Article: Gundam Model Grades: What Do They Actually Mean?

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Jul 30, 2023

Gundam Model Grades: What Do They Actually Mean?

If you’re a fan of giant robots, epic battles... and the sheer joy of building something extraordinary... then you’ve come to the right place. For those who might be wondering what on Earth are “Gundam Model Grades” – think of them as a grade that determines the complexity, level of detail, and overall coolness of your Gundam model kit (or Gunpla.)

Whether you aim to assemble a squad of pint-sized mobile suit gundam or a colossal mecha masterpiece, this post is for you.

Scale Table and Gundam Model Grades Comparison

Gundam Model Grades table - From basic to more complex

*Grade*	*Scale*	*Size*
Super Deformed (SD)	N/A	8cm
High Grade (HG)	1/144 or 1/100	13cm (1/144) or 18cm (1/100)
Real Grade (RG)	1/144	13cm
Master Grade (MG)	1/100	18cm
Perfect Grade (PG)	1/60	30cm

1.Super Deformed Gundam Kit (SD)

Standing at around 8 centimetres tall, SD kits are the epitome of “chibi” charm, sporting adorable proportions and larger-than-life personalities. They lack a specific scale, but that’s what makes them so special.

SD kits are perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick and budget-friendly Gunpla fix. With fewer parts to assemble, they offer a breezy and enjoyable building experience, making them an ideal choice for modellers of all ages.

Among the stars of the SD universe are the “Brave Battle Warriors” and “BB Senshi series” --- some of the most popular lineups that even have their own anime series!

2. High Grade Gundam Kit (HG)

Back in 1990, Bandai unleashed these awesome kits, and they were simply the best at the moment. But, people loved them so much that they wanted even more detailed and accurate models.

So, Bandai said, “Challenge accepted!” and started making the other (more detailed) types of Gundam models we will talk about below. Despite the name, today’s HG kits are fantastic for beginners!

They might have been complex back then, but now they’re a breeze for you to build Gundam kit.

It comes in two scales....The 1/144 ones are around 13 centimetres tall, perfect for displaying without taking up tons of space. The 1/100 scale is a bit taller, around 18 centimetres!

3. Real Grade Gundam Kit (RG)

For those of you who have been eyeing those Perfect Grade kits but your wallet is hurting then Real Grade Gundam Kit is your dream come true! This is one of the latest Gundam model grades Bandai has produced.

Real Grade kits are like mini Perfect Grade that fit right in the palm of your hand.

Imagine a 1/144 scale model with an inner frame like the big MG kits (more on that below.)

They are all about the details. Their moves are smooth, and their armour colours are amazing. So, why the name “Real” Grade? Simple! They aim to be the most realistic AND affordable (it’s difficult to have both) Gundam kits around.

4. Master Grade Gundam Kit (MG)

If you’re hungry for more detail, mechanics, a jaw-dropping inner frame to flaunt and a bit more work, Master Grade kits are it! It is one of the highest Gundam model grades --requiring more time and money than the previous ones.

Now, the size might vary depending on the kit, but most Master Grades come in the 1/100 scale, standing tall at around 18 centimetres. Some recent ones, like the Gundam Unicorn (MG Unicorn Full Armor), are even bigger – a real showstopper!

The big deal with Master Grade kits is their inner frame or skeleton mechanic.

It’s like they have their own little Gundam bones! And applying those decals might take some practice, but boy, the results are mind-blowing!

5. Perfect Grade Gundam Kit (PG)

Perfect Grade (PG) kits are the most detailed, largest and expensive Gunpla model kits available --making them the highest Gundam model grades.

They are considered the best of the best in terms of accuracy AND mechanics. They have a lot of parts to assemble, so they require more time and effort to complete.

These kits often include LED light-up features and come with decals like the Master Grade kits to add realistic details.

If you’re a passionate Gunpla modeller looking to take your hobby to the next level (and don’t mind investing more money and effort), Perfect Grade kits are a fantastic choice.

Just make sure you have enough display space for these impressive models!

Gundam Kit Scales

1/144 Gundam Model

The 1/144 scale is the smallest size available for Gundam models. Even though it may seem bigger on the box, it’s actually quite small.

However, don’t let the size fool you! Despite being the smallest scale, 1/144 models can still have impressive detail.

In this scale, you can find both Real Grade and High-Grade models (which - as we stated- offer excellent levels of detail and quality.)

1/100 Gundam Model

The “1/100” scale indicates that the model is approximately 1/100th the size of the actual mobile suit as depicted in the anime.

These models typically stand around 12 to 18 centimetres tall when assembled, depending on the specific Gundam design.

1/60 Gundam Model

The 1/60 scale Gundam models, often known as “1/60 Gundam” or “1/60 Gunpla,” are larger and more detailed versions of the iconic mobile suits from the Gundam anime franchise. They stand at around 25 to 30 centimetres.

1/48 Gundam Model

While Bandai primarily focuses on the standard scales mentioned above, they occasionally release special limited-edition or exclusive models in different scales for specific events or promotions.

The 1/48 scale is commonly known as Mega Size, so you don’t see it very often.

1/12 Gundam Model

The 1/12 scale Gundam models are primarily intended for display purposes at exhibitions.

But occasionally, these large-scale models become available for sale, with prices reaching up to $3,400.

These remarkable creations stand at an impressive height of 1.5 meters (5 feet) and can weigh as much as 35 kilograms.

Popular Gundam Model for 2023

Where Can You Order Authentic Gundam Models in Canada?

If you’re on the lookout for legit Gundam model grades, look no further than the P-Rex hobby shop!

We’re the go-to place for all things Gundam and anime, nestled in the vibrant and awesome city of Vancouver.

What started as a hobby between a father and son during the pandemic has turned into a sacred haven for all things anime offering thousands of unique and authentic merchandise items (from the Japanese and American anime series.)

Anime figures and posters? We got it! Gunplas? Yes! T-shirts? Of course. Hobby-making supplies? Obviously. Scale models? Yes! Anything else you can think of, we have.

We believe in creating a vibrant community where enthusiasts and hobbyists can connect, share their passion for anime, and immerse themselves in the world of Gundam.

Whether you’re a die-hard Gundam fan or just dipping your toes into the mecha universe — you’re all set.

We believe in spreading the anime love, so no matter where you’re from, you’re welcome to join our P-Rex family!

Written by Consumer Eyes