PG Strike Freedom Gundam: A Comprehensive Review

Hey everyone, let's dive into the PG Strike Freedom Gundam! This model kit is a real showstopper, a centerpiece for any Gunpla collection. For those unfamiliar, PG stands for Perfect Grade, which means you're in for a seriously detailed and complex build. This isn't your average, run-of-the-mill model – we're talking about a masterpiece of engineering and design. The Strike Freedom Gundam itself is iconic, known for its sleek design, vibrant colors, and of course, those massive wings. This review will cover everything you need to know, from the building process to the final product, so you can decide if this behemoth deserves a spot on your shelf. Let's get started!

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

When you first get your hands on the PG Strike Freedom Gundam box, you know you're in for something special. The box itself is huge, a testament to the size and complexity of the model inside. Opening it up is like unveiling a treasure chest. You're greeted with countless runners, each packed with meticulously crafted parts. The sheer number of pieces can be a little overwhelming at first, but don't worry, the instruction manual is your best friend here. Speaking of the manual, it's a work of art in itself. Bandai, the makers of Gunpla, provides incredibly detailed instructions with clear illustrations, making the build process as smooth as possible. Trust me, even if you're a seasoned builder, you'll appreciate the level of detail they provide.

The runners themselves are a sight to behold. The plastic is high-quality, with a fantastic finish that minimizes the need for painting. The color separation is phenomenal, with each piece precisely molded to its specific color. The gold accents, in particular, really pop, giving the model a premium feel. The level of detail on each part is astonishing. You'll find intricate panel lines, subtle textures, and hidden mechanisms that add a layer of realism to the model. The sheer volume of parts means you'll be spending a significant amount of time cutting, cleaning, and assembling, but the result is well worth the effort. It's an investment in time, but it's also a rewarding experience, transforming individual components into a cohesive, stunning figure. The first impression is always the most important thing, and this model kit definitely sets a high bar. Get ready to be amazed.

The Building Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the build itself. The PG Strike Freedom Gundam is a complex model, so it's a good idea to set aside plenty of time and work in a well-lit area. Patience is key! The instruction manual is your bible – follow it closely, and you'll be just fine. The build is generally broken down into several stages, starting with the inner frame. This is where you'll get to appreciate the engineering prowess of Bandai. The inner frame is incredibly detailed, with multiple points of articulation, allowing for a wide range of poses. These inner frame sections are often incredibly detailed and almost complete mechanical structures on their own, ready to support the outer armor and create a lifelike range of motion. Pay close attention to the joints – they're designed to be strong and flexible, enabling dynamic poses. Building the inner frame can take some time, but it's a crucial foundation for the rest of the model. Then we start adding the armor, which is where the Strike Freedom really starts to take shape. The armor pieces are designed to fit perfectly, snapping together with a satisfying click. The color separation is excellent, so you won't need to do much painting, if any. The gold accents are particularly striking, and they really bring out the model's design. The included foil stickers can be a bit tricky to apply, but they add extra details, completing the look.

One of the highlights of the PG Strike Freedom Gundam is its wings. These massive wings are articulated and feature multiple points of movement, allowing you to create impressive displays. The wings are made up of multiple smaller parts, which allows for intricate detailing. The build process can be time consuming but also very rewarding. They're also designed to be poseable, so you can create many different display options. Be careful when handling them, as they are a bit delicate. As you assemble more of the model, you'll see the design come together. There are lots of little details that make this model amazing. Once you're finished with the main body, it's time to assemble the weapons. The Strike Freedom comes with a variety of weapons, including the beam rifles, beam sabers, and the iconic beam shields. These weapons are just as detailed as the rest of the model, and they add to the overall visual impact. Assembling the weapons is a great finishing touch, and it really completes the look. The final assembly involves putting everything together and adding any final touches. This is when your hard work pays off. The moment you place the final piece is incredibly satisfying. Then comes the posing. Take your time to create poses, and admire your hard work. You can create different poses, such as dynamic flight poses or battle scenes.

Features and Articulation: Bringing the Gundam to Life

The PG Strike Freedom Gundam isn't just about looks; it's also packed with features and articulation that bring the mobile suit to life. The articulation is excellent, allowing you to pose the model in a wide variety of dynamic positions. The joints are strong and flexible, and they can support the weight of the model without any problems. This means you can create poses that look natural and realistic. The model has multiple points of articulation, including the head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. This lets you recreate iconic scenes from the anime or create your own unique poses. The range of motion is impressive, allowing for a lot of flexibility. The model can even be posed to mimic the high-flying action sequences. It's a key part of what makes the kit so enjoyable. The chest, waist and shoulders, all have a great range of movement, which creates endless possibilities. The head is also very expressive with its ability to move, which gives it a more dynamic look. The joints are designed to be strong and flexible, and they can hold the model in various poses without any issues. The wings are fully articulated, each wing has multiple points of articulation, allowing them to spread out dramatically and create a visually stunning display. They can be posed to mimic flight mode or a more dramatic attack pose.

Another awesome feature is the opening cockpit. You can see the pilot, which adds another level of detail. The hatch can be open and closed, which adds another level of detail and realism. The weapons also have several points of articulation, with beam rifles that can be split into two. The weapons are highly detailed and are able to be posed in a variety of ways to complete the look. All these features come together to create a stunning display. Overall, the articulation and features really set this model apart. These features make it a joy to pose and display.

Detailing and Accessories: Enhancing the Visual Impact

Let's talk about the details! The PG Strike Freedom Gundam is absolutely loaded with them. The designers at Bandai didn't miss a single opportunity to add intricate details to this model. From the panel lines to the subtle textures, it's all there. The armor panels are beautifully crafted, with sharp edges and subtle curves. The color separation is fantastic, with each part molded in its correct color. You will find that some of the armor pieces have detailed panel lines that add depth and realism. They really make the model pop. The gold accents are especially striking, and they create a premium feel. The gold pieces are meticulously molded with fine details. They give the model an elegant, eye-catching appearance. The decals are great, they add a layer of authenticity to the model. The included foil stickers can be a bit tricky to apply, but they add the extra details. Take your time when applying the decals, and use a hobby knife to carefully trim them. This will ensure that they look their best. Using the correct tools can make a big difference in the final result. The weapons are also highly detailed. The beam rifles, beam sabers, and beam shields all have unique designs and intricate details. The beam rifles can be split into two, which gives them more dynamic and creative posing options.

The Strike Freedom comes with a range of accessories that enhance its visual impact. The beam sabers are beautiful, they are clear plastic that gives them a dynamic and realistic look. The beam shields are also a highlight. They have a stunning translucent design. You can pose the Strike Freedom with its weapons in various configurations. The kit comes with a stand, which allows you to create dynamic poses. The stand is crucial for displaying the model. Overall, the detailing and accessories take the model to the next level. They add depth, realism, and a touch of elegance.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Good and the Bad

Alright, let's break down the PG Strike Freedom Gundam's pros and cons. We need to be fair, right? Let's start with the good stuff. The Pros:

• Stunning Design: The Strike Freedom is just a gorgeous mobile suit. Its sleek design, vibrant colors, and iconic wings make it a real head-turner. It's a model that will look amazing in any collection.
• Exceptional Detailing: Bandai has poured all their skill into this model, with intricate details, sharp edges, and a premium feel. Every piece is a work of art.
• Impressive Articulation: The articulation is excellent, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. You can recreate your favorite scenes from the anime or come up with your own poses.
• High-Quality Materials: The plastic used is of the highest quality, with great color separation and a fantastic finish. You can feel the quality when you're building it.
• Engaging Build: While it's complex, the build process is rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment once you're done. It's a great project for experienced builders.
• Cool Accessories: The weapons and wings all add to the visual impact and playability of the model. They make it even more enjoyable to pose and display.

Now for the not-so-good stuff. The Cons:

• Complexity: This is not a beginner-friendly model. The number of parts and the complexity of the build might be overwhelming for newer builders.
• Time Commitment: Building the PG Strike Freedom takes a lot of time. You'll need to set aside several hours, if not days, to complete it.
• Price: PG models are expensive. The Strike Freedom is no exception. This isn't a cheap kit.
• Foil Stickers: The included foil stickers can be tricky to apply, and they may not look perfect. Painting is always an option to enhance the look. Take your time and be patient, the end result is worth it.

Final Verdict: Is the PG Strike Freedom Gundam Worth It?

So, is the PG Strike Freedom Gundam worth the investment? Absolutely, if you're a serious Gunpla builder. This model is a masterpiece, a true showpiece for any collection. It looks amazing, it's packed with details, and the build process is a rewarding experience. It's a great choice if you enjoy model building. If you're new to Gunpla, it might be a bit overwhelming. But if you have some experience under your belt and you're looking for a challenge, then go for it! Just be prepared for a time commitment and the cost. If you're on the fence, consider your experience level and your budget. If you are looking for a high-quality model kit with amazing details, then this is definitely the kit for you. The PG Strike Freedom Gundam is highly recommended to experienced model builders. Overall, it's a fantastic model kit.

Thanks for reading! Happy building!