Best Gundam Model Kits: Top Gunpla for Every Grade
Updated How we research
Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 RG 1/144 Model Kit
Bandai's RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 RG 1/144, an updated Real Grade kit with refined engineering over the original.
Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 MG 1/100 Model Kit
Bandai's RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 MG 1/100 kit, a Master Grade build with a full inner frame and rich detail.
Gundam model kits, better known as Gunpla, are snap-fit kits from Bandai that build into fully articulated mobile suits without glue or paint. They are a huge entry point into scale modeling because molded color and precise engineering deliver a striking result straight off the sprues. Kits come in grades: High Grade for quick satisfying builds, Real Grade for dense detail at small size, Master Grade for inner frames and size, and Perfect Grade for maximum complexity. When choosing, consider the grade that matches your patience, articulation and gimmicks, color separation on the runners, and whether you plan to panel-line or fully paint. This guide picks standout kits in every grade.
The short version
We compared 7 picks. Our scores range from 7.6 to 9.2 out of 10.
- Best overall:Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 RG 1/144 Model Kit. Highest overall score in this guide at 9.2/10.
- Also great value:Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 MG 1/100 Model Kit. Value score of 8/10, overall 9.2/10.
- Solid build:Bandai Hobby RG #01 RX-78-2 Gundam 1/144 Real Grade Model Kit (BAN163280). Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Bandai Spirits Mobile Fighter G Gundam #37 God Gundam RG 1/144 Model Kit. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
- 1.Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 RG 1/144 Model Kit9.2/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 2.Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 MG 1/100 Model Kit9.2/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 3.Bandai Hobby RG #01 RX-78-2 Gundam 1/144 Real Grade Model Kit (BAN163280)8.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 4.Bandai Spirits Mobile Fighter G Gundam #37 God Gundam RG 1/144 Model Kit8.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 5.Bandai Hobby RX-78 GP01 Gundam, Bandai Master Grade Action Figure7.8/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 6.Bandai Hobby MG God Gundam "G Gundam" Model Kit (BAN106042)7.8/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 7.Bandai Hobby BAN203222 RG 1/144#20 Wing Gundam Ver EW Gundam Wing Action Figure, Multicolor, 8"7.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
#1Bandai's RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 RG 1/144, an updated Real Grade kit with refined engineering over the original.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Updated Ver. 2.0 engineering improves joint strength and posing
- + Refined proportions give a more modern look to the classic suit
- + Real Grade detail packs a lot into a compact display figure
- - Owners of the first RG version may find the upgrade incremental
- - Small scale detail still needs a fine nipper and patience
#2Bandai's RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 MG 1/100 kit, a Master Grade build with a full inner frame and rich detail.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Master Grade size makes detail easier to see and paint
- + Version 3.0 is a well regarded take on the original Gundam
- + Full inner frame teaches how advanced Gunpla kits are engineered
- - Longer build than Real Grade or High Grade kits
- - Larger model needs more display space and a sturdy base
#3Bandai's RG #01 RX-78-2 Gundam 1/144 Real Grade kit, a small but highly detailed build of the original Gundam.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Real Grade inner frame gives high detail and wide posing range
- + Original RX-78-2 is the most iconic suit in the franchise
- + Color-molded parts look finished even without painting
- - Tiny parts and many stickers make it fiddly for first-timers
- - Older RG frame can feel looser than newer Real Grade releases
#4Bandai Spirits' Mobile Fighter G Gundam #37 God Gundam RG 1/144 kit, a martial arts suit with dynamic posing.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Martial arts design shines in dramatic action poses
- + Real Grade frame offers wide articulation for fighting stances
- + Distinct G Gundam look adds variety to a shelf of classic Gundams
- - Energy wing and effect parts need a stand to display well
- - Complex frame takes longer than simpler High Grade kits
#5Bandai's Master Grade RX-78 GP01 Gundam, a snap-together kit molded in colored plastic that needs no glue. It suits builders who want a Master Grade alternative to the standard RX-78-2.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + No glue required for assembly: parts go together once they are cut from the runners with a hobby nipper
- + Colored plastic means little to no paint is needed to replicate the suit's appearance
- + A Master Grade kit of a different mobile suit, adding variety to a guide heavy on the RX-78-2
- - The listing gives no parts count, height or articulation detail, so check the box contents before buying
- - A hobby nipper is required and not included, an extra purchase for a first-time builder
#6Bandai's MG God Gundam from G Gundam, a Master Grade kit of the martial arts suit for fans who want a larger display piece.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Master Grade size gives the God Gundam a bold, detailed presence
- + Martial arts design lends itself to energetic fighting poses
- + Pairs with the Real Grade version for a size comparison display
- - Older Master Grade release may have looser joints than recent kits
- - Check the kit scale in the listing to match your collection
#7Bandai Hobby RG 1/144 #20 Wing Gundam Ver EW, a Real Grade kit in multi-colored plastic with a shield and Buster Rifle, a close relative of the Wing Gundam kit it replaces.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Real Grade 1/144 scale, the same grade as the unavailable Wing Gundam kit, so it fits the guide's Real Grade picks.
- + Molded in several shades of white, which the listing says gives visible color separation without painting.
- + Comes with a shield, the Buster Rifle and extra ammo packs, so it has accessories for display poses.
- - It is the Ver EW design rather than the original Wing Gundam, so check which version you want before ordering.
- - The listing gives no parts count or build time, and stock is shown as scarce, so availability may be limited.
Before you buy: trade-offs we flagged
No pick is perfect. These are the main compromises we noted for the top products in this guide, so you can check they will not matter for you.
- Owners of the first RG version may find the upgrade incremental (Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2...)
- Longer build than Real Grade or High Grade kits (Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2...)
- Tiny parts and many stickers make it fiddly for first-timers (Bandai Hobby RG #01 RX-78-2 Gundam 1/144 Real...)
- Energy wing and effect parts need a stand to display well (Bandai Spirits Mobile Fighter G Gundam #37...)
- The listing gives no parts count, height or articulation detail, so check the box contents before buying (Bandai Hobby RX-78 GP01 Gundam, Bandai Master...)
- Older Master Grade release may have looser joints than recent kits (Bandai Hobby MG God Gundam "G Gundam" Model...)
Frequently asked questions
›What is the best choice among gundam model kits: top gunpla for every grade?
Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 RG 1/144 Model Kit is our top overall pick. Bandai's RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 RG 1/144, an updated Real Grade kit with refined engineering over the original. It earns our score of 9.2/10, based on fit for the job, features, build and value.
›What is a good budget option?
Bandai Hobby Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 MG 1/100 Model Kit is the strongest low-cost pick in this guide. Bandai's RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 MG 1/100 kit, a Master Grade build with a full inner frame and rich detail.
›How much should I expect to spend?
Picks in this guide span See on Amazon price bands (roughly: $ = under $30, $$ = $30 to $100, $$$ = over $100). We never display exact prices because they change constantly, so the buttons above always show Amazon's current price.
›How were these products chosen?
We shortlist products that fit the job this guide solves and compare their published specifications, such as size, capacity, materials and what is included. Each pick gets an editorial score out of 10 for fit, features, build and value, and we write the pros and cons from those details. Our score is not an Amazon customer rating. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never affects the ranking.
Model Build Lab independently selects every product; we may earn a commission from links above.
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