ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GUNDAM MODELS!
Explore the world of Gunpla model kits, where & how to get started! Perfect for beginners looking to dive into the rabbit-hole!
GRADES & SIZES
GRADES & SIZES GUNPLA KITS
HIGH GRADE
REAL GRADE
MASTER GRADE
PERFECT GRADE
SUPERDEFORMED
MASTERGRADE
WHAT ARE GUNPLA GRADES?
Gunpla kits are categorized under "grades," which indicate their complexity, size, and level of detail. Higher grades often mean more intricate builds, but they also require more time, skill, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the most common grades:
HIGH GRADE
- Affordable, simple and fun to build!
- High-Grade models are perfect for beginners who wants to give gunpla building a try without breaking their wallets... and finger nails!
- Should I mention that HGs also makes an awesome birthday/christmas gift!
IN SUMMARY
Although you can never go wrong with High-Grades models, they might lack details and would often come with little-to-no accessories.
For those looking for higher levels of details, and perhaps a more challenging model to keep their hands busy, you should consider the next grade in line!
Affordable
$15~$40
Easy to assemble
Small in size
12cm-15cm
won’t take up much space!
Perfect for first timers!
Minimal details
Limited poses
Small in size
not ideal if you want a bigger model
REAL GRADE
- The size of an HG, but with more details and complexity!
- Ideal for those looking for a kit with incredible engineering details without sacrificing any shelf space.
- Real-Grades have an advanced inner frame providing excellent details and articulations. And lots more stickers as compared to HGs!
Advance Articulations
Incredible engineering
Inner Frame Details
Slightly pricy
Experience required
Takes longer to build
IN SUMMARY
Real-grades are the size of a High-Grade but offers a level of details and engineering up to a Perfect-Grade. Of course, having higher levels of detail meant that the kit came at a higher price point ($20~$50). It may deter and prevent some new-comers looking to try out in a hobby that they have zero experience in.
Speaking of experience, the Real-Grade takes twice the amount of time to build as compared to a High-Grade due to its Complex Engineering.
Therefore, it is recommended that you are seasoned and experienced before trying out a Real-Grade!
MASTER-GRADE
- Undoubtedly the most popular grade ever.
- Master-Grades are high-quality, detailed, articulated and the most fun to build and display. Standing at 16cm - 21cm (size varies from different models), most enthusiasts considers the Master-Grade the “sweet-spot” for any collection.
- With impressive inner frame details, intricate designs, and a large selection of accessories. Master-Grades are by-far the most popular choice for builders who wants to paint and customize.
- Some Master-Grade models have LED light-up features and also working hydraulic systems!
- Some are Transformable
MG 1/100 ZETA GUNDAM VER.KA $99 CAD
- And lets not jump into the world of Custom-built gunpla models! (yet)
MG 1/100 NU GUNDAM VER.KAAWARD $114CAD WINNING CUSTOM NU GUNDAM BY SHUN_M47
IN SUMMARY
Master-Grades offers an endless amount of choices and versatility. They are also extremely customizable. with modifications and unique paint jobs. Enthusiasts love creating new and one-of-a-kind Gunpla model using Master-Grades as the possibilities are endless!
High quality
Detailed Inner Frame
Customizable
Just the right size!
PERFECT-GRADE
Expensive
$40~$150
Higher Difficulty
Takes Hours or even days!
PERFECT-GRADE
- At 1/60 scale & standing over 30cm.
- The Perfect-Grade is Bandai’s greatest & most detailed model kit available.30CM
- Insanely detailed with layers of inner frame skeleton.
- Multiple types of plastic materials. And metal parts.
- The shear amount of individual parts could keep you up all night long!
Perfect-Grades are the pinnacle of what Bandai model kits could offer.
As for beginners, I wouldn’t recommend starting out with PGs. Unless you’re looking for an adventure into the unknown, and you have the necessary funds available, just go right ahead with this and enjoy your time!
Multiple levels of
skeletal structure
Metal parts
Metallic & Etching stickers
Expensive
$100~$400
Highest difficulty
Time consuming
Waterslide decals not included still uses normal stickers
MASTER-GRADE SUPER-DEFORMED
One of the latest Gunpla releases in bandai’s lineup.
Announced in September 2022, This highly detailed SD brand integrates MG technology into SD (super-deformed) Gundams, implements the widest range of articulation and the most gimmicks in the history of the SD series, and adopts overwhelming details.
What is SUPER-DEFORMED GUNDAM?
The super deformed series were originally made for capsule toys and so they were first merchandised as small SD Gundam-shaped erasers (2 inches tall) as part of the Gashapon toy in 1985. Built with a hole so they could be skewered into a pencil, the series was a massve hit with Japanese schoolchildren and the concept soon expanded to other forms of merchandising and media, including gunpla, manga, trading cards, anime and video games.
The popularity of SD Gundam franchise far exceeded those of the rest of Gundam in the 80s’ and 90s’. SD Gundam's more comical and exaggerated approach to the genre served to move it away from the ultra-realism that it was shifting towards in the '80s and inspired a new flood of super-deformed robot shows the late '80s and early '90s such as Sunrise's Mashin Hero Wataru and Haō Taikei Ryū Knight, as well as video games such as the Super Robot Wars franchise.
Brilliant details
Fun to build
Impressive gimmicks -
Extremely posable!
Pricy
Tiny in size
CONCLUSION
1. High Grade (HG)
Scale: 1/144
Size: ~13–18 cm tall (5–7 inches).
Features:
- Decent balance of detail and simplicity.
- Articulated joints for simple posing.
- Includes stickers for color accuracy.
- Affordable ($15 - $40).
Skill Level: Ideal for beginners.
2. Real Grade (RG)
Scale: 1/144
Size: Similar to HG but with greater details.
Features:
- Advanced engineering with pre-assembled inner frames.
- More decals and panel lines.
- Fragile parts (handle with care!).
- Mid-range pricing ($30 - $60).
Skill Level: Best for intermediate builders.
3. Master Grade (MG)
Scale: 1/100
Size: ~18–24 cm tall (7–10 inches).
Features:
- Full inner skeleton for enhanced articulation.
- Hundreds of parts with intricate details.
- Lots of decals choices. (Waterslide decals available for some models).
- Pricier ($40 - $120).
Skill Level: Requires patience and experience.
4. Perfect Grade (PG)
Scale: 1/60
Size: ~30 cm tall (12 inches).
Features:
- Ultra-detailed with LED compatibility (in some kits).
- Complex inner frames and movable parts.
- Premium pricing ($120 - $400).
Skill Level: For experienced builders only.
5. MGSD(Super Deformed)
Scale: Chibi-style.
Size: ~ 10–12 cm tall (3–4 inches).
Features:
- Cute, cartoonish designs.
- Highly detailed with inner frame.
- Decently priced.
Skill Level: Great for casual builders.
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