I love the RG Zeta Gundam and you should too - BUILD & REVIEW & TRANSFORM

[@citrusjuicebox]

My original take from 2013: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJTUhWZtnMuIr6s

[@AstreaGT]

My dog got to my RG Zeta 3 and killed its frame before I could finish it. Bought the retail version to sacrifice those parts and ended up fixing and gluing the rest into a permanent waverider and it worked fine. I love this kit but something about it makes it look so fragile and frail amongst my collection of other RGs. I still prefer the newer ver ka. That thing is a marvel of engineering.

[@MaidenlessScrub]

Possibly because of the hollow torso and wacky hips.

[@brenlisondra3806]

i built some RGs in the past, including the ones that preceded and succeeded this. RG Zeta is the only one that, right after building it, I wanted to sell right away. while it looks nice, the kit was made flimsy due to the inner frame and transformation gimmick. if only this was made at a later point in the RG line's history, perhaps bandai could've made this more structurally stable. definitely something that would need a 2.0

[@douggoins2960]

The hg revive zeta is a far better kit, imo. Sure, it's a parts-former, but by doing that, it isn't flimsy. I prefer my transforming 1/144 scale kits to be parts-formers. It just makes them more sturdy

[@laxiden1595]

I always recommended this to beginner as their first kit😊

[@akhdannaufaldy1693]

Bruh you are evil 😅

[@citrusjuicebox]

Chaotic evil vibes

[@jericm151]

I just finished mine. I was in Portugal last month and I came across an anime themed shop that carried the RG Zeta Gundam and your shorts reminded me of it. So, despite my very bad experience with the kit when I built it almost a decade ago, I decided to run it back with this thing with the knowledge that i"ve gained from this hobby. It's not as bad as I remembered. I was just a noob when I built it back then.

[@oof5992]

Was the Shop in Lisbon? Portugal has a lack of gundam shops, so I'm curious where you found it.

[@eternalmaggot7246]

I finally reached the debut of the Zeta in Zeta Gundam, and just like so many other MS's from that show I adored the design. Looked it up on Amazon and was surprised how cheap the RG was even compared to its HG counterpart. Then I heard its reputation. I still want this kit. Glad to see a recent review on it, esp. one showing every aspect that may be problematic in detail.

[@Peweskimooxy]

This and the GP01fb both share a similar reputation. Both can be flimsy or hard to pose, but they are fully featured versions of both mobile suits in 1/144. As models (from 10+ years ago) they're really impressive! And as another person who built the RG Zeta at release, It would be fun to build it again like you did and see how much my modeling has changed. Thanks for another video!

[@citrusjuicebox]

Thank you! Ah, the fb specifically because of the big boosters, right?

[@bookbookbook1]

yes this makes me so mad as people don't understand the technological feat that is a fully transformable model kit at 144th scale. THEY ARENT TOYS, THEY ARE MODEL KITS! I just happen to love the rg zeta design and didn't like the ver ka proportions to I had to get this kit and i love it so much

[@DragoonMS]

Wait, the RG GP01Fb was problematic, too!? Strange...I've heard nobody talk about it. Only ones I've ever heard any issues about are the Zeta and the Zeong.😮😮😮

[@Peweskimooxy]

@@citrusjuicebox The GP01fb only had a couple pegs holding the entire top of the gundam to the core block and it's not the most secure model as a result. If you're careful then it's no problem but if you're expecting an action figure then it's no good.

[@Peweskimooxy]

@@DragoonMS That's funny, because I haven't heard anything bad about the Zeong.

[@mfcrafta9606]

Finally Citrus is back..🤩

[@chinzynator]

I have built this back when it is released, and till today I think this is the best Zeta proportions out there. Also, I do think that this kit is one that deserves a lot more respect than it gathered, even back then

[@nguyenx86]

Totally agreed! Even the new MG ver Ka is not as good looking as this kit. Not just the proportion, but the face, the Vfin on the RG is also the best out of all grades. I bought this kit, just for its look 😁. I also ordered the metal parts (3rd party Chinese parts) to replace the fragile pieces in the innerframe as well, hope it will somehow mitigate the "hand granade" aspect of this kit!

[@ufirex]

This is the best transformation guide I've seen. I broke my first RG Zeta kit following the printed instructions. This was a great review too, thank you.

[@citrusjuicebox]

Happy to help!

[@Shinnasuka73]

Another citrus W

[@4XLEX053]

Glad to see you back building and reviewing. Keep up the great work

[@boizalini9456]

This convinced me to start on the Zeta Ver. Ka, which is mostly in part due to the fact I'm loving this guy's design the more I look at it. If I remember correctly, I'm pretty sure I bought it off of you, lol

[@citrusjuicebox]

You may have! Hope you enjoy it!

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Honestly I love the RG Zeta. It's the best looking Zeta by far, even better than the Ver Ka. Building the chest section was a nightmare and I don't ever transform the kit but I still love it lol for transformable mobile suits, Bandai should really just make a solid Mobile Suit mode version and then a separate solid wave rider version kit.

[@citrusjuicebox]

I suppose that's what the HG was, but it just doesn't look as good in either mode

[@billythenarwhal1579]

Tbh with Bandai's current tech and plastic quality they could definitely make a transforming 2.0 of this that isn't so flimsy, n tbh only the legs are really that bad, which could be combatted by putting lock systems into them.

[@Shirow-Kun]

I've had this kit in my backlog for over 4 years, the bad reviews has put me off building it so far. Finally took it out and gave it a try couple of months ago, and I am glad I did, absolutely love the build, looks good in both mode, for me this is the ultimate zeta kit in 144. scale.

[@billythenarwhal1579]

@Shirow-Kun it is in no means a kit without issue, but the rumors of how bad it is a grossly overstated.

[@issapontime]

May I ask what did you use for the panel lining? It looked so tidy & clean

[@citrusjuicebox]

All the lining pens I used are at 18:12

[@issapontime]

@@citrusjuicebox Thx for the info man. I hope you'll continue making videos about these infamous kits because I feel a lot of people are talking crap about them while even most of them never actually built the kit

[@citrusjuicebox]

@@issapontime Too true. I appreciate your support!

[@lllXanderlll]

Never realized how nice the details were on the RG's beam rifle, it's really quite pretty. I unfortunately got one of those revive HG Zetas and I absolutely hated it, building wasn't too bad but as soon as I got the legs on they immediately started sagging and it was having trouble even standing. I tried to tighten its joints but nothing really helped it and I'm a bit ashamed to admit but it's the only Gunpla I've outright tossed into the trash

[@citrusjuicebox]

I feel you. Mine was okay right out of the box, but I was so disappointed by the limited ankle movement.

[@PaoloAlexisFalcone]

The Hyper Mega Launcher from System Weapons 008 attaches perfectly to the shield of the RG Zeta Gundam in waverider mode. Unfortunately in MS mode said weapon cannot be held without a support of sorts.

[@citrusjuicebox]

You're right!! I totally forgot about that set. If I can a copy, I'll make an update video.

[@setiadisatria1038]

This kit was my very first RG kit that I've built, and it's not as bad, sure you need to be very careful when you want to pose it, but yea. Looks really cool & the transformation gimmick was mindblowing, especially at that time

[@Metalslimeusa]

Zeta 3 is so cool

[@Scaryoldman]

This was my first kit I ever built back in 2012. I still love this thing. I think I’m gonna go out and buy another one to build again!

[@TypeVertigo]

Great ASMR build. Really shows how much of a different beast the RG Zeta is from any of the MGs in terms of construction. Showing how the legs contract for Wave Rider mode, it's really quite beautiful and a much better design over the MG Ver.2.0's overreliance on sliding parts that really shouldn't be bearing that model's greater weight. Bandai improved things on the MG Ver.Ka, and that is rock-solid - but I think that drew lessons from the RG as well.

[@Nonameplz_]

I picked up one of these for $14 at hobby Lobby recently, I plan to be careful with mine, but I'm still really excited for the build

[@darktitan3025]

Honestly I wish they made this into a 1/100 design without the inner frame, I really love the detail and panel lines.I dont think it's a bad kit, maybe a frustrating or delicate one, but too many people treat these like action figures.

[@corbindallas2691]

After a decade-long break from Gunpla, this was the first I built and it was challenging. I think its the best and wished 2.0 MG was more like it in detail.

[@Tak_Fuj15]

Nice review that I've been waiting since your reveal in your log shorts. Honestly, RG Zeta is underrated, considering RG's the first version of transforming Zeta in 1/144 (before MG ver.ka showed up and replaced his popularity coz of his solidness), i'm really surprised he didn't explode or got broken on you, and sad to see that your HG is flimsy... Waiting for new reviews from your backlog!!

[@darkgladiator27]

I’m planning on getting this and never transform it. Hope it doesn’t loosen up over time if I leave it in a pose

[@NeoSlashott]

Heating up stickers on plastic is much different decaling a picture on a mug made of ceramic. Not sure if layeing sticker with clear coat to even-up the surface works since the old catalogue of kits using similar stickers of other kits.

[@citrusjuicebox]

My idea was to warm up the sticker to help it stretch to the surface and reduce tension in the areas prone to lifting. Paint alone isn't strong enough, because the material wants to return to its original shape.

[@NeoSlashott]

@@citrusjuicebox ah understandable so the sticker wont peel off easily. If only you patch some heat resistant tape or something on the wing binders so the heat wont melt the plastic. Did you use the heat-gun for those stickers?

[@citrusjuicebox]

Just a hair dryer

[@Smitty_Werbenjagermanjensen111]

My RG zetas leg came off from the hip and I can’t reattach it but it looks cool as a battle damaged gundam 😍.

[@George-047]

Thinking on getting a second one just to display it in waverider form along my old one.

[@Gaming_Groove]

I love mine. It's been surprisingly stable. I've transformed it only twice, had it in a couple of different poses, and it's been through a house move, but otherwise it's mostly just been living on an action base with no issues for the last few years. It was my second RG and I enjoyed building it. I used waterslides for most of the markings and only used the stickers for the metallic parts. I agree, I think people just expect more playability than is reasonable for a kit at this scale with such a high parts count. It's great when treated as a model and not an action figure.

[@deathberry33]

There's a high probability of it getting a 2.0. I'll wait for that instead.

[@ryon5174]

I really love mine, and when I first got it, I only really bought it out of spite because people kept calling it crap Actually that’s really how most of my early RG collection went - purchased to spite the people who say it’s shit The Zeta is intricate and interesting to build considering the gimmick, but I never felt any issues with it that people would say The only time I had trouble with an RG was with 09 (Justice) and that’s only because of its heavy backpack

[@fantastiCkiLler92]

This is my 9th RG. Bought it when it first came out. Yup, I skip the Skygrasper. I still remember Syd from Gunpla TV broke the arm joint in the video so I build mine with extra care. Nothing broke and it looks great! And now I have 4 copies, despite its flaws it is still one of my favorite RG. Very interesting build and doesn't feel like a smaller MG. The newer RG is REALLY boring tbh.

[@citrusjuicebox]

Ah, someone finally said it! The original distinctive RG feeling is really gone from a lot of more recent releases now.

[@00fmjr]

I miss the old RG boxes with the gloss black. Same with the old MGs with the art board.

[@citrusjuicebox]

I miss those too. I wonder if I have any? 🤔

[@GeremyG]

I really love the pink Zeta 3

[@ashergibby1874]

I love this kit, I feel like it gets too much hate, I understand it has flaws, but I've never had an issue with it, and to be honest I've got two rg zetas because I love it that much

[@V1lphy]

Ive wanted to get this kit but never really bought one... but after watching you review it I have to say, maybe ill get one cus ive always wanted a 1/144 scale transformable ms that doesnt require any "parts-formation". I was really cautious cus of how many people said it was a bad RG.

[@StupidTyskey]

I love this things design but for some reason I could never figure the chest section out. Just would not plug into place.

[@citrusjuicebox]

Aside from the cockpit seat, there are two prongs on the chest that slot into the arm joints, shown on step 6-12. Did you try that?

[@_GeneralMechanics_]

I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed my experience building it, and the finished results than I did the Zeta Version Ka. Don't get me wrong. The MG is a piece of screen accurate artwork come to life, but the Real Grade's level of detailing surpasses it and I was able to take more creative liberties with how I painted almost every detail.

[@d3bugged]

This is a kit I've wanted since I watched Zeta in 2018. Never had trouble with the RG kits I bought so there's nothing intimidating, just can't decide how I want to customize it.

[@highschoolgunpladude]

I decided to transform it and look at an online tutorial. It claimed to be 'fast', but took 30 minutes. Other Zetas just looked like broken glass or wanting to throw up.

[@wewyllenium]

I like this kit as well. Nice share.

[@jacktueton7445]

NEW CITRUS VIDEO

[@douggoins2960]

Gotta give bandai props for at least making it a fully transforming model kit.

[@tannersula1626]

Besides the reputation, the rg zeta was so fun to build and looks great after completion

[@markkirk7305]

I got the gft version Simple gloss, decals panel wash and flat it looks awesome

[@Nite1114]

It was actually this kit's negative reputation that made me get it because it was one of those things I felt like I needed to experience it myself and otherwise had to interest in it. I gave in when I found the Z3 version on eBay for the same price as the retail version and ended up really enjoying the build. The torso did test my patience a bit but overall I thought it was a good experience. Love the looks outside of the neck that looks like its sunken into the torso a bit.

[@exogu2208]

Ive always wanted to get the RG Zeta for how it looks but the hand granade reputation scared me off. Now with the release of the RG RX-78-2 ver2.0 I really hope some old RGs to get a second wind, mainly the RG Zeta Gundam. Btw, excelent vid 😎

[@robowarrior369]

It's one of my favorites too. Wish some 3rd party would make a metal frame or something more resistant (and without the rg joints) that doesn't break down over time

[@DONNY_G1028]

Finally, a review without extreme bias on it being bad.

[@_GeneralMechanics_]

@@DONNY_G1028 I built it and liked it in spite of the hate it gets.

[@Lefloup78]

Okay now try the ver. Ka here is your perfect zeta

[@DawnRagnvindr]

Will you ever try to review the rg sinanju next? I'm planning to buy but I would like know your opinion on it since most reviews on KZbin that I see are all about talking smack to the kit

[@citrusjuicebox]

I have one, but I also a few other projects lined up already. I will try to do it soon.

[@classicalthrasher]

I like the HGUC "GEP" a lot, but lost a crucial piece on the head, the red forehead section as I was moving it to another area. It was my first Gunpla, which impressed me so much so as to compel me to go almost "all in" at the hobby (save I do not use real paints-only markers-and I wouldn't deem myself a "modeler", much less a competition kit builder in the least.) I have always been intrigued by this supposedly "bad" kit, especially because I do not trust the well-known reviewer who gave this RG kit a bad rep. The hand grenade moniker is silly (IMHO.) Most of my kits are HGs, but I do have a few RGs, and the price seems right (the modern RGs have become pricey, even if they are "better.") Also, this RG Zeta doesn't seem to have the "problem" (to me) that the Hi Nu Gundam has of being much bigger than it's supposed to be in-universe. I like the HG Hi Nu proportions better, and it looks great! But each to their own. I am expecting the HG Amuro Unit 3, as well as the UC0088 HG Zeta as part of the Gryphios war set, but may get this lovely-looking RG soon, seeing as it's easily available locally in NYC. Grateful for your time spent making this video, especially for having your own take on this kit, rather than following mass opinion as it's usually the norm. I am not a blind fan of RG kits, but will make exceptions for a few models here and there, and the (HG) Zeta was my first. The transformation part is what would make me a bit wary!

[@gazzamaryadi1576]

beautiful RG Zeta, just take care of it though knowing it's first RGs release very fragile

[@patventura1433]

I'd love to hear what you think about the RG GP01

[@citrusjuicebox]

Me too, since it's another (slightly less) infamous kit. I have one in the pile to get to eventually!

[@rahmadahusada3944]

You need to buy Two for Gundam mode and Wave Rider mode for Early RG 😉

[@drinksonme]

so waiting for a v2.0 of this. the OG's RG v1.0 was a little filmsy, but nothing to be ashamed of, and the v2.0 is the most rock solid RG I've built. the RG Z was the 2nd one I built. the MkII RG was impressive so I progressed to the Z and wow that is a handgrenade. a pretty looking handgrenade, but a fragmentation device nonetheless

[@chemccord]

The RG zeta and Zakus are kids that shouldn’t be treated as toys. And require some extra work. But I love it.

[@wppy]

I heard this kit is the worst rg of all time, in fact people say its one of the worst kits of all time. Though should I buy it or not? im a bit curious

[@d3bugged]

I feel like if you treat it as a delicate model and take the necessary steps and precautions you should have a terrible experience. I noticed many people have issues with it because they almost want an action figure.

[@wppy]

@ okay now that I think about it, that’s probably why their rg zetas has got a lot of issues

[@infernas]

My first time watching someone do the transformation and I was cringing the whole time, it looks like a part could break anytime you moved something. 😖 Really scary stuff. I want one, but I probably would just build it and display it, and not bother about the Wave Rider mode. Edit: Or maybe I'll do what others have said, buy two to display in both modes. ❤

[@deptless]

building it isnt that fun but i really do love the design thats why i have 2

[@HybrydATP64]

13:57 yikes that part already formed a stress mark from assembly

[@citrusjuicebox]

Can't be helped, but it isn't really a problem spot either

[@Ricardo.rsrz86]

I built it, hated it. Looked good but like most RGs during that time, it was a nightmare to handle or pose.

[@edmundcheung944]

By far the worst RG experience about a decade ago, but watching your presentation makes me wanting to take a second try 👍🏻

[@RevanR]

I think this will get 2.0 after RX-78-2

[@citrusjuicebox]

I really hope not. That RG release slot really deserves to go to an MS that hasn't had one yet.

[@Gaming_Groove]

@@citrusjuicebox Agreed, I was actually disappointed that they did a 2.0 of the RX-78 and at the time was hoping for the Shining Gundam since we had recently got the God Gundam. At least Shining is the next one, but yeah, it's a little frustrating to see revisits in such a limited line. Can think of several others I'd want to see before a Zeta RG 2.0 as well, like the GP03, GP02, Ground, EZ8, F91, etc.

[@citrusjuicebox]

@@Gaming_Groove I'd personally love to see a GM, Zaku I, or Nobell, but I doubt any of them are on Bandai's shortlist

[@Gaming_Groove]

@@citrusjuicebox Sadly I expect we won't see grunts much anymore, so of those I think only Nobell might have a chance, but yeah any those would be great as well.

[@ShogunResu]

Sorry just not taking my chances I'm happy with the MG

[@johndaltrocanto]

Hi my man, I really enjoy your videos (even when I don't care about the kit ^^^), I hope everything is going better, keep it up at your pace, thanks to your reviews I discovered the awesome effects wings add-on's.

[@citrusjuicebox]

Thank you!

[@MTG9745]

the slow building combined with the sparkly nails makes this quite perplexing to watch, very good attention grabber. Props to you citrus!

[@krioni86sa]

I love your fingernails

[@maxtergundam]

why does all of your videos has so many ads?

[@citrusjuicebox]

Blame KZbin. Feel free to use an ad blocker, if you like.

[@SergiOrtiz]

Why do people hate this one so more?

[@khorneflake5943]

Some of these stickers look bad. Metalic ones could be easier replaced with metalic gundam markers, to fill those deep details, rather than to try covering them with stickers...

[@EbullientSMP]

Here's something you won't hear much, but my favorite 1/144 Zeta is none of these, but the original 041 HGUC from back in the day. It's absolutely dated in some aspects such as the toothpick beam saber and color separation, but it's also surprisingly superior in aspects. It feels nice to pose even compared to the Revive and it's also got by far the most anime accurate sculpt of any 1/144 Zeta, so if you're after anime accuracy like I am, it's genuinely a super underrated kit!

[@citrusjuicebox]

I never considered it seriously before, but, man, I wouldn't even know where to find one now!

[@KisekiFan]

What i find about transforming kit is that you never know when you might snap a joint off trying to transform the thing, especially 1/144 kits.

[@potato1499]

It's 100% my favorite Zeta, detail-wise its just the best looking in my opinion even when compared to the MGs. Also the most parts for the money spent. The reason it's so unpopular is because the large majority of the gunpla community in the west consists of toy collectors rather than modelers. There's nothing wrong with that imo but I always find it sad when so many people are overly negative about it because it's not as good of a toy and disregard all the great things about it. Even having it on my shelf for over half a decade it's still holding its pose up and not "becoming lose over time" as basically an out of the box build with topcoat. Funnily enough the HG version instantly got loose "over time" after building it due to its polycap design. The RG is basically a brick.

[@Leonkennedy5925]

This gundam is my worst nightmare it's hard Tu build. even I know how Tu build it

[@pheonix_soldier]

Actively building this now, I HATE this thing

[@vm_duc]

hell naw citrus ur ass tweakin

[@James-ti3vl]

why do model builders like to paint their nails it seems? :/

[@citrusjuicebox]

Do you have a problem with it?

[@James-ti3vl]

@@citrusjuicebox just wondering if maybe there's a practical reason related to building models

[@citrusjuicebox]

@@James-ti3vl I wear gel nails, which offer some protection against chips, splitting, and paint/ink stains

[@ShinDragon]

i disagree primary because some of the parts were broken on the runners and my chest looks funny. Ik some annoying mf will say skill issue. this is probably one of the worst real grades of the time. I do wish this kit gets a 2.0. This kit looks great and requires medium modeling skill. My issues with it were the blue shoulder pieces fall out and it just being generally super flimsy. The backpack pieces fall of really ez and parts are really easy to break in the chest especially the clip. also the hips on this thing.

[@xs3tsunax]

you like this kit till one of its limbs broke off and theres no way to fix it due to plastic being used in the frame. no glue will stick on it. not even putty. can't wait for 2.0

[@citrusjuicebox]

Why would I break one of its limbs?

[@xs3tsunax]

@@citrusjuicebox theres thing called "accident"

[@citrusjuicebox]

That applies to every kit under the sun

[@pavlovolegphoto]

I've just build ver.ka and I have to admit - I don't like it. It's big, lacks details, lacks articulation (though solid I guess). I get that ver.ka goal was to make anime accurate version and RG goes for "real", but most hated RG kit looks damn fine with all those panel lines. I just want my model gundam looking good on shelf, don't care about transformation, like whyyy, who transforms it back and forth anyway.

[@citrusjuicebox]

I do! >:)

[@ShinRaven-ez7tz]

Simple answer to this kit: NO

[@oof5992]

No, i don't think i will

[@xianad2electricboogaloo399]

Blink twice if you need help

[@NamakuSiput]

who on their right mind would love rg zeta