Check out our Pop Goes the Monkey review and find out how their custom bits, from shoulder pads to shields, can add unique flair to your Warhammer miniatures.
Updated December 3rd, 2024, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Pop Goes the Monkey isn’t just a quirky name—it’s a key player in the realm of miniature customization. Specializing in 3D-printed upgrades, this brand caters to the needs of Warhammer fans looking to personalize their armies beyond what the core sets provide. If you’ve ever felt that your Space Marines need a little more flair or your Orks could use an extra dose of brutality, this is the place to be.
Founded by a passionate creator who clearly loves their Warhammer lore as much as the models themselves, Pop Goes the Monkey bridges the gap between the massive universe of Warhammer and your vision for your tabletop army. It offers a wide range of bits, from shoulder pads to weapons and more, allowing you to add those unique touches that Games Workshop doesn’t quite cover in their official kits.
What is Pop Goes the Monkey?
The brand thrives in a niche that caters to hobbyists who want to push their customizations to the next level. While the official Warhammer kits are fantastic, Pop Goes the Monkey allows you to give your miniatures a personality all their own. Think of it as a way to take the already expansive Warhammer universe and make it just a little bit more personal. Whether you’re new to miniatures or a longtime fan, these custom bits are the ultimate upgrade for your army.
Now, before you jump in and start customizing, you might be wondering, “How do I apply Pop Goes the Monkey bits?” Easy peasy! These bits are designed to fit seamlessly onto your miniatures, so a little super glue is all you need. (Yep, plastic glue won’t cut it here!)
Detailed Pop Goes the Monkey Review
Clear Resin Quality and 3D Printing Technology
When it comes to customizing your Warhammer miniatures, quality is everything. Nobody wants a janky piece that looks like it was assembled in some ancient forge on Mars (unless that’s the vibe you’re going for, of course). Pop Goes the Monkey takes customization to the next level with their clear resin and 3D printing technology, and the results are genuinely impressive.
High-Quality Resin and Durability
Let’s talk about resin. Now, not all resin is created equal, and the folks at Pop Goes the Monkey seem to have that dialed in. They’ve chosen a clear resin that’s tough enough to survive countless battles on your tabletop and yet detailed enough to capture the intricate designs that make your miniatures stand out. The material itself has a smooth, almost polished finish, and it doesn’t have that brittle feel that some lower-quality resins tend to suffer from.
This resin isn’t just about looking good straight out of the box; it’s built for durability. Whether your miniatures are facing down a rampaging Tyranid horde or just getting tossed in your carrying case between games, these bits are made to last. That means you can go all out with your conversions, confident that your custom shoulder pads or weapons won’t crack or chip mid-game. Pop Goes the Monkey’s resin feels just right—it’s flexible enough for detailed modeling but strong enough to hold up during play.
Check Out the Full Catalog Here!
Lack of Visible Lines in 3D Prints
If you’ve ever dabbled in 3D printing, you know the pain of visible print lines. Nothing ruins a custom miniature faster than unsightly ridges running along the edges of what’s supposed to be a smooth, seamless surface. Thankfully, Pop Goes the Monkey has mastered the art of eliminating this pesky problem.
Their prints come out clean. Like, really clean. You won’t be spending hours sanding down your bits or fiddling with liquid green stuff to smooth out rough edges. Pop Goes the Monkey’s 3D printing process results in products that are crisp, detailed, and free of the distracting lines you’d expect from lower-end printers. That means more time building and painting your custom army and less time fighting with imperfections.
Custom Shoulder Pads, Boarding Shields, and More
Now let’s get into the fun part: the bits themselves. Pop Goes the Monkey offers an insane range of custom bits that can turn even the most basic miniature into something truly unique. Whether you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your Space Marines or kit out your Chaos forces with something a little more sinister, they’ve got you covered.
Variety of Customization Options for Warhammer 40K
With options available for Space Marines, Chaos, Orks, and more, Pop Goes the Monkey offers something for every Warhammer enthusiast. Whether you’re looking to enhance your Blood Angels with new weapons or give your Tau a more tactical edge, this store provides the parts you need to realize your vision.
Check Out the Full Catalog Here!
Why Choose Pop Goes the Monkey for Your Custom Miniatures?
Why settle for cookie-cutter figures when you can create something that’s truly your own? That’s the beauty of Pop Goes the Monkey: it offers customization without sacrificing quality. With a vast collection of bits available on their Shapeways storefront, the variety is nearly as endless as the Warhammer universe itself.
The real charm here is in the detail. Every piece they produce has a crisp finish, making it blend seamlessly with your existing models. It’s not just about swapping out a head or adding a new weapon—it’s about making your army stand out on the battlefield in a way that feels personal. The resin they use has a high-quality feel, with smooth lines and sharp edges, ensuring that every piece looks like it was made to belong in the Warhammer universe. No awkward 3D print lines here!
Check Out the Full Catalog Here!
If you’re working on a themed army, Pop Goes the Monkey gives you the flexibility to fully realize your vision. Whether you want to bring a more ferocious look to your Chaos forces or give your Space Marines a touch of ancient lore with custom shoulder pads, this store has you covered. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to be the one at the game table with the most unique army? There’s something immensely satisfying about hearing, “Hey, where’d you get those shoulder pads and shields?” and being able to point to Pop Goes the Monkey as your secret weapon.
Speaking of shields, you’re probably asking, “How do I use Pop Goes the Monkey shields?” It’s as simple as slapping them onto your miniatures (with that trusty super glue again) and basking in the glory of your newly fortified army. You’ll be fielding the coolest-looking army on the battlefield in no time.
And about that other burning question—”Do I need to wash Pop Goes the Monkey bits?”—well, it’s always a good idea to give resin bits a quick wash before you start painting. Some soapy water and a gentle scrub will get rid of any lingering release agents. Better safe than sorry!
Moreover, Pop Goes the Monkey’s bits are designed to fit perfectly with the standard Warhammer kits, so there’s no fussing with awkward fittings or mismatched scales. It’s all about ease of use and elevating the look of your miniatures with minimal hassle.
Check Out the Full Catalog Here!
Popular Pop Goes the Money Bits & Kits
Antonis: Arch Battleknight Conversion Kit:
This conversion kit is designed to fit perfectly with a standard GW Nemesis Dreadknight model, but heads up—it’s not a full model. Instead, it’s a set of parts that transform your Dreadknight into an epic Arch Battleknight, ditching that infamous “Baby-Carrier” vibe from the original kit.
You’ll need a bit of modeling know-how to assemble it, but don’t worry; there’s an instruction guide included to help make the process smoother. Just click the link, and you’re good to go.
Saturnine Terminators:
Old-school vibes, but in a new-age size! The Saturnus, Invader-Pattern Terminator Armor, crafted by the free-blade artist KarnageKing, brings back the gritty style of a darker era in the Galactic Empire. The torsos come in one piece, featuring two pinholes under those massive shoulder pads to help attach and position the weapon arms just right.
And if you’re looking to mix things up, extra arms and weapon options are available separately.
Space Marine Shoulder Pads:
They have tons of shoulder pads for basically every legion/chapter! Whether you want Terminators, Firstborn, or Primaris, they have you covered.
Whether it’s cogs, chevrons, spikes, or anything in between, they’ve got the shoulder pads you’re looking for to show off that faction insignia!
Get ready to make your terminators look even more awesome! The Terminator Series 1-style shoulder pads are inspired by the Indomitus-style terminator armor and are a perfect fit for both new and classic terminator models.
Alternative Night Lords Ferrum Helmets:
The Ferrum Pattern Helmets take inspiration from a mix of the Mark III and Mark IV armor, giving your marines a unique edge. Customers love how these helmets add a standout look to their models. They’re designed to fit both new and classic 28mm scale Space Marines or Chaos Marines.
Just a heads up—they come unpainted, so you’ll need to add your own finishing touch!
GW Takedown of Pop Goes the Monkey Products & Resurgence
The Warhammer universe isn’t just a battlefield for Space Marines and Orks; sometimes, the real drama happens off the tabletop. Pop Goes the Monkey, known for its high-quality custom bits, found itself caught in the review crosshairs of one of the most iconic names in the miniatures game: Games Workshop (GW). It’s the kind of clash that even an Ultramarine would pause to watch.
So, what’s the fuss all about? In 2024, Shapeways started removing hundreds of products following a potential legal issue with Games Workshop. We’re talking about 302 items vanishing from the storefront, leaving many hobbyists wondering if their custom shoulder pads and boarding shields would become a thing of legend (in the not-so-good way).
Games Workshop, known for fiercely protecting its intellectual property, seems to have taken issue with some of the products sold by Pop Goes the Monkey. While there’s no official confirmation of GW pulling the trigger, it’s safe to say that the mysterious product takedown was a well-aimed bolter round in this ongoing battle over custom bits. GW’s not exactly known for playing nice when it comes to third-party sellers who tap into the Warhammer universe, even if it’s just to offer fans a little more customization for their armies.
For many, this wasn’t exactly shocking. Games Workshop has a long history of being a stickler about their IP, and they’ve been known to send cease-and-desist orders like a chapter master dishing out orders during a planetary invasion. The real question, though, is how this would impact the wider custom bits community and whether Pop Goes the Monkey would be able to rebound from such a massive loss of product listings.
The Comeback With Better Materials & Bits
It’s been a whirlwind since Shapeways shut down their operations, but Pop Goes the Monkey has found the perfect partner to take over production. This new collaborator knows the ropes, having previously handled overflow printing for Shapeways. So far the transition has been smooth, ensuring you continue to get top-notch 3d prints for Warhammer 40k and the miniatures hobby.
Pop Goes the Monkey is stepping up their game with two stellar material options:
The Classic MJP is your familiar friend, providing the same translucent acrylic material known for its high level of detail and smooth finish. This material allows for intricate designs without the need for printed supports. However, be mindful—these parts can be brittle, so handle them with care. Use super glue to attach these pieces to your models, as plastic glue won’t cut it.
Meet the new kid on the block, TufFlex MJP. This material retains all the detail and smoothness of Classic MJP but is designed for improved toughness and flexibility. Think of it as the bend-but-don’t-break superhero of miniature materials. Thin parts might arrive slightly warped, but a bit of warmth will set them straight. Plus, this flexibility is handy when gluing flat logos onto curved surfaces. Like Classic MJP, super glue is your best friend here.
Supporting the Transition
Pop Goes the Monkey is asking for your support during this transition. By placing orders, you’ll help them perfect their new system and ensure everything runs like a well-oiled machine. It’s a win-win: you’ll get your hands on fantastic 3D-printed conversion bits for games like Warhammer 40k, and they’ll fine-tune their operations.
Check Out the Full Catalog Here!
Where to Buy Pop Goes the Monkey Custom Bits
You can browse and purchase Pop Goes the Monkey’s impressive range of custom bits directly from their store. From custom shoulder pads to boarding shields and other unique upgrades, the variety available ensures that you’ll find the perfect pieces to bring your Warhammer army to life.
Conclusion Review: Why Pop Goes the Monkey is a Top Choice for Custom Warhammer Bits
Final Thoughts on Pop Goes the Monkey Review
There are plenty of reasons why Pop Goes the Monkey is the go-to for Warhammer customizers, whether you’re just starting your army or reviewing your army to find the finishing touches to your prized collection. First off, the quality is top-tier. From the smooth finish of their resin to the high level of detail in every bit, these pieces blend seamlessly with your official Games Workshop models while standing out just enough to make your army uniquely yours.
The variety on offer is another major draw. Whether you’re looking to give your Space Marines some extra flair, beef up your Imperial Guard, or inject some personality into your Xenos forces, Pop Goes the Monkey has you covered, and you can get some bits and throw up your own review. The sheer number of options means that no two armies need ever look the same, which is a massive plus in a hobby built on creativity.
And then there’s the ease of use. These custom bits are designed to fit right onto your existing models, so you don’t have to worry about complicated conversions or spending hours trying to make something fit. It’s all plug-and-play, allowing you to get your minis tabletop-ready without hassle.
Get Your Pop Goes the Monkey Bits Here!
What do you think about Pop Goes the Monkey, their bits, and our review?
About the Author: John Von Canon
John Von Canon
Job Title: Miniatures & Trading Card Games Writer
Socials: @AtogOrTwo
About John Von Cannon: Tabletop gaming since 2016; John joined the Spikey Bits team in 2023 and covers new miniature products, trading card games, and RPGs.
He spends his evenings working at his local game store for the full hobby experience. So if you’re looking for niche and convoluted ways to sneak out a win in your next Commander game or a cool new hobby product for miniatures, he’s your guy.
