PG Strike Freedom Gundam: A Deep Dive Review

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the PG Strike Freedom Gundam, shall we? This isn't just any Gunpla kit; it's a statement piece. For those who might be new to the hobby, 'PG' stands for Perfect Grade, which means you're getting a kit that's all about detail, size, and an overall premium experience. Trust me, if you're looking for a serious challenge and a stunning model to display, you've come to the right place. Today, we're going to break down everything from the build process to the final product, covering all the cool features and, of course, whether or not it's worth your hard-earned cash.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

First impressions? Jaw-dropping. The box itself is massive, and when you open it up, you're greeted with a ton of runners, each packed with meticulously detailed parts. The sheer amount of plastic can be a bit intimidating at first, but don't sweat it. The instructions are generally pretty clear, although, with any Perfect Grade, you'll want to take your time and read through them carefully. The color separation is fantastic right out of the box, so you don't necessarily need to paint it to get a great-looking model. However, for those who love to paint, the surface area and intricate details offer an incredible canvas for customization. The gold parts, especially, are a real highlight. They're pre-plated and add a luxurious feel to the overall design. When you lay everything out, you can start to see just how complex and detailed this kit is going to be. There are numerous inner frame components, intricate armor pieces, and a wealth of accessories. It's a true feast for the eyes and a promise of an amazing building experience. The initial impressions set the tone for the entire build, giving you a sense of excitement and anticipation for the project ahead. Believe me, the moment you get that box open, you'll know you're in for something special. It's not just a model kit; it's an experience. This is a kit that will certainly keep you occupied for hours, even days, and the final product is a satisfying masterpiece that will make you feel like you've really accomplished something.

The Building Process: A Detailed Look

Alright, let's talk about the build itself. The PG Strike Freedom Gundam isn't a quick build. This is a complex kit, and you should expect to invest a significant amount of time. I would budget several days, even weeks, depending on how much time you can dedicate each day. The inner frame is a work of art in itself, offering a high degree of articulation and posability. It's engineered to support the weight of all the armor and accessories, so you can pose it in dynamic action poses without fear of it collapsing. The articulation is really something else. You can get this thing into almost any pose you can imagine, thanks to the cleverly designed joints and the sheer number of moving parts. Building the inner frame is a treat, as you get to see how everything comes together and how the kit achieves such a high degree of posability. As you work your way through the kit, you'll encounter various features. For example, the wings are a standout element, featuring multiple points of articulation and the ability to expand and contract. The build involves a lot of small parts and intricate mechanisms, so taking your time and being careful is essential. You'll need nippers to cut the parts from the runners, a hobby knife to clean up any excess plastic, and possibly some sanding sticks to smooth out any imperfections. The details are insane, from the intricate panel lines to the tiny vents and thrusters. The gold parts are especially striking and look fantastic without any additional paint. It’s during this stage that you really appreciate the engineering that went into designing this kit. The build process, despite its complexity, is incredibly rewarding. The sense of accomplishment you get from assembling such a detailed and impressive model is unmatched. Taking your time, following the instructions, and paying attention to detail will ensure that your final product is a true masterpiece.

Features and Articulation: What Makes It Stand Out

So, what really makes the PG Strike Freedom Gundam stand out? Let's talk about features and articulation. The articulation, as mentioned, is superb. Almost every joint moves, and the range of motion is exceptional. You can pose this kit in a wide variety of dynamic positions, making it perfect for display. The wings are a major highlight, with their expanding and contracting mechanism and multiple points of articulation. They add a real sense of dynamism to the model, and they look stunning. The kit also includes a variety of weapons, including the beam rifles, beam sabers, and the railguns. The beam rifles can be combined to form a longer rifle, and the beam sabers are translucent, adding to the visual appeal. The gold frame is another standout feature, providing a luxurious look. The details are what really elevate this kit. There are intricate panel lines, vents, and thrusters all over the model. These details, combined with the color separation, create a visually impressive model. It's clear that a lot of thought and effort went into the design of this kit. The articulation isn't just about posability; it's about bringing the Strike Freedom Gundam to life. Every joint moves smoothly, and the engineering behind it is a testament to the quality of the kit. The features aren't just for show; they enhance the overall experience. The ability to pose the kit in various dynamic positions, along with the detailed weapons and the expanding wings, truly immerses you in the world of Gundam. The features are not just functional; they add to the aesthetic appeal, making the PG Strike Freedom Gundam a beautiful piece to display.

Accessories and Detailing Options

Let's move on to the accessories and detailing options available for the PG Strike Freedom Gundam. The kit comes packed with a nice array of accessories that enhances its appeal. First, we have the iconic weapons. The beam rifles can be combined into a long-range rifle, and the beam sabers are made with a clear plastic that looks fantastic when light hits them. The railguns on the hips can be deployed, adding an aggressive look to the model. Another accessory is the stand, which is essential for displaying the kit in dynamic poses. The stand is sturdy and allows you to showcase the Strike Freedom Gundam in various action poses, making it the perfect piece for any collection. The detailing options are pretty endless for this kit, as you have the choice of painting or adding panel lines, decals, and weathering effects. If you're into customization, the PG Strike Freedom Gundam offers a massive canvas. You can get creative and make it your own. Painting it will enhance the appearance of the kit, and the level of detail it can achieve through these methods is quite incredible. It's a great choice for those who want to show off their skills, from painting the entire model to panel lining for more pronounced detail. Decals add a high level of detail, with options for warning labels, unit markings, and other design elements. Weathering adds a realistic feel to the model, with techniques like dry brushing and washes. These give it a battle-worn appearance. Decaling and weathering offer another way to customize the model, giving it a unique look. The accessory and detailing options enhance the kit's appeal. The provided weapons add to the visual impact and the stand allows for dynamic posing. Customization options give the builder a chance to add a personal touch to their creation.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, the million-dollar question: is the PG Strike Freedom Gundam worth it? The answer, in my opinion, is a resounding yes! However, it really depends on what you're looking for in a Gunpla kit. If you're a beginner, this might be a bit too much to handle. But if you're a seasoned builder looking for a challenging and rewarding project, then it's a fantastic choice. The price is higher than your average kit, but you're paying for a Perfect Grade, which comes with its increased size and complexity. The build quality, detail, and articulation are top-notch. It's an investment, but it's an investment in a high-quality model kit that will provide hours of enjoyment and a stunning display piece. Is it worth the cost? Absolutely. The experience is unmatched in the Gunpla world. The build is rewarding, and the final product is stunning. The detail and articulation are exceptional. If you love Gunpla, you won't be disappointed. But also consider your skill level and available time. It will take time, but the reward is worth it. For experienced builders, the PG Strike Freedom Gundam is an amazing addition to any collection. For me, it was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort. You get an amazing model and the satisfaction of building something truly incredible.

Tips and Recommendations

Before you dive in, here are a few tips and recommendations for tackling the PG Strike Freedom Gundam. First and foremost, take your time. This isn't a race. Enjoy the process and don't rush. Read the instructions carefully before each step. Double-check everything. Some of the parts are small and easy to miss. Invest in the right tools. Good nippers, a hobby knife, and some sanding sticks will make the build process much smoother. Consider using panel liners to enhance the details. This will make your kit pop. If you're planning on painting, do some research beforehand. There are tons of tutorials online to help you get started. Clean up the parts carefully. This means removing the nubs and any excess plastic. Watch out for the small parts. They're easy to lose. Plan your build. Decide if you will paint and add decals before you start. Most importantly, have fun! It's a hobby, after all. Enjoy the process of building and customizing your model. With a little planning and patience, you'll end up with a stunning masterpiece.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, the PG Strike Freedom Gundam is a fantastic kit. The detail is mind-blowing. The articulation is excellent. The build is challenging but rewarding. Is it worth it? Yes, absolutely, if you're ready for a Perfect Grade experience. This is a model that will not only look amazing on your shelf but also give you a strong sense of accomplishment. If you're a Gunpla enthusiast or just looking for a cool, challenging hobby, I highly recommend this kit. This is a must-have for any Gundam fan, and the build experience is truly one of a kind. This is one of the best Gundam models out there, so get building and enjoy!