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Dollfie Beginner's Guide: A Comprehensive Explanation from the Differences Between SD and DD to Purchase Methods

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Dollfie Beginner's Guide: A Comprehensive Explanation from the Differences Between SD and DD to Purchase Methods

Dollfie Beginner's Guide | Thorough Explanation from Differences between SD and DD to Purchase Methods

"I’m interested in Dollfie, but where should I start?" "What’s the difference between SD and DD?" If you have such questions, this article provides a thorough explanation of the basic knowledge that beginners should know, from purchase methods to price ranges and size selection. Let’s step into the innovative world of doll hobbies created by Volks together.

What is Dollfie? An Innovative Doll Hobby Created by Volks

Dollfie is a brand of ball-jointed dolls developed by the model and hobby manufacturer Volks. Since its birth in 1998, it has continued to captivate doll fans around the world as an innovative existence that transcends the boundaries of traditional "figures that are only for viewing" and "dolls for play," balancing beauty and customizability.

The Meaning of the Coined Term Doll + Figure = Dollfie

The name "Dollfie" is a coined term that combines the English words "Doll" and "Figure." This name embodies Volks' development philosophy of wanting to fuse the intricate beauty of figures with the playful elements of dressing and customizing dolls. It offers the enjoyment of not just viewing but also nurturing your own unique doll—this is the essence of Dollfie.

Born in 1998: A Presence that Changed the Common Sense of Ball-Jointed Dolls

In 1998, Volks announced the first Dollfie as "Super Dollfie (SD)." At that time, ball-jointed dolls were primarily expensive art pieces created by artists, but Dollfie emerged as a product that general users could purchase and customize as a hobby. This innovation transformed ball-jointed dolls, which had previously been enjoyed only by a small number of enthusiasts, into a hobby that a wide range of people could enjoy.

The World’s First Customizable Doll

The greatest feature of Dollfie is its high customizability, which even beginners can enjoy. You can change the makeup of the face, swap wigs, change outfits, and even modify poses and body types through part exchanges. Volks offers a wide range of dedicated customization parts and official outfits, creating an environment where anyone can create their ideal doll without needing technical skills. This design that allows "anyone to create their own unique doll" is the reason it is loved by fans around the world.

Differences between Super Dollfie (SD) and Dollfie Dream (DD)

Dollfie is broadly divided into two series: Super Dollfie (SD) and Dollfie Dream (DD). To answer the beginner's initial question of "which one should I choose?", we will clearly compare the characteristics of each along four axes: material, size, makeup, and price.

Difference in Material: Urethane Resin vs Soft Vinyl

SD is made of urethane resin, characterized by a smooth texture and transparent skin expression reminiscent of porcelain. It has a substantial feel and gives a heavy presence when held. On the other hand, DD is made of soft vinyl (sofubi), which is lightweight and has a soft touch. It is easy to carry and change poses, making it a user-friendly material for beginners. SD is suited for those seeking an artistic presence, while DD is for those who want to interact and play with their dolls regularly.

Difference in Size Range: SD/SDM vs DD/MDD/DDP/DDS/DDdy

The SD series ranges from SDM (approximately 40cm) to SD17 (approximately 65cm), mainly offering sizes 4 to 7. There are options available from small to large, centered around the standard SD13 (approximately 60cm). On the other hand, the DD series has a more diverse size lineup, from the tiny DD (approximately 27cm) to DDdy (approximately 85cm). MDD (approximately 42cm) and DDS (approximately 50cm) are particularly popular, with a wealth of related products such as costumes and wigs.

Differences in Makeup Expression: Realistic vs Illustrative

SD pursues realistic and lifelike sculpting, possessing delicate expressions that make it seem as if a real human has been miniaturized. It is ideal for those seeking beauty akin to a sculptural work. In contrast, DD is characterized by two-dimensional expressions that seem to have jumped out from the world of anime and illustrations. With large eyes and a cute, character-like face, it is popular among anime fans and character doll enthusiasts.

Differences in Price Range: 80,000 to 500,000 yen vs 30,000 to 150,000 yen

The standard model of SD starts at about 80,000 yen, and limited models or larger sizes can reach 300,000 to 500,000 yen. Due to the material of urethane resin and intricate sculpting, the price range is generally high. On the other hand, DD can be purchased from about 30,000 yen, with standard models costing around 50,000 to 80,000 yen. The use of soft vinyl material and mass production systems make it easier for beginners to enter at a more accessible price point. If you want to keep initial investments low, DD is a good choice, while SD is better if you value future asset appreciation.

The criterion for selection is "what you prioritize the most." If you are looking for anime character-like cuteness with a budget of 30,000 to 80,000 yen, DD is recommended. If you seek realistic beauty and artistry with a budget of over 100,000 yen, SD is the way to go. Additionally, for those who want to enjoy photography, DD is easier to pose, while those who want to display their collection should consider the presence of SD. If in doubt, checking if there is an official model of your favorite character and choosing that series is also a good method.

【Related Articles】: What is the difference from Dollfie? A comparative explanation with ball-jointed dolls and figures

Thorough Explanation of Dollfie Sizes and Types

Both SD and DD have a variety of size variations. When choosing your first doll, size is an important factor directly related to the practicality of obtaining costumes and wigs, display space, and portability. Let's look at the specific size offerings and characteristics of each series.

SD Series: SD, SDM, SD13, SD16, SD17, SDGr, SDGou

The representative sizes of the SD series are as follows. SDM (approximately 40cm) is small and easy to handle, popular among beginners or those who want to enjoy it in a compact space. SD13 (approximately 60cm) is the standard size of the SD series, offering the most abundant options for costumes and wigs. SD16 (approximately 58cm) specializes in a feminine body type, while SD17 (approximately 65cm) focuses on a masculine body type, allowing for a more mature atmosphere. SDGr (Grandi, approximately 70cm) and SDGou (Gou, approximately 72cm) are large models that boast overwhelming presence and intricate details, but they are also high-priced and can be considered for advanced users.

DD Series: Tiny DD, MDD, DDP, DDS, DD, DDdy

The DD series is characterized by an even more diverse range of sizes than the SD series. Chimikko DD (approximately 27cm) is palm-sized and convenient for carrying. MDD (approximately 42cm) stands for "Mini Dollfie Dream" and is popular for its small and cute proportions, with a wide range of related products available. DDP (approximately 43cm) has a chubby body type, DDS (approximately 50cm) has a slim body type, and DD (approximately 60cm) has a standard body type, allowing for a variety of body shapes even at similar heights. DDdy (approximately 85cm) is a large model close to life-size, offering the fun of dressing it in realistic outfits.

For beginners, SDM from the SD series and MDD or DDS from the DD series are recommended. These sizes have a wealth of after-parts such as outfits and wigs, providing many options from both official and third-party sources, thus expanding customization possibilities. Additionally, they do not take up much space for display and are easy to handle when changing poses or outfits. It is advisable to start with the standard size while considering your budget.

Price Range and Purchase Budget for Dollfie

When welcoming a Dollfie, it is important to understand the total costs, including not just the base price but also outfits, wigs, maintenance supplies, etc. To avoid regrets like "It was more expensive than I thought," it is essential to create a realistic budget. Here, we will explain in detail the breakdown of costs that beginners should prepare for initially.

Base Price: Range of 30,000 to 500,000 yen

The standard model of Super Dollfie (SD) typically falls within the price range of 80,000 to 150,000 yen, and it is not uncommon for limited models or special editions to exceed 200,000 yen. The highest-end SDGr or SDGou can even reach prices close to 500,000 yen. On the other hand, Dollfie Dream (DD) can be purchased starting from the 30,000 yen range, with popular MDD and DDS models costing around 50,000 to 80,000 yen. Even limited models are capped around 150,000 yen. Choose according to your budget.

Additional Costs for Outfits, Wigs, and Accessories

After purchasing the main body, in many cases, you will need to buy outfits and wigs separately. The official outfits (OF) from Volks typically cost around 6,000 to 15,000 yen per set. Wigs range from 3,000 to 8,000 yen, and glass eyes (eyes) are priced around 2,000 to 5,000 yen. Including shoes and accessories, it is safe to expect a total additional investment of around 20,000 to 40,000 yen. Utilizing third-party products can further reduce costs.

Costs for Maintenance and Custom Supplies

To enjoy your Dollfie for a long time, maintenance supplies are also necessary. Head caps (hats for head protection) and body tights (underwear to prevent color transfer) each cost around 1,000 to 2,000 yen. If you want to customize the makeup, an initial investment of 5,000 to 10,000 yen is needed for specialized paints and tools. Additionally, doll stands (about 3,000 yen) and carrying cases (5,000 to 15,000 yen) should be gathered as needed.

Initial Investment Estimate: 50,000 to 200,000 yen

If you choose a completed model (D'COORD), you can welcome your first Dollfie for around 50,000 to 80,000 yen, including the body, outfit, and wig. If you want to gather a full set of standard models, a realistic budget would be 80,000 to 120,000 yen for DD types and 150,000 to 200,000 yen for SD types. It is recommended for beginners to start with a completed model and gradually purchase customization parts.

How to Welcome a Dollfie (Purchase Method)

Dollfie differs from regular figures in that purchases are primarily made through official channels. This section provides a detailed explanation of how to safely and reliably welcome Dollfie, including purchasing methods from Volks' official online store and physical stores, ready-made models for beginners, the custom order system, and the risks of secondary sales.

Purchase from Volks Official Online Store

At the Volks official online store (such as https://volksusastore.com/), you can purchase the latest and classic models. If in stock, items can be shipped the same day, while made-to-order models take approximately 2 to 6 months for delivery after ordering. The official site provides detailed specifications and photos for each model, allowing you to carefully choose while comparing sizes and prices. By registering as a member, you can receive new product information and campaign updates quickly, so beginners should check the official site first.

Purchase at Physical Stores: Doll Point Akihabara, Osaka, and Tenshi no Sato

For those who want to see the actual products before purchasing, Volks' physical stores are recommended. In Tokyo's Doll Point Akihabara, Osaka's Doll Point Osaka, and Kyoto's Tenshi no Sato, you can see display samples up close and consult directly with staff. There are also store-exclusive models and used items available, and some stores offer fitting services (for wigs and costumes). Especially for beginners, it is strongly recommended to check the actual size and texture in-store before making a purchase.

Standard Model vs D'COORD (Ready-Made Model)

Dollfie comes in two types: "Standard Model (body only)" and D'COORD (D'COORD, ready-made model). The Standard Model includes only the body, head, and eyes, with costumes and wigs sold separately, catering to those who want to customize to their liking. On the other hand, D'COORD is a ready-made product that comes with costumes, wigs, and accessories, allowing you to display it right away upon arrival. For beginners, D'COORD is recommended as it eliminates the hassle of additional purchases and makes total costs easier to understand.

How to Use Dream Choice (Order System)

Volks' Dream Choice is a system that allows you to freely combine heads, bodies, skin tones, makeup, wigs, and more to place an order. You can convey your preferences using a dedicated order sheet at the official site or stores, creating your own original doll. The delivery time is usually 3 to 6 months, and prices vary depending on the combination of parts. While it may be a bit challenging for beginners, it is an ideal option for those seeking a "one-of-a-kind" piece.

Risks and Precautions of Secondary Sales

Dollfie is highly popular and is traded in the used market and auctions, but official purchases are strongly recommended for beginners. The reasons are the risks of counterfeits and recasts circulating, and the possibility that used items may not receive official support (repairs and maintenance). By purchasing through official channels, you can receive support in case of any defects, allowing you to enjoy your doll life with peace of mind.

[Related Article]: Explaining the History of Dollfie | The New Doll Hobby Culture Pioneered by Volks

Basic Terminology Every Beginner Should Know

The world of Dollfie has many unique technical terms. This section explains the names of body parts that beginners may find confusing, terms related to customization, and abbreviations related to items in simple language. Understanding these terms will facilitate smoother information gathering on the official site and in the community.

Body Related: Head, Torso, Bust, Frame

"Head" refers to the head part, which has facial sculpting and makeup applied. It is interchangeable in many models. "Torso" refers to the body part, and "Bust" refers to the chest part. In DD models, there are some that allow you to change the bust parts to modify the chest size. "Frame" refers to the internal skeleton, which affects the range of motion of the joints and the stability of poses. These parts have some compatibility, and depending on the combination, infinite customization is possible.

"Makeup" refers to the painting of the face, which is called "face makeup" by Volks. You can apply it yourself or use the official makeup change service. "Esthetic" is a unique term from Volks that refers to the maintenance and cleaning service for dolls. "Parts Exchange" allows you to replace parts such as hands, feet, and body with different ones, broadening the range of body types and poses.

"OF" is an abbreviation for "Official Outfit", referring to the official costume sets from Volks. Size notations include "for SD" and "for DD", so be sure to choose one that fits your doll's size when purchasing. "Wig" refers to interchangeable hair, available in a variety of colors, lengths, and styles. "Eyes" are eye parts, which include glass eyes and acrylic eyes, and changing their color and size can significantly alter the expression.

Summary: To Successfully Welcome Your First Doll

This article comprehensively explained the basic knowledge that Dollfie beginners should know. Understand the differences between SD and DD in terms of material, size, makeup, and price, and choose according to your budget and preferences. For beginners, it is recommended to start with manageable sizes like MDD or SDM, and completed models (D'COORD) are a good starting point. Use the official online store or physical stores for purchases to ensure a safe and reliable welcome.

Dollfie is not just a figure, but a hobby of nurturing your own unique partner. After welcoming your first one, the enjoyment expands infinitely with changing outfits, customizing makeup, and photography. For those who want to know more about the Dollfie world, please check out the 【Related Articles】: Complete Guide to Volks and Dollfie | A Thorough Explanation for Beginners from Differences Between SD and DD to Purchase Methods. I wholeheartedly support your first step into the doll life.

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Complete Guide to Volks and Dollfie | Introduction to Doll Culture for Beginners