Bandai model kits allow me to grab my creative mind and put it into my collectible hobbies. Writing the best Bandai model kits guide further enables me to share one of the most innovative and exciting Bandai hobbies—Gundam models. You might know the show or have seen the model kits. Either way, prepared to be wowed.
I’ve collected statues, replicas, action figures, Nendoroids, and Funko Pops. However, model kits are another game entirely. I’m a creative person, and combining my passion for collecting incredible merchandise with the ability to exercise my creative juices is like finding heaven. Welcome to the exciting world of Bandai Gunpla.
Bottom Line Up Front
Bandai model kits appear simple. However, they’re anything but simple once you know about the available grades, scales, and what you need to build them. Gundam Bandai model kits range from easy to complex, depending on the rise. I chose a variety of grades to give beginners and experts a few choices.
There’s nothing more satisfying than finishing a Gundam Bandai model kit, whether you love Wing Gundam or Gundam Breaker Battleogue. So, I’ll share the top 16 picks from the most popular grades that appeal to different experience levels. I’ll also stick to the famous Gunpla and show you which tools you need.
Please glance at my top picks if you’re excited to learn which Gunpla model kits are rocking the hobby right now.
Top Bandai Model Kits at a Glance
The best Bandai model kits come from a multiverse the brand created to bring you a selection of fantastic builds. Here’s a peek at which Gunpla Bandai model kits with popular grades are all the rave now:
- Best Bandai Gundam Age XVB-VD Farsia Model Kit
- Best Bandai Gundam Astray Gold Frame Model Kit
- Best Bandai Gundam Astray Red Frame Model Kit
- Best Bandai Gundam Barbataurus Model Kit
- Best Bandai Gundam Barbatos Model Kit
- Best Bandai Gundam Destiny Model Kit
- Best Bandai Gundam Exia Model Kit
- Best Bandai Gundam Livelance Heaven Model Kit
- Best Bandai Gundam MK-II Model Kit
- Best Bandai Gundam Virtue Model Kit
- Best Bandai Impulse Gundam Lancier Model Kit
- Best Bandai Strike Freedom Gundam Model Kit
- Best Bandai Unicorn Gundam Model Kit
- Best Bandai Victory 2 Gundam Model Kit
- Best Bandai Wing Gundam Model Kit
- Best Bandai Wing Gundam Zero Model Kit
An Expert Guide to Bandai Model Kits
Building and painting Bandai model kits is an art form. It allows collectors to embrace their creative side while enjoying the result of their favorite models. However, you first need to know the grading basics and learn which tools you’ll need for the build. Then, I’ll show you how I picked the best recommendations.
The Basics of Bandai Gundam Model Kits
Gundam model kits are also called Gunpla models. They’re the vehicles and robots from the fictional Gundam multiverse created by Bandai. Gunpla models are a step above Lego kits as one example. You can enjoy painting, taping, and airbrushing miniatures from a multiverse that looks similar to the Transformers.
Before enjoying the intricate and creative work of building Gunpla models, you need to understand the grades:
- HG: A high-grade Gundam model kit measures five inches and typically comes as a 1:144 scale finish. HG models aren’t too challenging and don’t have many details. They also come with plenty of stickers.
- FG: A first-grade Gundam model kit measures five inches and has a 1:144 scale finish. FG models don’t have many details and aren’t challenging, but they’re remakes of 1980s models.
- RG: A real-grade Gundam model kit also measures five inches, but it commonly comes as a 1:144 scale finish. RG model kits have more pieces and details, offering a better challenge.
- AG: Advanced-grade Gundam model kits measure five inches and have a 1:144 scale finish. They require no paintwork and don’t have the points of articulation you find in other models.
- MG: A master-grade Gundam model kit measures 7.5 inches, and the standard scale finish is 1:100. MG models have fewer stickers and require more work. They also have more pieces and details.
- NG: No-grade Gundam model kits measure 7.5 inches and typically have 1:100 scale finishes. NG models are more significant than HG Gunplas, but they don’t have as many details as MG Gundams.
- RE100: Reborn 100 Gundam model kits measure 7.5 inches and have a 1:100 scale finish. RE100 models are remakes of the NG range, offering the same features and challenges.
- PG: A perfect-grade Gundam model kit measures 12 inches and has a 1:60 scale finish. PG models are highly detailed with many pieces, and they aren’t as common as the other grades.
- MS: Mega-size Gundam model kits measure 14 inches and have a 1:48 scale finish. MS models have massive pieces but don’t offer many challenges, and they don’t have articulation points.
- SD: Super-deformed Gundam model kits measure two inches and don’t come in standard scale finishes. SD models look like chibi-style caricatures of any of the other models.
The scales are easy to understand. Gunpla is 59 feet tall in the show, meaning a 1:144 scale finish would be 144 times smaller than the Gundam robot. On the other hand, the 1:48 model would only be 48 times smaller than the Gunpla. Some grades are also more common than others. HG, RG, MG, and PG are the typical grades.
Tools For Bandai Models and How to Use Them
Bandai model kits are fantastic fun, but you’ll need a few tools to help you build them. The essential tools include:
- Side cutters to separate pieces from the runners
- An X-Acto hobby knife to carefully cut closer to the components without damaging them
- Tweezers to place the stickers and decal on the pieces
- A rubber eraser to remove unwanted paint spots
- Paint to color your parts before putting them together
- Clear top-coat spray paint to seal the paintwork
You can also buy a Gundam model building tool kit that includes many of the tools you need.
Bonus Tip: Never use glue on Bandai model kits. You’ll lose flexibility, and the model won’t articulate anymore.
How to Select the Best Bandai Model Kit
Building Gunpla Bandai model kits is exciting, and I’m sure you want them all. However, I used two rules to give you a variety of choices:
- I want the most famous Gunplas, some including Wing Gundam, Strike Gundam, and Freedom Gundam.
- I’ll stick to the standard grades available, including HG, RG, PG, and MG.
Best Bandai Model Kits Guide: The Famous Gunplas
Let’s dive into the variety of Gundam model kits from Bandai. I’ll share each model’s difficulty levels, grades, and scales. Experienced builders can aim for PG and MG models, whereas beginners will love the HG and RG models more. Let’s get to the details before enjoying the Bandai model building.
Best Bandai Gundam Age XVB-VD Farsia Model Kit
I love the Farsia Gunpla suit more than most because it doesn’t look like a Transformer or robot. Sure, it looks futuristic and alien, but it has a modernized design compared to the traditional robotic suits the characters wear in the Gundam anime series. Also, it seems like cold steel and top-coat paint will improve the metallic feel.
Features
- Grade: HG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Easy
Pros
- The Gunpla Farsia Bandai model kit is a high-grade beauty for beginners to experts, and it has impressive details, especially on the articulated fingers
- You don’t need too many paints or colors to finish the Farsia model kit, and it comes with effects that make it look like the Gundam model is sprouting flowers around the platform
Cons
- The finished model looks pale pink, where it should have a pale violet color instead
Best Bandai Gundam Astray Gold Frame Model Kit
The Astray Gold Frame Gundam model kit appeals strongly to me, especially if I imagine it next to the winged framed or the primarily white Gunpla. Two of my favorite colors are white and black, and they look fantastic when facing each other. Sure, the frames shouldn’t face-off, but they’d look incredible in a display if they did.
Features
- Grade: HG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Easy
Pros
- The Gundam Astray Gold Frame model kit is appealing to beginners and experts, and it has a few articulated points to improve the actionable displays, while it has fabulous details
- You’ll only need four paint colors to complete this black beauty, and it comes with a transformational backpack, claw, various weapons, and a defensive shield
Cons
- The model appears slightly more challenging than an HG grade, but maybe it’s the dark colors
Best Bandai Gundam Astray Red Frame Model Kit
Another frame I love from the Gundam Seed series is the red one. It has more details and decals because it’s an expert-level Bandai model kit. It’s likely to take you a long time, which isn’t an issue if you love spending time painting your models and sticking the decal on the right pieces. The finished model looks gorgeous!
Features
- Grade: PG
- Scale: 1:60
- Difficulty: Expert
Pros
- The Gundam Red Frame model kit is an excellent choice for expert Bandai hobbyists, and it has intricate details and decals for exceptional finishes while also being an articulated model
- You’ll need a few paint colors and shades to complete the gorgeous design, and it comes with a massive blade, a sheath, and a gigantic rifle
Cons
- PG Bandai models aren’t suited to beginners or hobbyists who prefer faster builds
Best Bandai Gundam Barbataurus Model Kit
The Bandai Gundam Barbatraus comes from the Breaker Battleogue game series. I love how the name cleverly comes from a Taurian creature because the Gunpla looks like one. Even the tail resembles the creature from horoscopes and legends. I like how it looks like a beast, and the Gunpla suit sure has beast-like features.
Features
- Grade: HG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Easy
Pros
- The Gundam Barbatraus model kit welcomes beginners through to experts as a high-grade model, and the details are excellent with a few articulated points
- You won’t need an assortment of colors to complete the model, and it comes with arrow string effects, twin blades, and a few interchangeable pieces for additional fun
Cons
- The Bandai game isn’t well-known yet, and this Gunpla might be unknown to many fans
Best Bandai Gundam Barbatos Model Kit
The Gundam Barabatos frame is gorgeous and classic. It looks like a robotic suit waiting to protect the multiverse. I love it because it comes from the first season of the anime series. Adding popular choices will improve the variety to ensure every hobbyist finds one they’d love to build.
Features
- Grade: MG
- Scale: 1:100
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Pros
- The Bandai Gundam Barbatos model kit is better suited to experienced hobbyists, and it comes with articulated points to increase the satisfaction when you finish the model
- You’ll need a few colors to paint this beauty, but it will be worth the time, and it comes with a smoothbore gun, mace, and sword for actionable displays
Cons
- This Bandai model kit can take you up to ten hours to complete, even as an experienced hobbyist
Best Bandai Gundam Destiny Model Kit
The Gunpla Destiny model kit showcases a gorgeous finish with golden touches. The frame is immaculate, looking like a robot dunked in pure gold. I love how it shines, but the golden shine is a tricky feature to achieve if you buy the wrong paint colors. You’ll undoubtedly need the top-coat paint sealer for this model.
Features
- Grade: HG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Easy
Pros
- The Gundam Destiny model kit is candy for the eyes of beginners and experts, and it has articulated points with the shinest golden touches
- You’ll need a specific paint shade to achieve the golden shine, but you won’t be sorry, and it comes with a massive rifle and winged backpack accessories
Cons
- Sometimes, you might miss the mark on the golden sheen, which can be hugely disappointing
Best Bandai Gundam Exia Model Kit
The Gundam Exia models are among the most famous ones for Bandai hobbyists. They’re RG models that offer the same scale as the HG models. However, they require more work and would suit beginners who want to take it to the next level. I also love the colors added to break the white frames a bit.
Features
- Grade: RG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Medium
Pros
- The Bandai Gundam Exia model kit is ideal for beginners ready for more challenges, and the finished model has gorgeous details with a few articulated points
- You’ll need an assortment of colors to complete the model, but it’s worthwhile, and it comes with a beam battling gun, an army knife, and twin blades for actionable fun when it’s finished
Cons
- RG models aren’t always the best choice for beginners who haven’t completed an HG model yet
Best Bandai Gundam Livelance Heaven Model Kit
The Livelance Heaven Gundam frame is another famous one from the Breaker Battleogue game series. I love how the name and the frame’s design clash. It looks like a battle-ready angel descended from the heavens. It’s also a winged model that makes it look more significant, and it’s a customized frame from the games.
Features
- Grade: HG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Easy
Pros
- The Livelance Heaven Gundam model kit is ideal for beginners and experts, and it has gorgeous details that look heavenly while it flaunts multiple articulation points
- You’ll only require four colors to complete the Gunpla frame model, and it comes with a massive lance, a beam lance effect, and extendable wings
Cons
- It’s another Battleogue frame some fans and hobbyists might not know well enough
Best Bandai Gundam MK-II Model Kit
The Gundam MK-II frame comes from the hundred-year war in the anime series. It’s a mobile suit that allows for more flexibility. The model looks fantastic because it has a classic “I am a robot” design with a massive gun on its side. Hobbyists who love building Gunpla models tend to like weapons and armor.
Features
- Grade: HG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Easy
Pros
- The Gundam MK-II model kit is perfect for anyone with any experience level, and it has a few articulated points with stunning details to enjoy the action figure once you complete it
- You’ll only need four paint colors to complement the fabulous design, and it comes with beam sabers, a shield, a Vulcan pod, a clay bazooka, and a beam rifle for actionable fun
Cons
- The Gundam MK-II model looks like one from three decades earlier, and it should be an RG grade
Best Bandai Gundam Virtue Model Kit
The Gundam Virtue frame looks like it overdosed on steroids. However, the buff design might subliminally mean that it’s full of virtue. Admittedly, it also looks fantastic alongside a few HG models because it’s larger than the others. The frame also represents a third-generation model with the best offense and defense powers.
Features
- Grade: MG
- Scale: 1:100
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Pros
- The Bandai Gundam Virtue model kit is better suited to hobbyists with some experience, but it has lovely details and includes a few points of articulation for actionable fun
- You’ll find it easier to paint this Bandai model kit because the pieces are more significant and broader, and it comes with transformation abilities (oops, Transformers here), bazooka, and beam rifle
Cons
- Some hobbyists might believe the transformational capabilities are too close to the Transformers (like me)
Best Bandai Impulse Gundam Lancier Model Kit
The Impulse Gundam frame range had an advantage because they were mobile suits to be faster and lighter. The Lancier Impulse model kit flaunts more weapons than most of the range. It’s also bright red, and I’m sure everyone in the multiverse can see it coming, as long as it doesn’t swiftly sneak up on them.
Features
- Grade: HG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Easy
Pros
- The Impulse Gundam Lancier model kit is ideal for beginners and experienced hobbyists, and it has simple articulation with gorgeous details around the frame’s face
- You won’t need many colors, but you’ll need the brightest red paint you can find, and it comes with a massive lance and shoulder weapon accessory
Cons
- I’m not crazy about the bold red color of this model kit, and it doesn’t have many decals and details
Best Bandai Strike Freedom Gundam Model Kit
The Strike Freedom Gundam model kit falls into the RG grade, but I’ve had this kit before. It’s more challenging than the typical RG models. It has intricate details, and the paintwork is more complex than it looks. However, I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to complete this exceptional beauty. It’s one of my favorite Gundam model kits.
Features
- Grade: RG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Medium
Pros
- The Strike Freedom Gundam model kit would appeal to more experienced hobbyists or beginners who want a challenge, and it has many articulated points with more details than most models
- You’ll need a range of paint colors and shades to create this beauty, and it comes with a winged accessory to make the Gunpla bolder than it already looks
Cons
- The model kit comes with some colored pieces, but I’d still paint it for a genuine burst of bright colors
Best Bandai Unicorn Gundam Model Kit
The Bandai Unicorn Gundam model kits come in various versions, but I love the black one. It looks like a mystical frame that will bring the war to the multiverse. It looks insanely powerful and ready for anything. One thing’s for sure; I’ll never stand against this beast in the Bandai universe. It’s a mean monster of a frame.
Features
- Grade: PG
- Scale: 1:60
- Difficulty: Expert
Pros
- The Bandai Gundam Unicorn model kit is ideal for well-experienced hobbyists who love challenges, and it has numerous articulation points with impressive details
- You’ll only need two colors to finish the model, and it comes with beam sabers, armor accessories, a revolving launcher, and a beam magnum
Cons
- Again, I’d instead paint the pieces myself, and this model will take experienced hobbyists more than ten hours
Best Bandai Victory 2 Gundam Model Kit
The Victory Two Gundam model kit reminds me of Ultra Magnus from the Transformers. The concepts are similar, except that Gundam frames have pilots and don’t all transform into other models. I like this Bandai model kit because it’s a simple build with a fantastic finish with unusual pieces.
Features
- Grade: HG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Easy
Pros
- The Bandai Gundam Victory V2 model kit is perfect for beginners and experienced hobbyists, and it has some articulation points with unusual details and decals
- You’ll need a few colors, but the finished model is a bright beauty, and it comes with a massive shield, beam rifle, and winged accessory
Cons
- I wish this model were more challenging because it results in a beautiful Gunpla
Best Bandai Wing Gundam Model Kit
Some of my favorite Gundam model kits are the winged frames. This Bandai model kit also appeals to me because it has transformative abilities to change into a vehicle or spaceship. It takes the winged frames to another level, and it’s one of the best showpieces for any hobbyist.
Features
- Grade: RG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Medium
Pros
- The Gundam Wing frame model kit is ideal for beginners who want more challenges and experienced hobbyists, and it has many articulated points with transformation abilities and impressive details
- You’ll need a few bright colors to paint over the strips to create a beautiful model, and it comes with a winged, missile, and other weapon accessories
Cons
- This Bandai model kit might not suit beginners who haven’t spent time with HG models yet
Best Bandai Wing Gundam Zero Model Kit
The two-winged frames might look the same, but the zero model doesn’t come with the transformation abilities the other one does. It’s still a gorgeous Bandai model kit with the same colors. However, it has different winged accessories that look like an angel’s wing again. It’s the first of the Gundam Wing series.
Features
- Grade: RG
- Scale: 1:144
- Difficulty: Medium
Pros
- The Bandai Wing Gundam Zero model kit is a fantastic challenge for beginners and experts, and it has numerous articulation points with impressive details and decals
- You’ll need a few bright colors to finish this gorgeous model, and it comes with winged accessories and two massive beam rifles for enjoyable displays
Cons
- Again, RG models are better suited to beginners who have some experience with at least one HG model
Top Q&A
Question: Which Bandai Model Kits Are the Most Popular?
Answer: Bandai Spirits and Bandai Hobbies are one of the same, and they make model kits for Star Wars, Pokémon, superheroes, and the anime favorites like Demon Slayer, among many others. However, the most famous Bandai model kits are Gundam models because they belong to Bandai’s multiverse anime and games.
Question: Which Anime Bandai Model Kits Are Popular?
Answer: Bandai makes a few favorite anime model kits, ranging from easy to expert-level builds. Demon Slayer Bandai model kits and Pokémon Bandai model kits are famous. However, they’re not the most challenging kits to finish. On the other hand, the Bandai Digimon model kits are more complex and result in intricate models.
Question: Does Bandai Make Star Wars Model Kits?
Answer: Star Wars and Mandalorian Bandai model kits are two of the most popular types from the brand. You’ll find Boba Fett Bandai model kits and Mandalorian Bandai model kits. You also find Stormtrooper Bandai model kits and X-Wing Fighter Bandai model kits. Hobbyists commonly enjoy Star Wars Bandai model kits.
Best Bandai Model Kits Guide: Conclusion
Bandai has a selection of model kits that would fill the oceans. However, you don’t need to worry because I narrowed them down to the Gundam models. Which frame appeals to you? Which grade would you love to tackle? The Best Bandai Victory 2 Gundam Model Kit is excellent for beginners.
You can also try the Best Bandai Gundam Barbataurus Model Kit and the Best Bandai Gundam Destiny Model Kit as a beginner. Then, step up to the Best Bandai Gundam Exia Model Kit and the Best Bandai Strike Freedom Gundam Model Kit once you gain some experience.
The Best Bandai Gundam Barbatos Model Kit and the Best Bandai Gundam Virtue Model Kit will give you an intermediate challenge. And when you’re ready for the expert-level builds, you can try the Best Bandai Gundam Astray Red Frame Model Kit. You can also add the Best Bandai Unicorn Gundam Model Kit.
It doesn’t matter what your experience level is as a hobbyist. I shared a range that suits everyone from the best part of Bandai model kits. So, get yourself one to keep your creative juices running into your hobby today.
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