[RG] 00 Raiser Gundam

RG 00 Raiser and Its Universe

The RG 00 Raiser brings the high-speed elegance and dual-drive ingenuity of Mobile Suit Gundam 00 into Bandai’s Real Grade lineup in striking 1/144 scale. As the 18th kit in the RG series, this rendition of Setsuna F. Seiei’s signature mobile suit merges intricate mechanical detailing, versatile articulation, and a weapon-heavy loadout that captures the futuristic edge of Celestial Being.

At its core is the 00 Gundam, powered by the revolutionary Twin Drive System, and paired with the O Raiser support craft, which stabilizes and amplifies the mobile suit’s performance. When combined, they form the legendary 00 Raiser—a perfect fusion of speed, power, and precision. Built on an early-generation RG frame, the kit offers strong posing capabilities, with some limitations compared to newer releases—but still delivers a highly satisfying build-and-display experience.

Release Date and Price of the RG 00 Raiser

The RG 1/144 00 Raiser was officially released on April 19, 2014, as the 18th entry in the Real Grade line. It launched at a retail price of ¥3,000 JPY (Japanese Yen), offering excellent value for a kit that includes both the 00 Gundam and the O Raiser, along with a full array of GN weapons and accessories.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

Iconic Twin Drive Design with Clear GN Parts
The dual GN Drives feature translucent green parts and internal detail, replicating the glowing particle effect seen in the anime. They give the suit a sense of motion and energy, even in static poses.

Fully Equipped with a Versatile Weapon Loadout
The kit includes two GN Sword IIs, the GN Sword III with a clear green blade, GN Shield, and beam sabers—providing plenty of posing options whether you're into close-range combat or dramatic, wide-winged stances.

Seamless O Raiser Docking
The transformation and docking mechanism between the 00 Gundam and the O Raiser is smooth and satisfying, faithfully capturing the anime’s mechanics. You can display them separately or combine them for a bold and powerful 00 Raiser form.

Excellent Aesthetics and Color Separation
Sharp part separation and balanced color distribution across the runners allow the kit to look impressive even unpainted. The sleek proportions and vibrant color accuracy make it stand out on any shelf.

Cons

Stability Issues with GN Drives Attached
The large GN Drives can throw off the balance during dynamic poses, especially without a stand. Some airborne stances may require careful adjustment or additional support.

Delicate Wing Binders on the O Raiser
The wing sections on the O Raiser are somewhat fragile and may pop off if handled too roughly during transformation or posing. Careful assembly and display are advised.

Aging Inner Frame Engineering
As one of the earlier RG kits, the internal frame lacks the refinement of newer Real Grades. Articulation is still solid, but less fluid and flexible compared to more recent releases.

Fiddly Weapon Handling
Swapping hand parts and positioning larger weapons like the GN Sword III can be a bit finicky. Achieving perfect poses may require patience and slight adjustments.

Community Feedback

The RG 00 Raiser continues to be a fan favorite in the Real Grade lineup and is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious early entries in the series. Builders consistently praise its bold design, satisfying transformation, and faithful recreation of the anime’s mechanics and aesthetic.

While some note that the older frame engineering can be felt—particularly in the range of motion and overall stability—most agree that it more than makes up for it in style, accessories, and sheer shelf presence. It's often recommended as a "classic" RG experience for fans of Gundam 00 or twin-drive mobile suits.

Conclusion

The RG 00 Raiser is more than just a model kit—it’s a mechanical masterpiece that fuses futuristic style, combat versatility, and anime-accurate transformation into one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the Gunpla world. Despite a few signs of its age, the kit still shines thanks to its expansive weaponry, iconic design, and faithful execution.

Final rating for the RG 00 Raiser is a sharp and celestial 4.4/5.