L-Gaim HG

L-Gaim

Kit Review

Straight build

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim (1/6) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim (2/6) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim (3/6) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim (4/6) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim (5/6) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim (6/6)

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Detail shots (1/4) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Detail shots (2/4) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Detail shots (3/4) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Detail shots (4/4)

Detail shots

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - The signature random slate open/close gimmick is also reproduced — when opened, the support locks in place ni HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - The signature random slate open/close gimmick is also reproduced — when opened, the support locks in place ni

The signature random slate open/close gimmick is also reproduced —
When opened, the support locks in place nicely and the inner frame is clearly visible.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - For weapons, you get a large Buster Launcher, two Power Launchers, and a shield. The beam saber comes molded

For weapons, you get a large Buster Launcher, two Power Launchers, and a shield.
The beam saber comes molded together with the hand as a single piece.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Seven hands are included in total.

Seven hands are included in total.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - One of them has the Buster Launcher's grip molded right onto it, and you can plug it into one of three mounti

One of them has the Buster Launcher's grip molded right onto it,
and you can plug it into one of three mounting holes.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Comparison with the Buster Launcher that came with the Buster from the 1/144 A-Class Heavy Metal Set. The dif

Comparison with the Buster Launcher that came with the Buster from the 1/144 A-Class Heavy Metal Set.
The difference in color separation and sculpting is clear, as you'd expect from an HG.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Shield interior detail

Shield interior detail

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - The Power Launcher on the forearm can also be stored on the inside of the shield.

The Power Launcher on the forearm can also be stored on the inside of the shield.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - With the renewal, a joint part for mounting on an Action Base has been added.

With the renewal, a joint part for mounting on an Action Base has been added.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Leftover parts from the original version. Looking at these parts, you can tell which areas were renewed.

Leftover parts from the original version.
Looking at these parts, you can tell which areas were renewed.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - You can extend the range of motion by pulling the knee joint out slightly from the thigh.

You can extend the range of motion by pulling the knee joint out slightly from the thigh.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Difference in limb articulation before and after pulling out the knee (1/2) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Difference in limb articulation before and after pulling out the knee (2/2)

Difference in limb articulation before and after pulling out the knee

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - The shoulder's forward/backward movement gimmick

The shoulder's forward/backward movement gimmick

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Waist articulation (1/2) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Waist articulation (2/2)

Waist articulation

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Movable parts on the backpack

Movable parts on the backpack

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - The Buster Launcher pose — the kit's signature stance. The rubber pipe connecting the Buster Launcher to the HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - The Buster Launcher pose — the kit's signature stance. The rubber pipe connecting the Buster Launcher to the HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - The Buster Launcher pose — the kit's signature stance. The rubber pipe connecting the Buster Launcher to the HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - The Buster Launcher pose — the kit's signature stance. The rubber pipe connecting the Buster Launcher to the

The Buster Launcher pose — the kit's signature stance.
The rubber pipe connecting the Buster Launcher to the body has a pretty strong spring-back, which makes it a bit tricky to handle.

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Action poses using the Power Launcher and beam saber (1/7) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Action poses using the Power Launcher and beam saber (2/7) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Action poses using the Power Launcher and beam saber (3/7) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Action poses using the Power Launcher and beam saber (4/7) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Action poses using the Power Launcher and beam saber (5/7) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Action poses using the Power Launcher and beam saber (6/7) HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Action poses using the Power Launcher and beam saber (7/7)

Action poses using the Power Launcher and beam saber

HG L-Gaim L-Gaim - Together with the 1/144 A-Class Heavy Metal Set released at the same time.

Together with the 1/144 A-Class Heavy Metal Set released at the same time.

In March 2021, the L-Gaim plastic model series was rebooted, and the HG L-Gaim was re-released along with it. The kit originally came out in 2001, but this is a renewal version with several parts replaced by newly sculpted ones. The updated areas include the Buster Launcher, head/chest/arm/thigh armor, and the shoulder articulation frame. (For detailed renewal points, see Bandai's development blog L-Gaim pagefor reference.)

The upgraded points are a little hard to spot at a glance — you really have to look closely to notice the differences. The improvements mainly come in the form of removing seam lines, sharpening edges, and improving articulation. On top of that, the joint parts have been changed from ABS to KPS, which makes painting a lot more convenient.

Even setting aside the renewed parts, the original 2001 HG L-Gaim was already a pretty solid kit, so this one delivers excellent quality as well. It doesn't quite feel like a 20-year-old kit — more like an HGUC from around 10 years ago. Overall, the looks and detail are clean, the build feel is good, and the joints move smoothly, making it a very pleasant HG kit to handle. The knee extension gimmick in particular opens up a much wider range of motion, setting it apart from other L-Gaim series kits that always felt a bit limited in that area.

For weapons, you get a Buster Cannon, two Power Cannons, a shield, and a beam saber. The Buster Cannon's secondary grip and the beam saber are molded together with the hands as single pieces, so you don't have to worry about grip strength issues. The Buster Cannon and Power Cannons are connected to the body via their signature rubber pipes, but those pipes are so stiff that they actually make positioning the Buster Cannon a bit of a hassle. When you try to bring it in close to the body, the pipe's tension just pushes it back out.

Anyway, even for a 20-year-old kit, this is still a solid HG model, and the various renewals have made it even better. Whether you have fond memories of L-Gaim or you're seeing it for the first time, this is an interesting mecha model kit that's easy to recommend to anyone. :-)

HG L-Gaim | 2021.3 | ¥2,300

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.