Bandai #03 Aile Strike Gundam 1/144, Real Grade

I have started panel lining on this one, and it looks like it will be a great build. I also have the Skygrasper that goes with this model, so I really can't wait to build both, and display them next to one another. Although I have not built the Aile Strike yet, I will say that it is leaps and bounds better looking than the HG version, but I guess that's a no brainer. The quality of the plastic can be seen and felt, the decal sheet is better than a lot of MG kits, and the detail looks to be better than my MG Strike Rouge (I ended up buying the RG Strike Rouge). One of the points I want to make is that with the exception of the details, there really is nothing to paint. That's a good thing, because the HG version, as good as it is, has too many things to paint whereas the RG version has the same parts, but molded in gray.Some people complain that these models are no good to play with. Well, people, did you ever think that these kits are made for display, and not to be handled. This is also not for kids. Don't buy this for a kid less than10, or 11 years old. I highly doubt there are many kids at that age who are master modelers.

Ok, first off, I have built all of the Real Grades, rx-78-2, and Zaku.THe Aile Strike is the thrid release in the line. Super detailed!! Very poseable!Lots of parts, and movement!OK, I'll keep this quick and compare it to the previous two releases. THis kit is high quality, and I love the design, since it has super detail. It's a bit pricey, but it's more detailed I feel than a 1/100 size.It took less time to build than the other RG's. Has a kickin' backpack flight unit! I really like the new-age modern design of the mech suit. Looks great!Bottom line, not for little kids to build, and you should have a few models under your belt before building this. Unless you have very good patience. Get a nice set of snippers, and a nice hobby knife. LOTS OF PANEL LINES TO BRING OUT DETAIL!!!Hope this helped some. If you like building Gundam models, and it won;t break your bank account, go for it dude!Check out all the cool reviews on Youtube about it, if you are still skeptical!Thanks, and hope you have a good day!

Package arrived in great shape! The box the Gundam was in is near mint, for a collector you love to see it! The items are as described in the model kit. Happy with the purchase! Definitely recommend!

This kit is a serious kit. It has the complexity of a new master grade and some older perfect grades. However, do not let this intimidate you.Yes, the pieces are small and the directions Japanese, but the pictures are easy to follow and even a first time builder like myself had no trouble putting it together fine.The color seperation and overall accuracy makes this somewhat simple design really pop. It comes with tons of very small stickers which are of a varying quality. The larger decals can make parts look foggy if they're clear, however, that can be minimized with a q tip and some careful placement.The foil stickers on the other hand are pretty great, however, they tend to peel (at least the ones in the elbows, the rest are fine). That's also an easy fix if you just take a dab of super glue on a qtip to the adhesive sideThe articulation is wonderful, but really what do you expect from a real grade? The hands are finicky. The master grade style hands have issues holding the gun, making the peg a nonoptional part. Unlike later models, the beam rifle doesn't come with a peg in it - its a seperare piece which you can slide in and out. It's unique and ambitious but ultimately it doesn't work out too well. It's very finicky, likes to move out of place, and it's fragile and losable. The small rings above the hands are also losable if you swap out your hands often.That being said the weapons look great, the Strike stands up fine on its own with them, the shoulders are stiff enough to do the 'SEED pose' in the picture. However, it can't stand up with the aile pack unless you do an awkward pose, but let's face it, this thing begs for an action base 2 anyway.It also has lots of play options if you buy the additional packs and skygrasper, too. Very recommendable kit if you're a fan of the series or if you just like gunpla!

It was a great build!

Bandai's done it again with the addition of the aile strike gundam to the real grade line. The real grade line is in between the master grade line and perfect grade line. The details on this model is amazing and it looks better overall than the master grade version in my opinion. In order to turn the aile strike to the perfect strike, you would need to buy the RG skygrasper and use the weapon packs with the aile strike to complete the perfect strike. This model looks great by itself and it is highly articulated. You can pull out any pose this this model unlike the HG version. Anyone who is a fan of the strike gundam or the gundam seed lineup do yourself a favor and stop reading my review and just buy it!!!

Technically this kit gets 4 1/2 stars. It showcases the original problems that the RG line fixed in later kits. The skirt armor will pop off at the slightest provocation, due to the fact that all but the side armor is on a shallow ball joint. Other than that one problem, this kit is very well built and poses well. The Aile Striker Pack is interchangeable, and i can't wait to get the RG Skygrasper kit to change out the Striker Pack. My only other nit-pick is that the kit only comes with 2 sets of hands(which I think they fixed with the Skygrasper kit), and the pose-able hands don't hold as well as they should. If you're a fan of the RG line or the Seed series, this is a kit to add to your collection.