HG00 050 Arios Gundam GNHW/M Review: The Ultimate Arios Upgrade?

The Arios Gundam has always been a fan favorite from Gundam 00, known for its sleek transformation and high-speed combat style. With the HG00 050 release, Bandai has given us the GNHW/M variant, which promises to be the ultimate Arios upgrade. But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we'll break down every aspect of this kit, from the box art to the final pose.

Whether you're a seasoned builder or new to Gunpla, this review will help you decide if the HG00 050 Arios Gundam GNHW/M deserves a spot on your shelf. We'll cover the build experience, articulation, accessories, and how it compares to other Arios kits. Plus, we'll share some tips for getting the most out of this impressive model.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The HG00 050 Arios Gundam GNHW/M comes in a standard-sized box with striking artwork depicting the Arios in its full GNHW/M glory. Inside, you'll find 12 runners, a foil sticker sheet, and a comprehensive instruction manual. The plastic quality is typical of recent HG kits—firm and well-colored, with minimal flashing.

One of the first things you'll notice is the sheer amount of parts. The GNHW/M (Gundam Nose Holder Weapon/Missile) configuration adds extra missile pods, a larger GN Sword, and additional armor. This makes the kit feel substantial and value-packed right out of the box.

• 12 runners with a good variety of colors, reducing the need for painting.
• Includes a foil sticker sheet for the GN condensers and other details.
• The manual is clear and easy to follow, even for beginners.

Build Experience: A Smooth and Rewarding Process

The build is surprisingly straightforward for a kit with this much detail. The inner frame is simple but effective, providing a solid base for the armor. The transformation mechanism is well-engineered, allowing you to switch between MS and flight modes without needing to remove any parts. This is a huge plus for those who love to display both forms.

The GNHW/M parts add a bit of complexity, but they're not overly challenging. The missile pods attach to the forearms and shoulders, and the GN Sword II is larger and more imposing than the standard version. Everything fits together snugly, with no loose joints or flimsy connections.

• Transformation is seamless and requires no part-swapping.
• The GNHW/M parts are easy to attach and don't interfere with articulation.
• Nubs are mostly hidden, making cleanup a breeze.

Articulation and Posability

The Arios Gundam is known for its agility, and this HG kit delivers on that front. The shoulders have a wide range of motion, and the hips use a ball-and-socket joint that allows for dynamic poses. The knees bend deeply, and the ankles have good movement for stable standing poses.

The GNHW/M add-ons do limit some articulation, particularly in the arms, but this is a fair trade-off for the extra firepower. The missile pods can be adjusted to point forward, and the GN Sword II can be held in both hands for a powerful attack stance. Overall, the posability is excellent for an HG kit.

• Shoulder joints are on a peg that allows for upward and forward movement.
• The waist has a ball joint that provides good torso rotation.
• The GN Sword II can be mounted on the back or held in hand.

Accessories and Gimmicks

This kit comes packed with accessories. You get the GN Sword II, two GN Beam Sabers, a GN Shield, and the GNHW/M missile pods. The missile pods can be opened to reveal the missiles, and you can attach effect parts (sold separately) to simulate launching them.

One standout feature is the ability to transform into flight mode, which looks fantastic with the extra armor. The GNHW/M configuration also allows for a 'full burst' mode where all missile pods are deployed, creating an impressive display. While the kit doesn't include a display stand, it's compatible with the Action Base series.

• Missile pods have a gimmick that opens and closes.
• Compatible with Action Base 1 and 2 (sold separately).
• The GN Shield can be attached to the arm or the back in flight mode.

Comparison with Other Arios Kits

If you've built the original HG Arios or the HG00 050 Arios Gundam (the standard release), you might wonder if this GNHW/M version is worth the upgrade. The answer is a resounding yes. The GNHW/M variant adds more armor, more weapons, and a more imposing silhouette. It's essentially the ultimate Arios in HG form.

Compared to the standard HG Arios, this kit has better color separation and more detail. The transformation is also improved, with tighter joints and a more stable flight mode. For fans of the series, this is the definitive Arios kit to add to your collection.

• More parts and accessories than the standard HG Arios.
• Improved color separation and detail.
• The GNHW/M configuration is exclusive to this kit.

Tips for Building and Displaying

To get the most out of your HG00 050 Arios Gundam GNHW/M, here are a few tips. First, take your time with the nub removal, especially on the dark blue parts, as they can be prone to stress marks. Use a hobby knife or glass file for a clean finish.

Consider panel lining to bring out the details. The kit has plenty of panel lines that will pop with a dark gray or black liner. You can also add a matte topcoat to give it a more realistic finish, but be careful not to coat the clear parts.

If you want to display it in flight mode, we recommend using an Action Base to show off the dynamic pose. The kit doesn't come with a stand, so you'll need to purchase one separately.

• Use a glass file for stress-free nub removal on dark plastics.
• Panel line with a fine-tip marker for best results.
• A matte topcoat enhances the military look, but mask the clear parts.

The HG00 050 Arios Gundam GNHW/M is a fantastic kit that offers a comprehensive upgrade over the standard Arios. With its impressive articulation, transformation gimmick, and abundant accessories, it's a must-have for any Gundam 00 fan. If you're looking to add this to your collection, be sure to check out other great kits and supplies at Newtype, such as the MG Hi-Nu Gundam for a more complex build or the Mr. Crystal Color XC08 Moonstone Pearl for custom detailing. Happy building!