GFF 0011 MSA-0011-2[Ext] Ex-S Gundam

First Impression:
Again, I’m a big fan of the Zeta Gundam(s) in general and the very well thought out transformations they pull off.
While this particular machine isn't as direct a derivation of the Zeta as (say) the Zeta Plus, it does in the story employ a modular transformation system somewhat similar to the ZZ (Double Zeta), which I also like. I chose this particular piece of merchandise because I enjoy the S/Ex-S mechanical design but wanted a much smaller \”desk size\” version that was still nice to look at.
Unsurprisingly, the box is quite heavy, but considering what comes with the figure it makes sense. There are optional components to convert the S-Gundam (which is the bare suit straight out of the box) into the Ex-S. The price point at the time was also favorable and was actually obtained at cheaper than MSRP which is always ideal for me.

*note from me about terms I will use: bst = booster. MS = mobile suit. MA = mobile armor. A-parts = the section of the suit from the chest to the top of the head. B-Parts=generally the modular waist and leg sections. C-Parts = the modular core fighter. Sometimes I’ll use the shortened terms.

Box Contents (most of them)(total of 2 trays):

1 basic S-Gundam body (A-Parts/B-parts/C-parts hard molded)
1 Pair of S-Gundam knee guards (pre-attached/removable)
1 S-Gundam Smart Beam Gun (with detachable ray dome)
1 S-Gundam Smart Beam Gun control Arm
1 Pair of S-Gundam rear boosters
1 S/Ex-S Fin Stabilizer
1 Pair of hip mounted beam cannons (removable)
1 Pair of Ex-S rear Boosters
1 Pair of Ex-S propellant tanks
1 Pair of Ex-S Incom Knee guards
1 Ex-S pelvic beam gun support piece
1 Ex-S breast I-Field generator piece
1 Pair of Shoulder wings
1 Pair of Ex-S leg booster pieces
2 Pairs of Ex-S Booster cannons (4 individual pieces)
5 extra hand manipulators (total of 7)
3 beam sabers (1 has beam attached)
1 Stand
1 \”Adjustable\” Stand Arm
1 extra decal sheet

……

** WARNING: Your S/Ex-S Gundam MAY BE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT THAN MINE**

Head/Neck:
The head stays true to the S/Ex-S originally developed by Katoki in his illustrations. It's quite small, but still retains quite a bit of detail. The incom unit attached to the head cannot be removed however. Considering the figure is incapable of transformation, the head and neck assembly is quite sturdy . The head can rotate on the neck assembly quite well, not that anything can be seen beyond the components attached to the rear anyway.

Torso:
While the Zeta and Zplus GFF can transform, the ZZ and S/Ex-s cannot. While this might seem like a let down, this is probably more of a saving grace. Despite not being able to transform, the optional parts makes the unit a bit more worthwhile in that the torso is very sturdy while attaching the optional upgrade parts (this is in contrast to the Zeta Plus GFF series). The non-transforming unit also does not employ it's modular features, such as separation of A,B and C parts. They are instead fused together permanently in MS position. This also means that the rear stabilizer does not rotate beyond a certain degree as it no longer needs to (no transforming). While this may be a disappointment for fans of more dynamic figures, for those who like something more static it might be a boon. Like the Zeta series of GFF's the stand arm attaches to the rear of the torso. The stabilizer has two pegs at its side to support either the S-Gundam twin boosters or the much larger Ex-S twin boosters. Mounting either onto the stabilizer is a bit tight, but the fitting keeps the parts from sagging and they hold position quite well. The front of the machine can have the Ex-S's I-Field generator attached right in front of the A-parts cockpit. While it \”fits\”, the attachment is prone to slipping off a little and does not hold onto the chest as well as it could.
The waist is generally still attached to the torso and cannot do much on its own. However, the front section of the S-Gundam waist can be removed and replaced with the Ex-S pelvic support piece which allows mounting of the Smart Beam gun at that site.

Arms: (both types)
Generally, Katoki's idea for the S/Ex-S called for a really complicated transformation system for the shoulder section. This has been completely removed from the GFF in favor of a sturdy arm section. The gigantic shoulder sections are one of the trademarks of this machine and they are shown off very well — even allowing the top plates of the shoulders to \”slide out and away\” from the figure. The lower section of the shoulders faithfully retains the fuel tank controllers for Ex-S tanks… however, when switching to the Ex-S, those controllers must be removed as the fuel tanks have a separate set of controllers pre-fused onto them. Thankfully, the connections are sturdy and the fuel tanks connect tightly but nicely and hold them well even when suspended by the stand arm. Toward the top of the shoulders are the wings which can also be removed.
The arms are quite capable of movement and can rotate to grasp the Smart Beam gun fairly well, even if a little stiffly. There are a variety of prefabricated hands for different grasping positions (i.e. beam saber, smart beam gun, fist clenching). Unlike the Zeta Plus GFF I purchased a while ago, the arms on the S/Ex-S are both without apparent defects. The beam gun attaches to the proper hand decently and the arms are indeed able to support the weight of the gun.

Legs:
The legs are generally the same for the S and Ex-s at it's base. They are not very poseable, but the added parts to change between one and the other makes them arguably the most dynamic part of this machine in terms of appearance. Out of the box, the legs are of the S-Gundam configuration. To change to the Ex-S requires removing the knee guards and replacing them with the much larger Ex-S guards. Both guards feature hallow sections for beam saber storage, while the Ex-S features the Incom bits. The lower legs require the addition of the Ex-S's white leg boosters to give it the proper girth. The hip mounted cannons are removable so that the S-Gundam can mount the smart beam gun on its side. Otherwise, the Ex-S can keep the cannons mounted while the smart beam gun would be mounted at the pelvis. Since the unit cannot transform, the same applies to the hip cannons.

Weapons/Armament/extras:
Shield: There is no shield in this unit's design so there is no shield at all.
Smart Beam Gun: The gun can be connected either to the side hip mount (which has a small door which opens to reveal a handle!) or the pelvic mount. I suspect that (like most GFF's) since this piece is quite lengthy, it will have warped somewhat — either from manufacturing or sitting forever in the box. The one I have purchased is no exception as it curves very slightly as it goes from handle to barrel. Despite this, the detachable Ray Dome (for use in Ex-S mode) fits very well.
Beam Sabers: It has one activated beam saber in the box and 2 \”inactives\” which can be mounted in the knee guards. Very small and easy to lose.
Stand:
The stand has a wide plastic base handsomely lettered with the Ex/S information. No spelling mistakes. This makes it look more authentic. The stand has a single semi-adjustable arm. Unnervingly, the full Ex-S is a bit heavy for its size and makes the arm wobble a bit if the stand (or whatever it sits on) is moved. This is a minor jab. Structurally there should be no problem at all, even if it's shaken fairly hard.

Final Impression:
I got exactly what I was looking for at the time of purchase. I knew the kit was of a certain size and I was not wrong.

In the END:
Generally I got what I had hoped for as far as the FULL purchase goes. This was to be put on my desk at work (as it is even now) where coworkers can gawk at it in passing. It's small size means that it's not intrusive on the desk — or anywhere for that matter, but the size comes at the cost of making the machine look somewhat less impressive. This can be offset by the bevvy of stickers/decals provided in the box to change the design a bit.
Gripes I have are based on the overall flaw in design as far as posing goes, though again these are minor since holding the smart beam gun was basically all I wanted it to \”do\”. I think that the kit could have benefit from one or two more additions:
** An extra \”ejected cockpit\” block for that final scene in the novel where the Ex-S jettisons the cockpit containing the pilot in order so that the machine could destroy the ZODIAC mobile suit alone.
** A separate core fighter that need not be transformable (the MG version of the Ex-S has an extra one). Being able to pose both on a single stand would have been quite entertaining and would really have solidified the purchase for me.

No part of this figure can \”transform\”. It can \”convert\” from S to Ex-s. Depending on the person, this might be good or bad. Indeed the fortress mode transformation is quite a sight to behold, however, I personally lean toward the mobile suit aspect by itself and so the lack of transformation for me is not a big deal… Whether it works for you is up to you. Personally this is the best GFF I have purchased yet and I give it a solid 4 stars. The final product is impressive even for its small size and hefty if the Ex-S configuration is what you want, but even the relatively slender looking S Gundam is a beaut.

Ivan
(sandrum)

Biggest Pros: Solid body construction, S - Ex-S conversion pieces, small size, multiple weapons, stable, beautiful detail, extra decal sheet
Biggest Cons: Not stable enough to stand on its own in Ex-S configuration. No extra cockpits/core fighters.