Strike Gundam Entry Grade: A Beginner's Guide

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey everyone! Ever thought about jumping into the world of Gunpla (Gundam plastic models)? Well, if you have, then the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade is an awesome place to start. This model is all about making things easy and fun, perfect for those of us who are new to the hobby. Think of it as your Gundam gateway drug, haha! We'll dive deep into what makes this particular kit so beginner-friendly and why it's a fantastic choice for anyone looking to build their first Gundam model. Ready to get started? Let's go!

What Makes the Strike Gundam Entry Grade So Special?

So, what's the big deal about the Strike Gundam Entry Grade? Well, first off, it's designed with simplicity in mind. Entry Grades, in general, are made to be super easy to assemble. This means fewer parts, a straightforward build process, and a kit that doesn't require any glue or paint. Seriously, you can literally snap the pieces together, and boom, you've got a Gundam! This is a massive win for beginners because it takes away a lot of the initial intimidation factor. You don't need to worry about complex instructions or messing things up with glue. The Strike Gundam Entry Grade is all about getting you from the box to a finished model as quickly and smoothly as possible. This ease of assembly means you can focus on the fun part: building your Gundam and seeing it come to life! Plus, it's a great way to get a feel for the hobby without investing a ton of time or money upfront. You get to experience the joy of building a model without the pressure of a more advanced kit.

Now, let's talk about the design. The Strike Gundam itself is a pretty iconic mobile suit from the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED anime series. It's got a sleek, modern look that's instantly recognizable and cool. The Entry Grade version captures this look really well, so even though it's a simpler kit, it still looks great when it's done. You get all the essential details – the sharp head, the V-fin antenna, the iconic colors – everything that makes the Strike Gundam, well, the Strike Gundam. This is super appealing, especially for new builders, because you get a model that looks fantastic on a shelf without needing to be an expert. It's a satisfying experience to build something that looks so impressive, and it's a huge boost to your confidence and enthusiasm for the hobby. Furthermore, the Entry Grade models are typically quite affordable. This makes them an excellent option for beginners, allowing you to try out the hobby without making a significant financial investment. If you find you love building Gunpla, you can always move on to more complex and detailed kits later. But the Strike Gundam Entry Grade is a perfect starting point, giving you a taste of what the hobby is all about.

The Build Process: Simple and Straightforward

One of the best things about the Strike Gundam Entry Grade is how easy it is to put together. The instructions are clear and simple, with step-by-step illustrations that are easy to follow. You won't find any complicated jargon or confusing diagrams here. The parts are designed to snap together, so you don't need any special tools besides a pair of nippers (or even just your fingers!) to cut the pieces from the runners. This straightforward process removes a lot of the potential frustration that can come with more complex models. The kit usually comes with colored plastic parts, which means you don't need to paint anything to get a good-looking model. This is a huge advantage for beginners because painting can be a bit of an art in itself. You can focus on the core experience of assembling the model and enjoy seeing it take shape without any added pressure. Building the Strike Gundam Entry Grade is a relaxing and rewarding experience. You can put it together in an afternoon, and the sense of accomplishment you get from finishing it is pretty awesome. It's a great way to unwind and enjoy a creative project without needing to be a skilled modeler. The simple design also allows you to experiment with posing the completed model. Entry Grades typically have decent articulation, which means you can pose the Strike Gundam in various dynamic stances.

Tools You Might Need (But Probably Don't)

Okay, so the Strike Gundam Entry Grade is designed to be built without any special tools, but there are a few things that might make the process a little easier and more enjoyable. Let's break it down:

  • Nippers: These are basically small scissors designed specifically for cutting plastic model parts from the runners (the plastic frames that the parts come attached to). While you can technically break the parts off by hand, using nippers will give you a cleaner cut and prevent any damage to the parts. There are tons of nippers out there, and you don't need anything fancy to start. Even a cheap pair will do the trick.
  • Hobby Knife: A hobby knife can be useful for trimming away any small bits of plastic left over from the nippers. It's not essential, but it can help you get a cleaner finish. Be careful when using a hobby knife; always cut away from yourself, and use a cutting mat to protect your work surface.
  • Cutting Mat: Speaking of which, a cutting mat is a great idea to protect your desk or table from scratches. It also provides a good surface to work on and helps prevent your nippers or hobby knife from slipping.
  • Sandpaper: While not strictly necessary, a fine-grit sandpaper can be used to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections on the plastic parts. This can give your model a more polished look. But again, it's not essential for the Strike Gundam Entry Grade.

Honestly, the beauty of the Strike Gundam Entry Grade is that you can build it with just your hands and the included instructions. But if you want to invest a little bit to enhance your experience, those tools will definitely come in handy. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Don't worry about getting everything perfect on your first build. The goal is to learn, enjoy the process, and create something cool.

Customization and Beyond

Even though the Strike Gundam Entry Grade is designed for beginners, that doesn't mean you can't customize it! Here are a few ideas to take your model to the next level:

  • Panel Lining: This is a simple technique that involves using a special pen or marker to draw lines in the panel lines of the model. It adds depth and detail, making your model look more realistic. It's super easy to do and can make a big difference in the overall look.
  • Decals: Some kits come with stickers or water slide decals that you can apply to add details like markings and insignias. Decals can really make your model pop.
  • Painting (Optional): If you're feeling adventurous, you can try painting your model. This is where you can really get creative and personalize your Strike Gundam with custom colors and designs. But remember, this is totally optional! You don't need to paint the kit for it to look great.
  • Posing: Don't forget to have fun posing your finished model! The Strike Gundam Entry Grade has decent articulation, so you can put it in all sorts of cool action poses. Experiment with different stances and find what looks best.

Why Choose the Strike Gundam Entry Grade?

So, why should you pick up the Strike Gundam Entry Grade as your first Gunpla? Here's the lowdown:

  • Beginner-Friendly: It's designed specifically for beginners, with easy assembly and clear instructions.
  • Affordable: Entry Grade kits are typically budget-friendly, so you can try out the hobby without breaking the bank.
  • Iconic Design: You get to build a cool and recognizable Gundam.
  • Fun and Rewarding: It's a relaxing and enjoyable hobby that gives you a sense of accomplishment.
  • Customization Potential: You can personalize your model with panel lining, decals, and painting (if you want to).

The Strike Gundam Entry Grade is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of Gunpla. It's a fun, easy, and affordable way to get started, and it's a great introduction to the joy of building Gundam models. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a kit, grab some nippers (or not!), and get building! You won't regret it.

Where to Buy the Strike Gundam Entry Grade

So, you're ready to get your hands on a Strike Gundam Entry Grade? Awesome! Here are some places where you can usually find this kit:

  • Local Hobby Shops: Check out your local hobby stores. They often carry a variety of Gunpla kits, including Entry Grades. Plus, you can support your local businesses!
  • Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialized online Gunpla stores are great places to find the Strike Gundam Entry Grade. You'll usually have a wide selection to choose from, and you can compare prices.
  • Big Box Stores: Sometimes, stores like Target or Walmart will carry Gunpla kits, including Entry Grades. It's worth checking to see if they have the Strike Gundam Entry Grade in stock.

When buying online, make sure to check the seller's rating and reviews to ensure you're getting a genuine product and a good experience. Also, compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal. Shipping costs can vary, so factor that into your overall cost.

The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! The Strike Gundam Entry Grade is a fantastic kit for anyone who's curious about Gunpla. It's affordable, easy to build, and looks great when it's finished. It's a perfect gateway to the hobby, allowing you to experience the fun of building a model without any of the overwhelming complexity of more advanced kits. It's a great way to unwind, get creative, and maybe even discover a new passion. So go on, give it a try! You might just find yourself hooked!