You may have read our latest blog about brand comparisons focusing on Schleich and CollectA, and so we thought we’d create another helpful resource focusing on our model dinosaur range to help you make the best choice for your collection.

There are a number of variables when deciding on the perfect model dinosaur to add to your prehistoric herd, including but not limited to, whether you intend to play or display your dinosaur figures, the colours used in the paintwork, move-ability of your models, whether you are conscious of scientific accuracy, and if you prefer your collection to be in scale with each other.

We stock a large collection of model dinosaurs from a range of brands including CollectA, Schleich, Papo, Safari, PNSO, Creative Beast Studio, and Mojo. We also carry other brands which have a small collection of dinosaur models - Bullyworld, Eofauna, Science & Nature and Wild Republic.

One of our eager, young customers, Noah M, has been giving some of our dinosaur models a lot of thought. It’s always great to get others’ opinions when making the best choice for your own collection, so we’ve included some of his comments on our brands in this blog.

CollectA

The CollectA brand boasts 2 ranges of dinosaurs, the regular size and the Deluxe size, the latter being the larger. They do also have smaller tubes of miniature dinosaur models if you’re after something little.

CollectA produces a huge variety of detailed and recognisable dinosaur models, and Noah believes they are “arguably the best scale-wise brand at MiniZoo”, because the regular CollectA dinosaurs are all to scale with one another, and so are the deluxe figures. If accuracy in scale is something you look for when buying dinosaur figures, the Deluxe Dinos each come with a small model of a man which allow you to compare size easily and see how big the prehistoric creature was compared to a human.

Most appealing aspect: Scale accuracy within the collection.

Schleich

As far as detail is concerned, Schleich and CollectA are pretty comparable, though the range of dinosaurs is not as large as CollectA.

Noah carefully noticed that in order to balance their figures and to ensure they don’t fall over, the feet on the Schleich Dinos tend to be slightly larger than the other brands, which can “be a problem if you are after something more scientifically accurate”.

Their dinosaurs are also typically more vibrant and colourful with unique textures, so if you’re after some prehistoric reptiles that will “spice up your shelf” then Noah recommends Schleich.

Most appealing aspect: Often vibrant and colourful.

Papo

Noah finds Papo to be “one of the most inspiring dinosaur toy brands of all” and notes particularly the “outstanding detail” on its models.

Unlike the other dinosaur brands we stock here at MiniZoo, Papo only has one size range in their dinosaurs. They match relatively well scale-wise to the larger ranges in the other brands, if you like to mix and match.

Papo often sculpts its therapods in more exciting poses, like having them rear up, which makes the models appear slightly larger, definitely cooler, a little more ferocious.

Most appealing aspect: Exceptional detail and super cool therapods.

Safari

Safari Ltd strives towards realistic and playable dinosaur models and often focuses on little details in their figures and paint jobs. The individually sculpted teeth and highly detailed eyes are very impressive on these models.

Like CollectA, the Safari dinosaur models also come in three main size ranges - the Great Dinos, the regular size, and the tubes (for little models). Safari also offer the Good Luck Minis for a super cute miniature model.

Safari also releases new dinosaur models every year, so keep your eyes out if you’re looking for something new and want to add to your collection.

Most appealing aspect: Best dino eyes and regularly releases newbies.

PNSO

PNSO is the most scientifically accurate of the MiniZoo dinosaur models, as they always sculpt their figures using information compiled from true fossil studies. In some cases, they even use entire skeletal findings, so some models are exact representations of a once-living dinosaur, not considering texture and paintwork, which are also highly realistic. Their figurines feature impressively textured reptilian skin with spotted scales and wrinkles, as well as muscular definition across their entire body, and most are coloured in traditional shades of brown, grey and green. Many of their models have articulated jaws and come with transparent chest supports to help them balance, as these figures are less ideal for handheld play and tend to be more popular with collectors for a prehistoric display.

Their scale varies greatly between models, with some models that are very large, so if scale something you like to consider then keep that in mind when choosing your dinos. They also have a small selection of PNSO Minis which are also impressively detailed for such small models.

PNSO always try to include every little detail in their figures and so Noah highly recommends them if you love dinosaurs.

Most appealing aspect: Most scientifically accurate.

Creative Beast Studio

Creative Beast Studio easily has the largest range of ceratopsian and raptor dinosaur models if you love those ancient Mesozoic creatures. Their figurines typically have many points of articulation (some over 20), so if you like moveability in your dinosaur models to position them in the perfect pose, or to play by moving your models to walk, eat, roar, fly or rest, then this is great.

Their variety allows them to play with colours and paintwork, sometimes taking inspiration from existing reptiles. Many of their models are impressively vibrant and textured, though some may say this makes them seem less realistic than others.

Most appealing aspect: Vibrant colours and points of articulation.

Mojo

Mojo is another MiniZoo brand which makes great prehistoric models. They have two sizes, with the larger ones naturally being more detailed than the smaller range, and some feature articulated jaws, perfect for playing. These sizes compare relatively well to the other brands who also have two size ranges.

Though their dinosaur range is a little smaller than our other brands, Mojo dinosaur figures are still lovely and detailed. Several of their dinosaur figures feature coloured shading in the paintwork to highlight muscular definition and limb movement, which helps to give an idea of how these monstrous creatures once moved about in prehistoric times.

Similar to some of our dino brands, Mojo’s range also includes a selection of non-dinosaur prehistoric creatures like the Woolly Mammoth, Smilodon, and more.

Most appealing aspect: Coloured shading featuring muscular definition and movement.

Bullyworld, Eofauna, Science & Nature, and Wild Republic

These brands each carry a small range of dinosaur models which are also great choices for your prehistoric collection, so I’ll just give a brief overview of these ones.

While a small collection, the Bullyworld Dinosaur Park range includes traditional dinosaurs, flying dinosaurs, ancient marine creatures, and other prehistoric land animals which are now extinct. Bullyworld ‘Museum Line’ figures are more detailed than their regular figures and feature more realistic scaly detailing and wrinkles on their prehistoric bodies.

The Eofauna range is small but their attention to detail and realism is very impressive. The models are scientifically accurate and feature exceptional detailing all over their bodies with spotted scales and wrinkles highlighting the prehistoric nature of these monstrous reptiles.

Science & Nature dinosaurs are small, and don’t compare as well scale-wise to the other larger brands. However, this makes them great for little hands to play. They are often vibrant in colour, which is great if you love a bit of variety in your prehistoric herd, but some say this makes them look less realistic.

Wild Republic is another option for a selection of small dinos which compare particularly well size wise to the other smaller ranges from the other brands. Their Dinosaur Nature Tube comes with 18 models of varying species of prehistoric beasts and are perfect for little hands to play.

I hope this informative list, along with Noah's personal insights, helps you to make the best choice for you, depending on whether you intend to play or display your dinosaur figures. If you have any further questions about our prehistoric range, then let us know through our social media channels, on Instagram, Facebook page, VIP Facebook Group, or check out our Live Chat feature on our website.

Jenna @ MiniZoo (and Noah, our super Dino model expert)