REVIEW ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78F00/E Gundam Option Parts Set [ EX-001 Glass Feather Equipment ], Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78F00/E Gundam Option Parts Set [ EX-001 Glass Feather Equipment ] from Gundam Next Future.

EXPO2025 Entry Grade 1/144 RX-78F00/E Gundam Option Parts Set (EX-001 Glass Feather Equipment) Review

This review covers the EXPO2025 ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78F00/E Gundam Option Parts Set, specifically the EX-001 Glass Feather Equipment. Designed to complement the previously released EG RX-78F00/E Gundam, this add-on retails for ¥1,100.

The set includes armor and backpack components compatible with the separately sold EG RX-78F00/E Gundam. Two types of beam welding guns are also included, along with the EG-style Glass Feather unit. No extra or leftover parts are present.

The kit comes with foil stickers to represent solar panel sections. While simple, they enhance visual accuracy without requiring paint.

Armor Attachment and Build Quality

The armor is tailored for the EG version and has a simplified design compared to the HG set. Clear parts are omitted entirely and replaced by solid molded plastic. Despite this, fine details remain intact.

Verniers are molded as separate pieces, but the inner red sections aren't reproduced, so painting is recommended for accuracy. Solar panels are also better replicated via stickers or paint.

Armor and Backpack Breakdown

The backpack attaches via a 3mm peg and differs from the HG version by replacing the entire backpack unit. Some parts may require minor modification to enhance realism, such as cutting or replacing vernier shapes.

Shoulder, Waist, and Leg Armor

The shoulder armor overlays the original parts instead of replacing them. Detail is sharp and molded well, including verniers. Waist armor attaches by removing a yellow block and inserting the new armor into the joint. Legs use a sandwich-mount system for easy attachment.

Glass Feather Unit

The Glass Feather has been drastically simplified compared to the HG version. The solar power cells are molded as single parts, without separation gimmicks. The unit is thinner and sharper in appearance, though the back side shows many ejection pin marks.

Manipulator Arms and Thrusters

The manipulator arms lack expansion gimmicks and are fixed in shape. Hollow areas inside are clearly visible. However, all base joints can rotate and open in a "V" shape. The accumulator swings at its base with seam lines turned into recessed panel lines. Thruster units also rotate with well-sculpted internal details.

Combining with the Main Unit

Once combined, the Glass Feather setup connects via the 3mm hole on the backpack. Despite being thinner, the wings maintain their length, resulting in a highly dynamic and voluminous look. Without stickers, the wings appear plain white due to molded color.

Visual Impact and Stability

Fine details remain present and add visual density. The unit is surprisingly stable, supported by the accumulator unit, despite the rear-heavy setup.

Sticker Application

Stickers cover all solar panel sections. Although initially challenging due to surface unevenness, high sticker precision and mainly flat surfaces make application smoother. A cotton swab helps, but for better adhesion, toothpicks are recommended. Painting is also an option with straightforward masking lines.

Movement and Articulation

Shoulder armor limits upward arm movement slightly, and leg articulation is also mildly restricted. However, these limitations don't heavily impact overall poseability.

Comparison with HG Set Version

When stickers are applied, fine mold lines are somewhat obscured. The EG version lacks the mechanical gimmicks and clear parts of the HG set, but maintains decent overall proportions. The wings appear thinner, and hollow areas are more noticeable, especially when viewed from behind.

Poseability and Mounting

The wings can be folded thanks to their swing and rotation base. However, there is no dedicated stand hole for the Glass Feather, so aerial poses rely on the Gundam's hip joint. Over time, the joint may loosen, requiring reinforcement.

Beam Welding Gun Features

The beam welding guns are completely separate units for storage and deployment modes. Unlike the HG version, they are fixed in shape and feature noticeable hollow areas. Still, they can be held by the EG hands due to simple design and grip-end compatibility.

Additional Equipment

Rifles and shields from the main Gundam unit can also be equipped without issue. Articulation and grip strength remain solid, and the simplicity of the parts ensures reliable connection without disassembly.

Final Comparison

Side-by-side with EG Gundam and RX-78-F00, the Glass Feather-equipped unit shows massive volume and presence. Despite fewer gimmicks, the proportions and surface details ensure it holds its own visually.

No official paint guide is provided with the kit.

Summary

This concludes our EXPO2025 Entry Grade RX-78F00/E Gundam Option Parts Set (EX-001 Glass Feather Equipment) review. While the Glass Feather and EG RX-78F00/E Gundam are sold separately, their combined cost of ¥2,420 is significantly cheaper than the ¥3,960 HG set. However, this comes at the cost of omitted gimmicks, no clear parts, and simplified construction.

Even with these trade-offs, the kit retains excellent proportions and striking detail. If you're looking for a budget-friendly yet visually impactful kit, this EG option set is a solid choice—especially for display purposes or light customization.