Bandai Hobby R02 Duel Gundam Remaster 1/144 HG Bandai Gundam Seed Action Figure

This review should be helpful for those new to Gunpla (Gundam model building). There are several lines of Gunpla from Bandai. I'll list them with the notes for each then review this version. By the way, this is a perfect beginner level Gundam model. The other lines are either specific to a particular fan type (like the squat, deformed Senshi styles) or very difficult and time consuming.The instructions are in Japanese, but you do not need to know any Japanese to build these. The stickers line up with the symbol in the book and on the sticker sheet. So just match the Hiragana.*HG 1/144 - This is the model style for this listing. High Grade should retail for around $17 to $22 (w/Prime shipping). They are 5" tall on average. They have minor detailing and will resemble the actual Gundam somewhat, but not exactly. The main difference is that the smaller detail parts are not as precise in this model. Most parts do not require tweezers to assemble for example. Average completion time 2 to 4 hours depending on finishing (sanding, shaving studs and applying detail with a marker add more time, hence up to 4 hours). Limited motion and pose-ability. 6 - 8 runners. No paint/glue required.RG 1/144 - ($30 - $40 avg) This is the ideal bang for the buck model style. Real Grade are more exact in their design and closely resemble the mobile suits from the anime and manga. They have more parts, smaller parts, and many more decals and stickers. The detail level is exceptional. Average completion time is 4 to 8 hours, depending on finishing touches. Plan on a couple of days at least. And be careful not to lose or break parts. Endoskeleton enables maximum range of motion and pose-ability. 9 - 10 runners. No paint/glue required. Highly recommend matching Gundam marker set (make sure you order the right set for the right series).MG 1/100 - ($50 - $75 avg) A favorite range of models for most collectors. These are about 7" tall and are tough to assemble. I've heard of people finishing in 3 hours, but I say plan on 8-15 hours if you are detailing and working at a moderate pace so to better enjoy the build. 15 - 17 runners. Detailing highly recommended. Not recommended for a first time builder unless you have experience with other styles of models.PG 1/60 - ($300+) The most detailed and exact Gundam models. These are highly collectible and are limited release. Often the prices go up for these kits in secondary markets. They are 12" tall on average. These will take at least 10 or 12 hours, but more likely you will be working on this range off and on for a week or longer. 22-24 runners. If you're spending that much on this model, I hope you would be detailing with the markers and/or paint. None required, but highly recommended.Other lines:Mega Size 1/48 - ($100+) 14" tall, not very detailed. Some love this range, others hate it.Non Grade 1/60 - ($n/a) I don't see these often anymore, but they are basically less detailed 1/60 models.Non Grade 1/100 - ($n/a) Another line I don't see often anymore. It's basically a 1/100 HG. (NOTE!!! Many Gundam 00 models are 1/100 Non-Grade priced as high as 1/100 MG models - watch those third party sellers!)SD Senshi - ($10 - $15) Super deformed style Gundam. Super quick and easy. Fun, but more of an acquired taste.---------------------------------------------------------This model: HG 1/144 Gundam Duel Assault Shroud - $18.95 Prime shipping - Treasure Island Sports via Amazon Fulfillment. #R02 (Remastered HG Gundam Seed series #2 release) 10th Anniversary.Utensils recommended:  X-ACTO #2 Knife with Cap, Silver (X3602) , Xuron 170-II Micro-Shear Flush Cutter , tweezers (used a couple of times - not required), file (I use cheap nail file emery board type from Rite Aid - $1.50 for 5), Gundam markers (GSI Creos Gundam Marker Seed Basic Set (6 Markers)).Time of build - 3 hours (incl. stickers and minor details).Difficulty - 1 (pretty easy build)Quality - 3 (good price vs quality but the gun doesn't sit stable in the hand unless shroud pieces are on)Mobility - 2 (arms are a bit wonky, especially the shoulder positioning, assault shroud pieces sometimes a pain to remove)Fun - 3 (perhaps a bit too easy but lots of fun)Frustration - 1 (no major hiccups)Overall - 4 stars (good, though not as detailed as the R01 Strike)+1 for actually having a colored beam saber. Not like the R01 Aile Strike with the plain white beam saber. This one is clear reddish pink. Cool look to it.-1 for having to use a LOT of yellow marker or yellow modeling paint. The pictures show the yellow touches, but most of the yellow parts are not colored. There are a couple of yellow stickers for a couple of pieces, but if you want the true Duel look you need yellow paint for several panels. The instructions have several helpful pictures. I am used to needing some markers for touch up and panel lines, but this is a bit extreme for an HG model... I think they could have made one part of one sprue yellow for those pieces.I actually felt this was a very easy build compared to the Aile Strike HG 1/144. I think it's one of the cooler looking Gundams from SEED. For a cheaper model it's pretty good, but I know wish I would have gotten this in the RG 1/144 or even the MG 1/100. Perhaps next time...Great looking model, but a super easy and straightforward build, even for the HG series. Hence the four star rating. Up next: HG R03 Buster!

The Duel itself is a good build. It isnt too complicated and it has decent posing options. It loses a star because the Assault Shroud chest and skirt peices fall off way to easily.

son loves them

Didn't care for the assault shroud as it falls off easy. Without it it's amazing and articulates very well.

It's a good model even for it's age only real complaint is the loose grip on the weapon

Bought this for my 21 year old son. It was challenging for him. Pieces are very small, as expected. It was exactly what he wanted. Definitely not for younger individuals.

its cool looking and has good articulation in elbows and knees and easy to pose.. it also delivered in time

Wasn't disappointed. The limbs weren't too loose, and they weren't too tight either. Building it was easy too. I recommend getting this if you're interested in getting a gundam.

Received earlier then estimated. Son’s really happy.

Good kit although a bit lacking compared to the other G weapon models (i.e Aegis, Buster) but still a good kit especially for the price I paid and of course it completes my set of the original 5 so very happy.

Being nice for giving 4 stars. First time I've built a 2011 model but dam ... very weak build hardly any movement/ articulation

amazing kit

Great