AIO (Seamless) V.S. Seperate/Removeable Head Dolls
Making the decision to purchase a doll can include consideration of whether to choose a doll that is all in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) or a doll that features a seperate removeable head. Here are explanations of both options and the pros and cons that I have found.
All in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) - All in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) dolls feature heads that are one with the body and are non detachable. There is no seam line or gap where the head and neck meet.
Pros:
- The idea is that, all in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) dolls are more aesthetically realistic than seperate/removeable head dolls due to the lack of a seam line or gap where the head and neck meet.
Cons:
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All in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) dolls are not completely seamless (or sealed). There are still areas that can allow water between the body material (TPE or silicone) and skeleton; such as at the hanging (suspension) provision (threaded nut) at the top of the head (or back if equipped) and at the foot bolts on dolls equipped with bolted standing feet. One should also be conscious not to allow water into the eye sockets, which can soak cotton stuffing (potential for mold if present) or corrode the inner workings of mechanical eyes. All in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) dolls should not be considered submersible or “water proof”.
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An all in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) doll’s head is non detachable, which means you cannot switch heads to acheive a different look/character.
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Because all in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) doll’s head is non detachable, they require more vertical storage space (suspension/hanging from top of head v.s. neck).
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An all in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) doll is more likely to get damaged while dressing, moving or cleaning since the head cannot be detached during those processes.
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An all in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) doll’s head is non detachable, which means you cannot replace the head or body alone if either were damaged. In other words; if either the head or body is damaged, it is a total loss.
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All in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) dolls tend to be more expensive for the same reason mentioned above. If there are any failures or damage in the manufacturing process, the doll is effectively a total loss (time, body material if silicone or virgin TPE etc.) for the manufacturer.
Seperate/removeable head - Seperate/removeable head dolls feature heads that are detachable and able to be changed for different styles or replaced if necessary.
Pros:
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Seperate/removeable head doll heads can be detached and changed for different styles to acheive different looks/characters with a single body and without the necessity for significant additional storage space.
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Seperate/removeable head dolls require less vertical storage space because the head can be detached and the body suspended/hung from the neck.
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Seperate/removeable head doll heads can be detached for dressing, moving or cleaning; greatly reducing the chance of damage during those processes by making the doll shorter overall and reducing weight, making the doll easier to handle.
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Seperate/removeable head doll heads or bodies can be replaced seperately if damaged, meaning neither situation is a total loss.
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Seperate/removeable head dolls tend to be less expensive for the same reason mentioned above. If there are any failures or damage in the manufacturing process, the doll is not a total loss for the manufacturer.
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Seperate/removeable head dolls are the most versatile option.
Cons:
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Seperate/removeable head dolls have a seam line or gap where the head and neck meet, making them less realistic at that specific area.
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Seperate/removeable head dolls have areas that can allow water between the body material (TPE or silicone) and skeleton; such as at the hanging (suspension) provision (threaded nut) at the neck (or back if equipped) and at the foot bolts on dolls equipped with bolted standing feet. One should also be conscious not to allow water into the eye sockets, which can soak cotton stuffing (potential for mold if present) or corrode the inner workings of mechanical eyes.
To sum it up, it is my opinion that:
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All in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) dolls are arguably more aesthetically realistic than seperate head dolls due to the lack of a seam line or gap where the head and neck meet. That being said, many if not all of the most hyper realistic dolls on the market are Seperate/removeable head dolls. Personally, I do not find the seam line or gap where the head and neck meet (on seperate/removeable head dolls) to be overly distracting or even very noticeable at all, except at the most extreme angles.
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Both all in one (aka AIO or “seamless”) and seperate/removeable head dolls have areas that can allow water between the body material (TPE or silicone) and skeleton; such as at the hanging (suspension) provision (threaded nut) at the neck (or back if equipped) and at the foot bolts on dolls equipped with bolted standing feet. One should also be conscious not to allow water into the eye sockets, which can soak cotton stuffing (potential for mold if present) or corrode the inner workings of mechanical eyes. Neither should considered submersible or “water proof”.
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Unless you have very specific aesthetic requirements (neck fetish etc.) or the specific doll you desire (Piper brand etc.) is only availible in all in one (aka AIO or “seamless”); the limitations and cons are not worth the additional cost in my opinion.