Lego Magnets

[thatblockoguy]

Hi. I never really paid much attention to the magnets. I just realized (thru the help of Bricklink) that the magnet piece is now (and probably for some time) a seperate piece. Does this mean that the minifig is just the same, regular minifig that you'd find in a buiding set? I remember that they used to have magnets in their legs and torso. Is this no longer the case? Thanks.

[prateek]

The minifigs are just regular, except that they are slightly worse quality.

[thatblockoguy]

Worse in what way? Do they have that cheaper "collectible minifig feel" or is it something else?

[Darth Jar Jar]

Worse in what way? Do they have that cheaper "collectible minifig feel" or is it something else?

They have the collectible minifig feel

[The Green Brick Giant]

The short version.

Magnet minifigures are cheap Chinese MegaBloks.

Edited October 3, 2010 by The Green Brick Giant

[Darth Jar Jar]

The short version.

Magnet minifigures are cheap Chinese MegaBloks.

They are not as bad as that should not be named

Edited October 3, 2010 by Darth Jar Jar

[Flare]

The figures on the magnet sets are made in the China plant, they are created with slightly less quality plastic, similar to the collectible figures.

[Aanchir]

The figures on the magnet sets are made in the China plant, they are created with slightly less quality plastic, similar to the collectible figures.

I wouldn't say worse quality, necessarily (at least not if they're up-to-par with the collectible figs from Series 2), but on some parts they have been reported to have a different look and feel. Part of this is because the collectible figs use an entirely new set of molds for parts that otherwise seem familiar (minifig torsos, legs, hips, arms, etc), and the same applies for some of the parts from magnet sets (can't say for certain that they share all their molds with the collectible figs, but the arms and torsos in particular are the same).

Magnet set reviews I've seen list two main quality issues that are actually problematic: colors that are inconsistent with regular figs, and printing that is inconsistent with regular figs. No idea whether either of those problems afflicts current and future magnet sets (my experience with collectible figs from series 2 is good, so it's possible LEGO is starting to address some of the problems that got credited to Chinese manufacture), but I think a lot of people will shy away from using magnet sets as army builders, and not without a good reason. My advice is to look for a review of any magnet pack before buying it for yourself, so that you can get a good idea of that particular pack's quality.

Note also that collectible minifigs are considered "main-line" sets, while magnet sets are considered "extended-line". Quality assurance is lower on extended-line products, or at least has been in the past. It's possible that now that China has a stronger presence in producing main-line products like the collectible figs, LEGO will start to hold them to a higher standard, but again I have not owned any magnet sets and thus can't speak from actual experience.

The biggest problem with both the magnet sets and the collectible figs, though, is one that doesn't have to do with quality in the strictest sense: neither are eligible for parts replacement from LEGO customer service. That means that if something is wrong with the figs you get from a magnet set (and tradition suggests there's a greater chance of that than with typical sets), then you can't send the parts back to LEGO for a replacement. So even if there were no reports of quality issues with the magnet sets, buying them would still be a greater risk than buying a regular set. No matter how much quality might improve with these sets in the future, a responsible buyer will still exercise caution when determining whether these sets are worth the investment.

That's my rant. Take from it what you will. Hope it helps.

[Big Cam]

I wouldn't be so quick to hate on the magnets, although not built from as high of quality, they are a great way to get rare figs, and if you treat them with care, they will hardly be distinguishable from regular figs. Perfect for personal collections.

[thatblockoguy]

Thanks guys. All your replies were helpful. The last magnet set I bought was a Batman set several years ago. The Joker's torso had a double print on it. after a bit of time explain to my Canadian CS person about the defect and that, since the torso and legs were glued together, the only way to replace it was to send me an new Joker, she conceded and i received a new 3-pack shortly after.

[Tpatcher]

In my experience I've found the magnets sets to be the best out of the cheap plastics. I've gotten Star wars, and toy story and they are almost a perfect match to the real thing. But battle packs and the lego store volume packs (Not the minifigs, the five pack collection.)are horrible! Cheap, opaque, non clasping hands. Torso looks like it has a decal on it and not a print. Weapons are a darker shade, and very brittle. Arms rotate like crazy, legs wobble, hands can't turn. Mega Blocks are 10X better quality then that crud. *Rant over.*

Long story short the magnet packs are the best of a worser world. (Is that a word?) They look just like the real thing, but you can tell they arn't. (Missing neck print, and branding on right armpit.) They are a great way to get a fig you want, at a decent price, and are col. minifig quality.

[charlieboy]

I dont think there are any big issues with them,ive bought Star wars,Indiana Jones and Prince of Persia magnet sets and have been happy with them all.Infact ive never had any probs buying any minifigs but then im not really that picky,a small misprint or slightly off colour part wouldnt put me off a set.