Buying a new Gundam model kit involves considerable thought, especially if you want to have the finest Gundam experience possible. With so many options accessible, if you don’t know what you need to know, you risk slipping into the hands of scammers. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about wasting your money. Here’s a detailed guide to picking the best Gundam kit for you.
Table of Contents
Size and Scale
Like most other plastic models, Gundam models have a matching original-to-model ratio or scale. A 1/100 kit is approximately 100 times smaller than the real size of the object it portrays. A 1/60 scale kit would be 60 times smaller, yielding a larger model.
While the size of Gundams and other mobile suits varies throughout the franchise, most scale down to within an inch or two of each other. 1/144 scale models stand around 5-6 inches tall, 1/100 scale kits stand about 7 to 10 inches tall, and 1/60 scale kits stand about 12 inches tall.
Grade and Size
Bandai kits are primarily classified based on their size and level of intricacy. Kits in the same category normally have the same scale, though exceptions are often made for odd-sized troops.
In its universe, for example, the Musha Gundam is much larger than its Gundam brothers. Bandai reduced it to use the 1/100 MKII frame for simplicity’s sake.
The benefit of this disparity is that kits within the same scale tend to be very comparable in height and size, except for a few that are significantly smaller or larger. This consistency makes it easy for fans to acquire a kit with realistic expectations about the challenge and end product.
No Grade
While not strictly a grade, No Grade mainly refers to 1/100 and 1/144 kits that have not been released to High or Master Grade criteria. The most affordable of the kits, no-grade models have the most basic engineering and details.
They frequently require extensive painting and touch-ups to appear their best. The quality of no-grade kits has skyrocketed in the previous decade, and recent releases are on par with older High-Grade kits.
High Grade
High-grade kits are 1/144 scale, like the original models from 30 years ago. The only thing they have in common with their forefathers is their size. Today’s High-Grade kits frequently contain a lot of detail but are molded in fewer colors than their bigger brethren. HG kits may look just as good with a little work.
Bandai has distinct lines for each HG universe. Universal Century kits are labeled HGUC, while HG Gundam SEED, HG Gundam 00, and HG Build Fighters are from their upcoming series. Over the years, more suits have gotten HG therapy than any other category. HG kits are ideal for novices due to their tiny scale, ease of construction, low cost, and ability to look amazing.
Real Grade
Bandai’s Real Grade kits are a newer line that debuted following the company’s 30th anniversary. They fill the void between High Grade and Master Grade while maintaining the 1/144 scale. They’re incredibly detailed and come in all the essential colors. A beautiful-looking kit requires almost no painting.
Unfortunately, the sophisticated designs frequently cause the kits to seem more fragile than other grades, and this complexity makes them better suited for experienced builders.
Master Grade
Master-grade is a size and quality step above. At 1/100 scale, they are frequently made and constructed to look beautiful without needing painting. In contrast to HGs, most have very detailed internal skeletons. They’re also more pricey, thanks partly to extra gimmicks not seen in their smaller counterparts.
Some kits, for example, contain distinct articulating fingers or the ability to change. The skill differences between HG and MG kits are, for the most part, modest. MG kits simply require a little more time and patience to construct.
Perfect Grade
Perfect Grade kits are Bandai’s top-tier offerings. They’re among the largest, at 1/60 size, and the most expensive. Putting together a PG takes much time and attention, as the construction is intricate and highly detailed.
The finished product is a very poseable kit with a lot of detail. Internal intricacy is maximized, and many PG kits include gimmicks not found on lesser levels. PG kits also have light-up eyes and other components, which are only now making their way into select MG editions.
Mega Size Kits
The 1/48 scale RX-78-2 launched the Mega Size range in 2010. Bandai has released six additional Mega Size models since then, but none have attracted the same attention as the RX-78-2.
Mega Size kits are comparable to High-Grade kits in terms of ease of construction and lack of interior detail. Their well-detailed appearance and strong design offset their general simplicity. They’re ideal for builders of any skill level who want a massive showpiece.
Super Deformed
SD Gundam kits are small, non-scale replicas of almost every series and several original designs. They’re quick, simple to construct, and largely inexpensive. Because they are usually made up of five or so primary pieces, they have relatively little poseability or articulation. SD kits have huge stickers to help detail the kit because they are typically molded in two or three colors.
That concludes the primary grades and sizes. Bandai has released kits in several other scales (such as 1/400 or 1/500) over the years, depending on the size of the unit itself. Bandai is also habitually re-releasing kits with additional finishes or clear armor sections. The chrome treatments that adorn popular kits from each grade are the most popular.
Begin Your Gundam Collector’s Journey Today
Whatever model grade you choose, you will be surprised by the technology and genius that went into making them, and you’ll be happy to have built and assembled them yourself. If you’re ready to find the perfect Gundam Kit for you, online retailer of gundam kits are your best bet!. They have huge catalogs of models you can choose from. So, don’t hesitate to check them out!
