Type of Gundams

Gundam Models, or Gunpla, refers to plastic and non-plastic model kits depicting the mecha, vehicles and characters of the fictional Mobile Suit Gundam universe. These kits have become popular among anime fans and model-lovers, especially in Japan and in other nearby Asian countries since 1980s. The popularity of Gundam models increased in 1990s with North America and Europe being exposed to Gundam through television, video and manga.

Plastic Gundam model kits are manufactured by Bandai in Japan (or China) which has an exclusive license in manufacturing and marketing them around the world, the first of them being sold in 1980 in Japan. These consist of several trays of injection molded styrene parts ("runners" or "sprues") which must be cut out of the frame before assembly. The majority of post-1990 models have snap-fit parts, with models prior to that requiring an adhesive such as plastic cement. Plastic Gundam models kits are typically supplied with stickers and sometimes decals to apply extra colors and markings as seen they are seen in popular media such as TV shows, movies, manga or video games. Smaller or lower grade kits often require paint to give the model a finished appearance, due to colour discrepancies.

The kits range in different scales with the most popular scales being: 1:550, 1:220, 1:144, 1:100 and 1:60, and more recently 1:35 (UC HardGraph line). With a few exceptions, all currently-produced kits bear grade ratings that give a good idea about their final quality. The following lists the most well-known and common categories with humanoid designs (very roughly) in their order of quality, from lowest to highest.

Please note that other categories, such as EX Model, do exist. They are simply not listed here. Additionally, Bandai often produces limited-run kits for special events such as JAFCON or C3. These have different packaging, and usually only differ from their common counterparts in that they are metal-plated or made of translucent plastic.

Super Deformed

Not based on any particular scale, SD Gundam (Super Deformed Gundam) features comically-proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are their very large heads. These kits are often very easy to construct but offer very limited posability and require paint and detailing to truly "finish" the kit. The most famous line is the BB Senshi (SD GUNDAM BB Warriors on Bandai's English page). Depending on the popularity of series, SD units may also be sold in separate product lines: For instance, Superior Defender Gundam Force. There was another line called Ganso SD Gundam but has since been discontinued in the 1990s.

Speed Grade

Bandai put the First "Speed Grade" Gundam Model kits into production in 2007. They are packaged in a bag, and come with minimal, precolored and painted pieces and a display stand. The kits are in the 1/200 scale. Lacking high mobility and detail, they are ideal for children. Unlike Bandai's other Model kits, the Speed Grade series of kits are made in China, not Japan. The plastic is cheaper, and of a less quality.

First Grade

The First Grade Series is released because of Gundam 00 series. These kits were released in 9/07. They do not require nippers to remove parts from the plastic gates. First grade has also been the name for the very first gundam kits available from Bandai in the early 80's. These kits, when completed, had a very poor range of motion which rendered them almost unposeable. In addition, adhesives and paint were necessities, not options. Although not called as such back then, these models were retroactively categorized as FG (First Grade).

High Grade

Later the quality of the molding improved and HG (High Grade) level kits were introduced in 1990. These kits were either at the 1:144 or 1:100 scale, provided for a better range of motion and were more poseable. It would later lend its name to the more advanced High Grade Universal Century, and more recently High Grade Gundam SEED and High Grade Gundam 00.

SEED (Destiny) No Grade

1:144 and 1:100 kits based on the models seen in C.E. (Cosmic Era) productions, these are unique in that they have no official grade rating. In terms of quality, they are considered High Grade, but they come with some advancements not found on earlier HG models. Some Seed models come with improved arm and leg designs similar to what is found with the Master Grade line, that allow the models to be more posable than the previous HG lines. See also the section below. Some times called "No Grade" kits.

High Grade Gundam SEED

1:144 kits based on the models seen in the C.E. productions, mainly Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny. They are considered equivalent in quality to earlier HGUC models.

High Grade Gundam 00

1:144 kits based on the units in Mobile Suit Gundam 00, currently 5 units have been announced to be released in this series. Unlike HG Gundam SEED, more advanced skills which has been previously applied on recent models in High Grade Universal Century has been used.

High Grade Universal Century(HGUC)

1:144 kits based on models seen in U.C. (Universal Century) productions, the first of which were released in May 1999. The HGUC line represented the chance to release many upgraded designs for the first time in kit form with modern injection moulding technology. These are of good quality, and new designs plus model improvements continue to be introduced into this line even today. This grade is largely considered to be the rightful heir of the original HG line. Until now, all unit from the HGUC series are mobile suits before U.C.0093 and over 50% of the units are from the One Year War (including variations).(Go to the High Grade Universal Century article for a complete list of HG models.)

High Grade EX

1:60 kits from various eras. These kits are enhanced High Grade models with extra details and usually transformation and/or LED gimmicks. These models are known for having ridiculous amounts of panel line detail, more so than the Real Detail line and even several Perfect Grade kits. Only 4 HGEX kits have been made to date: the V2 Gundam, Shining Gundam, God Gundam, and Wing Zero Gundam.

Real Detail

1:60 kits based on designs seen in the Seed and Seed Destiny series and upcoming 00 series. Although much larger than most of their brethren, Real Detail designs are functionally scaled-up HG models with slightly-improved detail, and gimmicks like embedded lighting and enhanced poseability.

Master Grade

1:100 kits, MG (Master Grade) models were first introduced in the summer of 1995. These are designed and produced to higher standards than most other models, with corresponding superior quality. Appropriately, these take much longer to construct and can easily cost a lot more. MG models are very presentable even straight from the box, but like previous grades can be improved through further detailing and painting. A notable design difference from earlier grades is that MG models are supported by a detailed internal "skeleton",(also known as "inner frame system") whereas lower quality models have no such feature. These may require screws and usually come with decals. The vast majority of MG offerings are from Gundam, with the rest coming from other properties such as Patlabor. As master grade has become a symbol of Gunpla, Bandai released another lineup called Real Robot Revolution, for the non-Gundam type real robots like Layzner and L-Gaim while applying skills of MG models into them. (Go to the Master Grade article for a complete list of MG models.)

Perfect Grade

1:60 kits, PG (Perfect Grade) kits are unmatched in sheer quality. First released in late 1998, these are made of even higher quality plastic and metal components than the MG kits. These kits include parts that have to be secured with screws, and often require some minor wiring for small LEDs. The market for the Perfect Grade models is limited due to their high cost, often topping $150. Highly-complex design makes PG models a true challenge and their construction can take a few days.

Non Plastic

Bandai has also released some Gundam garage kit under their branch, B-club. These models are composed of unpainted resin with no decals provided, often needing modification by the modeler due to the inherent properties of the manufacturing process. While comparably more expensive (some surpassing $400) compared to plastic kits, they offer an unparalleled level of detail for the dedicated and experienced model builder.

A few select kits have also appeared manufactured from metal. These kits are offered by several different manufacturers and most commonly will result in a finished model of about MG level.

These types of models (real detail) usually take days to build

For display only

For trade shows and toy fairs, Bandai displays some extreme large model in 1:12 scale. True to the scaling, some of these models are well over 5 feet (1.50 meters) tall. Although only mainly used for display purposes, some stores sell these at high prices, topping a whopping price of $2000 CA. But, they are usually only for display and not for sale.

The kit that is being referred to as GIGANTIC or BIG (1.5M) is known as a HY2M model kit, and is actually a model that one can purchase.