Are HG Kits Worth It?
If you’re browsing our shop wondering whether a High Grade (HG) kit is a good place to start, or even a good addition to your already stacked Gunpla backlog, you’re not alone. HG kits are often seen as the entry point into the world of Gundam model building, but there’s far more to them than beginner status and smaller price tags. So, let’s break it down.
What Exactly Is an HG Kit?
HG, short for High Grade, is one of Bandai’s core model kit lines. They’re typically 1/144 scale and known for their approachable builds, great poseability, and increasingly impressive detail over the years. Despite being among the most accessible kits in the Gundam lineup, HG doesn’t mean “basic” in fact, some of the latest HG releases are anything but.
Take the HG Z'Gok, for example. A long-time classic with its unique amphibious design, it’s been beloved by builders for decades. Then there’s the HG GQuuuuuuX, one of the most recent HG additions, which showcases just how far Bandai has pushed detail and engineering within this grade. These kits may be on the smaller side, but they deliver big on quality.
How Do They Compare to RG, MG, and SD?
If you’re new or just curious about where HG sits in the grand lineup, here’s a simple overview:
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RG (Real Grade): Same scale as HG (1/144) but with extra inner frame complexity and detail. Often recommended for experienced builders due to fiddlier parts.
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MG (Master Grade): Larger (1/100) kits with more intricate builds, internal frames, and accessories. Impressive on a shelf, but can take up more space and time.
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SD (Super Deformed): Chibi-style, cute and compact. Not focused on realism, but great for fun, stylized displays.
HG kits hit a unique balance between complexity and simplicity, making them a go-to choice for those who want a satisfying build without spending hours on micro-detail or needing a magnifying glass and tweezers.
What’s the Price Range?
In our store, HG kits range from £10 to around £60, depending on the mobile suit and release. Most land in the sweet spot of £15–£30, making them one of the most affordable ways to dive into Gunpla. But don’t let the lower cost fool you—these kits pack serious value.
Quality and Consistency You Can Trust
One of the biggest reasons HG kits are so worth it? Bandai’s engineering. Even older kits like the HG Z'Gok still hold up today, and newer ones rival the design complexity of older MG kits. Joints are tight and posable, armour parts snap together securely, and instructions are clean and visual, no translation app required.
Whether you’ve built one kit or fifty, HG kits rarely disappoint when it comes to out-of-the-box quality.
Built for Customization
Want to try painting? Decals? Kitbashing? HG kits are perfect for that. Because they’re smaller and have fewer parts, they’re a great canvas for experimenting without feeling like you’ve risked a major investment. Whether you’re just testing out panel lining or diving into full airbrush work, HG kits are forgiving, fun, and full of potential.
Compact but Mighty
Not everyone has a dedicated Gunpla room (we wish!). HG kits are ideal for collectors with limited shelf space. Their smaller scale means you can display more of your favourites without sacrificing floor space—or your partner’s patience. Bonus: they’re easier to store, move, and pose in dynamic diorama builds or action base displays.
In Summary — Are HG Kits Worth It?
Absolutely. Whether you're building your first kit or your fiftieth, there’s always room on the shelf (and in your heart) for a well-made HG. With increasing levels of detail, stable articulation, and creative potential, they’re anything but “just beginner kits.”
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✅ High Grade (HG) kits are 1/144 scale.
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✅ Affordable, ranging from £10–£60.
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✅ Great balance of build ease and detail.
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✅ Ideal for painting, kitbashing, and customizing.
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✅ Compact for display and storage.
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✅ Trusted Bandai quality and build consistency.
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✅ Great for both beginners and experienced builders.
Have a favorite HG kit? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social.