REVIEW HG 1/144 RX-81LA G-Line Light Armor, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 RX-81LA G-Line Light Armor from Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: The Blue Destiny.

P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 RX-81LA G-Line Light Armor from Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: The Blue Destiny Review

The G-Line series previously introduced the Standard Armor kit, and now the Light Armor joins the lineup as a new addition. This kit is a Premium Bandai exclusive, priced at 3,630 yen. The packaging features a monochromatic design, and the manual is also black-and-white with no background information on the mobile suit.

Included Accessories

Heavy Rifle
Shield
Right rifle-holding hand
Left open hand
High-mobility backpack
Shield joint
2 beam saber blades
Full set of Light Armor parts

The kit comes with minimal stickers—just foil stickers for the camera and the V-fin on the crotch. Some runners are shared with the Standard Armor, resulting in a few leftover parts, although they can't be used to recreate the Standard Armor version.

Overview and Design

The G-Line originates from the game Mobile Suit Gundam: Battlefield Record U.C. 0081, not the M-MSV line. It features a refined, modernized appearance that complements the previously released Standard Armor. The base G-Line unit is nearly identical to the Standard version, with a GM-style head and slim, straight-legged design.

As with the Standard Armor, all joints use KPS plastic, offering smooth articulation. Color separation is impressive for an HG kit, with stickers used only for small details like the crotch V-fin and sensors. However, certain areas like the backpack thrusters, nozzle interiors, and vernier parts will require additional painting for accuracy.

Head and Body Details

The head is mostly shared with the Standard version, except for the right helmet side, which has a fixed joint structure for mounting the antenna. The visor uses a clear part with visible internal detailing.

The torso includes two backpack options: a standard version and a high-mobility version with added thrusters. Both use a 2-peg joint system for compatibility.

Legs and Articulation

Without the additional armor, the legs maintain a streamlined silhouette. Small thrusters are well-sculpted but require painting. The hips feature swingable joints, and the knees use an extendable mechanism to improve articulation. The lower body is highly posable thanks to the absence of skirt armor.

Weaponry and Shield

The Light Armor version replaces the standard rifle with a heavier model. It features a longer barrel and magazine-like details. Mold lines are recessed for a clean look, and yellow sensor details are also present. A left open hand allows for natural support poses.

The shield has a new joint compatible with the Light Armor, though the orientation and ball-joint base remain unchanged. It can also be swapped back to fit the Standard Armor.

Beam Sabers

Two clear pink beam saber blades are included (SB-13 type), commonly used in many HG kits.

Armor Attachment

The leg armor wraps around the knees and calves. The waist features side and rear armor, with saber units only attached in the Full Equipment mode. Shoulder and forearm armor is applied by removing certain frame sections and snapping parts into place.

To complete the Full Equipment version, the high-mobility backpack is enhanced with additional stabilizers. To revert to the normal Light Armor, simply attach the standard backpack. The head antenna and red sensor part are replaced with Light Armor-specific parts, finalizing the transformation.

G-Line Light Armor Variants

The red color scheme gives the suit a bold presence, especially with the signature antenna and head fins. By swapping to the upgraded backpack, you get the “G-Line Light Armor Full Equipment (Missile Launcher Type)” variant. This version includes shoulder-mounted missile launchers and large stabilizers for a more high-mobility appearance.

Color and Paint Recommendations

Most of the color separation is well done, but some small parts like the yellow square thrusters on the waist and knee verniers will need painting. The inner calf thrusters also require detailed paintwork for full accuracy.

Head and Body Comparisons

The antennaed head of the Light Armor is more intricate and includes several small parts, so caution is advised during assembly. The body loses some waist armor compared to the Standard Armor but gains additional verniers on the backpack and side skirts. The rear armor has an angular shape, and the stabilizers swing up and down with no visible seam lines.

Arms and Legs Details

Arm armor is simplified but includes additional thrusters. The elbows maintain their roll joints for dynamic posing. The legs retain the same base structure, but the Light Armor version omits foot armor for a lighter appearance. The thruster covers on the calves can open, and the soles are identical between versions.

Articulation with Armor Equipped

Articulation remains mostly unaffected by the armor. The waist and shoulders still move well, even with added armor. Calf armor slightly limits knee bending to around 100 degrees, but overall mobility is solid.

Comparison and Playability

When compared with the Standard Armor G-Line, the red and blue color schemes provide strong visual contrast. Articulation remains solid, though some joints (like the left shoulder or hip swing) may loosen over time. The kit allows for extensive armor swapping and customizing, with more variations expected in the future.

Size Comparison

Compared to the HGUC Efreet Nacht and a standard 18m-class HGUC Gundam, the G-Line stands taller at 19.2m, making it a fairly large mobile suit in the HGUC lineup.

Final Thoughts

The HGUC G-Line Light Armor is a robust, flexible kit built on the Standard Armor base. With its vivid red color scheme and additional thrusters and stabilizers, it embodies the high-mobility aesthetic. Excellent color separation, detailed part design, and three configuration modes (Standard, Light Armor, and Full Equipment) offer great value and playability. It’s a must-have for UC fans and builders who enjoy modular MS designs.