Building robot model kits is fun, but picking and building the wrong kit for you can take away the enjoyment of the hobby. So, it is essential for both beginners and veterans of building model kits to know which kits are suitable for their skill and their preferences.
Picking the right model robot kit can be difficult, as there are already thousands of kits for you to choose from. However, there are several tips that you can follow to narrow down your choices to just a few kits. In this article, we will already provide you with those tips so that you can easily and quickly choose a suitable model kit after reading. So, without further ado, here are simple tips on how to pick the right model robot kit.
Measure Your Building Skills
The most important tip that you need to remember before choosing a robot model kit is to measure your building skills. If you are a newbie, it would be best to start with simpler and smaller robots kits as opposed to complex ones that may just frustrate you during assembly. For Gunpla or Gundam models, you can always choose the kits with a “High Grade” level on the box. High Grade models kits are perfect for beginners, as their manufacturer, Bandai, has specifically designed them to be entry-level kits for those that want to get into the hobby.
However, you should also keep in mind that there are High Grade kits that are much more complex than the others. One example of this “complex” High Grade kit is the HGUC (High Grade Universal Century) Neo Zeong, which is currently the largest HG model ever made. Besides being large, the HGUC Neo Zeong is also the most expensive HG, so it is not really made for beginners. If you want recommendations, here are some kits that we think are great for beginners:
- HGUC RX-78-2 Revive (an upgraded version of the original Gundam)
- HG Gundam Barbatos
- HGAC Wing Gundam
- HGCE Aile Strike Gundam
- HGUC RX-178 Gundam Mk-II (either the white AEUG version or the dark blue TITANS version)
All of the kits we have mentioned above are the “hero” robots that are used by the protagonist of the show they appear in. So, any Gundam fan will easily recognize these kits after you assemble them. Start with the easiest to build as a beginner and work your way towards building the bigger kits like the Master Grade and the Perfect Grade.
Pick the One You are Familiar With
Of course, building wouldn’t be fun if the kit isn’t a robot that you recognize from your favorite mecha show. As such, it would always be best to pick the one you are familiar with so that you will have more fun building the kit.
The robot you are familiar with may have different kits available for it, so choose the one that is the easiest to build if you are a beginner. If the robot has a High Grade version, we recommend that you buy that first before building the Master Grade version. However, if the Master Grade version is the only one available, you may need to find other robots you know that have High Grade kits. For newbies, it is better to start with a High Grade before a Master Grade, as the latter is seriously difficult to build for those that don’t have knowledge or experience in assembling a model robot kit.
Ask for Recommendations
If you have members of the family or friends that are into building robot model kits, you can ask them for recommendations on what you should build as a beginner. Since they already have experience in model kit building, they will already know which kits are easy or difficult to build.
In addition to the recommendations, your loved ones can also give you some essential tips on building model kits, like removing the pesky nub marks on each part, as well as using a Gundam marker for proper panel lining to make the parts look realistic. If possible, you can also join them in building complex model kits so that you will know how much skill and experience are needed to assemble a high-quality robot.
Read or Watch Reviews Online
Another great way to know which model kit to buy is to read or watch reviews of the kits you are interested in. Through reviews, you will already have a better idea of the pros and cons of the Gunpla or Adruino robot kits, and you can also find out if they are difficult or fun to build.
Moreover, you can watch videos on YouTube that focus solely on the assembly of robot kits so that you can see the level of difficulty in building a particular kit. But, we do admit that watching assembly videos takes away the mystery and excitement of figuring out how to build specific parts of the robot. If you want the assembly of the kits to remain a mystery, just watch the reviews where the reviewer has already assembled the kit for viewers to see the finished product.
So, there you have it, some basic or simple tips in choosing a model robot that is suitable for your preferences and skill level. Remember that everyone starts at the beginning, so don’t feel bad that you are building a simple High Grade kit first, as you will eventually gain the skills and experience to assemble bigger and higher quality robot kits in the future.