Gunpla Grades and FAQs

Since I haven't posted much this past few days, I decided to make a small post which is a blog exclusive one about Gunpla (Gundam Model Kits) grades. To experienced builders or anyone who are somewhat knowledgeable about it, you can skip through this, what I'll be going through is only the bare basics of it. Why am I making this? Because in the past I always hesitate on buying one since I have no idea on what things are at all.

The box art of HG Barbatos from Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans

The Grades comparison

First, let's talk about the grades. There's actually a lot of grades to the gunpla line, but for the sake of simplicity, I'll talk about the 4 most common grades (I'm excluding SD because I don't like it) out there.
1. High Grade

HG Star Build Strike

High Grade is without a doubt the most common gunpla you'll find in the market. The High Grade or HG is the most collectible grade out there since there's a large amount of variety and most mobile suit that appeared on the show (and even those who aren't) will have a HG version of them. You surely will get one you'll like in this line.

Price-wise, the HG line is considerably affordable compared to most grades and it has sufficient details and part separation for that price. Also it looked quite good just from a straight build out from the box. If you're starting this hobby, I highly suggest starting from the HG line first.

HG Grimgerde

2. Real Grade

RG Exia

Real Grade or RG can be said a smaller and cheaper version of a Master Grade. Like HG, RG is also 1/144 in size but it has an inner frame and a lot of part separation and gimmicks. A straight build from the RG line looks superb and you don't really need much work to make it looks absolutely fantastic. Its price range falls between a HG and a MG but still very affordable in my opinion.

RG Strike Freedom

3. Master Grade

MG Nu Ver. Ka

You have want a gunpla but a HG is too small and lacks detail and mechanics? Look no further, a Master Grade or MG got you covered. A MG is larger than the 1/144 HG, being at 1/100 size and with full inner frame and great details in exchange for a higher price (duhh, obvious). If you compare the price to the result you get, I would say the MG is the best line of gunpla.

MG Aile Strike RM (Remastered)

4. Perfect Grade

PG 00 Raiser

Perfect Grade or PG... Well, what can I say, they're the best line for details and size (at 1/60) and will blow your mind away with its sheer amount of details. I can't really say much about it since I do not own any. Why? Because it's expensive as hell. I'm a college student and hell no, I can't afford a PG. Just look at the pictures shall we?

PG Gundam Unicorn

When I first thought of starting this hobby, I have a lot of question to ask, so why not I compile everything here
1. Do we need to assemble gunpla parts on our own?
Yes. When you bought one and open the box, you'll find a decent amount of runners and you need to assemble them yourself. It's not hard in the slightest, so don't worry too much.

The runners you'll find in the box

2. I heard the instruction is in Japanese, can I build one without understanding Japanese?

Yes, definitely. I, myself, can't read Japanese and yet I'm into this hobby and that never become any hindrance to me. The instruction manuals has a lot of pictures and not much text, so as long as you can see, you will have no problem with it.

An example of the instruction manual. Easy to follow right?

3. Do you need to paint it?

You can paint it but it'll still look decent even if you don't. So don't worry about painting since I don't do it myself but due to circumstances, I can't.

4. What tools do I need?
In the bare minimum, I'd say nippers and a hobby knife. It'd be better if you have a sand paper, gundam markers for panel lining, paint, and a top coat. But to get started, I'd say a nipper and a hobby knife would be fine.

Just get all of this

5. What gunpla would you recommend to beginners?

Actually, I won't recommend anything. Just look through the HG line and buy whatever you like. The HG line is easy enough for beginners and it'll be better to get something you like rather than getting something that's suited for beginners.

6. Is there any place where I can look at gunpla images before deciding what to buy?
Yep. Here: http://www.dalong.net/