How does the hi nu compare to the rg nu Gundam? Put that kit together a year ago and it's in great shape. Our kids even play with it regularly and it's held up to that. Articulations are near perfection.
I imagine a scene from a movie, where the bad guys, as is tradition, stand back and allow the hero to transform, but it's taking longer than usual and the robot gets stuck in one of the in-between stages, metal screeching and straining, some oarts fall off, coolant is leaking... "Guys, I know we're not supposed to interrupt, but should we, like, help?"
Fun meta lore fact for anyone that might not know: The RG zeta is basically the delta gundam prior to being split off into the zeta gundam project, in disguise, weirdly enough.
@@rollingvice The wings are a nightmare. The tabs are on a ball joint-and to be fair, they would snap immediately if they weren't-but it's still a nightmare. The skirts always fall off when I try to flip them around. The gun does not stay put. The ZZ has far fewer issues, predominantly the legs not staying tabbed into the backpack, and the gun not staying tabbed in, but they're far less significant.
You were warned. It's not *that* bad, and most people don't really address the main issue in that if you transform it repeatedly as well it begins to fall apart rapidly. Typically if you build it you keep it in one mode and never change it again afterwards.
If you want a modern real-grade kit that still has a transformation gimmick, definitely consider getting a unicorn (there's like 10 different variations but they're all basically the same, just pick the one you like most). I got a RG unicorn as my first kit (before I even had proper nippers) and it went together super easy.
Just my opinion, but Macross has great flight forms and kind of ugly mecha forms while Gundam has great mecha forms and ugly flight forms. The transforming Gundams tend to be my least favorite.
Painting war hammer wasn't enough, you just had to build satan in gunpla form... i'm sorry you had to go through such an experience and all the pain you must've suffer.
"Satan in Gunpla form" got me chuckling. I wish someone will do a custom of a satan-themed, battle damaged build, from a broken RG Zeta kit, purely built out of spite and salt.
Most gunpla builders only build gunpla or other kit like gunpla and thus only have gunpla as a frame of refrence. Thus kits like the rg Zeta and Tristan while not being bad kits are seen as bad gunpla. Bandai has just made pepole expect the best in model kit engenering so its odd when a kit comes out and dose not live up to what pepole are used to.
yeah pretty much this I started off build gunplas and only realize glues are generally a must for most model kits after i start dabbling in non gunpla kits
RG Zeta sure, it get a pass since Bandai was feelin ambitious despite not having the know-how at that moment, but to actually thinks Tristan wasn't a bad kit is straight up braindead cope.
@@sate2801 Have you considered Moderoids? Quality in both build and stability is about the same. But it comes with the bonus of some of the parts being pre-painted(Mostly the faces and really small apps stickers could never manage), and a wider range of I.Ps to choose from. Patlabour, Granzort, Rayearth, Getter Robo, and recently SSSS Gridman and Cross Ange. They even have more obscure entries like Megaton Musashi ,Banished from Paradise and Brain Powered. Only downside is that reprints are fewer then Gunpla and the price is expectedly higher, but they're more often then not well worth it. If your looking to turn your Gunpla collection into a Super Robot Wars collection, then Good Smile Companies Moderoids will fill any gaps Bandais HGs(and two RGs in the case of GaoGaiGar) haven't.
@@sate2801 Glue is a must have for Gunpla if you want to remove the seam lines and make the outer armor look more natural and complete. I use Tamiya Extra Thin Cement (the one with the darker green lid) to weld the plastic together and then after it’s dry I sand it down to make it look like a complete piece. Then I will paint my model. Happy building.😊
In terms of Real Grades, ANYTHING that comes after the Tallgeese and the Unicorn is awesome But be careful because some of them have keyhole joints that in my experience have gotten loose very quickly Like the RG God Gundam and the RG Crossbone Gundam
Definitely build the Zeta Ver Ka! :D You can compare how much the model has improved since the RG days! Also... ah yes the model impulse buying of more kits. You now are truly getting deep into Gunpla =P
@@GTSW1FT Yes. MG Zeta Ver Ka is the latest MG release and its basically fixed everything and then some. Folks have said it's practically peak for a kit right now
@GTSW1FT Just be aware its a Ver Ka kit they are meant to be more "advanced" MG kits (and have a crapton of water slide decals coz Katoki loves decals xD) they are a treat to build though just a bit more time consuming than the average MG
nah he still haven't reach the peak of being a plamo builder having an endlessly increasing backlog sitting in the corner (stares at my megami device backlog)
I totally accidentally stumbled onto gunpla ages ago... and fell in love instantly. Having the web as a resource is nice, but it's one of those things where I find it's best to just use for release schedules more than anything.
Same. The twitch community that got me into it is very welcoming and glad to help. Did 4 entry grades and just finished my second High Grade today. . . . I have about 5 more ordered. . . .I really dove into this didn't I?
RG Zeta is general just a kit you get for the looks and never touch. It's something that can serve well if you go into it expecting what you did, but know its limits. If you want to check out a transforming RG that shows how far tech has gone, I 100% recommend the RG Impulse Gundam. The transformation isn't as flashy, but it's super solid and an excellent example of how far RGs have come.
RG Epyon also transforms into a cool two headed dragon mobile armor mode, and it's also super cool. It helps it's only about a year old or so, too so it's part of the modern "mini master grade" style of RGs.
Considering it also has 3 distinct variants, sadly the other two are Pbandai, it won me over when I built the Sword Impulse, and I wasn't even a fan of the suit. I'll admit, I'd say the one true flaw of it is the V-fin, it's so fragile, mines broke off on the right side, but the one on my Destiny Impulse is still good so far.
The RG Epyon has basically redefined the transformation process. Probably the best looking RG transforming kit out ATM... In my opinion. Very straight forward and the detail is perfect.
In terms of Real Grade horror stories, my first actual real grade that I built was the RG Crossbone Gundam (The smallest Gundam in the known UC timeline). It looked really cool since it's sort of pirate based, and came with many accessories that interested me such as a cloak, and beam shields. I uh ... was a little too ambitious. Some of the parts are so microscopic, that I had to use tweezers to put them in place. Many hours were sacrificed, and many bullets were sweated in the process if finding these pieces that managed to disappear in the infinite void that is my carpet. Taught me the importance of a neat building space. Another traumatic gunpla building experience was when I built the RG Sazabi. One of the best real grades around for sure. But I mistakenly snapped a peg because I tried to rotate a joint that wasn't meant to be rotated. (Use baby oil to loosen up the pre-molded joints if you feel it's too stiff.) Thankfully, I somehow managed to get a free replacement from Amazon prime. I've disciplined myself to build more kits until I feel like I've gained enough experience and technique to build the Sazabi properly. I see that you bought yourself the true GOATED Master Grade Zeta Gundam Ver. Ka. Just know that that model truly does transform, no parts forming required, and also comes with the superior water slide decals instead of stickers.
seeing as you are going down the RG line. I'd recommend the Gundam Unicorn (bring your WD-40 for the joints) or for the king of Gunpla, The RG Hi-Nu Gundam.
had RG destiny as my very first gunpla because I absolutely love Destiny, it taught me to watch reviews first before buying a certain model because if I bought them blindly, I might stumble upon an absolute hand grenade that I wish ive never had in the collection.
Supposedly the Real Grade Unicorn is supposed to be pretty great, and it has a transformation that actually works (although it’s from Gundam to slightly-fancier Gundam, rather than into a spacecraft) quite well.
The Master Grade Barbatos is my absolute favorite model kit and also the first one I ever built. I ended up mangling one of the shoulder pieces and replacing the entire inner frame with one made of metal. So, now it looks all cool with its shiny gold v fin.
Honestly, I liked building it, it was my second kit in like 10 years. Eventually I learned how to airbrush, went back to disassemble this RG zeta and painted it all up. Transformed it back and forth multiple times. Added the hyper mega bazooka that didn't come with the RG version. I also won a competition (1st place) with it 😆
I have a couple of Real Grade kits. The Real Grade Strike Gundam wasn't too painful, more complex than a High Grade but ultimately just builds a nice, solid Gundam. The Unicorn Gundam is something else. It's brilliant in that the transformation functions work really well, but also a nightmare because you have to build those transformation functions which depend on loads of really, really, really tiny pieces which you have to scalpel every last micron of sprue off of or they won't slide past each other properly. It's surprisingly solid in spite of this. My worst and least stable kit is the High Grade Gundam Exia which has never once felt solid. It falls apart if you so much as look at it wrong. It has a sword thing which is supposed to be able to unfold but it just doesn't. My personal favourite kit is the High Grade Aerial from the Witch from Mercury line, it's a really solid kit which replicates the gimmick of the Gundam in the show well (there's bits that can be attached to various points as extra armour or combined to make a shield), and I really really loved Witch from Mercury as a series so I'm attached to it in that way.
Ay the hg exia isnt that bad Its just a little old and most of it can be solved with a little glue aside from that everything else works perfectly Its strange your sword doesnt work though
I have an HG barbataurus, and while it's cool (barbatos centaur? Sign me in!), it's VERY flimsy and even posing it a bit it's easy to come apart (nothing breaks, luckily). Not the best kit to start with.
You want to suffer? Try real grade #01, the RG RX78-2. Being the first real grade it has a lot issues, what we call the early real grade syndrome started here. A lot of people really hate this kit, personally I thought "Im built different" and bought one anyways. It is loose and easily falls apart. Another one is the MG Unicorn or MG Banshee and any variations (excluding the MGEX Unicorn thats a different kit), the unicorn is a transforming kit and the mg has some issues in the leg. This aside, the two kits you got the RG Epyon and MG Zeta verka are fantastic. For the mg zeta, please be careful when building the head, wont be as bad as the rg but it requires extra attention.
The first RG Rx-78-2 was really solid, there's really no such thing as early real grade syndrome. People for some reason treat the model kits as figures and get too rough, avoid using glue and mess with them too much.
@@d3bugged idk man, id already been building kits for years. Not rough with my kits or used glue, still came out loose and hand-grenady. Especially when compared to other earlier rgs like mk2, zgok, or astray
This a you probably. My Rg RX-78-2 isn't indestructible or anything, but it isn't a nightmare. The worst issue it has is that the skirt joints are shallow ball joints. Other then this, the lower ankles go loss. But honestly. I just need to hit it with a thin layer of clear coat on the ankles. Don't get me wrong. It ain't perfect. But it ain't no saint.
For a better experience with real grades. I suggest you try the RG Gundam Epyon. I just finished my own, and its amazing. its one of the more modern Real Grades, so its great. It transforms into a 2 headed dragon. Its dope.
The main issue with those early RG's isn't that they're particularly bad to assemble, it's that they actually get worse as time goes on and those inner frame joints get weaker and weaker. Anything based on the "Strike" Gundam I've had an issue with, like the Aile Strike or the Build Strike. You've already bought the Epyon which is one of the best RG's with a Transforming gimmick. The newest version of the Wing Gundam is my personal favourite (#35) which is based on the same frame. 2018 seems to be the last year that has notoriously tricky kits or kits that have a design weakpoint and break in the same place (like the Tallgeese's waist joint) although I do want to say the Sazabi (#29) is the exception that year. That was a good one, skip the Unicorn (#30) and then anything from 2019 onwards (#31 and after) should see you right.
Sinanju wasn't that bad. You *do* need to glue the small trim pieces on and reinforcing the joints is kind of a must. The biggest flaw is it was designed around the Gundam Mk. II's frame and it wasn't designed to handle the extra weight the Sinanju has. It's really nice that they color separated the gold trim unlike the HG and MG kits, and the glossy red on the plastic is really nice.
@@PaulIsBadAtStuff When you build it you're gonna have to make this little reference in the video The RG Sinanju's inner frame was reused from the RG Gundam Mk. II, and while the Gundam Mk. II is able to handle it, that frame is too small to handle a mobile suit as big and ornate as the Sinanju.
I'm glad they eventually got away from transforming/ core fighter kits. Pretty much all of the MG and RG sets that use either core fighter or transformation systems are notorious for being frustrating and fragile. I would LOVE to see you give something like the RG RX-93-v Hi-nu kit a try. It's widely regarded as one of, if not THE best RG kit ever made. Tons of excellent mechanical details while still being rock solid (for the most part).
My first RG (and my second ever) gunpla kit was the RG RX-78. I ended up breaking the leg because it was so stiff, and so many pieces are prone to falling off, especially the thrusters, shield and skirts. But it made me appreciate the improvements that come in later kits even more, and it's also been a great learning experience. :D
im building the new ver ka zeta rn, such a masterpiece of engineering seeing this at the end, i think your going to be really impressed with the newer zeta, and the epyon is supposed to be an awesome kit as well
What makes more sense to me is you would keep the 1st one you built in plane mode like you said & by another kit & keep the 2nd kit in robot mode so you not sacrificing one mode over the other, & keep both on a rotating stand or table as a display piece! 🤔👍💯
Thanks for the video! I really enjoyed watching your RG Zeta little adventure. As someone who also owns the kit, I can say its transformation is so unforgiving. I've got to be millimeter precise otherwise the parts don't fit well all over and end up all shaky. One wrong twist and it can break, just like what happened to you. But I'm relieved you're planning to keep it in Mobile Armor mode right from the start and didn't lose heart. Once I get the transformation right, it feels really sturdy-so much I'd never try to change it back again. Despite all that, this Zeta look undoubtly amazing with mechanical detail all over it.
For what it's worth, I made the Master Grade Zeta in early 2000s and it was basically the same experience with larger parts. Amazing looking mech, floppy hand grenade of a model.
with the reel grade line, make sure you work the moveable inner frame parts a little bit first so they loosen up before you start to assemble them. that way they move a lot more easily. plus you wont snap the parts so easy. thats what works for me.
DOOD THE MG ZETA IS A MUST TO BUILD!!! YOU ARE GONNA LOVE IT. but the connector on the wing binders are on a thin piece of plastic so be careful on that. idk what katoki was thinking when he designed that.
You should try the RG Hi Nu Gundam, it’s a phenomal kit with so many cool mechanics like parts that shift when it articulates. It’s commonly heralded as the pinnacle of RG. Just make sure you get a stand for it, though. lol
i really love this video. honestly, get yourself a pre-order for the new RG RX-78-2 Gundam 2.0. its gonna be amazing, considering the first RG was good for a proof of concept, until it falls apart like this zeta. the RG 2.0 is set to release this august. though if you cant wait, id say look for the RG Sazabi, RG Hi-Nu Gundam. theyre both fantastic
I recently build the RG zeta gundam and I have almost the same experince when you build it (it's my third gunpla and first RG). Z is my favorite gundam so for me it's a must have. I also heard the rumors of the terrifying hand granade and the thing is that I don't know if it's thaaat bad, but I enjoyed building it. Thanks for the video, now I know that I don't want to tranform this thing EVER!
I highly recommend the RG God Gundam! It was my first real grade and I'm a really big fan of it because of it has both amazing articulation and posability for only $40, I'd love to see you try it out and compare the amount of development done in the last ten years.
Glad you "enjoyed" the experience. Honestly trying something you know is rough just for the experience isn't always bad. If i could recommend some Real Grade kits, either go for the Nu/Hi Nu gundam or the Wing gundam. Both Nu and Hi Nu are freat for possability and build strength. Hi Nu is a bit better but just pick whichever you like more. Wing is a relatively newer RG kit that also has a transformation gimmick. Just make sure you get the newer one and not the one with EW in the name. The EW version doesn't transform.
There's a little note at the top of the decal guide that basically says "season to taste" lol. Some kits come with extra alternate decals and stuff. That said, I actually really like the busy look of all the "space OSHA" warning stickers everywhere. As far as real grades _to_ build, the stock answer is generally gonna be the Nu Gundam or the Sazabi, both look cool and are really solid. From a content perspective there's actually an improved version of the original Gundam (and first Real Grade), the RX-78-2 coming out in August-ish. It might be neat to compare it against the original, or against some of the 4(!) different master Grades for that model, etc.
There's a little note at the top of the decal guide that basically says "season to taste" lol. Some kits come with extra alternate decals and stuff. That said, I actually really like the busy look of all the "space OSHA" warning stickers everywhere. As far as real grades _to_ build, the stock answer is generally gonna be the Nu Gundam or the Sazabi, both look cool and are really solid. From a content perspective there's actually an improved version of the original Gundam (and first Real Grade), the RX-78-2 coming out in August-ish. It might be neat to compare it against the original, or against some of the 4(!) different master Grades for that model, etc.
The RG Zeta was my first RG as well, way too early into my building career. It's all together now, but for a long time it sat in its box and I wasn't happy with it. The main issues are the leg to waist connections and... basically the entirety of the chest/head connection, which have a bunch of fiddly bits that don't like staying put. And yeah, gluing those yellow chest vent covers on is smart. It also looks hollow in the middle from most angles, which doesn't help. If I picked a new one up today, I'd have a much better time with it. Even though the RG Nu is my personal favorite, I'll throw my hat in with everyone who says to pick up the RG Hi-Nu. It's an aesthetics thing for me, but most folks prefer the Hi-Nu. E: Yeahhh, the transformation. Something I learned early on, thanks in part to the Zeta, it's that you watch UA-cam videos of _other_ people transform them. You just keep it in robot mode and be happy it's whole. For transformable kits, the Unicorns count but... if you do that _please please please_ look up the broken arm joint thing. The most frequent post on r/Gunpla is people breaking their Unicorns' arms because they tried twisting in the wrong place. It's easy to avoid if you know where to twist, it's just that most people don't and twist the wrong place since the parts are right next to each other. RGs pre-Unicorn are generally considered worse due to the cool but very fragile pre-molded inner frames. Kits post-Unicorn are basically small Master Grades with buildable inner frames. The very first RG, the RX-78-2, is getting a 2.0 that looks to be fixing the primary issue people had with it. It was the first in its range and thus it had a lot of problems. As far as the stickers go, waterslides will always be better and are nowhere near as scary as people seem to initially think. Just use at least some Mr. Mark Setter to hold 'em down and topcoat the things after so they don't accidentally come off. They're far more forgiving than any other decal type.
I am building the MG zeta ver ka myself and its definitely a few step above the RG. The thicker plastic and not relying on soft polycaps makes it much sturdier to begin with. Larger size just give you more room to do the transforming mechanics with. If you want even more zeta afterward try out the MG ZZ ver ka. Absolutely a great kit
For a real grade with a neat gimmick, the Impulse Gundam is a good bet! It's got a little aerospace fighter that combines with the rest to form the robot, and it's a fairly recent kit too
I really feel you on this one. My first ever RG and first ever gunpla was the sinanju RG. It is a shame some kits have such big flaws. (As you say, there are others that work just great)
Fantastic job my dude, you built the RG Zeta, finished transforming it, broke and fixed the model all in one video. That's gotta add at least 10 levels to your gunpla skills. 👍
The RG Zeta Gundam is definitely an interesting kit in that it shows the mechanical potential of a full transformer at a 1/144 scale, and that it actually is indeed physically possible to do a transformation that complex at that size with only snap-fit plastic. The issue of course is that the technology isn't yet quite at the level it needs to make said transformation fun or stress-free. While there are other RG's capable of transforming into airplane mode or other alternate modes, none of them approach the level of mechanical complexity that the RG Zeta does. If you're interested in doing more though, the RG Force Impulse Gundam (and its Premium Bandai limited editions the Sword Impulse and the Destiny Impulse), RG Wing Gundam, and the RG Gundam Epyon are great picks for transforming RG's that are a lot more stable than the Zeta. There is one RG though I'll happily recommend in terms of transformation just for the sheer novelty of it: the RG GaoGaiGar. That one is not from Gundam, and instead is an actual honest-to-goodness Super Robot, the one that gets my inner 12-year old hyped, that is comprised of 3 individual craft and a transforming mecha lion that combine into one humanoid mech. It's an awesome kit, and definitely a must-try for any RG collector even for those that may not like mecha outside of Gundam.
Parting some wisdom here. Plastic Cement solves all broken part problems, if you can get also a joint tightening marker it fixes all loose joint problems.
Out of all the rg gundams you could have built for a youtube video, you chose this one the legit demon incarnate of pain "for play". But if its "for display" its good especially if you dont transform it repeatedly. Just glue the tiny pieces.
The Real Grade Exia and the Real Grade Zaku II Char were my third and seventh kits. I broke the skirts on the Exia and cracked the inner frame on the Zaku. Since then I plan on buying RGs again for the purposes of painting, such as purchasing an RG Epyon to test for my MG Epyon
My friend has one. He just never transformed it and it was fine… until it eventually succumbed to ERS (Early Real Grade Syndrome) where the pre molded joints you saw begin to become a floppy mess so that eventually got removed from his shelf. Still nice to see that you’re enjoying the hobby and got by far the BEST Zeta Gundam kit that exists to replace the RG. It’ll blow that little old thing out of the water once you build it in both detail and in mechanisms. RG Epyon is also a good choice.
"If this is the worst modern gunpla has to offer, it's really not that bad." You're so right! Built RG Zeta Gundam as maybe my fifth kit or so, and while it's quite fiddly, I don't think it deserves anywhere near the hate it gets. It looks nice regardless, just give it some care!
Really any of the RG models that out after the Unicorn Gundam are really solid RG kits. I've but together the RGs for the Wing Gundam and the Tallgeese (both from Gundam Wing) are were both really solid and really nice, and the transformation gimmick for the Wing Gundam is not only really solid but also really easy since you don't have to take any parts off or anything
Can’t wait to see epyon. Being eying it up myself. Highly recommend RG sazabi. Very different to the boxy gundams, more interesting shapes with lots of thrusters
I kept thinking while watching that you should definitely give the RG Epyon a go, so good going on picking it out - that’s been my favourite real grade kit so far! Had an absolutely horrible experience with the original RG RX-78 2, but cautiously optimistic about the ver. 2 that’s coming out this year.
If you ever want to consider going to some of the highest highs of Gundam after this, I cannot speak highly enough of the Wing Gundam Zero Ver.Ka Endless Waltz kit. It's a marvel and an absolute triumph. Mine stood on my table for weeks after just to be admired.
2:45 was my reaction to building the RG Sinanju I spent years hearing nothing but how it was a hand grenade, complete piece of shit, barely holds together, etc etc... But it went together easily and looks great right out of the box. The beam effect parts are the best ever included with a kit and the chromed gold plating is icing on the cake. The wrists tend to fall off thanks to the frame not being custom designed for the kit, but we have this insane invention called glue that, when carefully applied, fixes the issue. Granted, the Sinanju doesn't transform...
I was going to recommend the Zeta Ver Ka and Epyon RG so that you could compare the modern kits to the RG Zeta experience, so nice pick ups. I would also recommend Sazabi MG Ver Ka because its massive, the color layering is great and I love it. I also would recommend RGM-96X Jesta ether the MG or HG is good, the HG ARX-014S Silver Bullet Suppressor as it has a very unique arm reloading backpack system that is really kind of funny if you look into why.
I had this experience wirh the mg unicorn. Everyone online said specifically not to get it as my first one because it is very over engineered but thats the reason i loved every second of it.
My second gunpla kit ever was the real grade nu gundam. I had been warned that the fin funnels were hell, but I didn't listen, All I'll say is that glue is a magical thing.
They've come far with transforming kits. The MG Ver Ka Zeta Gundam just came out like a year ago and is really solid and has the transforming gimmick. Helps that it's 1/100 scale also. For RG they've gotten a lot better as well. The RG Hi Nu Gundam is solid like a rock and has great articulation.
While there are many Gunpla kits I've built... the RG Zeta is one I haven't, largely because of its reputation. As time goes on, it seems the legend persists., though most transforming Zeta kits (nearly all of them) are fairly notorious; the RG just has the added problem of being small and spindly. The Ver. Ka. is the latest iterations, and largely considered to be the best Zeta kit. Speaking of which, the MG Zeta Ver. Ka. and RG Epyon are both great modern kits. Both can transform as well... though the Epyon's transformation is definitely not as intricate as any of the Zeta kits. A couple of quick tips on the RG Epyon - (1) do put stickers *under* the clear green , makes them pop more with the reflective surface under them and (2) do *not* put stickers over the eyes. There's a decent light-piping system in the head (glows when there's a light behind the head). A bit of a sideline, the "Ver. Ka." line of Master Grades have leaned towards being more "challenging" builds technically (often pushing the limit of the technology for the time), though the last several years have been rock-solid kits. Older ones can be... finicky. After those... well, I would recommend getting yourself a proper *chonker* of a kit. And I have a few suggestions (from estimated cheapest to most expensive): * MG Sazabi Ver. Ka. - A bit of an older kit (2013-ish), but a legendary one; also a very non-Gundam design, so it's a change of pace. Nearly a foot tall (just a hair shorter than Perfect Grade kits), opening hatches galore, and I think close to a full pound of plastic once assembled. The RG Sazabi is another great kit, though a fair bit small due to the different scale. * HG Destroy Gundam - A very new kit, haven't built it myself... but it's probably the biggest "full release" kit that isn't from the "Mega Size" line or the below recommendations. For reference, ballpark price puts as comparable to a knight from Warhammer 40k... but it dwarfs any knight. * MG Ex-S Gundam or MG Deep Striker - Both kits have the same base/core, and they're among the biggest MG kits; the "Deep Striker" being the bigger of the two with a ridiculously long cannon. Both come with a stand... and are built on the stand, because they can't stand on their own feet (the Deep Striker doesn't even have feet). Special note for the Ex-S, as it can transform as well. * Perfect Grade Kits - 1/60 scale, so they're all roughly a foot or so tall... but also incredibly detailed kits with a lot going on. Also fully articulated hands (though that goes for most of these). Releases are also very infrequent, so many of the kits can be rather old; modern ones are also quite pricy. Still, they're quite the undertaking and take far longer to build just due to the sheer volume of parts involved; I feel it's a bit early at this point, but likely needs to be mentioned. Either way, keep going and have fun!
If you want to try a more modern and pretty good rg model, i recommend any of the rg eva units , they have a different aesthetic design all together , so they make for a rather interesting build for someone eho had primarily built gundams
My first three RGs were the Zaku, Zeta and Zephyrantes, so not the best place to start off with. But my Zeta didn't have any issues at first, it's only after I tried to disassemble it for painting that it really weakened. The tiny waist and c-clips on the legs just make the whole kit very weak and barely able to stand up. But if you just build it up and pose it once, it's alright.
If you want a fun kit that transforms and is still sturdy I’d recommend the hg age 2 (normal, dark hound, or double bullet versions) all very fun and cool looking in both modes and only takes a minute or two to change back and forth with only a single part being swapped.
You're going to have a MUCH better time with the MG Zeta VerKa. The only frustration with it, (to me) is the ammount of waterslide decals for it, but at the same time, those water slides have trasformed the kit into something beautiful. Far more stable than the RG as you just showed.. Just remember to top coat the decals when you're done
if you want another kit that will make you wanna Minecraft yourself, try to build RG Zaku II and not lose a single piece (also, you have to put the stickers on, yes, the spike ones too)
Understanding your new to building, id like to suggest something that seems ridiculously price but get yourself a set of god hands nippers for curring the spurs off the parts, they will help reduce a lot of the scuffing or over cutting that i noticed in your close ups. Also a few files to clean up the last bits of those spurs.
for an RG with a cool transformation, i can't recommend the Real Grade Unicorn enough, although it's a very different transformation to Zeta. it was the kit that marked a real step up for RG as a line from the jank of early releases like Zeta, to that Epyon you bagged. a great kit, and interesting academically as the transition point between two distinct eras of Real Grade.
for RGs I recommend the Crossbone and God Gundam. Crossbone is essentially a pirate gundam and you can even give it an eye patch, it has a cloak, and all it's weapons are very pirate inspired. The God Gundam is extremely well articulated to do martial arts poses and has beam katanas, plus there's an expansion pack to give it a horse gundam to ride. for MGs, definitely look into the MG Barbatos and the MGSD version of it as well! SD kits are the chibi ones that are really cheap and simple, but they made MMGSD which makes the chibi designs but with the complexity of an MG kit.
Oh man, I was just working on this last night and I do understand the frustration. It's fiddly compromise of a kit. I'm two thirds into it and I know I will never transform mine. I completely agree with your review and I believe anything will be a better choice after this. Especially the RG Hi-Nu, literal night and day! Happy building!
Now paul, go to the other side of the spectrum,
Build the Rg-Hi-Nu gundam
Or the God. The flexibility of that one is effing nuts!
How does the hi nu compare to the rg nu Gundam? Put that kit together a year ago and it's in great shape. Our kids even play with it regularly and it's held up to that. Articulations are near perfection.
@@KONO_MOTO Hi Nu is leagues better. Once it's in a pose it's SOLID and you don't need to worry about the funnels falling out.
@@d1pstick32Just be sure to get an action base/stand for it.
@jaderabbit898 my Hi-Nu has been free standing for months. You can sue the propellant tanks to lean it a little.
Him transforming it is like watching a hippo performing brain surgery with a sledgehammer
Or an orc repairing a stompa
How does it hold on to the sledgehammer
With its telekinesis (duh)
@@Mosaic117 With such a small head?!
Must be uncomfortable.
To be fair, IT SHOULDN'T BE BRAIN SURGERY!
Love how he is so calm and british. Like "oh thats interesting". Meanwhile I would be freaking out.
I imagine a scene from a movie, where the bad guys, as is tradition, stand back and allow the hero to transform, but it's taking longer than usual and the robot gets stuck in one of the in-between stages, metal screeching and straining, some oarts fall off, coolant is leaking...
"Guys, I know we're not supposed to interrupt, but should we, like, help?"
"I... don't think we can. OH GOD! Is that even MEANT to bend that way?!"
i can almost guarantee that this has happened in a super sentai series at some point
This would make an hilarious stop motion.
Fun meta lore fact for anyone that might not know: The RG zeta is basically the delta gundam prior to being split off into the zeta gundam project, in disguise, weirdly enough.
Sounds like a Robot Chicken sketch.
and meanwhile the Master Grade Ver. Ka version of this kit is one of the most amazing thing ever!
I’ve built it recently. Haven’t transformed it yet, but it’s an amazing MG!!
Its transformation isn't great. It's not awful, just not a good time. The ZZ Ver.Ka is much better in that regard.
Makes sense
The Zeta inherently has a complicated transformatiom in all of its kit( minus the parts forming ones)
@@raccrownkinda disagree. but i get it. zz is a bigger kit after all
@@rollingvice The wings are a nightmare. The tabs are on a ball joint-and to be fair, they would snap immediately if they weren't-but it's still a nightmare. The skirts always fall off when I try to flip them around. The gun does not stay put. The ZZ has far fewer issues, predominantly the legs not staying tabbed into the backpack, and the gun not staying tabbed in, but they're far less significant.
We warned you Paul... Now you must suffer the consequences.
On a happier note, it's only uphill from here my dude.
The road to gunpla is paved with broken parts and loose polycaps
There will be light at the end of the gunpla tunnel my friend.
@@First-Name_Last-Name and glue, like.... lots of glue.
@@Keryaken133 Not to mention paint, pla-plate, LEDS and the like if you want to get REEEEEEEAAAAAAALLLLLLLY into it.
unless he builds the RG RX-78-2
@@RedCheckJ Which one?
On god we’re gonna get you a hi-nu
The RG is divine. The supermodel of mobile suits
the Nu itself also a stellar model kit minus the fin funnel but man does that also blows the Zeta out of the water
You were warned. It's not *that* bad, and most people don't really address the main issue in that if you transform it repeatedly as well it begins to fall apart rapidly. Typically if you build it you keep it in one mode and never change it again afterwards.
Wich is lore accurate!
@@arx3516 No it isn't? Kamille goes back and forth every single fight in the Zeta
I mean...yeah, maybe it's not as bad as people say, but it's not a lot of fun to build either.
@@jrmarcus Plus, I REALLY don't approve of how wobbly the wings in MS mode are.
Which is stupid because the whole point of a transforming MS is to transform it.
You're really going to enjoy that RG Epyon. Beautiful model and so different from the early kits.
I'm currently building it myself, and man is it cool as hell. Can't wait to get it in a sick pose with Wing Zero RG.
If I'm not mistaken, it's both post frame update and transforms so it should be the exact opposite of the RG Zeta.
5:35 the Zeta's alt mode is called the "Wave Rider" mode
now you should get the real grade HI NU gundam trust me its phenominol
I can’t stress this enough
Very good kit
Got the RG Sazabi and omg it's bigger than my MG God Gundam and that's without its head even on lol
One of the best kits I’ve built, the standard Nu is also very good
Probably any of the newer RGs like the impulse Nu Hi Nu RG Sazabi or God gundam would be a good idea.
If you want a modern real-grade kit that still has a transformation gimmick, definitely consider getting a unicorn (there's like 10 different variations but they're all basically the same, just pick the one you like most). I got a RG unicorn as my first kit (before I even had proper nippers) and it went together super easy.
Just make sure youre careful when building the arms. I didn't have an issue but a lot of people in the community have snapped the arms.
@@anthonymartinez8607 lube up the biceps and shoulder joints
Both me and my cousin have snapped the arms on ours.. his twice when he bought another copy to try and finish his first one.
Put the image with the "this will rotate, this will break" chart, that's important.
Just my opinion, but Macross has great flight forms and kind of ugly mecha forms while Gundam has great mecha forms and ugly flight forms. The transforming Gundams tend to be my least favorite.
Painting war hammer wasn't enough, you just had to build satan in gunpla form... i'm sorry you had to go through such an experience and all the pain you must've suffer.
"Satan in Gunpla form" got me chuckling. I wish someone will do a custom of a satan-themed, battle damaged build, from a broken RG Zeta kit, purely built out of spite and salt.
I can only imagine how he handles the RG Sinanju...
@@First-Name_Last-Name there is kitbashing although I wouldn't do it on an RG Gundam
RG Sinanju : Allow me to introduce myself to you
Most gunpla builders only build gunpla or other kit like gunpla and thus only have gunpla as a frame of refrence. Thus kits like the rg Zeta and Tristan while not being bad kits are seen as bad gunpla. Bandai has just made pepole expect the best in model kit engenering so its odd when a kit comes out and dose not live up to what pepole are used to.
yeah pretty much this
I started off build gunplas and only realize glues are generally a must for most model kits after i start dabbling in non gunpla kits
RG Zeta sure, it get a pass since Bandai was feelin ambitious despite not having the know-how at that moment, but to actually thinks Tristan wasn't a bad kit is straight up braindead cope.
@@sate2801 Have you considered Moderoids?
Quality in both build and stability is about the same.
But it comes with the bonus of some of the parts being pre-painted(Mostly the faces and really small apps stickers could never manage), and a wider range of I.Ps to choose from.
Patlabour, Granzort, Rayearth, Getter Robo, and recently SSSS Gridman and Cross Ange.
They even have more obscure entries like Megaton Musashi ,Banished from Paradise and Brain Powered.
Only downside is that reprints are fewer then Gunpla and the price is expectedly higher, but they're more often then not well worth it.
If your looking to turn your Gunpla collection into a Super Robot Wars collection, then Good Smile Companies Moderoids will fill any gaps Bandais HGs(and two RGs in the case of GaoGaiGar) haven't.
@@sate2801 Glue is a must have for Gunpla if you want to remove the seam lines and make the outer armor look more natural and complete. I use Tamiya Extra Thin Cement (the one with the darker green lid) to weld the plastic together and then after it’s dry I sand it down to make it look like a complete piece. Then I will paint my model. Happy building.😊
You should try some chinese models. Some brands will smoke bandai alive
In terms of Real Grades, ANYTHING that comes after the Tallgeese and the Unicorn is awesome
But be careful because some of them have keyhole joints that in my experience have gotten loose very quickly
Like the RG God Gundam and the RG Crossbone Gundam
RG Mk II would like to know your location.
You're gonna have to specify which unicorn, cuz there's the normal one and the full armored version
@@LoliconSamalik there's several of them, and they are virtually the same so it doesn't matter anyway
ofc i mean the standard Unicorn
@@GojiraFan-in9oo Oh... I was under the impression that full armor did away with the premolded inner frame. My bad.
Or maybe it’s more that that despite a kit having flaws, RG kits across the board are cool and just need different levels of care
My man showed absolute loyalty to his name.
Definitely build the Zeta Ver Ka! :D
You can compare how much the model has improved since the RG days! Also... ah yes the model impulse buying of more kits. You now are truly getting deep into Gunpla =P
Wait it's the Ver ka improved over the regular one?
@@GTSW1FT Yes. MG Zeta Ver Ka is the latest MG release and its basically fixed everything and then some.
Folks have said it's practically peak for a kit right now
@@RocKM001 nice, then I might get one as my first Master Grade kit.
@GTSW1FT Just be aware its a Ver Ka kit they are meant to be more "advanced" MG kits (and have a crapton of water slide decals coz Katoki loves decals xD) they are a treat to build though just a bit more time consuming than the average MG
nah he still haven't reach the peak of being a plamo builder
having an endlessly increasing backlog sitting in the corner (stares at my megami device backlog)
I totally accidentally stumbled onto gunpla ages ago... and fell in love instantly.
Having the web as a resource is nice, but it's one of those things where I find it's best to just use for release schedules more than anything.
Same. The twitch community that got me into it is very welcoming and glad to help.
Did 4 entry grades and just finished my second High Grade today.
. . . I have about 5 more ordered. . . .I really dove into this didn't I?
RG Zeta is general just a kit you get for the looks and never touch. It's something that can serve well if you go into it expecting what you did, but know its limits.
If you want to check out a transforming RG that shows how far tech has gone, I 100% recommend the RG Impulse Gundam. The transformation isn't as flashy, but it's super solid and an excellent example of how far RGs have come.
RG Epyon also transforms into a cool two headed dragon mobile armor mode, and it's also super cool. It helps it's only about a year old or so, too so it's part of the modern "mini master grade" style of RGs.
Considering it also has 3 distinct variants, sadly the other two are Pbandai, it won me over when I built the Sword Impulse, and I wasn't even a fan of the suit. I'll admit, I'd say the one true flaw of it is the V-fin, it's so fragile, mines broke off on the right side, but the one on my Destiny Impulse is still good so far.
The RG Epyon has basically redefined the transformation process. Probably the best looking RG transforming kit out ATM... In my opinion. Very straight forward and the detail is perfect.
Yes Hurra for Zeta Ver. Ka
If you want another modern RG than the Hi-Nu gundam really is the way to go. Though the Zeong and Sazabi are also great.
In terms of Real Grade horror stories, my first actual real grade that I built was the RG Crossbone Gundam (The smallest Gundam in the known UC timeline). It looked really cool since it's sort of pirate based, and came with many accessories that interested me such as a cloak, and beam shields. I uh ... was a little too ambitious. Some of the parts are so microscopic, that I had to use tweezers to put them in place. Many hours were sacrificed, and many bullets were sweated in the process if finding these pieces that managed to disappear in the infinite void that is my carpet. Taught me the importance of a neat building space.
Another traumatic gunpla building experience was when I built the RG Sazabi. One of the best real grades around for sure. But I mistakenly snapped a peg because I tried to rotate a joint that wasn't meant to be rotated. (Use baby oil to loosen up the pre-molded joints if you feel it's too stiff.) Thankfully, I somehow managed to get a free replacement from Amazon prime. I've disciplined myself to build more kits until I feel like I've gained enough experience and technique to build the Sazabi properly.
I see that you bought yourself the true GOATED Master Grade Zeta Gundam Ver. Ka. Just know that that model truly does transform, no parts forming required, and also comes with the superior water slide decals instead of stickers.
The Victory is 0.7 meters shorter than the Crossbones/F97s. It stands at 15.2 m compared to the Crossbone series which stand at 15.9 m.
@@nicodalusong149 You learn something new every day. Thank you. Kit will be on my radar ... eventually.
@@spyroclone152 Well, that was the shortest Gundam specifically. But the actual shortest MS is the RGM-122 Javelin which stands at 14.5 m.
The crossbone was my first RG... it exploded.
The RG Impulse Gundam is a good replacement.
As for bad gunpla, The HG Gundam Tristan.
It feels like a kit from 2001 made in 2017
seeing as you are going down the RG line. I'd recommend the Gundam Unicorn (bring your WD-40 for the joints) or for the king of Gunpla, The RG Hi-Nu Gundam.
had RG destiny as my very first gunpla because I absolutely love Destiny, it taught me to watch reviews first before buying a certain model because if I bought them blindly, I might stumble upon an absolute hand grenade that I wish ive never had in the collection.
I watched the reviews, still got the RG Justice. Still blame myself for buying it even though I was fully aware of the issues
Man I am so psyched for the new Real Grade RX-78-2 that's coming out later this year
**smacks the table** we warned him **smacks the table again** , oh well
You chose two excellent kits. The Epyon is one of my favorite builds. The MG Barbatos is one I would highly highly suggest building.
I've built both the RG Epyon & MG Zeta Ver. Ka. Both are excellent builds!
You always break your first RG... ALWAYS, nice vid
Supposedly the Real Grade Unicorn is supposed to be pretty great, and it has a transformation that actually works (although it’s from Gundam to slightly-fancier Gundam, rather than into a spacecraft) quite well.
The Master Grade Barbatos is my absolute favorite model kit and also the first one I ever built. I ended up mangling one of the shoulder pieces and replacing the entire inner frame with one made of metal. So, now it looks all cool with its shiny gold v fin.
Your next kit should be the MG Zeta Version Katoki (Ver. Ka.)
The simplicity of the transformation will completely blow your mind.
Someone didn't watch until the end of the video...
Bro didn’t make it to the end.
Great music choices for the transformation haha
1:27 is genius, you crack me up 😂
Honestly, I liked building it, it was my second kit in like 10 years. Eventually I learned how to airbrush, went back to disassemble this RG zeta and painted it all up. Transformed it back and forth multiple times. Added the hyper mega bazooka that didn't come with the RG version. I also won a competition (1st place) with it 😆
I have a couple of Real Grade kits. The Real Grade Strike Gundam wasn't too painful, more complex than a High Grade but ultimately just builds a nice, solid Gundam. The Unicorn Gundam is something else. It's brilliant in that the transformation functions work really well, but also a nightmare because you have to build those transformation functions which depend on loads of really, really, really tiny pieces which you have to scalpel every last micron of sprue off of or they won't slide past each other properly. It's surprisingly solid in spite of this.
My worst and least stable kit is the High Grade Gundam Exia which has never once felt solid. It falls apart if you so much as look at it wrong. It has a sword thing which is supposed to be able to unfold but it just doesn't.
My personal favourite kit is the High Grade Aerial from the Witch from Mercury line, it's a really solid kit which replicates the gimmick of the Gundam in the show well (there's bits that can be attached to various points as extra armour or combined to make a shield), and I really really loved Witch from Mercury as a series so I'm attached to it in that way.
Don’t diss the the hg exia mold the repair is nearly as solid as the 00 you just have to tighten the shoulder joints
Ay the hg exia isnt that bad
Its just a little old and most of it can be solved with a little glue aside from that everything else works perfectly
Its strange your sword doesnt work though
I have an HG barbataurus, and while it's cool (barbatos centaur? Sign me in!), it's VERY flimsy and even posing it a bit it's easy to come apart (nothing breaks, luckily). Not the best kit to start with.
@@Morrowinder777 it’s literally to of the most flimsy gunplas human centipede together
this man knew the legacy of the RG zeta and bought one anyways. i love him
You want to suffer? Try real grade #01, the RG RX78-2. Being the first real grade it has a lot issues, what we call the early real grade syndrome started here. A lot of people really hate this kit, personally I thought "Im built different" and bought one anyways. It is loose and easily falls apart. Another one is the MG Unicorn or MG Banshee and any variations (excluding the MGEX Unicorn thats a different kit), the unicorn is a transforming kit and the mg has some issues in the leg.
This aside, the two kits you got the RG Epyon and MG Zeta verka are fantastic. For the mg zeta, please be careful when building the head, wont be as bad as the rg but it requires extra attention.
The first RG Rx-78-2 was really solid, there's really no such thing as early real grade syndrome. People for some reason treat the model kits as figures and get too rough, avoid using glue and mess with them too much.
@@d3bugged idk man, id already been building kits for years. Not rough with my kits or used glue, still came out loose and hand-grenady. Especially when compared to other earlier rgs like mk2, zgok, or astray
This a you probably. My Rg RX-78-2 isn't indestructible or anything, but it isn't a nightmare. The worst issue it has is that the skirt joints are shallow ball joints. Other then this, the lower ankles go loss. But honestly. I just need to hit it with a thin layer of clear coat on the ankles. Don't get me wrong. It ain't perfect. But it ain't no saint.
For a better experience with real grades. I suggest you try the RG Gundam Epyon. I just finished my own, and its amazing. its one of the more modern Real Grades, so its great. It transforms into a 2 headed dragon. Its dope.
The main issue with those early RG's isn't that they're particularly bad to assemble, it's that they actually get worse as time goes on and those inner frame joints get weaker and weaker. Anything based on the "Strike" Gundam I've had an issue with, like the Aile Strike or the Build Strike.
You've already bought the Epyon which is one of the best RG's with a Transforming gimmick. The newest version of the Wing Gundam is my personal favourite (#35) which is based on the same frame.
2018 seems to be the last year that has notoriously tricky kits or kits that have a design weakpoint and break in the same place (like the Tallgeese's waist joint) although I do want to say the Sazabi (#29) is the exception that year. That was a good one, skip the Unicorn (#30) and then anything from 2019 onwards (#31 and after) should see you right.
I have to say, I got that Zeta Ver. Ka not long after release, that kit is peak. the new Ver. Ka narrative gundam C-Packs is also an excellent kit
This is not the ABSOLUTE worst that Gundam has to offer
There is the RG Sinanju
I'll make a note of that thank you
Sinanju wasn't that bad. You *do* need to glue the small trim pieces on and reinforcing the joints is kind of a must. The biggest flaw is it was designed around the Gundam Mk. II's frame and it wasn't designed to handle the extra weight the Sinanju has. It's really nice that they color separated the gold trim unlike the HG and MG kits, and the glossy red on the plastic is really nice.
@@XB3Gaming Mecha Gaikotsu would disagree
@@PaulIsBadAtStuff When you build it you're gonna have to make this little reference in the video
The RG Sinanju's inner frame was reused from the RG Gundam Mk. II, and while the Gundam Mk. II is able to handle it, that frame is too small to handle a mobile suit as big and ornate as the Sinanju.
@GojiraFan-in9oo he isn't the end-all-be-all when it comes to Gunpla lol.
I'm glad they eventually got away from transforming/ core fighter kits. Pretty much all of the MG and RG sets that use either core fighter or transformation systems are notorious for being frustrating and fragile.
I would LOVE to see you give something like the RG RX-93-v Hi-nu kit a try. It's widely regarded as one of, if not THE best RG kit ever made. Tons of excellent mechanical details while still being rock solid (for the most part).
My first RG (and my second ever) gunpla kit was the RG RX-78. I ended up breaking the leg because it was so stiff, and so many pieces are prone to falling off, especially the thrusters, shield and skirts. But it made me appreciate the improvements that come in later kits even more, and it's also been a great learning experience. :D
im building the new ver ka zeta rn, such a masterpiece of engineering
seeing this at the end, i think your going to be really impressed with the newer zeta, and the epyon is supposed to be an awesome kit as well
What makes more sense to me is you would keep the 1st one you built in plane mode like you said & by another kit & keep the 2nd kit in robot mode so you not sacrificing one mode over the other, & keep both on a rotating stand or table as a display piece! 🤔👍💯
Thanks for the video! I really enjoyed watching your RG Zeta little adventure.
As someone who also owns the kit, I can say its transformation is so unforgiving.
I've got to be millimeter precise otherwise the parts don't fit well all over and end up all shaky.
One wrong twist and it can break, just like what happened to you.
But I'm relieved you're planning to keep it in Mobile Armor mode right from the start and didn't lose heart.
Once I get the transformation right, it feels really sturdy-so much I'd never try to change it back again.
Despite all that, this Zeta look undoubtly amazing with mechanical detail all over it.
i highly recommend the RG Nu-gundam it definitely been my fave build to date. also good luck with that zeta verka
For what it's worth, I made the Master Grade Zeta in early 2000s and it was basically the same experience with larger parts. Amazing looking mech, floppy hand grenade of a model.
with the reel grade line, make sure you work the moveable inner frame parts a little bit first so they loosen up before you start to assemble them. that way they move a lot more easily. plus you wont snap the parts so easy. thats what works for me.
Wow, you picked a Ver.Ka, can't wait for your take, if you ever do plan on reviewing it for the channel.
DOOD THE MG ZETA IS A MUST TO BUILD!!! YOU ARE GONNA LOVE IT.
but the connector on the wing binders are on a thin piece of plastic so be careful on that.
idk what katoki was thinking when he designed that.
You should try the RG Hi Nu Gundam, it’s a phenomal kit with so many cool mechanics like parts that shift when it articulates. It’s commonly heralded as the pinnacle of RG. Just make sure you get a stand for it, though. lol
i really love this video.
honestly, get yourself a pre-order for the new RG RX-78-2 Gundam 2.0. its gonna be amazing, considering the first RG was good for a proof of concept, until it falls apart like this zeta. the RG 2.0 is set to release this august.
though if you cant wait, id say look for the RG Sazabi, RG Hi-Nu Gundam. theyre both fantastic
I recently build the RG zeta gundam and I have almost the same experince when you build it (it's my third gunpla and first RG). Z is my favorite gundam so for me it's a must have. I also heard the rumors of the terrifying hand granade and the thing is that I don't know if it's thaaat bad, but I enjoyed building it. Thanks for the video, now I know that I don't want to tranform this thing EVER!
I highly recommend the RG God Gundam! It was my first real grade and I'm a really big fan of it because of it has both amazing articulation and posability for only $40, I'd love to see you try it out and compare the amount of development done in the last ten years.
Glad you "enjoyed" the experience. Honestly trying something you know is rough just for the experience isn't always bad. If i could recommend some Real Grade kits, either go for the Nu/Hi Nu gundam or the Wing gundam.
Both Nu and Hi Nu are freat for possability and build strength. Hi Nu is a bit better but just pick whichever you like more.
Wing is a relatively newer RG kit that also has a transformation gimmick. Just make sure you get the newer one and not the one with EW in the name. The EW version doesn't transform.
RG Epyon and MG Zeta ver. Ka?
U about to experience two of the many best recent kits in all of Gunpla
There's a little note at the top of the decal guide that basically says "season to taste" lol. Some kits come with extra alternate decals and stuff. That said, I actually really like the busy look of all the "space OSHA" warning stickers everywhere.
As far as real grades _to_ build, the stock answer is generally gonna be the Nu Gundam or the Sazabi, both look cool and are really solid. From a content perspective there's actually an improved version of the original Gundam (and first Real Grade), the RX-78-2 coming out in August-ish. It might be neat to compare it against the original, or against some of the 4(!) different master Grades for that model, etc.
There's a little note at the top of the decal guide that basically says "season to taste" lol. Some kits come with extra alternate decals and stuff. That said, I actually really like the busy look of all the "space OSHA" warning stickers everywhere.
As far as real grades _to_ build, the stock answer is generally gonna be the Nu Gundam or the Sazabi, both look cool and are really solid. From a content perspective there's actually an improved version of the original Gundam (and first Real Grade), the RX-78-2 coming out in August-ish. It might be neat to compare it against the original, or against some of the 4(!) different master Grades for that model, etc.
The RG Zeta was my first RG as well, way too early into my building career. It's all together now, but for a long time it sat in its box and I wasn't happy with it. The main issues are the leg to waist connections and... basically the entirety of the chest/head connection, which have a bunch of fiddly bits that don't like staying put. And yeah, gluing those yellow chest vent covers on is smart. It also looks hollow in the middle from most angles, which doesn't help. If I picked a new one up today, I'd have a much better time with it.
Even though the RG Nu is my personal favorite, I'll throw my hat in with everyone who says to pick up the RG Hi-Nu. It's an aesthetics thing for me, but most folks prefer the Hi-Nu.
E: Yeahhh, the transformation. Something I learned early on, thanks in part to the Zeta, it's that you watch UA-cam videos of _other_ people transform them. You just keep it in robot mode and be happy it's whole. For transformable kits, the Unicorns count but... if you do that _please please please_ look up the broken arm joint thing. The most frequent post on r/Gunpla is people breaking their Unicorns' arms because they tried twisting in the wrong place. It's easy to avoid if you know where to twist, it's just that most people don't and twist the wrong place since the parts are right next to each other.
RGs pre-Unicorn are generally considered worse due to the cool but very fragile pre-molded inner frames. Kits post-Unicorn are basically small Master Grades with buildable inner frames. The very first RG, the RX-78-2, is getting a 2.0 that looks to be fixing the primary issue people had with it. It was the first in its range and thus it had a lot of problems.
As far as the stickers go, waterslides will always be better and are nowhere near as scary as people seem to initially think. Just use at least some Mr. Mark Setter to hold 'em down and topcoat the things after so they don't accidentally come off. They're far more forgiving than any other decal type.
I am building the MG zeta ver ka myself and its definitely a few step above the RG. The thicker plastic and not relying on soft polycaps makes it much sturdier to begin with. Larger size just give you more room to do the transforming mechanics with. If you want even more zeta afterward try out the MG ZZ ver ka. Absolutely a great kit
I had the same feeling with the rg exia ! Everyone said it sucks but as my first rg i had a blast building it haha
For a real grade with a neat gimmick, the Impulse Gundam is a good bet! It's got a little aerospace fighter that combines with the rest to form the robot, and it's a fairly recent kit too
I really feel you on this one. My first ever RG and first ever gunpla was the sinanju RG. It is a shame some kits have such big flaws. (As you say, there are others that work just great)
Fantastic job my dude, you built the RG Zeta, finished transforming it, broke and fixed the model all in one video. That's gotta add at least 10 levels to your gunpla skills. 👍
The RG Zeta Gundam is definitely an interesting kit in that it shows the mechanical potential of a full transformer at a 1/144 scale, and that it actually is indeed physically possible to do a transformation that complex at that size with only snap-fit plastic. The issue of course is that the technology isn't yet quite at the level it needs to make said transformation fun or stress-free.
While there are other RG's capable of transforming into airplane mode or other alternate modes, none of them approach the level of mechanical complexity that the RG Zeta does. If you're interested in doing more though, the RG Force Impulse Gundam (and its Premium Bandai limited editions the Sword Impulse and the Destiny Impulse), RG Wing Gundam, and the RG Gundam Epyon are great picks for transforming RG's that are a lot more stable than the Zeta.
There is one RG though I'll happily recommend in terms of transformation just for the sheer novelty of it: the RG GaoGaiGar. That one is not from Gundam, and instead is an actual honest-to-goodness Super Robot, the one that gets my inner 12-year old hyped, that is comprised of 3 individual craft and a transforming mecha lion that combine into one humanoid mech. It's an awesome kit, and definitely a must-try for any RG collector even for those that may not like mecha outside of Gundam.
Parting some wisdom here. Plastic Cement solves all broken part problems, if you can get also a joint tightening marker it fixes all loose joint problems.
Step 1 transformation: 6 parts fall off.
"Its not that hand-grenadey"
I died laughing somehow.
Out of all the rg gundams you could have built for a youtube video, you chose this one the legit demon incarnate of pain "for play". But if its "for display" its good especially if you dont transform it repeatedly. Just glue the tiny pieces.
The Real Grade Exia and the Real Grade Zaku II Char were my third and seventh kits. I broke the skirts on the Exia and cracked the inner frame on the Zaku. Since then I plan on buying RGs again for the purposes of painting, such as purchasing an RG Epyon to test for my MG Epyon
The RG Epyon and MG Zeta Ver.Ka are gonna be some amazing comparison points to this and the MG Deathscythe. 😂
My friend has one. He just never transformed it and it was fine… until it eventually succumbed to ERS (Early Real Grade Syndrome) where the pre molded joints you saw begin to become a floppy mess so that eventually got removed from his shelf. Still nice to see that you’re enjoying the hobby and got by far the BEST Zeta Gundam kit that exists to replace the RG. It’ll blow that little old thing out of the water once you build it in both detail and in mechanisms. RG Epyon is also a good choice.
Now I need you to build the MG Zeta Ver.Ka, because I love that kit so much. Or maybe the 2.0, that one's a bit old but still great!
"If this is the worst modern gunpla has to offer, it's really not that bad." You're so right! Built RG Zeta Gundam as maybe my fifth kit or so, and while it's quite fiddly, I don't think it deserves anywhere near the hate it gets. It looks nice regardless, just give it some care!
Really any of the RG models that out after the Unicorn Gundam are really solid RG kits. I've but together the RGs for the Wing Gundam and the Tallgeese (both from Gundam Wing) are were both really solid and really nice, and the transformation gimmick for the Wing Gundam is not only really solid but also really easy since you don't have to take any parts off or anything
Can’t wait to see epyon. Being eying it up myself. Highly recommend RG sazabi. Very different to the boxy gundams, more interesting shapes with lots of thrusters
I kept thinking while watching that you should definitely give the RG Epyon a go, so good going on picking it out - that’s been my favourite real grade kit so far!
Had an absolutely horrible experience with the original RG RX-78 2, but cautiously optimistic about the ver. 2 that’s coming out this year.
If you ever want to consider going to some of the highest highs of Gundam after this, I cannot speak highly enough of the Wing Gundam Zero Ver.Ka Endless Waltz kit. It's a marvel and an absolute triumph. Mine stood on my table for weeks after just to be admired.
2:45 was my reaction to building the RG Sinanju
I spent years hearing nothing but how it was a hand grenade, complete piece of shit, barely holds together, etc etc... But it went together easily and looks great right out of the box. The beam effect parts are the best ever included with a kit and the chromed gold plating is icing on the cake. The wrists tend to fall off thanks to the frame not being custom designed for the kit, but we have this insane invention called glue that, when carefully applied, fixes the issue.
Granted, the Sinanju doesn't transform...
I was going to recommend the Zeta Ver Ka and Epyon RG so that you could compare the modern kits to the RG Zeta experience, so nice pick ups. I would also recommend Sazabi MG Ver Ka because its massive, the color layering is great and I love it. I also would recommend RGM-96X Jesta ether the MG or HG is good, the HG ARX-014S Silver Bullet Suppressor as it has a very unique arm reloading backpack system that is really kind of funny if you look into why.
You should buy and build the RG Zeong, that kit is very satisfying to build and is very easy and intricate with detail.
I had this experience wirh the mg unicorn. Everyone online said specifically not to get it as my first one because it is very over engineered but thats the reason i loved every second of it.
My second gunpla kit ever was the real grade nu gundam. I had been warned that the fin funnels were hell, but I didn't listen, All I'll say is that glue is a magical thing.
They've come far with transforming kits. The MG Ver Ka Zeta Gundam just came out like a year ago and is really solid and has the transforming gimmick. Helps that it's 1/100 scale also. For RG they've gotten a lot better as well. The RG Hi Nu Gundam is solid like a rock and has great articulation.
While there are many Gunpla kits I've built... the RG Zeta is one I haven't, largely because of its reputation. As time goes on, it seems the legend persists., though most transforming Zeta kits (nearly all of them) are fairly notorious; the RG just has the added problem of being small and spindly. The Ver. Ka. is the latest iterations, and largely considered to be the best Zeta kit.
Speaking of which, the MG Zeta Ver. Ka. and RG Epyon are both great modern kits. Both can transform as well... though the Epyon's transformation is definitely not as intricate as any of the Zeta kits. A couple of quick tips on the RG Epyon - (1) do put stickers *under* the clear green , makes them pop more with the reflective surface under them and (2) do *not* put stickers over the eyes. There's a decent light-piping system in the head (glows when there's a light behind the head).
A bit of a sideline, the "Ver. Ka." line of Master Grades have leaned towards being more "challenging" builds technically (often pushing the limit of the technology for the time), though the last several years have been rock-solid kits. Older ones can be... finicky.
After those... well, I would recommend getting yourself a proper *chonker* of a kit. And I have a few suggestions (from estimated cheapest to most expensive):
* MG Sazabi Ver. Ka. - A bit of an older kit (2013-ish), but a legendary one; also a very non-Gundam design, so it's a change of pace. Nearly a foot tall (just a hair shorter than Perfect Grade kits), opening hatches galore, and I think close to a full pound of plastic once assembled. The RG Sazabi is another great kit, though a fair bit small due to the different scale.
* HG Destroy Gundam - A very new kit, haven't built it myself... but it's probably the biggest "full release" kit that isn't from the "Mega Size" line or the below recommendations. For reference, ballpark price puts as comparable to a knight from Warhammer 40k... but it dwarfs any knight.
* MG Ex-S Gundam or MG Deep Striker - Both kits have the same base/core, and they're among the biggest MG kits; the "Deep Striker" being the bigger of the two with a ridiculously long cannon. Both come with a stand... and are built on the stand, because they can't stand on their own feet (the Deep Striker doesn't even have feet). Special note for the Ex-S, as it can transform as well.
* Perfect Grade Kits - 1/60 scale, so they're all roughly a foot or so tall... but also incredibly detailed kits with a lot going on. Also fully articulated hands (though that goes for most of these). Releases are also very infrequent, so many of the kits can be rather old; modern ones are also quite pricy. Still, they're quite the undertaking and take far longer to build just due to the sheer volume of parts involved; I feel it's a bit early at this point, but likely needs to be mentioned.
Either way, keep going and have fun!
If you want to try a more modern and pretty good rg model, i recommend any of the rg eva units , they have a different aesthetic design all together , so they make for a rather interesting build for someone eho had primarily built gundams
I’m trying it right now so I can’t wait to put some extra love into it
My first three RGs were the Zaku, Zeta and Zephyrantes, so not the best place to start off with. But my Zeta didn't have any issues at first, it's only after I tried to disassemble it for painting that it really weakened. The tiny waist and c-clips on the legs just make the whole kit very weak and barely able to stand up. But if you just build it up and pose it once, it's alright.
If you want a fun kit that transforms and is still sturdy I’d recommend the hg age 2 (normal, dark hound, or double bullet versions) all very fun and cool looking in both modes and only takes a minute or two to change back and forth with only a single part being swapped.
You're going to have a MUCH better time with the MG Zeta VerKa. The only frustration with it, (to me) is the ammount of waterslide decals for it, but at the same time, those water slides have trasformed the kit into something beautiful. Far more stable than the RG as you just showed.. Just remember to top coat the decals when you're done
if you want another kit that will make you wanna Minecraft yourself, try to build RG Zaku II and not lose a single piece (also, you have to put the stickers on, yes, the spike ones too)
I recommend the mg Gundam Barbatos. Really good and really cool model kit with an entire inner-frame inside.
Understanding your new to building, id like to suggest something that seems ridiculously price but get yourself a set of god hands nippers for curring the spurs off the parts, they will help reduce a lot of the scuffing or over cutting that i noticed in your close ups. Also a few files to clean up the last bits of those spurs.
for an RG with a cool transformation, i can't recommend the Real Grade Unicorn enough, although it's a very different transformation to Zeta. it was the kit that marked a real step up for RG as a line from the jank of early releases like Zeta, to that Epyon you bagged. a great kit, and interesting academically as the transition point between two distinct eras of Real Grade.
for RGs I recommend the Crossbone and God Gundam. Crossbone is essentially a pirate gundam and you can even give it an eye patch, it has a cloak, and all it's weapons are very pirate inspired. The God Gundam is extremely well articulated to do martial arts poses and has beam katanas, plus there's an expansion pack to give it a horse gundam to ride.
for MGs, definitely look into the MG Barbatos and the MGSD version of it as well! SD kits are the chibi ones that are really cheap and simple, but they made MMGSD which makes the chibi designs but with the complexity of an MG kit.
I came for the transformation. It did not disappoint.
Trust me, it doesn’t fall apart when you build it, after the first two or three transforms, you’re going to have a hard time keeping it together
Oh man, I was just working on this last night and I do understand the frustration. It's fiddly compromise of a kit. I'm two thirds into it and I know I will never transform mine. I completely agree with your review and I believe anything will be a better choice after this. Especially the RG Hi-Nu, literal night and day! Happy building!