modern Iraqi insurgents were simply fantastic and I got them for a steal at 50% off...especially given that no one has done modern insurgents, they took a step forward and did a really great job.


Maybe Figarti should get outta WW2 and stay modern......and age of sail. ^&grin

 

[Mitch]

Chris...
The sets I got were sets that have not been done or likely to be done again in a hurry and, I like that fact as I am not a prolific purchaser compared to some. as I said the AFV's are good and worth the price even with no figures which, for me, is a clear bonus on the eyes.
Mitch

this begs the question then, why buy them mate??? Seems like your quid could be better spent elsewhere?? Seem like fairly expensive boxes to put on display :tongue:

I've actually never really looked too in depth at the WW2 figures, again, we all know what I like, but the modern Iraqi insurgents were simply fantastic and I got them for a steal at 50% off...especially given that no one has done modern insurgents, they took a step forward and did a really great job.


Maybe Figarti should get outta WW2 and stay modern......and age of sail. ^&grin

 

[uksubs]

never seen the figures in person so don truly know how they look( if you know what i mean minor details),compared to king and country for say how do they stand up?

I have both K&C & Figarti British ETO figures and they work great together

 

[tdubel]

I think this question is all about what style you like or prefer, etc. etc.

My opinion when I buy toy soliders is whatever catches my fancy. If I look at a set and like it, I buy it. I don't worry about whether it mixes in etc. I also like a "company historical" collection, ie. I have some of Figarti's original releases and I have their new ones, it is neat to look at the evolution and it is definitely there.

One of my favorite figures they ever did was the German guard and German Shepherd dog figure. I personally think that is an outstanding likeness to both man and dog. I also happen to own a 125lb Shepherd with similar features! Personally, another of my all time favorite figures is my recently received German Medic from the Westcoaster, my opinion, great figure.


I think most of Figarti's newer figures live up to standard and work great for me. I could tell you of other Company's where I don't like their style or figures, kind of to each his own and that's what this is all about. Technically, in the toy soldier world, you are buying a work of art (sculpting), not really a model when it comes to figures. Therefore, everyone's preference is different.

SO< Sgt Kilroy, best advice is to see them in person and see if they meet your needs.
TD

 

[thebritfarmer]

There is no doubt they make some amazing vehicles and perhaps the figures are just viewed as accessories.

Does Figarti make separate figure or just vehicles with figures? If the latter maybe they just see them as an add on to the vehicles, representing a figure but still not detracting from the vehicle.

 

[PanzerAce1944]

From what I have seen Figarti seems to match well with K&C versus some of the other brands that visibly do not.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Louis...

I have seen the first ranges of Figarti and have several of their products so, as I said in my post I have looked back at the years of figarti and, lets say that paint and sculpt wise they are all over the place. Inconsistancy after seven years is not something that should be an issue they have their own factory and, should be able to see these issues as plain as day. I don't think I am being unfair to figarti comparing them to HB who were relatively knew to the WWII market and, in some of my posts I have also said that some HB are not brilliant figure wise as compared to their superb AFV's. Though the disparity between Beau geste and HB figures is huge and it is clear to see the differences.

I can say now that I do not think anything figure wise figarti have done is IMO equal or better than comparative manufacturer sets and, I have looked closely at this. I spoke with uksubs about this recently and yes, as he stated the british army figures (we discussed in particular) were better they were not as good as say comparable K&C brit figures IMO.

TG has hit the ground running and, has consistantly produced superb sets and is enhancing his brand with every release so, why is it so difficult for Figarti?? I have no idea if their sculptors and painters are not upto scratch then they should be history.

I don't even think CS had this difficulty as what they brought to the party was a new realism in sculpt that I have said was a few years ahead of its time and was difficult for the hobby to accept. However, their paint style was still and always has been consistantly good

The recent releases from Figarti I commented on in joe's west coaster are not, IMO the products of a company that has radically improved over a seven year period they look as if they are going in the opposite direction sadly.

I appreciate what you are saying about the early releases of K&C but, they were a long time ago in terms of what could be done, materials, paints, paint work and, the customer base they were appealing to. I think its fair to say that the modern customer is far more concerned with detail and quality than in 1984. so, for me, they cannot be used in comparison to a company that is producing now with all the modern developments in the hobby. If it were so, then TG would be producing what I call ''pants'' figures and we would, give them latitude in those early releases expecting them to get better over their growth and development.

The figarti sets I have are now on display with other makers figures figures and the figarti ones are in the boxes as I cannot have them out.

Its always amazed me why this should be the case how can you make and paint superb AFV's and then not have the same standard in figures. If as was suggested once when this was raised before by me they are keeping to the model world standards then for goodness sake immediately stop and forge a new way as its clearly not working.
Mitch

Mitch,

I completely agree with you that the inconsistency of the quality of the Figarti figures is frustrating. However, I can only say that K&C figures were at least as inconsistent in sculpting quality until 1999 or so - a production period of fifteen years, more than twice Figarti's. Andy's figures did not become completely consistent in quality until he hired several sculptors from a Chinese Art School just to do his sculpting.

You also have to remember two more things:

1. Rick Wang and his father had no experience in the military or the Toy Soldier industry prior to launching Figarti. Andy was in the Royal Marines and was a toy soldier collector prior to launching K&C, and it still took him 15+ years to consistently maintain today's levels of quality.

2. For every one else in the industry, toy soldiers are their main focus. For the Wangs, Figarti is an aside - the shoe business is 99% of their business focus. Considering how little time Rick can actually afford to focus on Figarti (by his own admission, less than 10% of his work time), the improvements I have seen are pretty impressive.

 

[Vezzolf]

Interesting discussion.....I like Figarti's AFV's and own quite a few......I don't care for their figures much (match only somewhat with K/C in size)....By this time I would have hoped that Figarti sculpts and painting for their figures would be further along.....I must say however that for me the best, most consistant quality figures out there are First Legion....without question....That's why I have been moving my collection in that direction;and have given up trying to match various manufacturers products.

 

[Firebat]

Maybe this will help the discussion