Gundam models took the world by storm starting in the 1980s, and as a matter of fact, they remain a huge staple in Japan and throughout different parts of the world today. The question is, what sets one Gundam model grades apart from another and what difference do Gundam grades make?
As a general rule, Gundam models come in five different grades. These grades include super-deformed, real grade, perfect grade, master grade, and high grade. Each grade can come in different sizes and different scales.
Still not sure which grade is right for you? Below, you will find each of the Gundam model (Gunpla) grades explained in detail. Hopefully, this information will help you to make an informed decision. Happy hunting!
Which Gundam Model Grades Do I Need?
First things first. What exactly does the grade of a Gundam model mean and which one will serve you best?
The grade of a Gunpla model basically designates the age group or skill required to complete the model.
The higher the grade, the more complicated the model will be to assemble and the more skill will be required to assemble it.
Super deformed is the smallest grade on the list and perfect grade is the highest. Most of these grades can be purchased online. You might even be able to find some of the lower-quality models at your local Walmart or a similar venue as well.
As for the grade? The level and difficulty are completely up to you; whatever you think you can handle should determine which grade you buy and build.
To help you to better understand which one is right for you, take a look at each of the grades below.
Super Deformed Gundam Models
As said before, the Super-Deformed grade models are the smallest on the list and because of that, they have no scale.
Many people would describe the Super-Deformed models as an entirely different world of Gunpla/Gundam models. They measure about 8 cm tall (about 3.1 inches tall) and are probably the most affordable figures on the list.
As you have probably guessed, super-deformed Gundams are the simplest to assemble and come with the fewest pieces.
These models are usually appropriate for children who are as young as 3 years, possibly even younger. There are several popular models in this grade.
Top 10 Super Deformed Gundam Models 2020
- SD Gundam EX-Standard RX-78-2 Gundam / Hello Kitty Set
- SD Gundam Cross Silhouette Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex
- SDBD:R EX Valkylander
- SD Gundam Cross Silhouette Booster (White)
- SD Cross Silhouette RX-78-2 Gundam & MS-06S Char’s Zaku II
- SD Gundam Cross Silhouette Zaku II
- SD Gundam Cross Silhouette Wing Gundam Zero Custom
- SD Gundam Cross Silhouette Earthree Gundam
- SD Sangoku Soketsuden 29 TienBa CaoCao Wing Gundam
- SD Gundam Cross Silhouette Zaku II Char Custom / Hello Kitty Set
Of all the series in the Super-Deformed grade, BB Senshi and the Brave Battle Warriors are probably the most popular ones.
This is primarily because they are easy to assemble and they both have their own anime tv series. If you are looking for a chibi-style, different figurine, these SB models are a perfect choice.
These figures are excellent for younger kids, especially thanks to their “cute” and colorful nature and easy assembly.
Real Grade Gundam Models
A Real Grade Gundam is the choice for you if your goal is to save money.
It is a fairly budget-friendly choice and one that your kids could potentially be interested in. One of the newest model grades on the Gundam line, RG grade Bandai models, is a one-of-a-kind series that has a scale of 1/144.
RG (Real Grade) models are actually comparable to PG (perfect grade) models, but the largest difference is that RGs are much less expensive.
As far as Gundam models go, RGs have some of the very best articulation and separation. Additionally, the RG’s armor has a fairly large selection of colors and ranges.
If you are interested in a model as good as the PGs but slightly cheaper, an RG model is most definitely for you. It was designed to be a cheaper but incredibly realistic-looking model.
Most Popular Real Grade Gundam Models 2020
- RG ZGMF-X56S/α Force Impulse Gundam
- RG Evangelion Unit-01 Test Type (DX Transport Stand Set)
- RG Evangelion Unit-01 Test Type
- RG RX-93 Nu Gundam + Fin Funnel Effect Set
- RG RX-93 Nu Gundam
- RG Evangelion Production Model-02
- RG MBF-P01-Re2 Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina
- RG RX-0(N) Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn
- RG Evangelion Unit-00 DX Positron Cannon Set
- RG MSN-04 Sazabi
High Grade Gundam Models
Aside from the Super-Deformed grade, High Grade (HG) models are some of the most affordable Gundam models out there.
They are also some of the most collectible models because the line-up of suits in this grade (both antagonists and protagonists) are incredibly vast and versatile.
High-Grade models have a scale of 1/144 which measures approximately 13 centimeters (5 inches) tall, though a few of those models are taller (the Sinanju and Sazabi models in particular) and a few are a tad smaller (Exia).
The larger models are closer to a 1/100 scale (18 centimeters/7 inches). While HGs are somewhat similar to PG models, they are much easier to display because they do not take up nearly as much space.
High-Grade kits are easily identifiable by the HG abbreviations and landscape art on their boxes.
This is just one more statement about the detail and realistic nature of the HG models. These models tend to have a lot more parts to assemble than, say, the SDs but they do have plenty of details and often include sticker decals.
Older HG kits don’t have the best articulation (though it’s not terribly unsatisfactory), but over the years the Gunpla technology has advanced, therefore creating better-articulated models. In fact, the more modern HGs are comparable to the Master Grade kits (MGs).
In addition to needing a larger amount of assembly, some HG models will also require a little bit of paint to make them look complete. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also add a little panel lining.
This will help boost the appearance and detail of your HG model and give them an overall polished and finished look.
Top 10 High Grade Gundam Models From 2020
- HG RX-78-02 Gundam (Gundam The Origin Ver.)
- HGBD Uraven Gundam
- HGAC OZ-06MS Leo
- HG Gundam G40 (Industrial Design Ver.)
- HGUC MS-06S Zaku II Char Custom Revive
- HGAC XXXG-01H Gundam Heavyarms
- HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive
- HG IBO Gundam Marchosias
- HGCE ZGMF-X19A Infinite Justice Gundam
- HGBD:R Protagonist New Weapons
Master Grade Gundam Models
Master Grade (MG) kits are the ones you ought to buy if you are looking for a good combination of mechanics and detail, plus a sturdy skeleton frame.
MGs are the next kit up from HGs and although they cost a considerable amount in comparison to other kits, Gundam fans will find the cost to be worth it. MG kits feature plenty of dry rub decals, mechanics, and other gimmicks that add to the realistic and “epic” look of the models.
MG kits are definitely showy and displayable, though they only come on a 1/100 scale (18 centimeters/7 inches). However, there are a few more modern MGs that are slightly larger including the Sazabi Ver. Ka and Unicorn Full Armor models.
When you’re looking for an MG kit at the store, you won’t miss it; the MG is abbreviated in large gold letters on the box art. Keep in mind that the number of parts and size of the kits do vary.
The crowning jewel of almost any MG kit is the aforementioned stunning details and other gimmicks that make it look so realistic. What really sets an MG aside from an HG kit is that MG kits have a sturdy mechanical skeleton frame onto which you can put the rest of the pieces.
The colors and piece separation on these kits are impeccably designed to be easy and convenient to use.
MG kits also rarely require painting or plastering because the pieces have already been designed to look fantastic straight out of the box. Many MG kits also include a series of LED light mechanics to add a little bit of extra detail and fun to the model’s look.
For serious hobbyists, MG kits are great because they usually have dozens of dry rub decals that really increase the detail and polished look of the models.
Keep in mind, however, that there are a lot of these decals that will take quite a bit of time and application. So, as said before, MG kits are usually best suited for serious hobbyists who have plenty of time on their hands that they are willing to dedicate to making their models look awesome.
Top 10 Master Grade Gundam Models 2020
- MG XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero Custom Ver.Ka
- MG ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos
- MG GN-003 Gundam Kyrios
- MG GN-002 Gundam Dynames
- MG OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon EW Ver.
- MG MBF-02VV Gundam Astray Turn Red
- MG GN-0000+GNR-010/XN 00 XN Raiser
- MG XXXG-01D2 Gundam Deathscythe Hell EW Ver.
- MG MS-06S Zaku II Char Custom Ver 2.0
- MG GNT-0000/FS 00 QAN[T] (Quanta) Full Saber
Perfect Grade Gundam Models
And so we reach the kits that are at the top of every Gundam list: the Perfect Grade (PG) kits.
Serious Gundam fans even refer to PG kits as being the holy grail of the Gundam world, and perhaps they aren’t wrong.
Not only are PGs the most detailed, best mechanized, and are equipped with the best gimmicks, but PGs are also the largest scale on the market. They come at a scale 1/60 which stands about 30 centimeters (11 inches) tall.
These kits are the largest and most expensive ones on the market.
PG kits are incredibly detailed and require the most assembly (and skill of course) - You definitely don’t want to let your younger children try to put those together.
Keep in mind that because they are so detailed, they will not only take plenty of time to put together, but they will also take up quite a bit of space when they’re on display. Make sure you have adequate space for your PGs before you set them up.
It will save you the hassle of trying to squeeze them in somewhere you hadn’t planned for.
- PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam
- PG GAT-X105+AQM/E-YM1 Perfect Strike Gundam
- PG GN-0000/7S 00 Gundam Seven Sword/G
- PG MBF-P02KAI Gundam Astray Red Frame Kai
- PG RX-0 Unicorn Gundam
- PG GN-001 Gundam Exia
- PG RX-0 Unicorn Gundam LED Unit Set
- PG GN-0000 00 Gundam + GNR-010 00 Raiser
- PG RX-78-2 Gundam
- PG XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero Custom
Designing/Painting the Kits
There are some pretty impressive Gundam models out there for sure.
Obviously, most of them come with their own features to make the kits look cool and realistic, but if you are not satisfied with what is provided, there are a few more things you can do to make your figure look twice as amazing. Here is something you can try:
One fairly popular way to make your Gunpla figures look especially realistic and majestic is to put them through a process called weathering or Gunpla battle damage.
This is an especially fun thing to do for those who own battle-suited models because it makes more sense for them to have a few battle scars.
This can be done by brushing semi-dry paint onto your model to give it an older “weathered” look. When you brush the paint, make sure you rub the excess off onto a sheet of paper so you don’t have paint caking onto your figurine. You should use white or metallic-looking paint. This will give the impression that the Gundam’s armor has been penetrated, exposing the metal frame underneath.
Another popular way to give your figurine battle damage is to use a soldering iron. You can use this to create “bullet holes” or other kinds of wounds and scratches. However, you must be cautious if this is your method of choice.
This is primarily because it can be somewhat difficult to control just how much battle damage you give to your model and you could do some pretty permanent damage if you aren’t careful.
