Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a real showstopper – the Perfect Grade Strike Freedom Gundam. This isn't just any model kit, guys; this is a statement piece. If you're into Gunpla (that's Gundam plastic models, for the uninitiated!), you've probably heard the hype. But does it live up to it? Is it worth the often hefty price tag? Let's break it down and find out. We will explore every aspect of this incredible model kit. So, grab your nippers, and let's get building... well, virtually for now!

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Okay, so first things first: the unboxing. When you crack open the box of a Perfect Grade (PG) kit, you know you're in for a treat. The Strike Freedom is no exception. You're greeted with a mountain of runners – the plastic frames containing all the parts. And trust me, there are a lot of parts! This kit is a marvel of engineering, and the sheer number of pieces is a testament to the level of detail Bandai has poured into it. From the start, you can tell this is going to be a lengthy and rewarding build. The runners themselves are well-organized, with each part clearly labeled. The plastic quality is top-notch, with vibrant colors and crisp details. The manual is a work of art in itself, guiding you through the build with clear diagrams and instructions. It's like a roadmap to mecha perfection. The initial impression is one of awe. This isn't just a model; it's a project, an experience. The box art alone is enough to get any Gundam fan's heart racing, showcasing the Strike Freedom in all its glory. You know you're holding something special, something that's going to look amazing on your shelf once it's complete. The Perfect Grade line is known for its size and complexity, and the Strike Freedom certainly delivers on both fronts. The kit is quite large when completed, making it a prominent display piece. The complexity, while daunting to some, is part of the fun for many builders. It's a challenging but ultimately satisfying experience to assemble a kit of this caliber.

Detailed Breakdown of the Runners and Parts

Let's get into the nitty-gritty. The PG Strike Freedom Gundam has an impressive array of runners. Each runner is carefully designed to include all the small details that bring this Gundam to life. The parts are color-separated, meaning you won't need to paint everything to get a vibrant, accurate look. The gold parts, a signature of the Strike Freedom, are particularly striking, and the metallic finish adds a premium feel. The kit includes pre-molded inner frame components, which contribute to the impressive articulation and stability of the final model. The inner frame allows for dynamic posing, and the outer armor pieces fit snugly over the frame, giving the kit a layered, realistic appearance. You'll find clear parts for the beam sabers and beam shields, which look fantastic when illuminated. The attention to detail extends to the smallest parts, with intricate panel lines and surface details. These details are a joy to paint and weather, and they really bring out the kit's visual complexity. The sheer number of parts can be a bit overwhelming at first, but the manual is extremely helpful in guiding you through the process. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and you'll be well on your way to assembling a masterpiece. This Gunpla kit is a testament to Bandai's engineering prowess, with complex mechanisms for movement and articulation. The parts are designed to fit together precisely, and the overall construction quality is outstanding. You will be able to enjoy the build of this kit for many hours to come.

Building Process: Step-by-Step

Alright, let's talk about the build itself. Assembling the PG Strike Freedom is a journey, not a sprint. Expect to spend a considerable amount of time on this one. But trust me, every minute is worth it. The manual is your bible here, and I strongly recommend following it to the letter. Don't skip steps, and pay close attention to the diagrams. The build is divided into several sections, starting with the inner frame. This is where you'll get to appreciate the engineering that goes into a PG kit. The frame is incredibly detailed, with intricate mechanisms that allow for a wide range of motion. Articulation is a key feature of this kit, and the inner frame sets the stage for the dynamic poses you'll be able to achieve. Once the inner frame is complete, you'll start attaching the outer armor pieces. This is where the Strike Freedom really starts to take shape. The armor pieces are designed to fit perfectly over the frame, and the color separation is excellent, with minimal need for painting. The gold parts are particularly eye-catching, and they really make the kit pop. The wings (the Dragoon system) are a highlight of the build. They are large and complex, with a lot of moving parts. The wings are fully articulated and can be posed in a variety of ways. Building the wings is a rewarding experience, and they add a lot of visual impact to the finished model. The weapons are another key aspect of the build. The kit includes the iconic beam rifles, beam sabers, and beam shields. The weapons are well-detailed and look great when posed with the Gundam. The build process can be divided into distinct stages, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. The construction of the legs, arms, torso, head, and weapons all provide unique experiences. Take breaks when you need them, and don't be afraid to take your time. This is a project to savor. Patience is key, and the end result will be well worth the effort. The overall feel of the build is one of quality and precision. The parts fit together perfectly, and the finished model feels solid and robust.

Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Build

• Prepare Your Workspace: Make sure you have a clean, well-lit workspace. Have your tools at hand: nippers, hobby knife, sanding sticks, and maybe some panel line accent. A good cutting mat is also essential. A magnifying glass can be useful for smaller details.
• Follow the Manual: Seriously, don't skip steps. The manual is your guide, and the steps are arranged in a logical order. Pay attention to the diagrams.
• Clean Up the Parts: Use your nippers to carefully remove the parts from the runners. Trim any nub marks with a hobby knife or sanding sticks. This is important for a clean finish.
• Test Fit: Before gluing or snapping parts together permanently, test fit them to make sure they fit correctly. This can save you a lot of headaches later on.
• Panel Lining: Panel lining is a great way to add detail and depth to your model. Use a fine-tipped marker or panel line accent to bring out the panel lines. Be careful not to get it on the wrong parts.
• Decals: The kit includes a sheet of water slide decals. Use these to add extra detail to your model. Follow the instructions carefully when applying the decals.
• Take Your Time: Building a PG kit is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't rush the process. Enjoy the journey, and savor the experience.
• Consider Painting: While the color separation is great, painting can take your model to the next level. If you're into painting, consider airbrushing or hand-painting some of the details.
• Embrace the Challenge: Building a PG kit can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Embrace the challenge, and don't be afraid to experiment.

Articulation and Poseability

One of the standout features of the PG Strike Freedom is its incredible articulation and poseability. This is where the engineering really shines. The inner frame allows for a vast range of motion, and you can achieve some truly dynamic poses. The joints are solid and well-engineered, so the model can hold its poses without any issues. The articulation is a key component in this kit's appeal. The legs, arms, and torso can all be moved independently, allowing for a wide variety of poses. The head can swivel and tilt, and the shoulders can be raised and lowered. The hands are fully articulated, allowing you to pose the model with a variety of weapons and accessories. The wings are also highly articulated, and they can be posed in a variety of ways. You can open and close the wings, and you can adjust the angle of each individual wing. The Strike Freedom's beam rifle can be held in a variety of positions, and the beam sabers can be posed for dramatic action scenes. You can also pose the model with its beam shields extended, protecting it from incoming attacks. The model's poseability is a joy to experience, allowing you to recreate scenes from the anime or create your own unique poses. The kit is designed to be highly poseable, and it delivers on that promise. The combination of articulation, detail, and stability makes the PG Strike Freedom a joy to display.

Exploring the Range of Motion and Dynamic Poses

The range of motion on the PG Strike Freedom is impressive. The joints are robust and allow for a wide range of movement. The legs can be bent at the knees and ankles, allowing for running and combat poses. The arms can be extended and flexed at the elbows and shoulders, allowing for aiming and weapon-wielding poses. The head can tilt and swivel, adding to the kit's expressiveness. You can recreate classic poses from the anime or come up with your own original poses. The flexibility of the model allows for many creative options. The fully articulated hands allow for realistic weapon grips and gestures. The kit's ability to hold poses without any issues is a testament to the engineering. The Strike Freedom can be displayed in dynamic action poses, mid-flight, or in a stationary, poised stance. The wide range of movement enables the modeler to truly bring the kit to life. From the iconic shooting pose to a more casual stance, the PG Strike Freedom can do it all. The overall effect is a stunningly realistic and dynamic model.

Detailing and Features

The PG Strike Freedom Gundam is a masterclass in detail. Bandai has packed so many features into this kit that it's hard to know where to start. The armor panels are intricately detailed, with panel lines, vents, and surface details that add a lot of visual interest. The gold parts have a beautiful metallic finish that really makes the kit pop. The clear parts for the beam sabers and beam shields look fantastic, and the beam effects are a nice touch. The kit includes a variety of accessories, including the iconic beam rifles, beam sabers, beam shields, and a display stand. The beam rifles can be combined to form a double-barreled weapon, and the beam sabers can be attached to the back of the model. The display stand is adjustable and allows you to pose the model in a variety of dynamic poses. The decals are of high quality and add a lot of extra detail to the model. The inner frame is also incredibly detailed, with intricate mechanisms that are visible through the gaps in the armor. You can appreciate the engineering even when the model is assembled. The details are not just for show; they also contribute to the overall functionality of the kit. The articulation, the accessories, and the poseability are all enhanced by the attention to detail. The level of detail sets the PG Strike Freedom apart from other model kits.

Accessories and Special Features of the Kit

Let's dive deeper into the accessories and special features. The PG Strike Freedom comes loaded with extras that enhance its display and playability. The beam rifles are a highlight, and the ability to combine them into a dual-wielding weapon is a nice touch. The beam sabers are iconic, and the clear plastic parts give them a vibrant and dynamic look. The beam shields add a layer of defense and can be posed to create action-packed scenes. The Dragoon system (the wings) is a key feature, with each wing able to move independently. They add a lot of visual impact and allow for a wide range of poses. The display stand is essential for posing the model in dynamic positions. It's adjustable and sturdy, and it allows you to showcase the Strike Freedom in all its glory. The decals add a layer of realism and detail, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. You can add extra details with panel lining and weathering, and you can customize your model to your liking. The variety of weapons and display options enhances the playability and display options. The PG Strike Freedom offers endless possibilities for customization and display. The special features, such as the movable wings, detailed inner frame, and high degree of articulation, truly make this kit a showstopper.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?

So, is the PG Strike Freedom Gundam worth the investment? The answer, for most Gundam fans, is a resounding YES. This is a top-tier model kit. It's not cheap, but you're getting a lot for your money. You're getting a complex, detailed, and highly poseable model. You're getting a rewarding build experience, and you're getting a stunning display piece. If you're a serious Gunpla builder and you're looking for a challenging and rewarding project, the PG Strike Freedom is an excellent choice. It's a statement piece that will look amazing in your collection. If you're new to Gunpla, it might be a bit daunting, but it's certainly achievable with patience and attention to detail. This model is a testament to the quality and innovation of the Bandai Perfect Grade line. The sheer size, detail, and poseability make it a must-have for any Gundam fan. The quality of the kit is outstanding, with precise engineering and high-quality materials. It's a premium product, and the price reflects that. But the experience of building and displaying this model is well worth the investment. Overall, the PG Strike Freedom Gundam is a fantastic model kit that will provide hours of enjoyment and a stunning display piece.

Pros and Cons Summary

Let's break down the pros and cons to help you make your decision:

Pros:

• Exceptional Detail: Intricate detailing throughout the kit.
• High Articulation: Amazing range of motion and poseability.
• Impressive Size: Makes a statement on display.
• Rewarding Build: A challenging but satisfying experience.
• High-Quality Materials: Excellent plastic quality and finish.
• Iconic Design: Faithful recreation of the Strike Freedom.

Cons:

• Price: Can be expensive for some.
• Complexity: Can be a bit daunting for beginners.
• Time Commitment: Requires a significant time investment to build.

Ultimately, the PG Strike Freedom Gundam is a standout kit. It's a fantastic build, it looks amazing, and it's a great addition to any Gunpla collection. If you're on the fence, I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed!

I hope this review has been helpful, guys! Happy building! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Let me know what you think in the comments below! And don't forget to like and subscribe for more Gunpla reviews and content!