PNSO : New for 2023

[ceratopsian]

I'm still really fond of my Borealopelta from PNSO. It sits on my library shelf right next to my desk. (But you know me well enough to realise I favour ornithischians!) Personally I find the colours rich and satisfying.

[Faelrin]

How does the Borealopelta display next to the Parasaurolophus and/or Deinocheirus? I think I might settle on it for now because it is the cheapest of the bunch.

At first I didn't like the disparity between the promo images and the final product when this initially released (loss of ivory on the spikes, and no wash on the back), but after watching a long video breaking down the paper (by one of the paper's authors if I recall correctly), the final coloration might be a tad bit more plausible because of the keratin covered skin on the back, and keratin covering the bony cores of the spikes. I think this one's integument is more accurate then the CollectA (though aside fron Kaiyodo's tiny brown one, it was a great option at the time).

[Sim]

I've had a copy of the PNSO Borealopelta and didn't like it.  I own the CollectA version and much prefer it to PNSO's.  The integument is more accurate on the CollectA e.g. light coloured shoulder spikes.

Of the figures you're thinking of, @Faelrin, I'd recommend the Yutyrannus or Meraxes.  I only have the Yutyrannus out of the two and I'm very happy with it.  If you like Meraxes (I don't) the PNSO version looks great.

[Flaffy]

Can you use the $3 off for every $30 on multiple separate purchases? Or is it only applicable to the first purchase that claims the discount?

e.g. I want to buy $120 dollars worth of goods, but the max discount is $90 (i.e. $9 off max). So could I instead spread it into two separate purchases, $90 and $30, so that I can reap the discount fully?

[Flaffy]

@Faelrin get the Meraxes, you won't be disappointed.

Borealopelta would be my second pick from your list, but if you already have the CollectA one then I wouldn't bother.

I don't recommend the Yutyrannus. The skull is all sorts of off. Paleo-nerd's blog explains things pretty clearly.

I'd wait for an updated Dunkleosteus from someone else based on the new proportions proposed by the 2023 paper.

[ceratopsian]

AliExpress can be remarkably opaque!  I honestly don't know the answer.

Can you use the $3 off for every $30 on multiple separate purchases? Or is it only applicable to the first purchase that claims the discount?

e.g. I want to buy $120 dollars worth of goods, but the max discount is $90 (i.e. $9 off max). So could I instead spread it into two separate purchases, $90 and $30, so that I can reap the discount fully?

[Kaustav Bhattacharyya]

I have seen some small pimples are distributed over the Albertosaurus skin texture? Is there any such evidences? The skin texturing of the previous tyrannosaurs are well researched.

[Pliosaurking]

Is there any possibility to make prehistoric crocodilians by PNSO?

Please do!!!

[Faelrin]

@Flaffy I do not have a single Borealopelta from anyone yet. I would like to have one for comparison purposes if/when I can get and review the Mattel one.

Ideally I'd like a new updated shorter Dunkleosteus too, but I'm not sure any company will get to that any time soon. I think the old Favorite might still reign supreme? I wonder if it would be possible to just commission someone to resculpt a new body for the PNSO figure and retain the head, maybe the fluked tail end? I still adore the jaw articulation since they were the only company to attempt that aspect (even if the gill placement is off from what I recall forum discussion on). Though I'm sure that would cost a lot. So I think for now I'll rule Dunkleosteus out.

As for the Yutyrannus I have both the Safari Ltd and BotM, but I'm not entirely opposed to adding another to my collection. Are any of the options for it out there truly 1/35 scale (or well as close as possible), such as PNSO's? I thought the Safari Ltd one was closer to 1/40, too small for most of my static model collection? I was unaware there were any issues with the skull. At a brief glance when watching DinosDragons review it seemed close to the image of the skeletal material?

Based on everyone's suggestions the Meraxes is the clear winner, but it would need to wait until I pay my cards again.

Come to think of Acrocanthosaurus is another good option to, which would display nicely next to my Rebor Deinonychus and Safari Ltd Sauropelta. I have the Safari Ltd Deinonychus too but it is way too big to be in scale.

There's also PNSO's Suchomimus which displays great alongside Safari Ltd (if not Rebor's upcoming) Sarcosuchus and Haolonggood Ouranosaurus (although I'm behind on all of those).

Can't forget the Tarbosaurus and last year's Therizinosaurus that would go with my Deinocheirus. Yeah I've got quite a bit to catch up on. There's also the upcoming Gorgosaurus that maybe I should just hold off and wait for too. Ugh this is so tough to decide lol.

[ceratopsian]

Meraxes is the only PNSO theropod with standing issues that I have.  It stands - just about with some support.  This colours my view rather.

[Remko]

I'd wait for an updated Dunkleosteus from someone else based on the new proportions proposed by the 2023 paper.

Well, look no more!
David Krentz is a visionairy, and already made a figure with the correct proprtions!  

https://www.shapeways.com/product/SAVBZKUVB/dunkleosteus-chubbie-1?optionId=41757627&li=marketplace

[Faelrin]

R @Remko Thanks for sharing it. Not painted, but it is so cute. Cheap too. Need to get one. Lol love the clown fish/Nemo one.

[TlatolophusJuanorum]

Can you use the $3 off for every $30 on multiple separate purchases? Or is it only applicable to the first purchase that claims the discount?

e.g. I want to buy $120 dollars worth of goods, but the max discount is $90 (i.e. $9 off max). So could I instead spread it into two separate purchases, $90 and $30, so that I can reap the discount fully?

You should use different coupons from AliExpress Promo Sale webpage.There you can see more discounts depending on your payment method. I recently bought for roughly 38 usd the PNSO's Borealopelta and Microraptor with the aid of coins+coupons+summer sale promo and Haolonggood's Wuerhosaurus and Pachyrhinosaurus similarly for about 67 USD. https://promossale.com/aliexpress-promo-codes-and-coupons-june-2023/

[ceratopsian]

I didn't think all shops have coins discount?  Only some list it. I've used coins several times with My Online Toy Store.

[Faelrin]

Well I changed my mind about getting a PNSO figure for now. It can wait until after I pay some more on my cards in a few weeks time. I didn't think to look earlier, but it caught my mind, and after checking I saw the Haolonggood figures are on sale too. The red Ouranosaurus is super cheap right now on My Online Toy Store (on Aliexpress). Had 2 $1 coupons available too, so I went with that for now.

That said I appreciate everyone's input, and it gives me a bit more time to decide on one.

[Bread]

Well I changed my mind about getting a PNSO figure for now. It can wait until after I pay some more on my cards in a few weeks time. I didn't think to look earlier, but it caught my mind, and after checking I saw the Haolonggood figures are on sale too. The red Ouranosaurus is super cheap right now on My Online Toy Store (on Aliexpress). Had 2 $1 coupons available too, so I went with that for now.

That said I appreciate everyone's input, and it gives me a bit more time to decide on one.

I think this is a total win. A good choice since Haolonggood is definitely hot right now.

[SidB]

Well I changed my mind about getting a PNSO figure for now. It can wait until after I pay some more on my cards in a few weeks time. I didn't think to look earlier, but it caught my mind, and after checking I saw the Haolonggood figures are on sale too. The red Ouranosaurus is super cheap right now on My Online Toy Store (on Aliexpress). Had 2 $1 coupons available too, so I went with that for now.

That said I appreciate everyone's input, and it gives me a bit more time to decide on one.

It seems like there's somewhat of a pattern emerging - folks slowing down on snapping up the latest PNSO release and reaching out for the Haolonggood offering instead. I'm one of them.

[Gwangi]

Well I changed my mind about getting a PNSO figure for now. It can wait until after I pay some more on my cards in a few weeks time. I didn't think to look earlier, but it caught my mind, and after checking I saw the Haolonggood figures are on sale too. The red Ouranosaurus is super cheap right now on My Online Toy Store (on Aliexpress). Had 2 $1 coupons available too, so I went with that for now.

That said I appreciate everyone's input, and it gives me a bit more time to decide on one.

It seems like there's somewhat of a pattern emerging - folks slowing down on snapping up the latest PNSO release and reaching out for the Haolonggood offering instead. I'm one of them.

I very nearly went for the PNSO Lythronax but as soon as Haolonggood announced their two most recent figures I immediately changed my mine. As long as Haolonggood has dinosaurs on the horizon I will be more carefully considering any figure from PNSO. 

[Faelrin]

Yeah I hope this new competition from Haolonggood serves as a wake-up call to PNSO. Cheaper prices, multiple color options, and already more variety even though it's mostly herbivores this year. They've still managed to deliver dinosaurs from multiple groups this year, with 1 sauropod, 1 ornithopod, 3 ceratopsians, 1 ankylosaur, 1 stegosaur (or 2 thyreophorans), with a rumored megaraptorid on the way.

PNSO hasn't seen this sort of variety since like back in late 2020 and 2021 I think? This year is definitely PNSO's weakest as far as variety goes. Only theropods, and only theropods from 2 groups, carcharodontosaurids, and tyrannosaurids. Even though last year was theropod heavy, they did put out 1 carcharodontosaurid, 1 metriacanthosaurid, 1 ornithomimosaur, 2 spinosaurids, 1 therizinosaurid, and 1 tyrannosaurid, so at least some variety of the sort. Two of those theropods had feathers, and both the Deinocheirus and Suchomimus had very bold and unique colorations that stand out among the bulk of PNSO's other theropods (this year's Meraxes as well).

The only high ground PNSO might have at this point, especially if they continue going this way is being more diligent with their anatomical research, at least for the most part (controversial issues like lack of lips, "Nanotyrannus", and a few other minor anatomical issues here and there). Maybe the included artwork, but I think most people here are really just interested in the figures only.

[Bread]

Deinocheirus and Therizinosaurus were definitely the heavy hitters last year. Still two of my favorites from PNSO.

I still find it odd that the last figure with the $22.99 price was the Cretoxyrhina which arguably is another one of their best.

I am curious to what the next figure could be at that price point, if it ever happens again.