Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, HG GAT-X105B/FP Build Strike Gundam Full Package

Link to revised review here.

After 2 MG kits, I'm taking the bet to assemble a HG kit.  Since most of HG reviews are very good, I decided to give it a shot.

Why this kit
Strike Gundam has always been one of the most popular gunpla kit with lots and lots of variation.  The latest being the build strike from the build fighters.  At the time I'm building this kit, the MG build strike was not released yet.

Kit Details
The HG build strike kit was released in October 2013 with 9 runners. You also get 1 sheet of stickers.  This kit is priced at RM 50.

Build / Difficulty
(Score: Neutral)
The build is easy but with several really small parts especially on the head and the joints.  But as the build goes on, I start to realize that HG kits are really sticker heavy kit.  Stickers are used to achieve color variation on the arms, legs, skirts and shoulders.

The entire build took roughly 6 hours.  Panel linings are simple and there's no decals to put on.


Looks / Details
(Score: Neutral)
This kit looks good.  Build strike is one of the better looking variation of the strike.  However, once you look closer and noticed the stickers used, the looks aren't as impressive.  And the booster backpack is the lowlight of this kit.  It's a huge chunk of blue plastic and is very sticker heavy.  Plus the booster backpack has lots of visible bad nubs.



Accessories
(Score: +1)
This kit is very generous on the accessories department.  The build strike gets 3 different gun (beam gun, beam rifle and enhanced beam rifle), a chobham shield and 2 beam sabers.  The booster backpack has a lot of play-ability as well.

Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +1)
Highlight of HG kits is that they're very solid build and can hold their ground very nicely.  This gundam has huge range of motion but limited when you slap the booster backpack on.  The booster backpack again, is a bit flimsy and makes the kit a bit back heavy.

Shelf presence

(Score: -1)
To me, this kit feels a bit plain and does not have anything to shout about.  Because I posed this beside my master grade kits, this kit got lost in the world of the big guys.

Bonus
(Score: Neutral)
Not much wow things you can do with this kit.  You can try painting the sticker-ed part of the kit to improve the looks.  Unlike its MG counterpart which gets the star booster pack as add on, you'll simply go out and buy the HG star build strike.

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +1)
This kit + every variation of HG strike is a very good kit of beginners.  The booster pack is a big letdown but taking that blue chunk of plastic out of the equation, this is a good kit.

Gundam: Build Strike Gundam Full Package
Code: GAT-X105B/FP
Series: Gundam Build Fighers
Pilot: Sei Iori, Reiji
Weapons: Beam Saber, Beam Gun, Beam Rifle, Enhanced Beam Rifle, Chobham Shield
Release: October 2013
Price: 1400 yen

Pundit: Get the MG kit + the star/universe booster pack

Variants
You can pick up almost any HG kit and start building.

Dalong's Review

Up Next: HG Crossbone Gundam X1 Full Cloth