Are ball joints ugly?

I think it depends. I think the joints on a fully nude doll often look really cool, like an android or something. But when the doll is all dressed up or body blushed to look realistic, then the joints can be very distracting.

 

I honestly don't think about joints too much. I just like dolls that are double jointed even if its not the prettiest joints. I do think Fairylands elbow and knee joints look amazing though. I also really like the aesthetics of actual ball joints like in Luts Baby Delfs though.

 

Some company's joints I don't like (Aimerai) while others I really like (LUTS).
Overall I like them because I like the "doll aesthetic"

 

I personally love joints because of the doll aesthetic. My favs are the Dollfie Dream joints, they are just so cute and round! I definitely have a preference for rounder joints on resin dolls, and in general too. However I can understand why the joints can be off-putting to some. Everyone has their own aesthetics.

 

It really kind of depends on the specific design, and the joint. In general I think they're part of the aesthetic, especially the elaborate and always slightly unnatural double joints. Square elbows and knees! Of course they look different than real joints, and that's part of their charm. I'm also rather fond of the robot-look of jointed hands, and the look of innovative joints (like one of Impldoll's bodies that has elaborate shoulders, allowing it to shrug).

That being said, I have a pet peeve about wrist joints that are just too thick, short, or take up half of the hand instead of being where an actual wrist joint is (which is why I could never get a Minifee). I'm also not too fond of how some companies make hip joints that are very small/thin compared to the size of the doll's thighs and buttocks, and in case of three-part torsos I always wonder why the lower joint is in a place where no real human can actually bend.
And like @Chizpurfle above said, body blushing (or tattoos) can make joints very distracting when they're moved out of a 'closed' position, almost like there's a wound.

 

The only joint whose appearance really bothers me on my dolls is my 1/4 boy's knees. He's double jointed and his knees are these big ole peanuts that look awkward at any bent angle, even under pants. On a similar issue, I had to commission extra long pants for him because the peanut takes up so much length when he's sitting that normal length pants ride halfway up his shins.

 

To each their own. I for one have never really thought much about how the joints look. Maybe how they function and how well they allow the doll to pose but I can't recall a time I've been put off of a doll for their joints.

 

I really like the look of the joints! I think they're pretty and since I sculpt some, its really interesting for mr to see how different companies make their joints work

 

If I could wave a magic wand and not have joints on my doll, I would love that but then I would not have a poseable doll. I love my doll and I am happy to have her.

I do cover her joints with clothing when I can. When I cannot, I am fine with that.

 

I personally really like ball joints! Although recently a friend of mine made a comment on a doll's hip joint's (one I'm currently waiting for) sayin' it looked like a front butt, which I know it isn't anything serious but it's been stuck in my head for a while. I wouldn't exactly like, say that I resent those particular joints but every time I look at them there's a nagging feeling in the back of my head :-(

(p.s. the body in question is this )

 

I think it really is a to each their own kind of thing, but ball jointed dolls wouldn’t be what they are without them. I see them as pieces of art, so I think in a way they’re more than a doll in the traditional sense because of that. Seeing how the mechanics work to make sure they can pose as beautifully as they do makes it really void for me whether or not they’re ugly, as it’s really more about the entire package and functionality for me than the look of the joints.

 

I love the joints for how different they look but elastic and stringing can be a pain I also like barbie joints too the made to move ones are nice.

 

I always kept my one doll in shorts and when I finally got him a pair of pants my mom instantly pointed out “finally you can’t see his ugly knees!” I always thought they looked adorable!

 

I think joints are lovely, I even love double-jointed knees even though i've seen a few people refer to them as 'bean knees'

 

I love how satisfying knee joints look from the front when they are napped perfectly into place, however, I don't really like seeing the wiring on the back of the knees/arms. If you experience the same problem, I suggest making or investing in some lacy arm/legwarmers!

 

Most of the joints are 100% fine to me, but for some reason I cannot get over the knee joints. I don't understand it. Elbows, fine. Shoulders, fine, but knees? They stick out like sore thumbs. Also, three-part torsos. Now, this I actually have a reason for, and it's not aesthetic. One of my friend's doll's will, every time and without fail, headbutt me every time I pick him up. It's frustrating, cause I like him, and I don't want him damaged, but he clearly is NOT a fan of me!

 

I love balljoints! The only joint that sometimes looks “off” to me is an extra hip or wrist joint sometimes...but mostly I just love the look of balljoints and of a BJD’s truly doll-like body. It’s such a cool blend of human and non-human in my opinion. It’s beautiful.

 

i actually really like the look of the joints! it bothers me a little in sitting positions but in general i think it makes them look very pretty and the jointed doll aesthetic itself is beautiful and special in my opinion c:

 

The first time I saw the joints back when I first started collecting I found them ugly but now I don't really notice them

 

I tend to like things very realistic with dolls, drawings, paintings, sculptures etc. but BJDs I accept for what they are. I appreciate the joints for the posing that they allow. I really don't like thick ankle joints though. To me, they are ugly.