How to Pick Your Perfect Gundam Kit

How to Pick Your Perfect Gundam Kit

Are you standing at the crossroads of the exciting Gundam model kit world? Navigating the vast universe of Gunpla can feel overwhelming, but finding your perfect fit is all part of the fun! Whether you're building right here in  or joining the global community of plastic model kit enthusiasts, this guide is designed to help you choose your ideal Gundam kit. Let's dive in and find the model that's just right for your skill level, budget, and building aspirations.

Understanding Gundam Kit Grades: Your First Step in Gunpla

Gundam model kits come in various grades, primarily defined by their scale, complexity, and level of detail. Understanding these grades is crucial for picking a kit you'll enjoy building.  

 

High Grade (HG) - 1/144 Scale

    • Perfect starting point for newcomers: Absolutely! HG kits are the gateway into Gunpla building. They offer a balance of detail and simplicity, making them ideal for learning the ropes without getting bogged down by complex mechanics.
    • More affordable pricing: Generally the most budget-friendly Gundam kits, HG Gunpla lets you experience the hobby without a significant investment. This allows you to try out different mobile suits and building techniques.
    • Simpler build process: With fewer parts compared to higher grades, HG models can typically be completed in a single sitting or a few hours. They usually feature snap-fit construction, meaning glue isn't required.
    • Great way to practice basic techniques: HG kits are perfect for practicing fundamental model kit skills like sprue cutting, nub removal, panel lining, and applying stickers or decals.

 

Master Grade (MG) - 1/100 Scale

    • More detailed inner frame: MG kits are renowned for their intricate internal structures. Building the inner frame is often a highlight, showcasing the "anatomy" of the mobile suit before the armor goes on.  
    • Higher part count: Expect a more involved build than an HG. The increased part count contributes to greater detail, color separation, and articulation.
    • Better articulation: Thanks to advanced joint designs and the detailed inner frame, MG Gundams boast superior poseability, allowing for dynamic display options.
    • Recommended for builders with 2-3 HG kits under their belt: While not strictly required, having built a few HG kits helps you get comfortable with the tools and process, making the step up to MG less intimidating.

 

Perfect Grade (PG) - 1/60 Scale

    • Ultimate detail level: PG kits represent the pinnacle of Gunpla engineering. They feature unparalleled detail, often including complex inner frames, working pistons, LED integration points (sometimes included), and extensive part separation for color accuracy. 
    • Complex build process: Building a PG Gundam is a significant project. It involves numerous runners and intricate steps that can take many hours or even days to complete.
    • Largest standard size: Standing at 1/60 scale, PG models are impressive in stature, making them striking display pieces. 
    • Best for experienced builders: Due to their complexity and investment of time and money, PG kits are recommended for builders who are comfortable with various techniques and have experience with simpler grades.

 

Picking Based on Your Experience Level

Your journey in Gunpla is personal. Matching the kit's complexity to your current skills ensures a rewarding and fun experience, preventing frustration.

Beginner (0-3 kits):

    • Start with HG kits: Absolutely the best entry point. They teach you the fundamental skills without overwhelming you.
    • Look for newer releases with simpler builds: Modern HGUC (High Grade Universal Century) kits often have excellent color separation and articulation right out of the box, minimizing the need for painting. Kits from series like Gundam SEED, Gundam 00, or The Witch from Mercury are also often beginner-friendly.
    • Focus on popular mobile suits like the RX-78-2: Iconic designs like the RX-78-2 Gundam have numerous HG versions available, many of which are specifically designed for beginners (e.g., Entry Grade). 

 

Intermediate (4-10 kits):

    • Try Master Grade kits: Ready for the next level? MGs will challenge you with more parts and detailed mechanics, offering a richer building experience.
    • Mix in some vintage HG kits: Explore older HG lines (pre-2000s) or non-HG 1/100 kits. These might require more panel lining or even painting to look their best, introducing you to more advanced techniques.
    • Start exploring limited editions: As you get more comfortable, you might start looking into exclusive Gundam base kits or event limited items.

 

Advanced (10+ kits):

    • Perfect Grade kits: The ultimate challenge for the experienced builder, offering incredible detail and a long, satisfying build.
    • Rare vintage models: Seek out harder-to-find kits from the early days of Gunpla. These often require significant skill in restoration, painting, and modification.
    • Limited production runs: Dive into the world of Premium Bandai (P-Bandai) exclusives, event exclusives, or limited collaboration kits.
    • Special edition releases: Look for clear color kits, titanium finish, or other special coatings that offer unique visual appeals.

 

Time Investment Guide

Gunpla building is a hobby that respects your time. Knowing the rough time commitment for each grade helps you pick a kit that fits your schedule.

  • HG: 2-4 hours: This is generally for a straight build out of the box. Adding panel lining, top coating, or decals can add extra time.
  • MG: 6-12 hours: Again, this is for a standard build. An MG with a complex inner frame or significant decal sheet can easily take longer. Customizing, painting, or scribing will extend this significantly.
  • PG: 20+ hours: A Perfect Grade is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the process, take breaks, and savor the complexity. Expect this time to increase if you plan any painting or heavy customization.
  • Vintage kits: Varies (some require extra care): Older kits might require cleaning, fixing brittle plastic, or even gluing parts that don't snap fit well. This can add unpredictable time to the build.

Price Ranges to Consider

Your budget is another key factor. Gunpla is available across a wide price spectrum, ensuring there's a kit for almost any wallet.

  • Entry Level: $15-30: Primarily consists of HG kits, Entry Grade (EG) kits, and sometimes smaller non-grade kits. Perfect for trying the hobby or building a collection of different mobile suits affordably.
  • Mid-Range: $40-80: This is the sweet spot for most Master Grade kits. You get significant detail and build complexity without the premium price tag of a PG. Some larger or more complex HGs might also fall into this range.
  • High-End: $100+: This range typically includes Perfect Grade kits, larger or more complex Master Grade releases (like the MGEX line), and some larger Real Grade (RG) kits or special editions.
  • Collector's Items: Varies based on rarity: Vintage kits, limited production runs, P-Bandai exclusives, and kits with special finishes or collaborations can range from slightly above retail to hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on demand and scarcity.
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Special Notes for Builders

Shopping locally has unique advantages! If you're building your collection right here in Farmingdale, NY Wise Guys Hobbies is her to help.

  • Our physical store offers hands-on guidance for local builders. Need advice on tools? Unsure about a technique? Our knowledgeable staff are fellow hobbyists happy to help you pick the right kit and get started.
  • Plus, being in Nassau County means faster shipping for our local customers. Get your hands on that new release or sought-after kit without the long wait!

Why Choose Vintage and Discontinued Kits?

Stepping off the beaten path into the world of vintage and discontinued Gunpla offers a different kind of reward for the dedicated builder.

  • Unique designs not available in modern releases: Sometimes, the coolest or most obscure mobile suits only received kits decades ago. Building these is the only way to add them to your physical collection.
  • Historical value in the Gundam hobby: Owning and building a vintage kit connects you to the history and evolution of Gunpla as a hobby.
  • Potential investment opportunity: While not guaranteed, some rare or popular discontinued kits can increase in value over time, though most builders collect for the love of the model, not profit.
  • Rare building experience: Older kits often use simpler molds, different plastic types, and require more traditional modeling skills like gluing and painting, offering a nostalgic or challenging build compared to modern snap-fit kits

Ready to Start Your Journey?

The perfect Gundam kit is waiting for you! Consider your experience, the time you have, and your budget. Don't be afraid to try different grades as you grow in the hobby.

Browse our selection of kits in our store, or reach out if you need specific recommendations. Whether you're in Nassau County and can visit us in person, or shopping from anywhere else, we're here to help you find the perfect Gundam kit for your skill level and interests. Happy building!

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