HGCE GAT-02L2

Dagger L

Kit Review

Straight build + Stickers + Panel lining

HGCE Dagger L - Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

HGCE Dagger L (1/6) HGCE Dagger L (2/6) HGCE Dagger L (3/6) HGCE Dagger L (4/6) HGCE Dagger L (5/6) HGCE Dagger L (6/6)

HGCE Dagger L - Detail shots (1/4) HGCE Dagger L - Detail shots (2/4) HGCE Dagger L - Detail shots (3/4) HGCE Dagger L - Detail shots (4/4)

Detail shots

HGCE Dagger L - Weapons include a beam carbine, beam saber, and shield.

Weapons include a beam carbine, beam saber, and shield.

HGCE Dagger L - The inside of the shield is pretty bare. For an HGCE kit, it feels like something's missing.

The inside of the shield is pretty bare.
For an HGCE kit, it feels like something's missing.

HGCE Dagger L - Leftover parts from the recycled HG Build Strike Gundam runners.

Leftover parts from the recycled HG Build Strike Gundam runners.

HGCE Dagger L - Above-average limb articulation

Above-average limb articulation

HGCE Dagger L - The shoulders can swing slightly forward using just the polycap joint.

The shoulders can swing slightly forward using just the polycap joint.

HGCE Dagger L - Not super flexible, but the waist does move in all directions to some degree. (1/2) HGCE Dagger L - Not super flexible, but the waist does move in all directions to some degree. (2/2)

Not super flexible, but the waist does move in all directions to some degree.

HGCE Dagger L - It uses a classic hip joint that rotates slightly horizontally.

It uses a classic hip joint that rotates slightly horizontally.

HGCE Dagger L - Kneeling pose. It's doable, but the stance tilts a bit. (1/2) HGCE Dagger L - Kneeling pose. It's doable, but the stance tilts a bit. (2/2)

Kneeling pose. It's doable, but the stance tilts a bit.

HGCE Dagger L - Action pose (1/5) HGCE Dagger L - Action pose (2/5) HGCE Dagger L - Action pose (3/5) HGCE Dagger L - Action pose (4/5) HGCE Dagger L - Action pose (5/5)

Action pose

HGCE Dagger L - Combined with the HGCE Windam's Jet Striker.

Combined with the HGCE Windam's Jet Striker.

HGCE Dagger L - Flight pose with the Jet Striker equipped (1/2) HGCE Dagger L - Flight pose with the Jet Striker equipped (2/2)

Flight pose with the Jet Striker equipped

HGCE Dagger L - Together with the HGCE Windam.

Together with the HGCE Windam.

HGCE Dagger L - Together with the HG 105 Dagger + Gunbarrel released back in 2004.

Together with the HG 105 Dagger + Gunbarrel released back in 2004.

HGCE Dagger L - Straight build (1/2) HGCE Dagger L - Straight build (2/2)

Straight build

The Dagger L from Gundam SEED Destiny has been released as part of the HGCE lineup. It's a mass-production unit like the GM, with a design that looks like a simplified version of the Strike Gundam. A long time ago, SEED HG 105 Daggerand No Grade 1/144 Strike Daggerwere released, but the first HGCE Dagger turned out to be the Dagger L.

One thing that stands out right away is that no seals are used at all — the molded color combination alone achieves clean color reproduction and a sharp overall look. Some of the inner frame reuses parts from the HG Build Strike Gundam, but all the exterior parts and most of the frame use newly tooled molds.

The articulation and joint strength are solid enough for an HGCE kit, but the joints feel a bit stiff. Sure, stiff is a million times better than loose, but it does make posing a little awkward. It probably would've held poses just fine with slightly smoother joints — it's definitely tighter than your average HGUC.

The weapons consist of the basic beam carbine, shield, and beam saber, and only a single set of hands is included. On top of that, the back structure is compatible with weapons from other kits — you can combine it with the HGCE Windam's Jet Striker or the Aile Strike Gundam's Aile pack. Overall the base quality is pretty clean, but it feels more like a well-made HG kit than a true HGCE release.

That said, it's still significant as the first Dagger to get the HGCE treatment. If you're a fan of mass-production units and loved Gundam SEED, this is an affordable, good-quality kit that's easy to recommend. :-)

HGCE Dagger L | 2021.4 | ¥1,200

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.