[Guest]

Hi guys,

This should be a fun question for you to answer. My nephew has another question and it is which companies (still in business) make the "best" diecast collectibles. I've recommended CMC, Exoto, GMP, Conrad and others, but would like to see what you guys think too.

Steve

 

[Guest]

I don't think that there is a definitive answer. Quite a few high end companies make some great models in all scales.

:cheers

 

[gundam40]

oh noes! Not the Autoart vs. Kyosho or Autoart vs. Minichamps polls again! :lol

But seriously, it's very hard to judge who's the best, because each model maker makes some gems and duds too.

Price is a consideration as well.

Personally, I buy a lot of Autoarts, because their older stuff is priced right, and have amazing details for the price. Not the new releases tho :ranting

Kyosho is another amazing company I like, but they don't have enough variety.

 

[Guest]

Steve, when doing this kind of stuff, one has to always take relative decisions.

Obviously, Exoto,GMP and CMC are probably the best manufacturers known.

I would reccomend that he categorizes manufacturers depending on price first as

Budget range: cheap ones like Bburago
Medium range: stuff like AUTOart and Minichamps
Top range: Exoto, CMC, GMP

One also, has to remember that some companies do different detail in different lines aswell. So, again, one has to be very specific in the categorization. Example, AUTOart motosport and AUTOart signature are from AUTOart, but Signature is much better in terms of detail.

In my opinion, CMC are the absolute best. From a value for money perspective, AUTOart top line are the best.

 

[Guest]

Depends on what your collecting myself do alot of the Nascar cars so for them I'd say Action, Muscle cars ae. Camaro, Mustang Chevelle's I say GMP, Misc. AUTOart I have alot of these they seem to be very detailed :shipwrecked :scared :yahoo

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys!

Understand you points about each person's point of interest, but what if price was not an issue?

 

[Guest]

For me, the example of a very good diecast brand is CMC

They always increase in their quality, you can see that the models are always getting better and the prices aren't actually shooting up, but are pretty stable.

As for customer service, I have been told that they are pretty good aswell.

Downside, very few models made. And almost solely Mercedes.

 

[Guest]

Is there a right or wrong answer to this question as it is relative the individual collector.

Having seen some CMC, I can certainly understand why its such a high regarded model as they simply beautiful.

However, for me CMC doesn't rank amongst the best for me as their subject matter doesn't appeal to me as my collecting preferences don't follow that brand.

Really tough question to answer.

 

[Guest]

duplicating some of what has already been said;

It is terribly difficult to simply say "the best" of anything without certain definitions. Breaking it down by subject (classic, exotic, race categories, cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.), scale (1:48, 1:32, 1:24/5; 1:18, 1:12), and price (budget, intermediate, highline) will reveal vastly different and justified opinions.....

I think part what makes this hobby so enjoyable is the large selection that covers these definitions, the people who produce as well as collect, them, and the forums like this which we can share our opinions, thoughts, and friendship....

It's always been a good question, but one that is too difficult and selective to define let alone answer with a clear winner.....

 

[LUW]

If price and subject is not an issue, CMC is the best, no questions.

 

[Guest]

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:iagree

Too bad CMC doesn't produce the eras that I'm into. Perhaps in the near future.

 

[JSB 33]

I agree that CMC is at the very top of the heap in mass produced 1:18
Exoto would be a close second
GMP/Danbury Mint
AUTOart/Kyosho/Minichamps/Lane/Carousel 1

It all depends on what particular model you are talking about.
There are very good and some not so good from each mfg.

Then again, a lot of it comes down to the person looking at the model. Kind of like which is better, Coke or Pepsi?

 

[Guest]

Coke. :happy

 

[JSB 33]

PEPSI! :giggle

 

[LUW]

Pepsi Twist Light :wink

 

[Venom]

From what have in my collection AutoArt and Kyosho seem to be the best. I would say Minichamps aswell, but I only have one old Minichamps Champ Car, so I can't say much about them other than what I see in pics. And I like Coke more than Pepsi :giggle

 

[MED]

I have to credit Exoto and Autoart at top, Minichamps and Kyosho a close next, then Maisto, Hot Wheels, etcetera. I have not purchased any Lane, Exact Detail, or Precision Miniatures . . . yet!

 

[Guest]

I would have to vote for CMC. Their models are exquisite, and their customer service is great. Exoto makes great models also, but I don't physically own one, but have seen several in person. I did call them about buying the Ford 999 from them. I called twice in 1 day, and was told 3 different things. One, they didn't have them in stock, Two, they did have them in stock, but then it changed to we have them in stock, but their still on the ship and wouldn't get them out for a couple of weeks because they were a really small company and don't have the personell...so other than that I don't know of their customer service.

Don't have a GMP, but Lane Exact Detail makes a great Firebird...but some of their others don't seem so great (dog leg hinges on the Camero, etc)

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[Guest]

Pepsi Lime :cheers

 

[Guest]

Exoto and CMC on the high end (I tend to favor Exoto a bit since I do think their quality is a little bit better and they have a more varied range.)

UT on the low-end. What a wonderful brand. Too bad they're gone.