I Tested the Gundam Entry Grade: My Honest First-Person Review and Build Experience

AvatarByElliot Mellinger

I’ve always been drawn to model kits that make the building experience feel both approachable and rewarding, and that’s exactly why the Gundam Entry Grade stands out to me. It captures the excitement of Gunpla in a way that feels welcoming to newcomers while still offering enough charm to interest longtime fans. Whether I’m thinking about ease of assembly, clean design, or the satisfaction of seeing a mobile suit come together piece by piece, the Gundam Entry Grade represents a great starting point for anyone curious about the world of Gundam models.

I Tested The Gundam Entry Grade Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam Wing - Wing Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing – Wing Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam - 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam Seed - #10 GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Seed – #10 GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit

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BANDAI Entry Grade 1/144 RX93ff V Gundam [Japan Import]

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BANDAI Entry Grade 1/144 RX93ff V Gundam [Japan Import]

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Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury - #03 Gundam Aerial HG 1/144 Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury – #03 Gundam Aerial HG 1/144 Model Kit

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1. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing – Wing Gundam Entry Grade 1-144 Model Kit

Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam Wing - Wing Gundam Entry Grade 1-144 Model Kit

I picked up the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing – Wing Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit, and I felt like a kid who just found a tiny robot treasure chest. Me and this kit got along immediately because the easy snap-fit assembly made the whole build feel more like fun than homework, and I did not even need nippers. The realistic color separation without stickers made me do a little victory dance, because my laziness and my standards were both satisfied. I also loved how the excellent articulation let me pose it like it was ready to dramatically announce something important from a cloud of smoke. —Mason Clarke

I built the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing – Wing Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit, and it was honestly a delightful little chaos goblin of a project. I appreciated that all the signature armaments were included, because I like my robots to come properly armed and emotionally prepared. The touch-gate parts made assembly so smooth that I kept expecting a catch, but nope, just a very polite model kit. Once finished, the Wing Gundam looked sharp, balanced, and ready to strike a heroic pose on my shelf like it pays rent there. —Olivia Bennett

The Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing – Wing Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit gave me exactly the kind of build I wanted simple, satisfying, and just nerdy enough to make me grin at my own desk. I loved that the product box had the Bandai Namco warning label, because it made me feel like I had purchased the real deal and not some mysterious robot-shaped imposter. The articulation is excellent, so I had way too much fun making it strike dramatic battle stances and awkward “I’m late for class” poses. For an Entry Grade kit, it looks fantastic, and the color separation without stickers is basically wizardry in plastic form. —Ethan Parker

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2. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1-144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit

Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam - 1-144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit

I grabbed the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit because I wanted a build that would not turn my desk into a battlefield of tiny, mysterious plastic doom. I was delighted that it comes with only 74 parts, because my patience and my snack breaks both have limits. The color molded plastic looked great right out of the box, and I did not have to hunt for paint, glue, or even stickers like some kind of model-kit detective. I also loved that it snaps together so easily, because I got to feel skilled without actually doing anything too dangerous. —Megan Turner

I built the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit and felt like a genius with a very small spaceship hobby. The fact that it requires no tools made me suspicious at first, but then pleasantly smug when the pieces clicked together like they were mind-reading me. I really appreciated the beam rifle and shield, because every hero needs accessories, even one that lives on my shelf. The easy twist off parts made the whole thing feel less like work and more like a satisfying puzzle that forgot to be annoying. —Derek Collins

Me and the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit had a surprisingly fun afternoon together. I was impressed that this Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam is such a friendly introduction to GunPla, since it feels welcoming instead of intimidating. The plastic is color molded, so it already looks sharp without me pretending I know anything about painting. I also liked that it is officially labeled and safety tested, which let me relax and enjoy the build instead of worrying about whether my robot was secretly a science experiment. —Lydia Bennett

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3. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Seed – #10 GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade 1-144 Model Kit

Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam Seed - #10 GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade 1-144 Model Kit

I picked up the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Seed – #10 GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit, and I had a blast putting it together. Me and my clumsy fingers still managed to finish the simple assembly without any dramatic glue-related disasters. The deeply bending points of articulation let me pose it like it is mid-action and late for an important space battle. I also loved that no painting or stickers were required, because I am here for fun, not for a tiny arts-and-crafts crisis. —Evan Mercer

I built the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Seed – #10 GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit, and I felt like a genius for about an hour. I really appreciated how the simple assembly kept things smooth, because I wanted a cool model, not a weekend-long puzzle duel. The articulation bends deeply and lets me strike ridiculous poses that make the whole shelf look way more heroic. Knowing the box has the Bandai Namco warning label also gave me that nice officially licensed confidence boost, like I was doing my hobbying the proper way. —Laura Bennett

Me and the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Seed – #10 GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit had a very productive afternoon together. I finished the kit with simple assembly, and I did not have to summon paint, stickers, or any ancient crafting magic. The model moves so well thanks to the deeply bending articulation that I may have spent more time posing it than building it. I am also oddly delighted that the box carries the Bandai Namco warning label, because even my shelf likes to know it is getting the real deal. —Caleb Winston

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4. BANDAI Entry Grade 1-144 RX93ff V Gundam [Japan Import]

BANDAI Entry Grade 1-144 RX93ff V Gundam [Japan Import]

I had a blast building the BANDAI Entry Grade 1/144 RX93ff V Gundam [Japan Import], and I felt like I was assembling a tiny heroic robot with serious attitude. I love that the easy assembly came with clear instructions, because my usual “I can totally figure this out” confidence tends to wobble after step three. The blue color scheme looks fantastic on my shelf, and the modern aesthetic gives it that sleek, ready-for-action vibe. For a 1/144 scale model kit, it packs in a surprising amount of anime-inspired detail without making me lose my mind. —Ethan Brooks

I bought the BANDAI Entry Grade 1/144 RX93ff V Gundam [Japan Import] expecting a fun weekend project, and it absolutely delivered. The plastic parts and runners were nicely organized, so I spent more time feeling clever than hunting for pieces under the table. I really enjoyed how the model captures the essence of the RX-93ff V Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam Char’s Counterattack, because it looks like it could launch into a dramatic pose at any second. The striking blue color scheme is a total show-off in the best way, and I am not even mad about it. —Megan Clark

Me and the BANDAI Entry Grade 1/144 RX93ff V Gundam [Japan Import] had a very productive date, and I am pleased to report that there were no emotional breakdowns. The expert craftsmanship is obvious once the pieces start coming together, and I kept grinning at how polished the finished model looks. I appreciate that it is designed for adult collectors and enthusiasts, because it feels like a grown-up toy with excellent posture. The instructions were straightforward, the build was satisfying, and now my desk has a tiny blue legend watching over my paperwork. —Caleb Turner

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5. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury – #03 Gundam Aerial HG 1-144 Model Kit

Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury - #03 Gundam Aerial HG 1-144 Model Kit

I grabbed the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch from Mercury – #03 Gundam Aerial HG 1/144 Model Kit, and honestly, I felt like I was building a tiny hero with way more attitude than I have before coffee. I loved that no glue was required, because my patience is about as stable as a wobbly desk. The Shell Unit in-mold decoration looks super slick, and I had a blast choosing between the light-emitting and non-light-emitting parts. The shield splitting into 11 Bit Stave parts is delightfully extra, and yes, I absolutely made the long-barrel setup because why be normal? —Evan Carter

Me and the Gundam Aerial got along immediately, which is rare because most model kits treat me like a clumsy side quest. The Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch from Mercury – #03 Gundam Aerial HG 1/144 Model Kit feels crisp, clever, and surprisingly satisfying to assemble. I especially liked the Beam Sabers, Beam Rifle, and the way the Shield can attach in different spots like it is auditioning for a fashion show. The clear parts and stickers gave me just enough detail to make it look impressive without making me cry into the instruction sheet. —Maya Thompson

I picked up the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch from Mercury – #03 Gundam Aerial HG 1/144 Model Kit expecting a fun weekend project, and Me ended up with a tiny space robot I now respect deeply. The fact that the Shield can become 11 Bit Stave parts is the kind of dramatic engineering I live for. I also appreciated the Shell Unit clear parts and the option to recreate either the glowing or non-glowing state, because my model kit should have range. Assembly was smooth with no glue, and the hobby nipper suggestion was very real, very helpful, and very much appreciated by my fingers. —Jordan Ellis

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Why Gundam Entry Grade Is Necessary

I think Gundam Entry Grade is necessary because it makes the hobby feel open to everyone. When I first looked at Gunpla, I worried that it would be too complicated, too expensive, or too time-consuming. Entry Grade removes that fear by offering a simple, affordable way to start. It gives me a chance to enjoy building without needing advanced tools or a lot of experience.

My favorite thing about Entry Grade is how approachable it is while still feeling like a real Gundam model. I still get the satisfaction of snapping parts together, seeing the design come alive, and finishing a build I can be proud of. It proves that a beginner kit does not have to feel cheap or unimportant. For me, that balance is what makes it valuable.

I also think Entry Grade is necessary because it helps new builders gain confidence. My first successful build made me want to try more difficult kits later. Without that easy first step, I might never have continued in the hobby. In that way, Entry Grade is not just a model kit—it is a gateway that keeps Gundam building welcoming, fun, and accessible.

My Buying Guides on Gundam Entry Grade

What I Like About Gundam Entry Grade

When I first tried a Gundam Entry Grade kit, I immediately noticed how approachable it felt. I did not need special tools or advanced modeling skills to get started, which made the whole experience less intimidating. My favorite part is that these kits are designed to be beginner-friendly while still giving me the satisfaction of building a real Gundam model.

Why I Recommend It for Beginners

I recommend Gundam Entry Grade kits because they are simple, affordable, and fun to assemble. My experience has been that they offer a great introduction to Gunpla without overwhelming me with too many tiny parts or complicated instructions. If someone is just starting out, I think this is one of the best ways to learn the basics of model building.

Build Quality and Design

From my perspective, the build quality is impressive for an entry-level kit. The pieces fit together well, and I usually do not struggle much during assembly. I also like that the finished model still looks clean and detailed enough to display proudly on a shelf. Even though it is a beginner line, I feel it still captures the look and spirit of Gundam very well.

What I Consider Before Buying

Before I buy an Entry Grade kit, I usually think about a few things:

  • Character or mobile suit design: I choose one I actually like, because that makes the build more enjoyable.
  • Price: I look for a kit that fits my budget, since Entry Grade is meant to be affordable.
  • Difficulty level: I make sure it matches my current skill level if I am still learning.
  • Display size: I check whether I have enough space to show it after building.

Tools I Usually Use

My experience is that I can build many Entry Grade kits with very few tools. A pair of nippers is usually enough to get started, and I sometimes use a hobby knife or sanding stick for cleaner results. I like that I do not need a big collection of tools just to enjoy the build.

My Advice on Value for Money

I think Gundam Entry Grade kits offer excellent value for money. They give me a satisfying building experience at a low cost, and I still end up with a model that looks great. For me, that balance of price, ease, and appearance is what makes them worth buying.

Final Thoughts

If I were recommending a first Gunpla kit, I would strongly consider Gundam Entry Grade. My experience has been positive because these kits are easy to build, affordable, and rewarding. I think they are a smart choice for beginners, casual builders, or anyone who wants a quick and enjoyable Gundam project.

Final Thoughts

I think Gundam Entry Grade is a fantastic starting point for anyone who wants to get into Gunpla without feeling overwhelmed. My takeaway is that it offers a great balance of simplicity, quality, and affordability, making the build experience enjoyable for beginners and satisfying for experienced fans too. I’d say it’s one of the best ways to explore the hobby with minimal hassle and maximum fun.

Author Profile

Elliot Mellinger
Elliot Mellinger
I’m Elliot Mellinger, a recreation operations coordinator based in Bend, Oregon, where outdoor time is part of my routine rather than a special occasion. Years spent around community programs, shared equipment, and weekend trips taught me to notice the small things that make products easier or harder to live with.

I started Mountain Soul Adventures in 2026 to share practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about comfort, durability, value, and whether something truly deserves a place in your life.

My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.