Gundam Grade Comparison for Kiwi Builders: Deciding Between HG, RG, MG & PG Kits

Building a Gundam kit is a rite of passage for many hobbyists in Aotearoa. Each model is a miniature engineering project, blending articulated joints, snapping plastic parts and colourful panels. 

However, new modellers can be overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of HG, RG, MG and PG. What do these grades mean, and which kit suits your skill level and budget? This guide breaks down the differences in scale, complexity and price, with examples from Totara Hobbies to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding the Gundam Grade System

Bandai created different grades to cater to varying budgets and experience levels. Each grade corresponds to a scale and a level of detail:

• High Grade (HG) – typically 1/144 scale kits that balance detail with ease of assembly. They’re posable, affordable and great for beginners.
  

• Real Grade (RG) – also 1/144, but with more parts and an inner frame for extra articulation and surface detail. RG kits can feel like miniature Master Grades.
  

• Master Grade (MG) – larger 1/100 scale kits with an internal skeleton, more moving parts and improved colour separation. They generally stand around 18 cm tall.
  

• Perfect Grade (PG) – the flagship line, usually 1/60 scale. PG kits are engineering showcases packed with LEDs, massive part counts and complex mechanisms.
  

• SD (Super Deformed) and Entry/First Grade – smaller, stylised kits with simplified assembly and exaggerated proportions. They’re perfect for younger builders or quick projects.

High Grade: Affordable Fun for Beginners

High Grade kits strike a balance between accessibility and detail. They feature colour‑coded runners, snap‑fit parts and sticker sheets for markings. HG kits are ideal if you’re new to Gunpla, want a quick build or have limited space for display.

Example from Totara Hobbies: The HG RX‑78‑02 Gundam (Gundam The Origin Ver.) is a 1/144 scale kit currently priced at NZ$49. It includes optional parts to build either the early or mid‑version of the RX‑78‑02, along with a beam rifle, hyper bazooka and shoulder cannons. Despite its small scale, the kit offers great poseability and can be assembled in a single afternoon.

Pros of HG kits

• Lower cost (typically NZ$35-NZ$55).
  

• Quick assembly with minimal tools.
  

• Wide selection of suits from across the Gundam universe.
  

• Great for custom paint jobs or dioramas.

Things to consider

• Limited inner details compared to higher grades.
  

• Some parts rely on stickers instead of full colour separation.

Real Grade: Miniature Masterpieces in 1/144

Real Grade kits pack a surprising amount of engineering into the same 1/144 scale as HG kits. They use a pre‑built inner frame and multiple colour‑separated parts for an impressive level of realism. RG kits often include opening cockpit hatches, movable armour panels and more markings than their HG counterparts.

Examples from Totara Hobbies:

• RG ZGMF‑X09A Justice Gundam (1/144) – This kit replicates Athrun Zala’s mobile suit with an inner frame, opening cockpit and a backpack that doubles as a flight platform. It retails for around NZ$57.
  

• RG MS‑06S Zaku II Char Aznable Custom (1/144) – Char’s red Zaku II is a highlight of the Real Grade line. The product description notes that the kit packs Master Grade‑level detail into HG size, with a posable inner frame and plenty of markings to keep builders busy.

Real Grade kits demand patience; parts are smaller and more numerous, and the build process is more involved. However, the payoff is a highly detailed model that looks like a pre‑built figure right out of the box.

Pros of RG kits

• Exceptional detail and articulation reminiscent of MG or PG kits.
  

• Colour‑separated parts reduce reliance on stickers.
  

• Compact size for easy display.

Things to consider

• Small parts require good lighting and tweezers.
  

• Instructions can be dense. Take your time.
  

• Often sell out quickly at Totara Hobbies, so keep an eye on restocks.

Master Grade: Bigger Kits, Bigger Challenges

Master Grade kits scale up to 1/100 and introduce an internal skeleton to support the extra weight. They typically stand around 18 cm tall and include features like openable cockpit hatches, more elaborate weapons and multi‑coloured runners. MG kits offer a rewarding build experience and provide a substantial presence on your shelf.

Although Totara Hobbies focuses on HG and RG stock, they occasionally list Master Grade kits or can source them through their suppliers. Common MG releases include iconic suits like the RX‑78‑2, Strike Freedom or Sazabi. Expect MG kits to cost between NZ$85 and NZ$150, depending on accessories and version.

Pros of MG kits

• Larger size allows for intricate mechanical details.
  

• Greater stability for dynamic poses thanks to a sturdy inner frame.
  

• Ideal for display, with optional LED units for some models.

Things to consider

• Higher cost and longer assembly time.
  

• Requires more shelf space.
  

• May need glue or paint for the best finish.

Perfect Grade: The Pinnacle of Gunpla Engineering

Perfect Grade kits are the crown jewels of the Gunpla world. These 1/60 scale kits feature an ultra‑detailed inner frame, extensive articulation, and sometimes built‑in LED lighting systems. PG kits like the RX‑78‑2 or Strike Freedom can take weeks to build, and the finished models often stand over 30 cm tall.

Currently, Totara Hobbies doesn’t stock Perfect Grade kits, but we can order special models directly from suppliers. Ask Totara’s team about availability. PG kits usually cost NZ$250 or more, reflecting their premium materials and complexity. They’re not recommended for beginners but make excellent centrepieces for experienced modellers.

Pros of PG kits

• Unmatched detail, articulation and scale.
  

• Frequently include metal parts and LEDs.
  

• Provide a deep, satisfying build experience.

Things to consider

• High price point.
  

• Large display footprint.
  

• Significant time commitment and advanced tools required.

SD & Entry Grade: Quick Builds and Stylised Looks

Not everyone wants a hyper‑detailed model. SD (Super Deformed) kits offer a cute, chibi aesthetic with enlarged heads and simplified bodies. They’re fun for collectors, kids or anyone looking for a quick build. Entry Grade (or First Grade) kits, meanwhile, are simplified versions of standard suits with fewer parts and snap‑fit construction, making them perfect starter kits.

Examples from Totara Hobbies:

• SD Sangoku Soketsuden Zhuge Liang Freedom Gundam – Priced at around NZ$22, this kit features full‑colour parts and dynamic joint structures for varied poses. Its description notes deployable wings and optional weapon attachments, demonstrating that SD kits can still look impressive once assembled.
  

• 1/144 Entry Grade Nu Gundam – The Entry Grade line offers simple assembly with excellent articulation. For NZ$29, you can build a model that rivals some HG kits in poseability, but with far fewer pieces.

Choosing the Right Grade for Your Skill Level and Budget

1. Experience: If you’re a first‑time builder, start with an Entry Grade or High Grade kit. They teach you the fundamentals of snapping parts and applying decals without overwhelming you. Once comfortable, Real Grade kits add complexity while staying compact.
   

2. Budget: HG kits typically cost NZ$35-NZ$55, while RG kits run NZ$55-NZ$70. Master Grades jump to NZ$85-NZ$150, and Perfect Grades can exceed NZ$250. Decide how much you want to invest before picking a kit.
   

3. Display Space: Larger grades need more room. A Perfect Grade model demands a dedicated shelf, whereas an HG kit can sit on a desk.
   

4. Time: HG and SD kits can be built in a day. RG and MG kits might take several evenings, while PG kits can occupy weeks. Choose a project that matches your schedule.
   

5. Support: Buying from a local store like Totara Hobbies means you get customer service, quick delivery and no import hassles. If an item isn’t listed online, the team can often order it for you. Orders typically dispatch within one business day and arrive across New Zealand in one to three working days.

Buy Your First Gundam Today!

Gundam models come in many shapes and sizes, but the grade system makes it easier to match a kit to your ambitions. High Grade kits deliver fun builds without breaking the bank. Real Grade kits provide miniature engineering challenges with plenty of detail. Master Grade kits scale up the complexity, while Perfect Grades deliver the ultimate Gunpla experience. SD and Entry Grade models offer quick wins and playful designs.

Totara Hobbies often stocks a wide range of Entry Grade, High Grade, Real Grade and SD kits, along with all you need to get started. Feel free to contact the team for advice or special orders. With the right kit and a bit of patience, you’ll soon have a personalised Gundam standing proudly on your shelf.

Explore our Gundam collection to find your next build.