REVIEW HG 1/144 DZ-001 Delta Zayin, Premium Bandai

Table of content

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 DZ-001 Delta Zayin from VR Movie Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom.

P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 DZ-001 Delta Zayin Review

The HGUC Delta Xi, originating from Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom, is a high-grade Universal Century (HGUC) model kit priced at ¥7,700. Despite being a Premium Bandai exclusive, the packaging is full-color, and the instruction manual includes detailed information about the mobile suit, making it comparable to standard retail releases.

Included Accessories

The kit comes with a variety of accessories, including:

Weapons & Equipment: Beam rifle, shield, and beam saber blades (x2)
Alternate Parts: Psycho-frame effect parts, open hands, weapon-holding right hand, gun-holding right hand
Transformation Parts: Delta Xi Essence beam rifle & shield, Essence head unit, weapon mount joints, transformation frame parts

Stickers & Markings

The kit includes foil stickers to cover sensor details, silver areas around the Psycho-frame, thrusters, and the black sections of the Essence shield. Additionally, marking stickers featuring the Argent Keel emblem are provided.

Excess Parts & Runners

Since parts from the HGUC Delta Plus and Zeta Gundam are reused, a significant number of leftover pieces remain. Additionally, some parts originally from the Delta Gundam are also unused.

Design & Background

The Delta Xi is a modified Delta Plus, supplied to the Argent Keel faction. While it primarily reuses the Delta Gundam’s mold, its head is redesigned to a Gundam-type configuration as per Argent Keel's specifications. The mobile suit features enhanced defensive equipment, incorporating an I-field barrier and Psycho-frame technology. Moreover, the kit includes parts to build the Delta Xi Essence, a variation based on the Delta Gundam.

Color & Finish

One of the standout features is its silver color, representing Argent Keel’s customization. The "Silver Gray Coating" gives it a semi-gloss silver-plated finish, offering a refined metallic look. Unlike highly reflective chrome finishes that attract fingerprints, this coating has a smoother texture, making it easier to handle.

Kit Structure & Articulation

Built upon the Delta Plus frame, the model uses PC-132ABC polycaps for joints, with some ABS parts. The color separation is well-executed, with most details molded in the correct colors, while small black areas (like sensor details and inner thruster ducts) are supplemented with stickers. Despite not having a glossy mirror finish, the plating still reflects light beautifully, giving it an eye-catching presence.

Head Unit

The head sculpt is entirely new, adopting a traditional Gundam aesthetic. Vulcan cannons require painting, but seam lines are hidden via panel molding. The Essence head unit is the same as the original Delta Gundam’s. Twin eyes are recreated with stickers, but the sculpted details are present underneath.

Torso & Backpack

The torso design follows the Delta Gundam but includes minor new parts for color separation. The backpack remains relatively simple, consistent with the original design.

Binders & Arms

The binders attach via ball joints, allowing rotation and swing motion. The arm design is inherited from the Delta Gundam, featuring solid gripping and open hands. Seam lines are present on the shoulder armor and forearms.

Legs & Feet

The legs feature exposed frame details, characteristic of the Delta series. The thruster interiors are black, supplemented with stickers.

A new ankle part eliminates the need for swapping pieces during transformation, a significant improvement over the Delta Gundam.

Articulation & Poseability

Shoulders have limited upward movement, but elbows bend sufficiently. Hips feature ball joints, offering good spread and balance. Knees articulate well, allowing dynamic posing. Stable contact with the ground ensures solid standing poses.

Weaponry & Equipment

Beam Rifle

Completely redesigned and based on HGUC Zeta Gundam’s rifle.
The barrel extends and retracts.
Some seam lines are present.

Shield

Incorporates a Psycho-frame with an I-field generator. Features multiple gimmicks, including a Funnel Mode transformation. Attaches directly to the forearm, securing better than the Delta Gundam’s shield but limiting mobility.

Beam Sabers

Clear pink fluorescent blades enhance visual appeal. Longer than the Delta Gundam’s sabers, improving proportions. Saber grips store inside the shield.

Transformation Mechanism

The transformation follows the Wave Rider Frame system, requiring parts separation and reassembly:

Disassemble the main body (simple process, mostly unplugging parts).
Attach the backpack and rear armor to the frame.
Mount the arms on the underside, covering them with transformation-specific armor.
Bend the knees into a crank shape and fold the feet.
Attach the leg units to the frame.
Add the side armor and binders, then extend the wings.
Remove parts from the shield, then mount it onto the transformed unit.

Unlike previous versions, fewer parts are left over, making storage and management easier.

Wave Rider Mode

The sharp, aerodynamic silhouette retains the Delta Plus aesthetic but with a bulkier shield, slightly increasing its overall size. The nose design stands out with its blade-like appearance, creating a unique look.

Parts remain securely in place due to the transformation frame system, making the mode sturdy and hassle-free. The new heel rotation mechanism eliminates the need for swapping parts, streamlining the process. Compared to the Delta Gundam’s Wave Rider, the larger shield enhances visual impact.

Summary

The HGUC Delta Xi is an enhanced version of the Delta Gundam, featuring new weapons, a redesigned Gundam-style head, and functional refinements like improved transformation mechanics.

Pros

Striking silver-gray coating—semi-gloss metallic with a luxurious feel
Secure transformation system—parts hold firmly, reducing loose sections
Improved foot mechanism—no need for part-swapping during transformation
Heavily armed shield—doubles as a Psycho-frame-equipped Funnel weapon

Cons

Some seam lines—notably on shoulders and rifle
Shield attachment limits movement
Premium Bandai exclusive—availability and pricing concerns

Despite its higher price tag, the quality finish, unique aesthetic, and functional improvements make this an excellent premium kit for collectors and fans of the Delta series. Whether displayed in MS mode or Wave Rider form, the HGUC Delta Xi is an eye-catching and well-engineered model.