1/144 RG MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam Review

Zeta Gundam

1/144 RG MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam

Hey guys! Apologies for the long absence in you've been following my blog reviews! (Thank you if you do by the way)

                      I never had any Real Grades before so this being my first one I am going to really lay                                                        everything straight out based on my first experience.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           What do you think of when Real Grade comes to mind?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Are you thinking of a model capable of realistic detail, features, and gimmicks that could rival a Master Grade?

I'll stop you there. No 1/144 scale could ever truly win against a 1/100. However no High Grade ever had a full inner frame before either.                                                                                  Yes, you heard right. If you're unfamiliar with Real Grades, the Real Grade line takes 1/144 scale models to a whole new level.                                                                                                         The Real Grade line is still starting out but there are as of now 13 to choose from and the Zeta is Real Grade #10. 

Now let's see what's so special about this Real Grade!

Since this is the first real experience I had with a Real Grade I am going to break it all down and compare it with the usual 1/144 High Grades I am normally used to.

The detail on the RG Zeta compared to a HG Zeta is remarkable. The entire model consists of varying small pieces all making up one intricate design. Thus bringing out detail like you've never seen before for a 1/144 scale. The model also comes with stickers used to bring out more detail and add more of a depth. In short it brings out the detail and it makes the model close to realistic as it can get. I don't want to confuse you though. Just because the line is called Real Grade it doesn't mean you're ending up with one realistic finished model. Real Grades feature full inner frames never before seen in 1/144 scale and amazing quality in detail and features. They're like mini Master Grades. 1/144 scale can look good to only a certain level though. It's still a small size to really go to town on. 

The markings and with panel lines applied you really see the quality come out from the model. Which is why I recommend you panel line if you don't. The Zeta is most common for its transformation feature however. Bandai doesn't disappoint on that end though because this RG is the first to introduce a fully transformable frame. Thus you can transform it from mobile suit form to wave rider in you're choosing. 

In Short

Although the RG Zeta is remarkable for the quality in design and features there is one incredible flaw with it. The frame is very delicate. A 1/144 inner frame can't withstand pressure for a long time and you will eventually stress the frame or particular parts causing a broken model as a result. Many had issues including me in transforming the RG Zeta and ended up stressing or breaking their models. Therefore I am sad to say I cannot really go over wave rider in this review. The RG Zeta I have has stressed shoulder frames so if I attempt a transformation it could result in a break. 

How is the posing?

Have you ever seen lightning's photos of his RG models? These models are highly articulate and more advanced than regular HGs. Not only do you get a great quality in detail but the models offer more satisfaction. 

The RG Zeta comes with standard beam sabers, rifle, and shield. However the rifle also has a beam effect for added measure of awesomeness. The RG Zeta is capable of also doing a full kneeling pose as you see above. The true way of seeing if a 1/144 scale is good or not sometimes is to see if it can take a knee. At least that's how I test articulation. The RG is capable of more however though so not just a knee pose is in its bag of tricks. As a reminder it is a transformable model so it is one flexible beauty. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully I will have more experience with Real Grades in the future. As for the experience I have gained from my first I must say I am left with a craving for more. The Real Grades offer something unique in models. I never really expected a 1/144 scale inner frame to be quite successful. Of course with size comes the caution of being fragile but it is as good as it gets. I doubt there could be any better attempt at such a quality and detail. If I really had to nitpick the RG Zeta to satisfy those of you who want to know everything wrong with it I admit the transformation gimmick is slightly a downfall. Note this is the first RG to offer such a feature so it isn't going to be perfect. It doesn't feel solid enough. The chest has a habit of getting loose and open up as if its beginning to transform (if you touch and play with it too much like me). This is entirely opinionated of course many actually successfully transform their RG Zeta's without any issues. 

The bottom line of it all is get a RG based on what you like. I wanted more of a challenge and something that I could be proud of as is. (I am not going to paint any Real Grades I get) There are 13 in total to choose from as of now including the two latest ones which are the GP01's. The best one out of them all are the RG MK II Gundams. (I admit I probably would have loved those more than I did this one)

Recommended for Intermediate Levels. 

While you're at it check out my video review for more!

1/144 HGUC RX-93 Nu Gundam

1/144 HGUC RX-93 Nu Gundam Review

1/144 HGUC RX-93 Nu Gundam

#86

What's Included:

10X Runners

2X Small Sticker Sheets

1X Manual 

Now before I begin I think a little statement is needed. The HGUC RX-93 Nu Gundam is the first HGUC model I have. It is identified by the number 86 in its line and I would like to explain the numbers before I begin. The HGUC line represents the Universal Century line and releases models according to the line. However some alternate lines have been added to the HGUC line and that is either because they needed a long due re-release or something along those lines. Now how many have been released so far? 144. Yes you have 144 models to choose from and I must tell you I for one think I did a great job in selecting the RX-93 Nu as my first HGUC. Now without further ado let's begin the review.

Details:

Ok so I figured looking at the pictures first would show you the details better. The details are remarkable and the model truly does a good job of showing off a fierce serious look. It means no business of course if it were to be put up in a battle. Against the latest Gundam it could definitely put up a fight. However the details are nice and all but one thing I dislike and it's the stickers. They peel off and lose its glue residue so eventually they come off completely. However in simple terms you won't see any problems with detail. Very impressive. 

Proportions:

So what do I have to say about proportions? Nothing really. It's along the same lines as the details. However if I had to really point something out I would have to say the skirts. They seem too long... however I don't like pointing things out like that unless I see something really wrong. So far I hate the stickers that's all I can tell you.

Articulation:

                                                                                

Ok so as you see in the pictures it's pretty simple. I am not really going to stress how far a certain joint goes or this or that. I am just going to summarize it with one thing. Statue. Yes the model is amazing and as you saw it is articulate but it feels stiff in my opinion or in general better looking as a standing pose. Seems simple enough but just let it pose in a standing pose with the bazooka on it's back and funnels. Then let it hold the rifle with both hands by using an open hand. Nice pose if you ask me. Articulation is satisfying but it's not the best I have seen.

Weapons:

Ok so for the weapons it's pretty simple. Let us count them. We have 6 funnels, 1 rifle, 1 bazooka, 2 beam sabers. How many weapons in total is that? 10. Yes 10. Of course I am going to count the funnels but just consider that. Normally most HGUC's never come in a major amount of weapons or accessories depending on the model. The RX-93 Nu is the perfect model if you want a fully weaponized model. Just think of the possible pose varieties as well. As far as detail goes all of the weapons are exceptional as much as the model itself is. There is nothing about this model kit that has something to strike out on except for the stickers head to toe.

Extras:

Nothing really to point out in the extras. The model comes with 5 hands in total. 2 close fists. 1 open fist. 1 open palm. 1 trigger finger. The close fists are just for any standard pose. The open one is for the beam sabers. The open palm I use to lift or hold the rifle which makes it looks cool. The trigger finger can be switched between rifle or bazooka. Plus if you buy two you get 12 funnels. So taking this into thought the model has an extra funnel back extension which attaches with the funnels making 12. Nice little add but I don't have 12 funnels. Also the last thing is a action base cover for the bottom of the Nu. It clogs up the hole which is used to attach the model to a action base 1 or 2. I preferably just keep the clog off.

Conclusion:

I kept the review short and simple with little words to really let you viewers enjoy the pictures and get an idea of it that way. This is where my final thoughts go. When it comes to the Nu gundam I have one thing to say. That is to get it if you haven't. The HGUC only offers horrible sticker problems. You might be lucky and get a box with nice stickers but that shouldn't scare you. It's a very nice deem worthy model and definitely a great pick for your first HGUC. 

If your not totally sure take a look at.