MG MSA-0011(Ext) EX-S Gundam (Daban) - Part 1

Hi folks, I know you guys are looking forward to my review for this baby but due to the complexity and sudden surge of my workload, my MG EX-S is still pending completion. However, let me just cover the main mecha I have completed thus far ;)

Frankly, DABAN does surprised me when they announce the production of this kit :) To take he surprise to the next level, DABAN actually included a set of orange colored armor in the 1st batch of production!

Manufacturer: Daban

Scale: 1/100
Grade: MG
Origin: Gundam Sentinel
Price: About RM160 special price (Normal price RM180. Email me at DuelMasterNG@yahoo.com for latest price and availability)

Without further ado, let's start ;) Since this kit does not come with full inner frame, I would not go into the usual Skeleton Build :P

Section 1: Runners

This replication is very nicely done with most detailing intact! I would say this is close to 98% of the original ;)

The plastic quality is the usual of Daban, Just a little issue I want to point out is that some of the parts finishing are in semi-gloss and some are in gloss/shiny... might take a bit of effort in sanding for those of you planning to paint this kit :P

Section 2: Decals & Accessories

This kit comes with a dry-sticker decals, dry-transfer decals and foil stickers. The quality of dry-transfer and dry-stickers are excellent and closely rival the original from Bandai. As for the foil stickers, I normally ignore them and use Gundam marker instead :)

I forgot to take the picture but there are a lot of screws for this kit :P

Section 3: Stand

This kit comes with a specific stand of its own ;)

Section 4: FXA-08GB G-Core - Core Fighter

The core block of the EX-S Gundam. You would have an option to assemble the 1-pilot or 3-pilots version of G-Core with optional parts.

3-Pilots Variation

This will form the core block of the EX-S Gundam.

Core Block

Section 5: Waist Unit

Very straight-forward build as there's no front and side skirts  :P

Section 6: Combining Core Block with Waist Unit

Section 7: Attaching Front Waist Armor and Back Skirt (Wing)

See that now you would have to assemble EX-S on its stand according to the instruction manual (not necessary if you already a pro).

Section 8: Legs

The legs comes with full inner-frame :) Articulations are actually pretty good in skeleton but the knee basically cannot bend after applying the exterior armor :P

Section 9: Tight Beam Cannon

Beam cannons mounted on EX-S tights.

Section 10: Shoulder Unit

This looks simple but it actually have 4 layers each side :P Very nice part separation I must say ;)

Section 11: Stabilizing Wings

Stabilizing wings that are mounted on the shoulder unit.

Section 12: Arms

Nicely articulated arms but a little small for a big MS :P

Section 13: Head Unit

Very good part separation :) It might be a little loose on the forehead due to the transformation mechanism to retract the v-fin.

Section 14: The Main Mecha

Pending the thrusters, fuel tanks, and the Mega Beam Launcher but do enjoy what I have completed so far ;)

Section 15: Size Comparison

Standing side-by-side with my MG RX-78-2 OYW :P

Quick Review

Plastic Quality and Detailing

Detailing for this kit is very nicely done and my take is as close as 98% to the original ;). As for the plastic, the quality is the usual of Daban getting better. Just a note that some parts are in glossy finish that are not consistence with the rest...


Articulations

This is an exact replica of Bandai so it inherits the flaws too :P Articulations are HORRIBLE!

• Head/Neck: Normal
• Shoulder: Good
• Arm/Elbow: Good
• Wrist: Normal
• Hand: Normal
• Waist: None! Not moveable!
• Skirt Armour: None.
• Hip/Tight: Good.
• Knee: Bad! Can only bend by a little bit :P
• Ankle: Normal.
• Feet: Good.

Looks and Feels

I am pleasantly surprised by Daban decision to copy this kit! Although this inherits all the flaw of the original, I actually don't mind the articulation issue :P The detailing is very good and come close to 98% of the original! Furthermore, the additional orange-colored armor, I am delighted and would look beyond the inconsistent finishing of some parts.

The snap-fit is very nicely done as I do not have any issue at all snap-fitting the kit so far. The joints are also tight enough to hold the position since screws are used :)

Overall, this kit is VERY nice and a very viable replacement of the original, especially those who wanted to do a different color scheme :)

On a side note, the interlocking of the upper body and lower body does not really "lock" so you need to be extra caution moving this kit around... do hold both upper and lower body (with the stand of course) while in transit.

As usual, for those of you who can afford, do buy and support original ;)

Stay tuned for part 2.


To be continued...