Zaku II: RG vs MG
If you want the Zaku II and cannot decide between the Real Grade (RG) and the Master Grade (MG) version, here they are side by side on the things that actually change your decision: size, detail, how hard the build is, price, and who each one is really for.
MS-06F Zaku II
The grunt suit of the One Year War gets a tiny, articulate showcase of what RG engineering can actually do.
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MS-06S Zaku II (Char Aznable Custom) Ver.2.0
The Red Comet's ride gets a proper inner frame and it earns every bit of the upgrade.
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What changes between RG and MG
The real question here is detail-per-inch versus size and build room. Real Grade delivers astonishing detail at 1/144, with a pre-built inner frame and decals, but the parts are small and the finished kit is compact. Master Grade steps up to 1/100, where the larger inner frame and parts are easier to handle, articulation is usually stronger, and there is real estate to paint and weather. RG is the pick if shelf space is tight or you love dense detail in a small kit. MG is the pick if you want size, a more relaxed build, and room to make it your own.
Get the RG if
you want the most detail you can get in a small 1/144 footprint, you are past your first few kits, and fiddly, rewarding assembly with a decal sheet sounds like the fun part.
Get the MG if
you want size, a full inner frame, and the room to panel line, paint, and pose the suit properly. It is the enthusiast sweet spot and the grade most builders grow into.
We have built and graded both: the RG scored 8.3 and the MG scored 8.2 out of 10. Read the full reviews above for the detail behind the numbers.