The bootleg figures that have been showing up are made from 2 distinct molds - and apparently are made by different people. The molds for the first set are very similar to the original Hasbro mold... the molds for the second set have interiors that are less intricate.
A good way to distinguish Grouping 1 from Groupin 2 is that the figures for Grouping 1 have glossy paint on the boots and straps, whereas the figures from Grouping 2 have matte paint on the boots and legs.
(I am calling them Grouping 1 and Grouping 2 based on their attributes - not because of where - or from whom - they were bought. I have bought some from China, some from Canada, and some from the US)
Grouping 1
Grouping 2 A
Grouping 2 B
Some of the figures have variations... Most notably the blue troopers, the viper pilots, and the crimson troopers.
The first troopers (released late last year) had reversed arm rivets, dull symbols, and red O-rings.
The next batch (released earlier this year) had reversed arm rivets, bright symbols, and black O-rings
The most recent batch has corrected arm rivets, dull symbols (like the originals), and black O-rings - and the blue is slightly darker
All blue troopers are from Grouping 1
The first Crimson Trooper was made as part of Grouping 1 (glossy paint aps, fully defined torso interior, and slightly crimson stained rivets)
The second Crimson Trooper was made as part of Grouping 2 (matte paint aps, simplified torso interior, and painted crimson rivets)
The third Crimson Trooper is actually a RED SHADOW!!! Also made as part of Grouping 2 (matte paint aps, simplified torso interior, and painted crimson rivets). The red is darker than the previous 2 crimson figures.
(imo the plastic should be lighter and more orange - sort of like Red Laser... )
Enjoy!
Aire
)