Following up from my previous post I wanted to discuss Blythe’s body & how it compares to one of the Blythe Clones that is out there: Basaak.
At first glance I really didn’t think there’d be much of a difference. Call me cynical or whatever but I pretty much assumed that these knock offs were being made from “lost” (stolen) or rejected plates meant originally for Takara Blythe. (I’m wrong apparently).
So looking at them…
I mean ok, there’s some difference in the face molds…(actually I’m sure there’s a considerable difference but I just can’t see much of it yet). But was there anything really different???
This was a pretty important question to me since I’ve been looking at the prices for Blythes ($$$–$$$$$$) and if there wasn’t then why the difference in pricing? It couldn’t be for the body, since people seem to get rid of them frequently (changing them out for Takara Licca, Obitsu and other bodies). It could be for the name of course…But no.
Well……. if you’re going to talk about “build quality” there’s a big difference. Huuuuuge. (IMO at least). Points of difference: (these are more than likely stating the obvious to anyone reading but I feel I should line them out anyway).
- The quality of the plastic used on the dolls is different.
- Blythe has a narrower nose bridge etc.
- Hands on Basaak are not well defined (sorry no close up pics right now)
- Legs on Basaak are a different type of vinyl–harder/more dense. It was an actual struggle to bend her legs. Blythe’s clicked uber-easily into place.
- Blythe appears to be slightly (marginally) shorter than Basaak.
- Basaak just isn’t built very sturdily–upon undressing her I found her torso beginning to crack apart at the side seams.
- Basaak’s face is definitely a different color than her head/scalp. It’s not as obvious in the photos as it is in person. Blythe may have that problem too but Emily doesn’t so I can’t judge for certain.
- Basaak can do an awesome imitation of Linda Blair in The Exorcist.
- Unlike Blythe Basaak can not only move her arms up and down (ala swinging them) but she can move them outwards & up & down (like a bird flapping its wings).
- Because the Basaak’s legs are made of harder material her feet aren’t as squidgy as Blythe’s. I’m guessing this may make the body mildly more posable in shoes etc.
- Her headscalp is easy to remove (although it took me a couple of tries to get it back on after). She came to me with stains on her vinyl head scalp thing. And her hair is greasy and ratty (like a little kid cut her hair–its got chunks out of here and there). I’ve since washed her hair & tried to give it a trim to even it out and I have to say that it’s not that bad.
One thing that I cannot stand about Basaak is whatever the vinyl/ plastic is that they used to make her legs out of is exceptionally stinky. I’d have said it was just me (I’m extra sensitive when it comes to odors) but Mark actually commented on it too (like the fact that when he picked her up and put her down his hands came away smelling like the plastic). In an attempt to remedy that I did wash her legs (since I was going to wash her hair anyway) but no dice. Still uber smelly
Blythe vs. Basaak?
No.
That’s not really a fair match (and don’t even get me started with comparing them to volks LOL). Considering you can get a Basaak off of feebay pretty cheap (or the heads for just about 12 bucks a pop) I’d say it’s a good way to get some practice in on this unique doll type. Since I’ve determined how I’m going to work them into things I think it’s ok. They won’t be stuck on the shelf like the FR girls.
9 Responses to “Blythe & Basaak: *pics & comparisons*”
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Eeeek! You got your girl already! :biggrin: I’m glad to hear she’s not going to stuck on the shelf!
Well, from one Blythe newbie to another, I really appreciate the comparison pics & editorial. Even with all your notes & seeing them side by side, they still look so similar to me. (I know that will change, upon learning more, and picking up on specifics, but it’s a lot better likeness than Barbie vs. Dollar Store fashion doll.) Seems like there are definite quality differences, but a little give & take too– especially considering the price, and I’d definitely take the Basaak rotating arms over the Blythe swinging arms — that seems like a no-brainer. What’s up, Blythe?
When you say the plastic quality is different, does the Basaak seem fragile? I remember Chelle saying she could see the sun glowing through her Blybe’s head, and I kind of have this fear that her head is so thin I’d pick her up and stick my thumb through her face, or something. Is she strong enough to handle a good amount of customizing, do you think? Really can’t wait to see one up close & personal!
And yay for Blythe links in your sidebar!
Okay, back to work. got to get ready for Friday!!
“Call me cynical or whatever but I pretty much assumed that these knock offs were being made from “lost” (stolen) or rejected plates meant originally for Takara Blythe. (I’m wrong apparently).”
Those would be the so-called Factory Blythes (I’m guessing you’re “I’m wrong” comes from knowing this?) Factory Blythes have their own following, with people apparently paying as much for a nude factory doll as a complete stock doll, just to see what’s wrong with them and whose parts are used…
C - they aren’t like paper thin/ uber fragile. But the heads don’t seem to be as dense or thick plastic wise. I would be a lot more careful about carving any mods into the Basaak because of that (if you grasp what I’m trying to say?)
Hi Andrea!
Good to see you here!
Err…actually I meant in regard to Blybe, Basaak and the CCC knock offs. I already pretty much knew that the Factory girls were out there (although again I’m not sure why those command such high prices either???
Okay Kitten, you know I love you…. but them big headed dolls gimme the creeps!
Very, very interesting. I inherited a Pulip from a friend who didn’t really like her (she collects American Girl dolls) and it’s interesting to see other similar dolls like the Blythe.
I may not be out to collect them, but it’s neat to see the two side by side – maybe I’ll pick up a cheap head to work with hair and makeup before starting in on my Pulip, just for the practice… hrm…
Kitty: it’s ok! Mark’s creeped out by them too!
Sam: I’ve only seen pullips online but they look interesting (and sort of like a cross between a volks dollfie & a blythe). Practice is goooood!
it helps keep trial and error damage to a minimum when working on a “good” (ie expensive) doll.
I’m not sure that Blythes (or Clones) are something I’m going to start collecting–but right now I’ve been bitten by the bug and I’m itching to try some customizing work on them!
I’d never even heard of a Basaak! But it was very interesting to me as a total outsider. I might even look em up on eBay!! Keep us posted Erica!
S – I’d never heard of them either until I started really looking into Blythe. Then all sorts of clones and things started to pop out of the woodwork!
Your clone is so cute. I’m not sure if you got her in her box or not, but my doll didn’t have the plastic stink. However the person who sold her had her of the box to make clothes for her. I heard about the stink and did worry about it but a lot of people say it goes away over time. And umm…you got the legs to click??? I tried mine and they refuse to click. Maybe I didn’t use enough pressure. A little nervous to try, her body is very fragile. I want to get her an Obitsu body eventually I think. Can’t wait to see what you do with them.