So soft or Deflocked?

[kingluke]

Hello everyone,

So soft ponies. How do you prefer them?
I prefer them with near mint flocking. I don't really buy/own any with less then stellar flocking.
My current grail is a near mint so soft lofty.

I won't deflock rare ponies for the sake of a nss but i don't mind them as long as the flocking wasn't near mint. I don't feel like paying extra money for the service either, though it is hard work.

Please share your thoughts on flocking

Cheers,

luke

[SpacePinto]

Deflocked all the way. I like my ponies with visible smiles and eyelashes, and don't get me started on how most so-softs look when they age...

[banditpony]

So Softs...

I actually don't like touching them so much, but I like how they looked visually.

There's tons of ponies out there that are not flocked, so it makes flocked ponies special IMO... It breaks my heart to see deflocked ponies -- with the exception of those that are ~completely~ ruined. (I don't think a few minor rubs = ruined).

[BlackCurtains]

I have some of both. I have a very nice Truly who was actually in a bait lot, but her flocking is fine (and she still has some original curl) so I cleaned her up and she's part of my collection. I also have a Lofty I rehaired but her flocking is soft and thick - very nice!

I've deflocked a Magic Star for a custom in the past. She was in really bad condition and the deflock took a long time. I don't think it's something I would do again unless it was Twist. I really want a deflocked Twist! She's kind of HTF in bad condition though.

[orangepeachmango]

Some of the SS ponies are too beautiful for flock.......angel comes to mind. She really shines when she's deflocked. However others I think really work with the flocking....I think Truly is a really great pony, and her flocking is so cute on her.

[Safflower]

Deflocked all the way. I like my ponies with visible smiles and eyelashes, and don't get me started on how most so-softs look when they age...

Same here. Flocking looks weird to me, especially when displayed with regular G1s... plus how they age.

Soft, thick flocking is absolutely lovely to touch though, lol.

[milkywaymochi]

I'm not a big fan of flocking, it looks and feels weird, and it doesn't age well. However, the deflocking process is SUCH a pain, I don't do it unless absolutely necessary. I have a deflocked magic star and Truly, and they both look much better for it, but it wasn't a easy task. I have a surprise who's flocking isn't perfect, but it is in really good condition, so I've left it. Short answer is, depends on the state of the flocking!

[Glitter Yolk]

I don't really care for the so softs, they're often too muted my tastes and I don't really like the texture, but I wouldn't deflock unless the flocking was in poor condition. Even if I don't like them myself I'd rather preserve their condition for someone who does! That being said, I like admiring other collectors and their beautiful deflocking projects, most of which also start off in ratty flocking conditions.

[tailrustedtealeaf]

I love So Softs. Their flocking is so nice to touch and I think it can make them look very elegant.
I prefer for them to stay so soft because there are only so many left, and re-flocking exists but is not the same.

[brightberry]

I prefer the flocking even if it’s stained and thin in places.  I do understand how some ponies might need deflocking though.

[Mami Tomoe]

i love flocking if only they made flocking that lasts forever

[Carrehz]

Oh, deflocked, definitely. It's funny; I'm a Sylvanian Families collector so you'd think I'd love So Softs? I like flocked toys in general. But flocked ponies just don't do it for me, somehow.

I do think it's only right to keep deflocking to ponies whose flocking has seen better days, though But I think that with all sort of alterations, no point messing with it if it's in perfectly good condition.

[dragonfly]

de-flocked, although I've never actually had one! (if you don't count the ones I tried to shave when I was a kid)
Unless you keep MIP, flocking wears off so easily, especially around the ear tips and hooves, even when handled gently and my OCD side can't handle it. I'd love a de-flocked Truly or Magic Star one of these days.

[HollowZero]

So Softs are my favorite, and deflocks are the worst. I deflocked a Paradise once and she lost all her charm IMO.

[Leave a Whisper]

I prefer SS. It's just a regular pony without its flocking. I can only understand doing so if the flocking is absolutely wrecked beyond repair. Otherwise its like ripping the eyes out of a TE, or the wings off a Winger and calling it an improvement