If you want a beginner-friendly alternative to the Entry Grade Strike Gundam, start with the ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam or ENTRY GRADE 1/144 ν Gundam. They are listed in the same Entry Grade catalog as Strike Gundam. If you are willing to move to a different grade, the HG 1/144 Gundam Aerial is the documented alternative in Bandai’s High Grade catalog. These are manufacturer-listed options, not a tested ranking: the available official material does not establish exact build times, comparative difficulty, or which kit every beginner will enjoy most.
Quick comparison of the documented alternatives
The table separates kit-specific facts from category-level information. Prices are the Japanese prices shown by BANDAI SPIRITS, excluding tax; they are not guarantees of what a local shop or marketplace will charge.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Kit | Grade and catalog level | Scale | Manufacturer-listed Japan price (tax excluded) | What the official material establishes | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam | Entry Grade, Level 1 | 1/144 | JPY 700 | Same grade as Entry Grade Strike; the RX-78-2 manual shows body-section parts and presents panel lining and HG as follow-on ideas. | No kit-specific part count, assembly time, or independently tested difficulty. |
| ENTRY GRADE 1/144 ν Gundam | Entry Grade, Level 1 | 1/144 | JPY 1,000 | A same-grade, same-scale alternative identified in the Entry Grade catalog. | No individualized beginner difficulty, part count, or build-time evidence. |
| HG 1/144 Gundam Aerial | High Grade; cited HG examples are labeled Level 3 | 1/144 | JPY 1,300 | Listed in Bandai’s HG catalog. Bandai describes the HG category as about 13 cm and about 150 parts at 1/144 scale. | The category description is not a verified part count for Aerial, and Level 3 is not a guaranteed skill threshold or time estimate. |
Bandai’s Entry Grade catalog lists the Entry Grade RX-78-2, ν Gundam, and Strike Gundam together. The separate High Grade catalog lists HG 1/144 Gundam Aerial and supplies the category-level HG description.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Why these are sensible Strike Gundam alternatives
“Alternative to Strike Gundam” can mean several things. You might want a different mobile-suit design while keeping the same Entry Grade format; you might want a model from another series; or you might simply want a beginner kit at a similar scale. The official catalogs support the first two choices directly: RX-78-2 and ν Gundam are in the Entry Grade catalog, while Gundam Aerial is in the HG catalog. They do not support claims that one is objectively easier, faster, sturdier, or better value than the others.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
All three candidates are 1/144 scale. That makes scale a useful common reference, but it does not make their construction identical. Grade, design, number of components, articulation, accessories, and color separation can vary. The sources supplied for this comparison do not provide a like-for-like specification sheet for every kit, so a responsible choice should begin with the information that is actually published rather than an assumed difficulty ranking.
ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam
Why choose it
RX-78-2 is the closest documented substitute for Strike Gundam if your priority is staying with Entry Grade. Bandai assigns both the RX-78-2 and Strike entries Level 1 in the Entry Grade catalog and lists the RX-78-2 at JPY 700 in Japan, excluding tax. That makes it the direct same-grade comparison in the available manufacturer material.
It is also a useful choice if you want a model with explicit manufacturer guidance for what to do after assembly. The RX-78-2 manual groups parts by body section and presents panel lining as a way to add detail, then suggests trying the HG series as a next step. The manual is guidance for that model, not a claim that every builder will experience the same learning curve.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What a beginner can and cannot infer
The Level 1 label is a manufacturer classification, not a promise that the kit will take a particular number of minutes or require no troubleshooting. The catalog and manual do not state a kit-specific part count, a tested build duration, or a survey-based difficulty score. Do not use the JPY 700 figure as a current local price: it is a Japanese, tax-exclusive catalog price, and regional stock, shipping, taxes, and retailer markups can change the amount you actually pay.
Best fit
- Choose RX-78-2 when you want the most direct Entry Grade replacement for Strike Gundam.
- Choose it when a manual that points toward panel lining and later HG kits is useful to your progression.
- Choose it when the RX-78-2 design matters more to you than changing grade or scale.
ENTRY GRADE 1/144 ν Gundam
Why choose it
ν Gundam gives you a second same-grade option without leaving the Entry Grade catalog. Bandai lists it as an Entry Grade 1/144 kit, labels the cited Entry Grade models Level 1, and shows a Japanese price of JPY 1,000 excluding tax. The higher catalog price than the JPY 700 RX-78-2 and Strike entries is a published price difference, not evidence of a harder or more elaborate build.
Design-first decision
The official information supports choosing ν Gundam primarily because you prefer its identity and appearance while retaining the Entry Grade designation. It does not provide a comparative part count or assembly-time measurement against RX-78-2 or Strike. If your question is “Which one will definitely be easier?”, the catalog cannot answer that. If your question is “Which documented Entry Grade kit should I select when I prefer ν Gundam?”, this is the clear catalog match.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Price and availability caution
JPY 1,000 is the Japanese, tax-exclusive price printed in Bandai’s catalog. It is not a live international price, a recommended resale ceiling, or a statement that the kit is currently in stock. Check the exact regional listing before buying, including whether the seller is offering the correct 1/144 Entry Grade product rather than another ν Gundam release.
HG 1/144 Gundam Aerial
Why consider a different grade
Gundam Aerial is the documented alternative for a reader who is open to High Grade instead of limiting the search to Entry Grade. Bandai’s HG catalog lists the HG 1/144 Gundam Aerial at JPY 1,300 in Japan, excluding tax. The same page describes the HG category as 1/144 scale, approximately 13 cm, and approximately 150 parts, and labels the cited HG examples Level 3.
Read the HG specifications correctly
“About 150 parts” is category-level guidance. It is not a verified part count for Gundam Aerial specifically, so it should not be used to calculate the kit’s exact build time or to claim that Aerial has a particular number of runners or steps. Likewise, Level 3 is Bandai’s catalog label for the cited HG examples; it is not a universal test of beginner ability. A first-time builder’s experience can depend on attention to the manual, comfort with small components, and familiarity with model assembly.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Best fit
- Choose Aerial when the design is your main reason for building and you are comfortable moving from Entry Grade to HG.
- Choose it when the HG category’s published 1/144 format and approximately 13 cm size match your display plans.
- Choose it only after recognizing that the HG catalog description is category-level, not a promise about Aerial’s exact component count or difficulty.
Entry Grade or HG: what the labels actually tell you
Grade is the first practical distinction among these choices. RX-78-2 and ν Gundam are Entry Grade Level 1 entries. Gundam Aerial is an HG entry, and the cited HG catalog examples carry Level 3 labels. Those labels let you describe how Bandai categorizes the kits, but they do not translate into guaranteed hours, a universal skill requirement, or a tested beginner ranking.
| If your priority is… | Start with… | Reason supported by the catalog |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the same grade as Strike Gundam | ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam or ENTRY GRADE 1/144 ν Gundam | Both are listed alongside Entry Grade Strike in Bandai’s Entry Grade catalog. |
| Choosing by a different design while staying at 1/144 | ν Gundam or Gundam Aerial | Both are listed as 1/144 kits; ν is Entry Grade and Aerial is HG. |
| Following the RX-78-2 manual’s suggested progression | RX-78-2 first, then consider panel lining and an HG kit | The manual presents those as follow-on directions; it does not rank all kits. |
| Comparing exact component counts | No definitive choice from these sources | Only the HG category’s approximate 150-part guidance is published, not kit-specific counts for all candidates. |
How to choose your kit step by step
- Decide whether grade continuity matters. If you want the closest documented substitute for Strike, remain in Entry Grade and compare RX-78-2 with ν Gundam. If you are intentionally moving to HG, put Aerial on the shortlist.
- Pick the design you will actually want to display. The available sources establish names, grades, scales, and catalog prices, but not personal enjoyment. Design preference is therefore a legitimate deciding factor rather than something to disguise as an objective difficulty score.
- Use the catalog price only as a baseline. Compare JPY 700 for RX-78-2, JPY 1,000 for ν Gundam, and JPY 1,300 for HG Aerial as Japanese tax-exclusive reference figures. Convert nothing into a promised local price until you check a current regional listing.
- Check the product identity before ordering. Confirm the listing says the correct grade and 1/144 scale. A character can have multiple releases, and a search result for a character name alone does not prove that it is the Entry Grade or HG version discussed here.
- Verify stock, taxes, shipping, and return terms. Availability was not established by the catalog pages. A kit being listed by the manufacturer does not prove that a particular retailer has it today.
- Set an evidence-based expectation. Treat Level 1 and Level 3 as manufacturer labels. Do not promise yourself a fixed build duration or assume that one catalog level guarantees success without reading the instructions carefully.
A beginner-aware building plan
The following plan keeps the manufacturer’s documented progression separate from assumptions about difficulty. It is a way to organize your first build, not a claim that every builder needs the same process.
Recommended Free Tools
Before assembly
- Read the kit title, grade, and scale on the box or listing so you know whether you bought Entry Grade or HG.
- Open the instructions and identify how the manual groups the body sections. The RX-78-2 manual presents parts by body area, which can help you keep the build organized.
- Lay out the parts and instructions before beginning. If a piece is unclear, stop and recheck the diagram rather than forcing it.
During assembly
- Build one section at a time and keep unused pieces separated from completed sections.
- Use the manual’s part identifiers exactly. Similar-looking pieces are not interchangeable simply because they are the same color.
- Do not infer that an HG kit has exactly 150 parts. Bandai’s “about 150 parts” figure describes the HG category, not a verified Aerial count.
After the basic build
The RX-78-2 manual presents panel lining as a next-detail step and suggests trying the HG series afterward. That creates a sensible progression for someone who starts with RX-78-2: complete the model, learn how the detail step affects the appearance, and then decide whether an HG kit such as Aerial fits your interests. The manual does not say that panel lining is mandatory, nor does it establish that RX-78-2 is easier than ν Gundam or Aerial.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Price, stock, and listing checks
Official catalog prices are useful for comparing the manufacturer’s Japanese reference points, but they are not checkout quotes. The figures in the source material are tax-exclusive Japan prices: JPY 700 for Entry Grade RX-78-2, JPY 1,000 for Entry Grade ν Gundam, and JPY 1,300 for HG Gundam Aerial. Your final cost can differ by country, tax treatment, shipping, seller, and release availability.
Neither the Entry Grade page nor the HG page establishes current regional stock. Before purchasing, check the retailer’s live page for the exact kit name, grade, scale, included contents, currency, tax status, shipping cost, and return policy. If a listing does not clearly identify “ENTRY GRADE 1/144” or “HG 1/144,” treat the match as unconfirmed until you verify it.
What the official evidence does not answer
There is no independent hands-on test, beginner survey, or comparative timing study in the available material. Consequently, this article does not rank the three kits by assembly speed, frustration, articulation, value, color separation, or long-term durability. Those factors may matter to your purchase, but assigning scores without evidence would turn a manufacturer catalog into a review it was never intended to be.
The manufacturer’s classifications remain useful when stated precisely: Entry Grade models are listed as Level 1; the cited HG examples are labeled Level 3; the HG category is described as 1/144, about 13 cm, and about 150 parts. Use those facts to frame your decision, then let the kit’s design and a verified current listing resolve the remaining choices.
Final selection guide
- Most direct Strike alternative: ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, because it shares the Entry Grade designation and is listed at the same Japanese tax-exclusive price as Strike, JPY 700.
- Same-grade alternative chosen primarily by design: ENTRY GRADE 1/144 ν Gundam, listed at JPY 1,000 in Japan excluding tax.
- Alternative for a deliberate move to HG: HG 1/144 Gundam Aerial, listed at JPY 1,300 in Japan excluding tax, with Bandai’s category-level HG guidance of 1/144 scale, about 13 cm, and about 150 parts.
Choose among them by grade preference, design, and a current local listing—not by an unsupported promise about build time or universal beginner difficulty. For the RX-78-2 manual and other official instructions, BANDAI SPIRITS provides its ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam manual and a manual index sorted by newest.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
