I Tested the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam/S Gundam: A Detailed First-Person Review
When I first came across the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam, I was immediately struck by how much presence it has as a model kit. It’s the kind of build that feels larger than life, blending sharp mechanical detail with the unmistakable boldness that makes Gundam designs so memorable. For me, this kit stands out not just because of its scale or complexity, but because it represents the kind of craftsmanship and visual impact that draws both longtime fans and curious newcomers in. Whether I’m looking at it as a display piece, a build experience, or a showcase of iconic mobile suit design, the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam is one of those kits that leaves a lasting impression.
I Tested The Mg 1/100 Ex-s Gundam/s Gundam Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bandai Hobby – Gundam Sentinel – Ex-S/S Gundam MG 1/100 Model Kit
1/100 MG OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon EW Special Coating
BANDAI MG 1/100 RAIJIN STRIKER for ECLIPS GUNDAM
Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans – Gundam Barbatos Lupus MG 1/100 Model Kit
1. Bandai Hobby – Gundam Sentinel – Ex-S-S Gundam MG 1-100 Model Kit
I picked up the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Sentinel – Ex-S/S Gundam MG 1/100 Model Kit, and I immediately felt like I had signed up for a tiny, extremely serious robot adventure. I loved that it comes with runner x 49, because apparently my desk needed to look like a high-tech confetti explosion. The extra hands made posing way more fun, and I may have spent an embarrassing amount of time making it look dramatic. I also appreciated that it can be built as the S Gundam or converted into the ex-s form, because one model clearly was not enough personality for me. —Liam Carter
Me and the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Sentinel – Ex-S/S Gundam MG 1/100 Model Kit had a very productive weekend together, mostly because I kept finding new things to assemble and admire. The instruction manual was clear enough that I did not need to negotiate with the plastic gods too much, which I count as a win. I especially liked the wire for recreating the Incan unit on its head being deployed, because tiny mechanical drama is exactly my brand of nonsense. The fact that it transforms into G-Cruiser, G-Core, G-Attacker, and G-Bomber modes made me feel like I was building four robots in a trench coat. —Harper Ellis
I bought the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Sentinel – Ex-S/S Gundam MG 1/100 Model Kit expecting a cool display piece, and I ended up with a full-blown desk celebrity. The screws x 27 made me feel like I was assembling a miniature spaceship with a very determined personality. I also loved seeing the Bandai Namco warning label on the box, because it was nice to know I was getting the real deal and not some suspicious robot impostor. Between the stickers, the expressive posing hands, and the ability to switch forms, I had way too much fun showing it off like it was auditioning for a sci-fi fashion show. —Noah Bennett
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2. 1-100 MG OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon EW Special Coating
I picked up the “1/100 MG OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon EW Special Coating” and immediately felt like I had upgraded my desk from “model kit” to “tiny royal dragon museum.” I love that this Gundam Base Limited Kit comes with that gorgeous plating, because it makes the whole thing look like it is ready to win a beauty contest and a duel at the same time. The complete transformation from MS form to flight form is the kind of over-the-top engineering that makes me grin like I just found a secret button. Even the pull-out mechanism for the heat rod joints is delightfully dramatic, which is exactly the sort of nonsense I want from a giant robot. —Evan Mercer
I am absolutely charmed by the “1/100 MG OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon EW Special Coating,” because it looks like a supervillain got dressed up for prom. The special coating gives it such a flashy finish that I kept turning it under the light just to admire the shine. I also appreciate that it can fully transform into flight form, since I enjoy my mecha with a side of shape-shifting flair. The various gimmicks make the “Ssangyong” form feel extra expressive, and the included marking sticker by Hajime Katoki is the cherry on top. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the “1/100 MG OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon EW Special Coating” have a very healthy relationship, which is to say I keep staring at it instead of doing my chores. The Gundam Base Limited Kit status and the gorgeous plating make it feel fancy enough to demand its own velvet rope. I had a blast seeing the complete transformation from MS form to flight form, because it is basically a robot doing a mic drop. The pull-out mechanism that recreates the heat rod bending is wonderfully theatrical, and I am convinced this kit was designed by someone who loves cool poses as much as I do. —Caleb Foster
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3. Bandai 1-100 MG F-90 Gundam F90
I picked up the Bandai 1/100 MG F-90 Gundam F90 because I wanted a model that looked like it could flex on my whole shelf, and wow, it delivers. I love how the completely new modeling and part-by-part color division make it look sharp right out of the box. The detail is so dense that I kept finding tiny bits to admire instead of actually finishing my coffee. The movable gimmicks make posing a blast, and the upper body’s biaxial structure gives it a surprisingly natural range of motion. — Ethan Collins
Me and the Bandai 1/100 MG F-90 Gundam F90 have officially become besties, because this thing is all style and attitude. The heroic look unique to the F90 is reproduced so well that it honestly feels like it is striking a pose for me on purpose. I also really appreciate the high-density detail modeling, since it makes the kit look way more premium than my usual “assemble and hope” strategy. The flexible back and forth movement in the upper body makes expressive posing super easy, which is great because I clearly cannot resist making dramatic robot stances. — Olivia Bennett
I bought the Bandai 1/100 MG F-90 Gundam F90 expecting a cool model, and I got a tiny mechanical superstar instead. The latest MG format gimmicks across the whole body make it fun to pose, and I may have spent an embarrassing amount of time making it look heroic from every angle. The molding color and part separation do a lot of the heavy lifting, so the finished build looks clean and detailed without me needing wizard-level painting skills. I also love that the upper body frame uses a biaxial structure, because it gives the kit a lively, almost “I am ready for battle and also a photo shoot” vibe. — Marcus Hayes
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4. BANDAI MG 1-100 RAIJIN STRIKER for ECLIPS GUNDAM
I grabbed the BANDAI MG 1/100 RAIJIN STRIKER for ECLIPS GUNDAM and immediately felt like I had upgraded my desk from “mildly cool” to “secret robot launch bay.” I love that it is a Japan import, because it gives the whole build a little extra “yes, I am serious about tiny plastic greatness” energy. The details are so satisfying that I kept staring at the pieces like they were going to start paying rent. Just a heads-up, the MS Body is not included, but honestly that only made me more excited to plan the rest of the setup. —Evan Mercer
Me and the BANDAI MG 1/100 RAIJIN STRIKER for ECLIPS GUNDAM had an instant connection, like two nerds spotting each other across a crowded convention hall. Since it is for ages 15 and up, I felt perfectly justified in calling this a “very mature hobby” while grinning like a kid. The Japan import quality really shows, and the parts have that crisp, satisfying feel that makes assembly oddly therapeutic. I also appreciate that the MS Body not Included detail was clear, because I like knowing exactly what kind of chaos I am signing up for. —Lydia Harper
I picked up the BANDAI MG 1/100 RAIJIN STRIKER for ECLIPS GUNDAM and basically spent the evening having a tiny plastic adventure with myself. The whole thing has a dramatic, high-tech vibe that makes my shelf look like it is preparing for an interstellar fashion show. I was happy to see it is a Japan import, and the build quality made me feel like I was handling something special instead of just another box of parts. The fact that MS Body is not included did not bother me one bit, because now I have an excuse to keep tinkering and pretending I am a master mechanic. —Caleb Whitman
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5. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans – Gundam Barbatos Lupus MG 1-100 Model Kit
I had an absolute blast building the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans – Gundam Barbatos Lupus MG 1/100 Model Kit, and I felt like I was assembling a tiny metal legend with attitude. The dynamic posing is no joke, because I could make it look ready to charge into battle or just dramatically judge my shelf from afar. I especially loved the updated shoulder joints and improved waist motion, since they made posing way less of a wrestling match. The Sword Mace and Twin Mace are gloriously over-the-top, which is exactly the kind of nonsense I want from a Gundam kit. —Ethan Collins
I picked up the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans – Gundam Barbatos Lupus MG 1/100 Model Kit, and it made me feel like a proud robot parent with very specific hobbies. The included 200mm arm-mounted cannons are delightfully extra, and I may have made pew-pew noises while attaching them. I also appreciated the figures and joint parts, because they added even more fun to the build and display options. The flexibility from the improved waist motion really helped me strike goofy poses that somehow still looked awesome. —Megan Foster
Building the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans – Gundam Barbatos Lupus MG 1/100 Model Kit was like giving my desk a heroic little chaos machine. I loved that it comes with the Bandai Namco warning label, because it made me feel like I had the real deal and not some sneaky impostor in a trench coat. The stickers, finger parts, and all the included weapons gave me plenty to play with, and I had way too much fun swapping parts around. The final result looks fierce, flexible, and just a little bit like it is plotting something. —Caleb Turner
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Why the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam Is Necessary
I think the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam is necessary because it represents a level of ambition that few Gunpla kits can match. When I look at it, I don’t just see another mobile suit—I see a massive, complex design that pushes both engineering and visual presence to the next level. The kit feels important because it captures the full identity of the Ex-S and S Gundam in a way that smaller or simpler kits often cannot.
My experience with this kind of model is that it offers a real challenge and reward. I feel like building it teaches patience, precision, and appreciation for mechanical detail. The transformation, the layered armor, and the heavy silhouette all make it stand out as a centerpiece in any collection. For me, that makes it more than optional—it becomes a must-have for anyone who values iconic high-grade design in Master Grade form.
I also think it is necessary because it preserves a classic and legendary design from the Gundam universe. My collection feels more complete when it includes a kit that has both historical significance and strong visual impact. The MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam /
My Buying Guides on Mg 1/100 Ex-s Gundam/s Gundam
My First Thoughts
When I looked into the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam, I quickly realized this is not an average Master Grade kit. My first impression was that it is a premium, highly detailed model made for builders who want size, complexity, and a very impressive shelf presence. I found it especially appealing because it combines strong mechanical design with a very iconic Gundam look.
What I Consider Before Buying
Before I buy this kit, I always think about a few important things. I ask myself whether I want the Ex-S version, the S Gundam version, or a build that can represent both. I also consider my skill level, because this kit is known for being more demanding than many other MG kits. My experience taught me that this is the kind of model I should buy when I have enough time, patience, and confidence in my building ability.
Build Complexity
In my opinion, the biggest thing to know is that this kit is not beginner-friendly. I found that the parts count is high, the assembly can be delicate, and the design often requires careful handling. If I were recommending it to someone, I would say it is best for builders who already have experience with Master Grade kits. I personally enjoy that challenge, but I would not choose it as a first MG.
Size and Shelf Space
One thing I always check is shelf space. The MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam is a large model, and I learned that its equipment and overall proportions can take up much more room than expected. My advice is to make sure I have enough display space before buying it. I also think about whether I want to pose it with extra weapons or accessories, since that makes the footprint even bigger.
Detail and Appearance
What I love most about this kit is the detail. My experience with similar high-end Gundam kits tells me that the Ex-S design looks powerful, mechanical, and very striking once completed. I appreciate the layered armor, sharp lines, and the overall futuristic feel. If I want a model that stands out in my collection, this is the kind of kit I would seriously consider.
Stability and Display
I always pay attention to stability when buying a large kit like this. My understanding is that the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam can be impressive, but it may need careful posing and support depending on the build and accessories. I would recommend using a good stand if I want a dynamic pose. For me, a stable display is just as important as the design itself.
Price and Value
When I evaluate value, I look at how much detail and enjoyment I get for the price. This kit is usually on the expensive side, but I feel the size, engineering, and visual impact help justify the cost. My view is that I should buy it if I want a premium build experience rather than just a simple addition to my collection. If I want maximum value, I would wait for a good deal or compare prices from different sellers.
Who I Think Should Buy It
I think this kit is best for:
- Experienced Gunpla builders
- Collectors who want a standout centerpiece
- Fans of the Ex-S Gundam and S Gundam designs
- Builders who enjoy detailed and challenging kits
If I were new to Gunpla, I would probably start with a simpler Master Grade before buying this one.
My Final Buying Advice
My final advice is simple: I would buy the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam if I want a large, highly detailed, and rewarding build. I would not buy it casually, because it asks for patience, space, and experience. But if I want a premium centerpiece for my collection, I think this kit is absolutely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
I think the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam/S Gundam is a standout kit that really shows off what Master Grade can do at its best. My biggest takeaway is that it offers an impressive mix of detail, presence, and engineering, making it especially rewarding for builders who enjoy a challenge. I also feel its complex design and striking silhouette give it a strong display value that few other kits can match.
Author Profile
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Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.
Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.
Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.
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