Originally posted by: Guardian_2000
Okay after reading the big amount of posts some info on grades and scales since it looks like some people are confused.
HG = Bandai's 1/144 line of suits that are within a certain quality and amount of parts
MG = Bandai's 1/100 line of suits that are of a higher quality than HG "more detail, better proportions, larger size, more articulation" and more parts
PG = Bandai's 1/60 line of suits. Highest grade and best quality. Amazing articulation, multiple layers to strip armor, posability, details are incredible, an insane amount of parts.
Now you can have models that are of different scales 1/48, 1/60, 1/100, 1/144, and even higher for the larger type stuff. Now these model kits that are not of the grades listed above can have various levels of quality. I've seen 1/144 that out of the box compete with a MG just they are smaller. There are 1/60 models that are god ugly compared to a MG. There was a question about purchasing a model just earlier like this. Models that are not bandai's official line don't get the HG, MG, or PG tag and don't belong in that category. If you got a 1/100 in the HG section its probably there just because of its lower quality. Its not really a HG.
For me personally I stay away from the lower quality models. If it can't compete with a decent quality HG I don't buy it. I like posability, and accuracy in my models. If I wanted to show skill in modelling while having a low budget I'd get the HGs like PTX here. If I really want to do something crazy and amazing. I'll open up one of my MG and goto town. I haven't even dared trying to improve on a PG since I really gotta get better before attempting that. Those are some expensive models to have a hobby with. Modelling in my opinion has alot to do with what kind of money you have as well for what models you put together. If everyone could afford to get MG and PG whenever they'd be building them more than the HG. Alas things don't work out that way.
Note: If its Bandai's official store that has that low price. You have to be able to get it online for that price. Since they accept orders over the phone last I knew. And people have even bought models online directly from bandai I think. But I haven't heard about that for along time so things could of changed. Its real easy to check on that price thou.