The doll's configuration is as follows:
Head: Penny with Blue Eyes
Body: 158 Plus
Skin: Light Pink (new silicone formula)
Joint: Tight
Hands: Bones
Nails: Yes
Pubes: No pubes
Wig: Brown Long
Box: Carton
The Order Process
After the long back and forth of choosing which doll to get, and placing the order (on Feb 1st)... a DS Doll representative contacted me to verify my order (just to make sure I did not select an incorrect option, etc). This was a quick process, and after the confirmation, the DS Doll representative set up a payment order (about 30% of the entire order as the down payment) so that my doll can begin the build process. I paid right away, and my Penny was being made in no time.
The Waiting Period
The making process seems to be pretty quick actually. It takes about 10-11 (business) days for the doll to be made. In my situation, it took much longer, because unknowingly, the Chinese New Year fell right in the middle of my order. So, if you are planning to make an order from DS (or pretty much any other doll manufacturer that is located in China) always take into consideration big holidays, like the Chinese New Year for example!
After the Chinese New Year was over, a few days later (on Saturday 28th), my Penny was finished! The DS Doll representative set up the remaining portion of the order, and it was up to me to do the rest. I also received an email with what my doll looked like:
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And finally after all that wait time, when the shipment arrived, the box arrived in perfect condition. Great service overall! These are the pictures of my doll at arrival:
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I am not sure how this exactly works, perhaps it might be luck(hit or miss) from what I have heard. But after a month, I received a charge from DHL (the shipping carrier, not related to DS Dolls). The fee was about customs and import taxes. The fee wasn't that much, about $30 (I think it might vary depending on what state in the US you are located). Just wanted to state this, as to what to expect when importing into the US.
The Penny/158Plus Doll
The 158plus is really beautiful, and it truly is a work of art. I believe this doll is the heavier one out of all offered by DS, but it is of great quality. Also, from what I have researched, the 158plus doll's weight does not deviate from the weight of other high-end doll manufacturers. The new soft skin feels great, and really soft... but I am really scared to pinch my doll like I've seen some people do when testing out their new silicone skin (I suppose I'm over protective). The Penny head selection I believe is a really great one... it caught my attention right from the beginning. The details that the artists put on this is really amazing, from the eyebrows, eyelashes and lip coloring... even the inside of the mouth!
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I have never tried the older version of the skin so I would not be able to compare. This skin is really soft, and I did not notice any shiny skin as others had mentioned. The skin was really soft, and it felt a little gummy (can't find the right word), but after applying baby powder it felt really great and smooth. However, after a couple of days later, I did notice a bit of a shiny area, but I just reapplied powder.
[*]Handling
As this doll has the tight joint configuration, the joints are pretty tight (for allowing poses). But as you get use to the tightness, you learn to work with it.
[*]Clothes
I've bought clothes for Penny already, and I've noticed I've had no problem searching sizes that fit her. The XS/S sizes for women fit her just fine.
[*]Forum Community
The DS Doll site (help/support) as well as the community on the Doll Forum are really amazing as well. It has helped me be prepared for the arrival of my doll. From buying baby (cornstarch) powder, brush, clothes and other accessories, to information about the upkeep/care of the doll (washing, storage, repairing).
Overall, it has been a great experience so far!
