GBC Studio 1/144 scale Gundam Exia review

Summary

In this review, the creator takes a deep dive into the GBC Studios Highrade 1/144 scale Gundam Exia, a budget-friendly model kit priced at $22. While praising its aesthetic resemblance to the Metal Build Exia, the review highlights several flaws, including tight joints, limited articulation in the upper body, and the need for some custom painting. Despite these issues, the kit offers good value with impressive color separation, solid accessories like GN sabers and shields, and decent articulation in the legs. Overall, it's a great choice for Metal Build fans seeking an affordable 1/144 scale Exia.

Takeaways

• 😀 The GBC Studios Highrade 1/144 scale Gundam Exia is a great model kit for the price, purchased for $22 on AliExpress.
• 😀 The kit is based on the Metal Build Gundam Exia, though its origin is unclear – possibly a bootleg or third-party model.
• 😀 The box design is simple, with no artwork and only basic branding, making it plain and functional.
• 😀 The model itself is aesthetically pleasing, with a clean design but minimal paint – certain areas like the yellow head vents and gunmetal details require painting for accuracy.
• 😀 Stickers are used for detailing on the jewel condensers, GN wires, eyes, and underfoot pieces, but some smaller areas also require stickers for accuracy.
• 😀 The kit comes with various accessories including fist hands, GN sabers, a GN shield, and a GN Sword, but the shield lacks the opening gimmick seen in other models.
• 😀 The GN Sword has a tight peg connection, requiring sanding for easier attachment and removal.
• 😀 The model's articulation has limitations, with stiff arm joints and some components like shoulder pylons and waist pieces popping out during movement.
• 😀 The lower body articulation, particularly in the legs, is quite good, with a good range of movement and a strong spread capability.
• 😀 The kit lacks some of the finer details of higher-end models, such as short beam saber effect pieces, but it still offers a solid build for its price.
• 😀 Overall, the Gundam Exia is a solid model for fans of the Metal Build series, with decent articulation and a great price point, but it could benefit from more improvements in upper body articulation.

Q & A

What is the price of the Gundam Exia model kit mentioned in the review?

The Gundam Exia model kit was purchased for $22 on AliExpress, which is considered a good price for what is offered.

Is this model kit a bootleg or a third-party product?

The reviewer is unsure whether the model kit is a bootleg or a third-party product, but it is based on the Metal Build Gundam Exia.

How does the aesthetic of the Gundam Exia compare to the Metal Build version?

The model kit closely follows the aesthetic of the Metal Build version, which is appreciated by the reviewer. It looks great, especially for a scaled-down version.

What are the main painting requirements for the Gundam Exia model kit?

To make the kit more anime-accurate, the reviewer suggests painting the yellow vents on the head, the gray sections in the armpit area, and the middle section of the body.

Are there any stickers included with the model kit, and where are they used?

Yes, there are several stickers included, which are used for the jewel condensers, GN wires, camera eyes, and certain parts of the feet. Some small black pieces also require stickers.

What accessories come with the Gundam Exia model kit?

The kit includes fist hands, a GN shield, two pairs of GN sabers (short and long), the GN Sword, and extra accessories like a V-fin, Trans-Am parts, and decals.

Does the GN shield have any special features like other Gundam model kits?

Unlike the RG version, the GN shield in this kit does not have the opening gimmick, but it still looks great with detailed vents and a solid build.

How does the reviewer feel about the articulation of the Gundam Exia model kit?

The reviewer expresses some disappointment with the articulation, particularly with the arms and upper body. The arm joints, especially the elbow, are too tight and may require sanding to function properly.

What specific issue did the reviewer encounter with the elbow joints?

The reviewer noted that the lower arm joint was extremely tight, leading to the arm popping out. To avoid this, they recommend sanding down the lower arm peg before assembling the kit.

What is the recommended fix for the tight elbow joint in the Gundam Exia model kit?

The reviewer suggests sanding down the lower peg joint on the elbow before building the model to prevent it from being too tight, which could cause the joint to break.

How does the Gundam Exia model kit compare to other Gundam kits in terms of articulation?

While the kit's lower body articulation, especially the legs, is great, the upper body has more limited articulation, particularly in the arms and waist. This is a major flaw in the kit's design.

Would the reviewer recommend this Gundam Exia model kit to others?

Yes, the reviewer would recommend the Gundam Exia model kit, especially for fans of the Metal Build series who are looking for a 144-scale model. Despite its articulation flaws, it's still considered a great value for the price.