RE/100 Zaku II Kai || Was it worth the wait?

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A casual review of the RE/100 Zaku II FZ, also known as the Zaku II Kai from the anime series 0080 Gundam War in the Pocket.
Intro - 00:00
Build - 0:41
Appearance - 3:22
Articulation - 5:32
Gimmicks - 8:38
This is another ‘casual’ review. Just wanted to knock it out for a fun, quick video about a kit that I have some really high hopes for. Sorry if I'm a little whiny about this not being an MG btw, but it really does annoy me lol
Also went for a more relaxed tone. I've seen a few other reviews, and everyone's doing this over-hyped voice and everything is THE GREATEST ever, and is REVOLUTIONIZING GUNPLA and idk, it's a little too much for me. Let's just chill out and talk about model kits, ya know?
Next review will be the RE/100 GunEZ. But then again, two RE/100’s in a row? I feel I should probably do something else first. I just don’t have any MG’s on standby, so idk, maybe a super quick HG review? HG Gouf Custom? HG Guncannon Revive? Eh~ we’ll see.
-- Production notes for me to look over next year -
- I wasn’t on my A game when capturing this footage. I recently noticed my footage is so much more grainy than other videos. It’s really bothering me. So, I lowered the ISO a little bit here, and really, it didn’t help. What it did do, was make my exposure a bit darker than normal and since I had to have my aperture open more, the depth of field was shallower. So instead of ‘less grain’, I got ‘dark and blurry.’ Really disappointed in it.
- I did get a new LED light for this review, which could have contributed by blasting too much light from one side, meaning the other sides of the kid would look darker. I really want to mess around with the lighting for the next review
- Another issue I have is my lens. I’m using (and always have used) the standard Canon 50mm lens ($125) but I’m ready to move on. For the longest time, I’ve wanted a wide lens, specifically a 24mm, as it would help me get more in focus. However, I found a Japanese Gunpla site that has really solid pictures, and he uses a 100mm MACRO lens. That makes me think it’s not how wide the lens is as much as the macro aspect. I usually just write those off since I don’t think those extra 6 inches I’d get would benefit me enough to warrant the price jump, but maybe…
- The script was simple here. Nothing too crazy. I did try to be more positive and try to cut some of my ‘why isn’t this an MG’ whining. I do think I should’ve mentioned MG’s a little less, but then again, these kits are made to stand next to MG’s, so the comparison is warranted.
- Like the Gelgoog review, I went back and recorded some lines to be more positive AFTER I had already uploaded the video. Thankfully, the video was never made public, so I could go back and change stuff easily. Still, I think I sound too negative.
- The audio recording was really solid here. I was surprised, because my set up is terrible now. I have this terrible guitar player a few doors down that plays real loud (please never be THAT guy), there’s construction outside, I’m right next to downtown. I NEVER get the opportunity to record. Still, this one turned out pretty well. I tried lowering the gain and speaking louder while farther away from the mic. Still a little too much ‘mouth sound’ though.
- I really do think I’m at the point I just need to buy a new microphone. I just don’t have the money for the quality I’m looking for.
- Editing was hectic. I picture locked the Build and Appearance in one night, then got cocky, so had a few drinks. Then there went that editing session~ lol However, I have a Twitter (with 6 followers) where I said the review would be Thursday, so on Thursday I worked into the night in a single 8 hour sitting to finish editing. This included shooting more footage midway through that I forgot
- That reminds me, the stills here are terrible~ lol Again, my exposure was way low, so I had to crank it in post, leading to a weird grainy gray back drop. I also tried to not saturate the colors to better fit with the video. But as it turns out, the video processing has a slight saturation anyway, so now the stills are dull looking. Next review, I’m gonna have to go back to saturating the stills, just not as much as before.
- I REALLY turned down the music here. I’ve mentioned before, but the music I think is too repetitive for binge viewing, so I really turned it down. I think I got away with it because my audio quality has improved.
And that’s that. Should cover everything. These ‘casual’ reviews are going to be test beds to improve my video production skills, while the Master Grade reviews will be the final exams, if that makes sense.
Anyway, here’s some music I’ve been listening to:
• Noriki - You Need Me
• Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-...
• PEPPERMINT RAINBOW (SW...

[@redheadphones6]

Thanks for watching! Instagram: instagram.com/redheadphones6/ Twitter: twitter.com/redheadphones6 Build - 0:41 Appearance - 3:22 Articulation - 5:32 Gimmicks - 8:38

[@oatmealraisincookiesaregar2548]

RedHeadphones6 Hello :)

[@fauxvier8519]

Everyone should read your descriptions bud lol

[@oatmealraisincookiesaregar2548]

Short answer: Yea Long answer: Yea

[@alexwolf2734]

You're easily one of my favorite gunpla reviewers. I look forward to your next one

[@redheadphones6]

Thank you!

[@ElMachoMucho]

Bro you are the only other person I know who likes the rubber on it

[@MisterSouji]

Now we need a Kampfer 2.0

[@DiceandDeadlifts]

Haven't even finished the video but your reviews are always worth the hype!

[@redheadphones6]

:)

[@fauxvier8519]

God, your thoroughness makes me a happy man. Your reviews make me feel like I can immediately buy all the stuff I need to build this baby up to its best. Amazing job!

[@azruln8430]

Long awaited review come at last.. Love both zaku kai & your video.

[@emadsafar3851]

Keep going man.. u r unique... about 10 min review and loaded with enough information & thoughts about the kit

[@redheadphones6]

Thanks!

[@theom1563]

great review, and yes it was worth the wait. You did the kit justice keep it up!!!!

[@redheadphones6]

Thanks! I was a little nervous I was too negative, so thanks for the reassurance!

[@theom1563]

@@redheadphones6 I agree with you about the tubing, many reviewers hate it but I think it is one of the better options for a single piece energy cable

[@Bobert2020]

0/10 no hamburger jokes. Other than that 10/10 will use this to decide what kit will be my first

[@SparkRattle]

To be honest, Red, the music is calming to me. I bingewatched a majority of your reviews and always looked forward to the music. Although lowering it down is good for VO, I can't say it'd give a good impact on the video if it's low to the point of near inaudibility. Personally, it made me rather drowsy without the BGM. But please note that this is my opinion and I thought I'd just point that out.

[@leolied6766]

I am generally surprised how we didn't get a MG Zaku ii Kai, considering the Zaku ii 2.0 frame exist.

[@fauxvier8519]

I feel like its a good push to improve the engineering on this grade so its fair game imo.

[@failed_K]

Well to be fair, The FZ is based on an entirely new frame and design, so it would make "sense" canonically

[@wayukeawmanee840]

Bandai just didn't want to release any unpopular kit to be MG anymore. You can see there's none monoeye became MG after Physco Zaku except P-Bandai.

[@tetsujin_144]

@@wayukeawmanee840 And Zaku Warrior

[@wayukeawmanee840]

@@tetsujin_144 It's not from UC so i didn't count it.

[@cassandrafoxx4171]

Gunze Sangyo makes a Flourescent Pink paint that really makes Zaku eyes pop!

[@mondaybusque7954]

This is a really lovely review.

[@spisee5445]

I think im gonna get this kit, Mecha Gaikoutsu dosn't like the rubber part in the leg and im a fan of him so i really didn't know if i really wanted this kit but i love these kind of reviews from you and you say its pretty nice so thank you for this review! But i did hear, when you change the type of head, the clear plastic in the head is a problem, so im scared but im mot a fan of the commander type and the part withough the horn i just like that "general" look

[@coleviloria3800]

I plan to buy three of this kit, so I can have each head on display. I hope we get a MG Gelgoog Jäger.

[@holden_7597]

I’d love the Rick Dom II and Guncannon MPT personally.

[@wayukeawmanee840]

We can only hope for RE/100 Gelgoog Jaeger.

[@coleviloria3800]

RedMaiden I think that’s possible. Given we just got a big announcement not too long ago via Bandai’s Twitter.

[@wayukeawmanee840]

@@coleviloria3800 For real? Link pls.

[@kirillkapaln4536]

stands up, color acurate out of the box, replacement hawk blade (that doesnt seem an accident) I'd grab this if it comes around my lhs. your black thruster fills go far to make it look scale though. I just browsed by some unfilled thruster pics and I was repulsed. So black liner seems a must. (I imagine a sharpie is enough if not filling the tics and lines) I enjoy your reviews keep up the goodness!

[@bigweld6792]

I have this guy! looks great and poses great but the static butt-flap can get in the way a bit. It has a lot of room for extra effort though. for example i painted a lot of the visible undersides of armor gray and painted on of the heat hawk blades orange. although I will say the joints on mine loosened up significantly over time but isn't too hard to fix.

[@joautrillaochoa5244]

Awesome video !!!

[@lexxier1]

You are the gunpla version of the daily dose of Internet!

[@NeoJ4K3]

Just bought this as my first gunpla kit as it was local, I love zakus and had trade credit.... Seems like all this liner stuff I was seeing is kept to a minimum here which is nice. I plan to try not and rush and make it as nice as I can. I'm nervous and excited all at once... Woo!

[@redheadphones6]

This is a great kit to start. Even gives you some optional detailing with that black detailing in the vents. You’ll do great. Best of luck!

[@NeoJ4K3]

@@redheadphones6 thank you so much! I just picked up some fine tip brushes, flat black enamel, some tamiya cement( just in case), and some sandpaper! No place in town had nippers though, oh well. Starting it today, quite excited!

[@tetsujin_144]

Nice review. Some things I don't like about this kit but overall I think Bandai did a good job with it.

[@Sweet_Clod]

so far i’ve only built MG’s, and have been wary of RE100’s, but i think this will be my first

[@tetsujin_144]

4:00 - "One of my favorite parts of the Zaku Kai design is how it has a big bulky chest with just this little tiny head on top" Indeed, I always think of it as a "linebacker" look, or like an exaggerated kind of "body builder" look. The smaller head emphasizes the size of the rest of the body, without the rest of the body really having to be all that much bigger. I don't think Bandai quite nailed it, though. Head on this kit is still too big. :) Bandai is too timid to go weird when the design calls for it.

[@tetsujin_144]

4:36 - It should be noted that the color in that line art sample is kind of muted compared to the anime. Both the light and dark green are lighter than that in the anime. I think the RE/100 color is pretty anime-accurate for the dark green, while the light green is close but maybe a touch oversaturated.

[@bigbodyg35]

I got these on a super deal at my local book store for $30 each I couldn't resist buying 2 for that price.

[@tetsujin_144]

Nice! Have fun with 'em!

[@CalderTF2]

I love these rubber tubes.

[@Kids_Scissors]

I actually love the saturated colors on this kit. Makes mobile suits/armors like the Baund Doc look washed out

[@midshipman8654]

I am excited that we might get more perifrial suits that we otherwise wouldn't get in 1/100. TBH I have been really thinking an RE Flag (of course MG would be prefered) would be great. Especially seeing how it lloks like we are getting 00 Master Grades in the years to come.

[@redheadphones6]

Yeah, I'm really curious about where the RE/100 line goes. As much as I would like these less popular suits to get full on MG releases, I'd rather have these cheaper versions than nothing, you know? Personally, I'd love to get more 0080 suits, like that Guncannon variant.

[@midshipman8654]

@@redheadphones6 oh definitly. it would be great to see a 1/100 Hygogg, since the more out there designs tend to get left out of MG.

[@andagean]

okay I gotta ask, what sorta pink do you use for the mono eye (gundam marker, paint)? it pops really nicely. I used a pink paint mix but it feels dull, is this something more metallic or shiny? Overall I personally love this kit, but I too would have loved a proper MG.

[@redheadphones6]

I just use the basic pink Gundam marker. It's not metallic or anything. Personally, I found doing small, light coats, at 2-3 minute intervals tends to work best for me. If the coats are applied fast enough, the new layer kind of blends with the bottom and you get a very smooth finish.

[@robertwhite7845]

This zachos chest is just as large as the double Zeta 2.0, so I agree that the proportions on this kit are a little strange

[@fshstksmoneybags5086]

It has the same rubber hoses like the mg geara doga

[@sjcobra84]

Shame he doesn't come with the other trademark machine gun and the bazooka. Still can never have enough Zaku.

[@jjuan4382]

NOOO! IM 6 HOUES LATE!!

[@flamestoyershadowkill6400]

I wish this could be miniaturized into a high grade

[@tetsujin_144]

The RE/100 Zaku Kai is very much based on the HGUC Zaku Kai - although there are some clear differences the two are very similar. It should be pretty easy to alter the HGUC to look more like the RE... If that's really what you want...

[@reothadh8569]

the re/100 seems really hard to come by at a decent price

[@joshuahensley9395]

While I definitely understand wanting a model that perfectly replicates the anime look, I've always seen extra panel lines and detail as how it would have been drawn if money and time were an unlimited resource to the animation team. There have to be concessions made in any design in order to make more readable and affordable to draw in an animated form, and those limitations are lifted in this medium. I like that we has a good mix of both, a lot of kits that really hit that anime look like the GM, or Gelgoog with all its extra lines. Always a good watch and I had painted one of my heat hawk blades like you mentioned :p

[@mattr.1804]

who do I have to suck to have this in stock somewhere?

[@wewyllenium]

This should have been a Master Grade.... :(

[@UC1180_]

Yeah. The Zaku 2 Kai is probably not going to get the master grade treatment because it’s not as known as the standard zaku 2

[@10calvinrosemr.73]

Sturmzaku

[@DreadJoker]

I'll admit while I'm not overly fond of WITP I still picked this up cuz I'm a sucker when it comes to the Zaku. If you ever give your kits extra weapons, this is one of the only kit's I've found that can handle the HG Giant Gattling support weapon. I just wish this had some hard points or an easily modded area to throw on some arsenal upgrades like a missile rack or something.

[@Will_Negs]

It breaks my heard that this thing - and RE/100 kits in general - rarely get reprinted nowadays. This thing and the MG Turn-A Gundam both hold the position of being my white whale. I hope I'm lucky enough to get one without having to pay 4x its retail price.

[@TekkaSage]

I originally HATED this kit... now it's just... smeh... I cry Bandai never made this a MG.

[@archuellenares6400]

Please do make HG review or RG review.. Please??

[@dol_mel7487]

Tbh RE1/100s are more like low tier HG kit now-a-days cause articulation is honestly worse, and hgs try to have more inner frame You plan on reviewing any hgs in the future? That beyond global rx-78-2 exceeds modern master grade articulation in a few ways

[@redheadphones6]

Yeah, they seem really hit or miss. I haven't seen any RE/100's as good as some of those HG Revive kits. This seems to be the one that comes the closest to what the line should be, ya know?

[@redheadphones6]

HG's are a lot of fun. I've got a few sitting around that I think would make great 5-6 minute reviews!

[@titan133760]

@@redheadphones6 You should try the Moon Gundam. It honestly feels like an RG kit in some aspect

[@anissyahromi5671]

When they announced this kit i expected more detail from this kit at least as same LV as Gelgoog 2.0 I kind of dissapointed because ITS looks like a big HG or old 1/100

[@PakornThaipituk]

Your paint is either thick or not full cover. I advice you should apply color thinly, wait until it dry and apply but again second times, or third time.

[@redheadphones6]

What are you referring to? I don’t remember painting this kit. I painted the mono-eye, and a few of the black tick marks, but that was about it. This is not a fully painted kit.

[@PakornThaipituk]

@@redheadphones6 Black inside thrusters and black paint on red parts behide the back skirt.

[@redheadphones6]

@@PakornThaipituk lol, that's on the inside of the skirt armor, so I wasn't very precise with that one. In the video I even said I used a Gundam marker, so I'm not striving for professionalism. Thanks for the input though.

[@lilruss15]

All the others I agree, but the appearance tho....... it is not even close to good and every part looks not connected ( like the cockpit and the arms and waist are just not look streamline to connect)

[@lilruss15]

and also the vent in the zaku head should have been a tube circular vent instead of the original ones, don't know why they haven't done that too

[@tetsujin_144]

@@lilruss15 The reference art is a bit inconsistent on certain details, and the shape of the snout vent is one of them. But also the RE/100 snout vent is a bit cheaply molded (just part of the overall "head interior" piece) so we don't really see that inner "lip" around the vent.

[@lilruss15]

@@tetsujin_144 I mean... I cannot give the look any high scores from both detail and overall because of all these

[@Zaku186]

The colors dont look bad in person. i wish you would have color corrected the vid to reflect how the colors actually look. other than that very good review.

[@mr.jamrob4505]

Still more of an mg then the new Gunner zaku...

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

Love this design, the updated engineering, but the materials are shit. Broke the upper arm peg and thigh pegs in two kits.

[@xoShiningKrystlexo]

Awwww yisss, gimme that quality content

[@redheadphones6]

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