MG XXXG-01SR Sandrock Gundam EW (Gao Gao)

Hi folks, how's the new year so far? Presenting now, the newest addition to Gao Gao line of Master Grade, MG 031 Sandrock Gundam ver. EW ;)

Manufacturer: Gao Gao
Scale: 1/100
Grade: MG
Origin: Gundam W
Price: RM75 (Contact me at duelmasterng@yahoo.com for latest pricing and availability)

Let's start ;)

Section 1: Runners

The detailing are very nicely done! I would say this is close to 99% of the original ;)

The plastic quality is the usual of Gao Gao quality which is proven quite good!

 

Section 2: Decals

This kit comes with a dry-sticker decals, dry-transfer decals and foil sticker. 

The quality of dry-transfer and dry-stickers are excellent and closely rival the original from Bandai. The foil stickers are actually pretty decent too ;)

Section 3: 1st Batch Premium - Diffusing Cloak

This is the same design of Diffusing Cloak included in the HG 1/100 Gundam Sandrock Kai in the 1996 Gundam W series... Even the instruction leaflet is taken from the old manual where the numbering is meaningless here :P

Despite the old design, I still feel the sincerity of Gao Gao and welcome this as the 1st batch premium. 

Some might wonder if Gao Gao did any changes to the Sandrock or the Cloak mechanism for them to fit, and I can tell you the answer is NO. Bandai actually incorporated the interoperability of the old cloak with the new kit but just did give us the cloak as an extra :P

Section 4: Skeleton Build

My usual skeleton build ;) 

The Legs

Detailing are fantastic! Articulations are great too ;) This is replicated perfectly from the original.

Waist Unit

Same as other kit in the new Wing EW series, the waist unit is pretty complicated build.

The Chest Unit

The pull-out mechanism would allow the shoulder joints to be pulled out for more dynamic posing.

The abdomen can also be tilted to all direction at some minor degree for posing due to a use of ball-joints ;)

The Arms

Straight-forward, but excellent articulations for the arms!

The Head

Excellent parts separation (credit to Bandai) and detailing. I actually used the foil stickers this round for the eyes ;)

Inner Frame Done ;)

Section 5: The Diffusing Cloak

I decided to do the Diffusing Cloak next :P

Protecting the Holes :P

Caution: This is the piece to mount the cloak to the shoulder piece... do not press on the small stuck-out piece when fixing the cloak or you might risk breaking it!

Naked Sandrock with Cloak :P

Section 6: The Legs

Pretty solid build with good articulations :) Parts separations are nicely done and articulations are fantastic.

Section 7: The Waist Unit

The most complicated section of this entire Sandrock Gundam :P All 6 skirt units can be moved individually which minimise obstruction during posing ;)

Section 8: The Abdomen Unit

This small section added a little articulation at the abdomen area ;)

Section 9: The Chest Unit

Nicely done chest unit.

Section 10: The Arms and Shoulder Unit

The arm and shoulder is actually connected as 1 piece but it does not affect pose-ability ;) The large shoulder is actually the trademark of Sandrock apart from its head :P

Take a look at the tip of the shoulder from top... there is a compartment that can be opened for unknown purpose if you have the Bandai version, but in this version, you would know that this is where the Diffusing Cloak is mounted ;)

Section 11: The Backpack

Pretty straight-forward backpack where the Heat Shotels could be mounted.

Section 12: Weaponry

Assault Shield

A shield that could turn into an assault claw. The Heat Shotels can also be mounted onto this shield making it a even deadlier weapon!

Heat Shotel

Sandrock's trademark weapon, the big-ass Heat Shotel. Same as Bandai, Gao Gao also provided the transparent parts to resemble the heated up Shotel ;)

These Beam Shotels could be mounted at the backpack when not in used, mounted on the shield, or mount with each other to form a double Shotel.

Beam Machine Gun

Some backup fire power for ranged combat ;)

 

Section 13: Sandrock, Ready to Engage

Completed Sandrock pending decal ;)

Section 14: More Posing

Quick Review

Plastic Quality and Detailing

Detailing for this kit is very nice done and my evaluation is as close as 99% to the original ;). As for the plastic, the quality is the usual of Gao Gao which has been proven quite good :)


Articulations

Articulations are excellent, credit to Bandai.

• Head/Neck: Excellent! The neck mechanism allows it to Sandrock to look up without much issue ;)
• Shoulder: Pretty Good, consider it is mounted as 1 piece with the arm.
• Arm/Elbow: Good.
• Wrist: Good.
• Hand: Good. This kit comes with fixed hand so some might not like it :P
• Waist: Good. No hindrance ;)
• Skirt Armour: Very good. All 6 skirt armors could move individually.
• Hip/Tight: Excellent.
• Knee: Excellent.
• Ankle: Good.
• Feet: Good.

Looks and Feels

The detailing is very good and come close to 99% of the original! The plastic quality is the usual of Gao Gao so no issue at all :)

The decals are superb and make this rather plain kit look even nicer.

The snap-fit is very nicely done as I do not have any issue at all snap-fitting the whole kit. The articulations and pose-ability is pretty awesome too.

The premium Diffusing Cloak is a very hearty addition but you might not want to cover up this awesome kit with the cloak after so much work has been done :P 

Overall, this kit is VERY nice and a very viable replacement of the original! As usual, for those of you who can afford, do buy and support original ;)

Fin ;)