MG Astray Blue Frame 2nd Revise (Daban)

Finally, Daban 6605 MG Astray Blue Frame has reached me couple of days ago and here's my review for this long awaited kit :)

Manufacturer: Daban

Scale: 1/100
Grade: MG
Origin: SEED VS Astray
Price: About RM85 (email me at DuelMasterNG@yahoo.com for latest price and availability)

Section 1: Runners

This replication is pretty nicely done and I can only observe minor loss of details on the shoulder armor and outer leg armor. Nevertheless, the losses is not significant and this kit is still at 98% comparing to the original :)

The plastic quality is the usual of Daban, and I observed that the finishing is getting better.

Section 2: Decals & Accessories

This kit comes with a dry-sticker decals, dry-transfer decals and foil stickers. The quality is excellent and closely rival the original from Bandai.

Screw and nuts are used for the Action Base 2 for the Tactical Arms.

Section 3: 1st Batch Premium

Premium gift for the 1st batch of this kit, the backpack adapter ;)

Section 4: Weaponry

Tactical Arms II

Section 5: Skeleton Build

My usual skeleton build ;) 

The Legs

Detailing and articulations are fantastic! This is replicated perfectly from the original.

The Waist Unit

Pretty straight-forward waist unit ;)

The Chest

The pull-out mechanism would allow the shoulder joints to be pulled out for more dynamic posing. The neck employed a dual-joints head could tilt all direction pretty well ;)

There is also joint at the torso making it possible to tilt slightly to the 4 directions.

The Arms

Excellent articulations for the arms ;)

The Head

Excellent parts separation and very good snap-fitting for the head ;)

Completed Skeleton

Very solid Blue inner frame! I did some thrusters coloring using red metallic marker ;)

Section 6: The Legs

Very solid build with very good articulations :) The armor does not hinders the movement. Parts separations are well done with no snap-fit issue ;)

Section 7: The Waist Unit

As ABF is wearing "bikini" similar to ARF, there will be no hindrance of hip movement here ;)

Section 8: The Chest Unit

Excellent parts separation and fantastic articulation ;)

Section 9: The Shoulders

Pretty complicated shoulder armors. It does hinders the articulation by a bit but not much of an issue ;)

Section 10: The Arms

Nicely done and highly articulated :)

Section 11: Astray Blue Frame

Base mecha of Astray Blue Frame :)

Section 12: Posing with Armor Schneider

ABF posing with Armor Schneider assault knifes next to the Tactical Arms II ;)

 

Section 13: Posing with Tactical Arms II in Flight Mode

Quick Review

Plastic Quality and Detailing

Detailing for this kit is very nice done and my evaluation is as close as 98% to the original ;). As for the plastic, the quality is the usual of Daban getting better


Articulations

Articulations are very good!

• Head/Neck: Excellent!
• Shoulder: Excellent!
• Arm/Elbow: Excellent!
• Wrist: Excellent.
• Hand: Good.
• Waist: Good.
• Skirt Armour: None.
• Hip/Tight: Good.
• Knee: Excellent.
• Ankle: Good.
• Feet: Good.

Looks and Feels

The detailing is very good and come close to 98% of the original! The plastic quality is the improving Daban quality so no issue at all :)

The snap-fit is very nicely done as I do not have any issue at all snap-fitting the whole kit. The joints are also tight enough to hold the position even with some challenging poses ;)

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

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

Fin ;)