SOLD OUTS on eBay or in RPF Junkyard
John Long's current selling P1 and the "sold out: Mastepiece Models manufactured resin kit based upon molds supplied by John Long come closest to screen used accurate in shape. I don't have a "MM", but some complain of inconsistent quality control across the manufacturing run by Masterpiece Models. Also, you better get some metal parts to replace the ones that are resin on the kit that should be metal (if accuracy is your aim).
Masterpiece Models Phaser Kit (referred to as MM's)
The Master Replicas Phaser is fairly accurate overall, but not as close as the "MM" phaser shape. The P2 hood is too high, the P1 shape is wrong, etc. What the "MR" Phaser lacks in accuaracy, they make up for in the sheer fun boatload of features. The downside is this prop is very fragile and prone to breaking down on alot of its features. Also, it sells for a king ransom on eBay. And be careful. These get traded around more than the school tramp and may have already seen a lot of wear and be prone to early breakage even before you buy it. That said, everyone should have one of these if you're collecting phasers.
Master Replicas ("MR" Phaser)
The Coyle phaser. My favorite is Rich's last run of phasers he did that are the digital version for Roddenberry.com. That phaser is loud, bright and a lot of fun. It's also more durable than the MR and Richard is an industry prop professional whose phasers hold their value well. Upside is it's already made too.
Richard Coyle Phaser
I'm also partial to the extremely small run of Todd Mustachio phasers (rare on eBay), which have a very accurate shape to them according to Steve Dymszo (formerly of Master Replicas). Steve said it was more accurate than the "MR" phaser in shape. Like the Coyles, these are durable resin and metal with bright lights and "clear the room" loud sounds.
Todd Mustachio ("TM" Phasers)
Another super great resin/metal phaser is the Dennis Stines phaser. Super duper ultra rare though. Only a small run out there that are within a small circle of people. He built up a small run of phasers that were very accurate, with quality metal parts and hero features like raising P1 site and removeable accurate pronged handle. Has custom made quality electronics with tons of loud sounds and bright lights.
Dennis Stines Phaser (known as a DStines phaser)
SORRY, no publicly available photo on this one. If someone has a picture of theirs, please post it
>>> If someone wants to sell their DStines phaser, please PM me.<<<
There's also the
Ed Miarecki static resin phaser. No lights or sounds, but if you get his last run they're one of the more accurate phasers in shape and super well made. They are rare but can be bought for a reasonable price when they do show up. Ed's also an industry propmaker and these hold their value too.
Even further back (starting in 70's 'til 80's) is the
Brad Nelson phaser that uses a strobe light to "flash beam" your enemies. Painfully ultra rare to find a working one in good condition and can sell for as much as a car. Phaser collectors from the early days have a fondness for this phaser, even though it's not that accurate. But considering there were no DVD's to get screencaps off back then, he did a great job.
So, if accuracy is your aim, get a good MM builtup with additional metal parts by one of the seasoned phaser makers on the board here with grain of wheat lights, no sounds, extending P2 emitter when P1 is inserted, pronged removeable handle, etc. (like the Greg Jein phaser). But, be prepared to pay a lot for all that work, unless you do it yourself.
Tom
