Minifig Stud Head Recession?

[CMP]

While browsing Bricklink today, I came across some interesting listings. This item along with several other new 2011 wave heads mention their head stud being recessed. I can see no different (though that may just be me) except for the fact that the 3 holes on the inside of the stud are mising, blank.

Just thought this was rather interesting. LEGO seems to be changing a lot of classic/well-used molds lately, and this is a big step in it, in my mind.

[Mr Man]

While browsing Bricklink today, I came across some interesting listings. This item along with several other new 2011 wave heads mention their head stud being recessed. I can see no different (though that may just be me) except for the fact that the 3 holes on the inside of the stud are missing, blank.

Just thought this was rather interesting. LEGO seems to be changing a lot of classic/well-used molds lately, and this is a big step in it, in my mind.

I see no reason for it, I always thought the old heads had the three lines inside to prevent choking ans this seems to be a step backwards in this safety obsessed world.

[Decale]

The Jack Sparrow voodoo doll minifig also has a head like that. Why? this is a good question. I wish they return to the classic stud with "LEGO" written on it, it was cute!

[Derek]

I think this new mold was created for the Aurra Sing figure from SW (she has a ponytail that is inserted in that hole) and other figures that could use that technique for headpieces in the future. I discovered this in my Mandalorian Battle Pack when 2 of the (identical printed) heads had the recessed stud and 2 did not. It was strange...

-Derek

[Vindicare]

Well, I just checked my clones from the Corporate Alliance Droid Tank and they have the heads you mention. Ao, they're at least a few years old.

[David Thomsen]

I got three of Mac McCloud's head (I always get multiple of every printed item so I can choose the one with the best printing). Two were in the old style with three holes, the third was in the new style with no holes. I really have no idea why this happened.

[Aanchir]

When I first saw this head design showing up on Bricklink, my first assumption was that it might be the design used for minifigure keychains. However, since they are starting to show up in regular sets that seems not to be the case (or if it is, TLG seems to be transitioning towards using this style for regular minifigures as well).

It doesn't seem like the new design has any extremely undesirable qualities, although I am a bit curious whether certain headgear would be hard to remove without the holes through the top-- I know I've had difficulty with the oldest style of minifigure head that had a solid stud. In any event, minifigure heads are rarely used as detail pieces in a context where the design of the top stud matters much, so I personally have no problem with the change.

[Legofan4ever88]

I had some lego heads come in and the 2 female double sided heads are like that. The smily face gender neutral and glasses gender neutral have the normal heads. I have 2 older lego exoforce heads come in earlier in the month but those where also normal heads.