Hey there, fellow Gunpla enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the PG Strike Freedom Gundam, a kit that's earned a legendary status among builders. If you're wondering whether to take the plunge and add this masterpiece to your collection, or just curious about what makes it so special, you're in the right place. We'll break down everything from the build process to the final product, covering all the key aspects and what makes this Perfect Grade truly perfect.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Right off the bat, unboxing the PG Strike Freedom Gundam is an experience. You're greeted with a massive box, hinting at the grandeur within. Inside, you'll find a sea of runners, each packed with meticulously crafted parts. The sheer volume can be a little overwhelming at first, but fear not! Bandai's organization is, as always, top-notch. The runners are clearly labeled, and the instructions are incredibly detailed, making the build process a surprisingly manageable journey. The initial impression is one of quality. The plastic feels premium, and the color separation is fantastic. You can already see how this is going to be a stunning model.

Now, let's talk about the size. This is a Perfect Grade, which means it's big. Really big. Once assembled, the Strike Freedom stands tall, commanding attention on any shelf. The presence is undeniable, and the level of detail is immediately apparent. The gold accents, the intricate inner frame, and the sleek design all come together to create a visual masterpiece. As you flip through the manual, you get an idea of the complexity of the internal mechanism, the articulated frame, and the gimmicks to keep you entertained. It's a kit that clearly shows how much dedication and precision was put into its manufacturing.

The gold plating on the frame is a real standout, offering a luxurious feel and a beautiful contrast against the white and blue armor. The engineering is also remarkable. The way the various parts fit together, the articulation, and the overall structural integrity demonstrate Bandai's commitment to excellence. As you sort through the parts, you will notice the clear parts that allow the LED gimmicks to be easily incorporated, which further elevates the experience.

The Runners and Parts

The runners themselves are a testament to Bandai's engineering prowess. They are well-organized, with each sprue containing parts that are easily identifiable by type and color. There are runners for the main body, the armor, the weapons, and of course, those iconic gold-plated parts. The clear parts for the effect parts are a nice touch, too, adding to the visual appeal. The sheer quantity of parts might seem intimidating, but the instructions guide you through the process step by step, making the build enjoyable and rewarding. The color separation is excellent, meaning that you won't need to do much painting, if any, to achieve the desired look. It is designed to look fantastic right out of the box.

Building the PG Strike Freedom: A Step-by-Step Experience

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the build process. Assembling the PG Strike Freedom is a rewarding experience, but it's not a quick one. This isn't a kit you'll finish in an afternoon. Plan on dedicating several sessions to fully appreciate the build. The instructions are incredibly detailed, making it easy to follow along, even for those new to Perfect Grades. The manual is your bible here; follow it closely, and you'll be just fine. Bandai has a reputation for precise engineering, and this kit is no exception.

The Inner Frame: The Heart of the Beast

The construction begins with the inner frame. This is where the magic happens. The engineering of the inner frame is a marvel, with intricate mechanisms that allow for incredible articulation. The frame is primarily gray and black, providing a solid foundation for the armor. You'll be amazed by the number of moving parts and the level of detail. The frame alone is a work of art. The quality and strength of the plastic are evident as you assemble the frame, giving a sense of how sturdy the final product will be. The joints are tight and precise, ensuring that the model can hold various dynamic poses. This internal structure is what gives the model its stability and posing capabilities, making it a joy to display.

Armor and Detailing: Bringing the Gundam to Life

Once the inner frame is complete, it's time to add the armor. This is where the Strike Freedom truly comes to life. The armor pieces are mostly white and blue, with gold accents that add a touch of luxury. The fit and finish of the armor are excellent, with minimal seam lines and a sleek, polished look. Pay attention to the details, like the vents and panel lines; they are meticulously sculpted and add depth to the design. The armor attaches to the frame with ease, thanks to Bandai's precision engineering. The armor pieces snap together with a satisfying click, giving you a sense of accomplishment. The gold parts really pop against the white and blue. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process. It's all about precision here, folks!

Weapons and Accessories: Arming for Battle

No Gundam is complete without its arsenal, and the Strike Freedom is no exception. This kit comes packed with an array of weapons, including the Beam Rifles, Beam Sabers, and the iconic beam shield. The weapons are highly detailed and designed to look fantastic. The Beam Rifles can combine, and the Beam Sabers can attach to the side skirts. The beam shield is included, too. Assembly is straightforward. The effect parts for the beam weapons are clear plastic, and they look stunning when properly illuminated. There's a lot to love, including the railguns and the Super Dragoon units that deploy from the wings. It's all there to create a stunning display.

The Finishing Touches: Decals and Posing

The final step is the application of decals and posing. The PG Strike Freedom comes with a generous sheet of water slide decals. These decals add another layer of detail and really bring the model to life. Take your time with the decals; they can be a bit fiddly, but the results are worth it. Applying the decals and panel lining enhances the aesthetic, making the model look more realistic. And after the decals are placed, you can start posing. The articulation on this kit is phenomenal, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. Experiment with different poses and find the one that best suits your style. Because of the articulated frame, it can achieve a lot of action poses. Have fun with it!

Key Features and Gimmicks

The PG Strike Freedom Gundam is packed with features and gimmicks. Let's explore some of the most notable ones:

Articulation and Poseability

One of the standout features of this kit is its exceptional articulation. The Strike Freedom can be posed in a wide variety of dynamic positions, thanks to its intricate inner frame and well-designed joints. The joints are tight and secure, allowing the model to hold its pose without any issues. The articulation in the arms, legs, and waist is incredible, enabling a vast range of movement. This allows for more dynamic display options, ensuring that you can showcase your model in the best possible way. The joints are engineered for stability, which means you can pose the model aggressively without worrying about it falling apart.

LED Unit Compatibility

This kit is designed to be compatible with an optional LED unit, allowing you to illuminate the eyes and the chest vents. The LED unit enhances the visual appeal of the model and adds a touch of realism. The LED unit can be installed easily, and the lighting effects are stunning. The LED units are sold separately, but they are a worthy upgrade. The light effects add an extra layer of detail. The light effects can make it come alive and add a significant wow factor to your display. It brings out the design details with the right lighting.

Gold Plated Frame and Armor Details

The gold-plated frame is a significant highlight of the PG Strike Freedom. The gold plating adds a touch of luxury and contrast to the model. The gold plating also elevates the overall look and feel of the model. The armor pieces are also packed with details, including panel lines, vents, and other intricate designs. The gold plating is of high quality and does not chip easily. The gold plating makes it a more eye-catching model.

Weapons and Accessories

The Strike Freedom is equipped with an array of weapons and accessories, including beam rifles, beam sabers, and a beam shield. The weapons are highly detailed and look fantastic. The weapons are easy to handle and can be posed with the model. The weapons add an extra layer of detail. The beam sabers come with clear effect parts and look amazing. The combination of weapons creates a dynamic look. All accessories make for a complete and comprehensive package.

Pros and Cons

Let's weigh the PG Strike Freedom's strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

• Exceptional Detail: The level of detail on this kit is outstanding, from the inner frame to the armor. The design and the quality are top-notch.
• Fantastic Articulation: The articulation allows for a wide range of poses, making it a joy to display.
• Stunning Aesthetics: The gold accents and the overall design create a visually stunning model. The gold plating makes it a more eye-catching model.
• High-Quality Materials: The plastic feels premium and the construction is solid. It's built to last.
• Comprehensive Features: It comes with many weapons, accessories, and LED compatibility.

Cons:

• Price: This is an expensive kit, so it may not be accessible to all builders. The price is worth it for the quality you get.
• Build Time: The build can be time-consuming, requiring dedication and patience. Building it is half the fun!
• Complexity: The complexity might be overwhelming for beginners. The detailed instructions are helpful, but it takes time.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?

So, is the PG Strike Freedom Gundam worth the investment? Absolutely, yes! It's an iconic kit that delivers an exceptional building and display experience. The level of detail, the articulation, and the overall design make it a standout model in any collection. If you're a serious Gunpla builder, or even if you're just looking for a challenging and rewarding project, this is the kit for you. It's a statement piece that will undoubtedly be the centerpiece of your collection. It's an investment in a model that will be a source of pride for years to come. Grab one if you have the chance; you won't regret it!