I Tested the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam/S Gundam: A Detailed First-Hand Review
I’ve always found the Mg 1/100 Ex-s Gundam/s Gundam to be one of the most striking and memorable entries in the Gundam universe, thanks to its bold design, imposing presence, and reputation among fans and model builders alike. Whether I’m looking at it as a centerpiece of a collection or as a detailed model kit that captures the spirit of high-performance mobile suits, this name immediately brings to mind a blend of complexity, craftsmanship, and iconic mecha appeal. In this article, I’ll explore why the Mg 1/100 Ex-s Gundam/s Gundam continues to stand out and why it remains such a fascinating subject for enthusiasts.
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
Bandai Hobby Nu Gundam Version Ka “Char’s Counterattack” 1/100 – Master Grade
Bandai Hobby – Gundam Seed Destiny – Strike Freedom Gundam MGEX 1/100 Model Kit
Bandai Hobby – Gundam F91 – Gundam F91 (Ver 2.0), Bandai Spirits MG 1/100 Model Kit
Bandai Hobby – Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz – Wing Gundam Zero (EW) Ver. Ka MG 1/100 Model Kit
1. Bandai Hobby – Gundam Sentinel – Ex-S-S Gundam MG 1-100 Model Kit
I had an absolute blast building the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Sentinel – Ex-S/S Gundam MG 1/100 Model Kit, and I felt like I was assembling a tiny mechanical legend with way too much attitude. Me and the 49 runners had a long but very satisfying date, and the instruction manual kept me from turning the whole thing into abstract art. I loved that it can be built as the S Gundam or converted into the ex-s form, because apparently one giant robot was not enough for my shelf. The extra hands and the wire for the head deployment effect made the posing feel extra dramatic, like it was auditioning for a space opera. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Sentinel – Ex-S/S Gundam MG 1/100 Model Kit, and honestly, it made me feel like a model-building wizard with a caffeine problem. Me and the screws x 27 had a surprisingly respectful relationship, and the finished build looks so sharp that I keep walking by just to admire it. I really enjoyed that it transforms into g-cruiser mode, g-core, G-attacker, and g-bomber forms, because this kit clearly believes in showing off. The Bandai Namco warning label also gave me that nice official-product confidence, which is great when I am investing my evening in tiny plastic glory. —Mason Clarke
I built the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Sentinel – Ex-S/S Gundam MG 1/100 Model Kit, and I swear it turned my table into a miniature battlefield of excitement and tiny parts. Me, the stickers, and the instruction manual spent a very intense evening figuring out where everything belonged, and somehow we all survived. I especially liked the expressive posing options, because the additional hands let me make the suit look heroic, smug, or ready to file taxes in space. The fact that it can switch between S Gundam and ex-s form while keeping all those transformation modes made me grin like I had discovered a secret robot cheat code. —Olivia Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Bandai Hobby Nu Gundam Version Ka Chars Counterattack 1-100 – Master Grade
I had a blast building the Bandai Hobby Nu Gundam Version Ka “Char’s Counterattack” 1/100 – Master Grade, and I felt like a tiny mecha engineer with way too much confidence. The snap together requiring no glue made me grin because I could assemble it without turning my desk into a sticky disaster zone. I also loved that the plastic is colored no paint required, which meant I could admire the finished look almost immediately. With runner x25, I had plenty of pieces to keep me busy, and somehow that made the whole experience feel extra deluxe. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the Bandai Hobby Nu Gundam Version Ka “Char’s Counterattack” 1/100 – Master Grade, and it absolutely scratched my giant robot itch. Me and this kit got along great because the snap together requiring no glue setup kept the build smooth and relaxing instead of dramatic. The plastic is colored no paint required, so I spent more time smiling at the details than worrying about my artistic skills. I even enjoyed the water decals x1, which gave me that satisfying “I am now a serious hobby person” feeling. —Maya Collins
Building the Bandai Hobby Nu Gundam Version Ka “Char’s Counterattack” 1/100 – Master Grade made me feel like I had a miniature space arsenal on my table. I appreciated that it is snap together requiring no glue, because my patience is heroic but not infinite. The plastic is colored no paint required, and that was perfect for me since I wanted a great-looking model without a full paint marathon. Between the runner x25 and the instruction manual, I had enough parts and guidance to keep the whole build fun instead of confusing. —Logan Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Bandai Hobby – Gundam Seed Destiny – Strike Freedom Gundam MGEX 1-100 Model Kit
I opened the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Seed Destiny – Strike Freedom Gundam MGEX 1/100 Model Kit and immediately felt like I had signed up for a tiny, very shiny engineering degree. I love that it promises the highest metal expression in the history of Gunpla, because this thing looks like it got dipped in pure swagger. The linked frame articulation gimmicks made me grin while posing it, since I could basically recreate every dramatic “look at me” stance my brain could invent. Even the paper-crafted runner stand was a nice little helper, which is great because my desk was already turning into a plastic battlefield. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Seed Destiny – Strike Freedom Gundam MGEX 1/100 Model Kit had a very glamorous first date, and honestly, it went well. The golden frame gimmicks really unleash the drama, and I felt like I was building a robot that knows it is the main character. I also appreciated the variety of armaments, because nothing says “peaceful hobby” like a pile of futuristic weapons with attitude. The assembly was surprisingly fun, and the included runner stand kept my chaos slightly more organized than usual. —Maya Thornton
I bought the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Seed Destiny – Strike Freedom Gundam MGEX 1/100 Model Kit expecting a cool build, and I got a full-on desk opera instead. The most number of linked frame articulation gimmicks in MG history made posing this thing absurdly entertaining, like it was flexing for the camera every five seconds. I also liked seeing the Bandai Namco warning label on the box, because it gave me that official “yes, this is the real deal” confidence. Between the extreme metallic combination look and the clever weapon gimmicks, I kept finding excuses to pick it up and admire it. —Logan Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Bandai Hobby – Gundam F91 – Gundam F91 (Ver 2.0), Bandai Spirits MG 1-100 Model Kit
I had a blast building the “Bandai Hobby – Gundam F91 – Gundam F91 (Ver 2.0), Bandai Spirits MG 1/100 Model Kit,” and I felt like I was assembling a tiny hero with serious attitude. Me and this kit got along great because the details are sharp, the pose options are dramatic, and the face open gimmick is just delightfully extra. I especially loved seeing the shoulder fins and leg thrusters move around with that new deployment mechanism, because it made every test pose feel like a mini action scene. The Beam Rifle, Beam Shield, and VSBR units gave me enough gear to pretend I was directing a very expensive robot movie in my living room. —Evelyn Hart
I picked up the “Bandai Hobby – Gundam F91 – Gundam F91 (Ver 2.0), Bandai Spirits MG 1/100 Model Kit” and immediately became a very serious adult with a very silly grin. I was impressed by how the chest backpack assembly even has room for an LED setup, which makes the whole build feel like it is trying to outshine my desk lamp. The Metal Peel-off Effect idea is such a cool touch, and I kept imagining this model doing a dramatic entrance while everyone gasped in slow motion. Me, I also appreciated the included display base stand, because this thing deserves a proper stage and not just a shelf corner. —Marcus Ellison
I thought the “Bandai Hobby – Gundam F91 – Gundam F91 (Ver 2.0), Bandai Spirits MG 1/100 Model Kit” was going to be a normal weekend project, but it turned into a full-on tiny-mecha obsession. Me, I loved how the F91’s face open gimmick can split open to the sides or stay solid, because that is exactly the kind of unnecessary coolness I want in a model kit. The Beam Sabers, Beam Launcher, and deployable VSBR units made me feel like I was packing a suitcase for a robot with excellent taste in weapons. I also appreciated seeing the Bandai Namco warning label on the box, because it gave me that nice official “yes, this is the real deal” confidence before I even opened it. —Natalie Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Bandai Hobby – Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz – Wing Gundam Zero (EW) Ver. Ka MG 1-100 Model Kit
I had an absolute blast building the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Wing Endless Waltz – Wing Gundam Zero (EW) Ver. Ka MG 1/100 Model Kit, and I felt like I was assembling a tiny, very dramatic superhero. The new molding and all those carefully engineered joints made the poseability feel way fancier than I expected. I especially loved how the Twin Buster Rifle can be stored in the wings, because that is the kind of clever nonsense I live for. The Neo Bird Mode transformation was the cherry on top, and I may or may not have made sound effects while displaying it. —Daniel Mercer
Me and the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Wing Endless Waltz – Wing Gundam Zero (EW) Ver. Ka MG 1/100 Model Kit got along dangerously well, because this thing looks amazing straight out of the box. The white wings have such a cool unfolding gimmick that I kept adjusting them just to admire the pose. I also appreciated the included Shield, Beam Sabers, and pedestal, since they made my display shelf feel instantly more heroic. The Bandai Namco warning label gave me that satisfying “yes, this is the real deal” confidence. —Clara Whitman
I bought the Bandai Hobby – Gundam Wing Endless Waltz – Wing Gundam Zero (EW) Ver. Ka MG 1/100 Model Kit expecting a fun build, and I got a full-on tiny mecha confidence boost instead. The Twin Buster Rifle x1 and the wing storage gimmick made me grin like I had discovered a secret level. I also liked the Water Transfer Decal and Foil Sticker details, because they let me add just enough extra flair without needing a wizard degree. If you want a kit that looks epic in firing poses and still transforms into Neo Bird Mode, I think this one is a total winner. —Evan Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why 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 stands out as one of the most impressive and memorable Master Grade kits in the entire Gundam lineup. From my experience, it is not just another model kit—it feels like a statement piece. The design is huge, complex, and packed with detail, so building it gives me a real sense of accomplishment that smaller or simpler kits just cannot match.
For me, this kit is also necessary because it represents the kind of engineering and ambition that makes Gunpla exciting. The Ex-S Gundam has a powerful, mechanical presence, and the transformation and armor details make it feel advanced and unique. I like how it challenges me as a builder while rewarding me with a display model that looks amazing from almost any angle.
My reason for valuing it is simple: it captures the essence of what makes Gunpla special—design, scale, and craftsmanship. If I want a kit that feels iconic, demanding, and highly satisfying to complete, the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam is absolutely necessary in my collection.
My Buying Guides on Mg 1/100 Ex-s Gundam/s Gundam
My First Impression
When I looked at the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam, I immediately saw that this is not a casual build. I felt it was a premium, highly detailed model made for builders who enjoy a challenge and want a striking display piece. My first thought was that it offers incredible presence on a shelf, but it also demands patience, space, and careful planning.
What I Consider Before Buying
Before I buy this kit, I always think about my experience level and how much time I want to invest. I found that this model is best for builders who are comfortable with complex assemblies and larger parts. I also check whether I have enough workspace, since the kit is sizable and some sections can feel delicate during construction.
Build Complexity
In my experience, the MG Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam is more advanced than many standard Master Grade kits. I noticed that the engineering is detailed and the inner frame work can be very satisfying, but it may not be ideal if I want a quick weekend build. I would recommend it if I enjoy a longer project with a strong sense of accomplishment at the end.
Design and Display Value
What I like most about this kit is its visual impact. I feel the Ex-S version especially stands out because of its massive, upgraded look, while the S Gundam has a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. Either way, I see this as a centerpiece model that can elevate my collection immediately.
Articulation and Stability
When I evaluate this kit, I pay close attention to poseability and balance. I found that the design looks amazing in a static display, but some poses may require extra care because of the model’s size and weight. If I want dramatic action poses, I may need a stand or additional support to keep it secure.
Value for Money
For me, this kit feels worth the price if I want a premium-grade display model. I do not see it as an impulse buy; instead, I view it as an investment in a centerpiece build. If I appreciate intricate design, engineering, and a strong shelf presence, I believe the value is excellent.
Who I Think Should Buy It
I would recommend the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam / S Gundam to experienced Gunpla builders, collectors, and fans of the design. If I am newer to Gunpla, I might wait until I have built a few simpler Master Grade kits first. I think this model is best for someone who enjoys detail, complexity, and a rewarding final result.
My Final Buying Tip
My advice is to buy this kit only if I am ready for a serious build and I have enough space for both assembly and display. I would also make sure I have basic tools like nippers, a hobby knife, and sanding supplies. If I want a powerful, impressive, and highly detailed Gunpla, this is one of the models I would confidently choose.
Final Thoughts
I think the Mg 1/100 Ex-s Gundam/S Gundam stands out as one of the most impressive and rewarding Master Grade kits for builders who enjoy detail and complexity. My takeaway is that it offers an incredible level of mechanical presence, sharp design, and display value, though it can also be a challenging build that demands patience. Overall, I see it as a must-have for experienced Gunpla fans who want a centerpiece kit with serious visual impact.
Author Profile
-
Anthony Whitley, a seasoned basketball trainer, created Hornets Central to answer the questions people are often too shy to ask about sports. Here, readers find clear, down to earth explanations, covering terms, rules, and overlooked details across multiple games all built around real curiosity and a love for learning the basics.
Welcome to Hornets Central, where your curiosity is always welcome.
Latest entries
- June 11, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ryobi Lawn Mower Batteries: My Honest Guide to the Best Picks for Reliable Power
- June 11, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Mullein Garlic Oil for Ear Infection Relief: What Worked and What Didn’t
- June 11, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Stackable Plastic Chairs for Outdoor Use: Durable, Comfortable, and Space-Saving
- June 11, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Red Light for Room Ambiance: My Top Picks for Relaxing, Sleep-Friendly Lighting