For any mecha model-building enthusiast, “Gunpla” has become a synonym for the hobby itself. Bandai’s monopoly on giant robot model kits leaves little room for competition—but that just means that anyone daring to compete against the legendary Gunpla brand has to be at the top of their game. Enter Frame Arms.

Renowned for their unique designs—and the spectacularly anime Frame Arms Girls—Kotobukiya’s Frame Arms line hits the sweet spot between cool-looking and fun to assemble. If you’re a Gunpla builder looking to broaden your horizons, these 10 Frame Arms kits would be a perfect start for your budding collection!

Best Non-Gundam Mecha Model Kits Comparison Table

1. Stylet XF-3 Plus | Best Frame Arms Girl Model Kit

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

When most builders and collectors think of “Frame Arms,” they think of the Stylet XF-3 Plus. It’s easy to see why: a timeless, anime-inspired design featuring the best of the Frame Arms Girl line with all the bells and whistles of a regular Frame Arms model kit. It’s also a

highly upgradeable model that’s compatible with most Frame Arms optional parts.

Why We Like It

This is one of those model kits that perfectly shows the differences between Frame Arms and Gunpla. A model with an excellent head sculpt, interchangeable faces, and a two-in-one gimmick that lets you display it with or without its mech armor. Just be prepared to deal with Kotobukiya’s infamously tricky sticker sheets—those can be surprisingly difficult to apply for first-time builders!

2. Type-Hector Joyeuse - Best Industrial Mecha Model Kit

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

One of the most “aggressive” models in the Frame Arms line, the Type-Hector Joyeuse is a darker take on the classic Durandal. The Joyeuse features some striking optional parts and an industrial design conceived by Kou Inaba, one of the main mecha designers of the Armored Core series. It also features one of the craziest weapons in the entire Frame Arms catalog.

Why We Like It

The Joyeuse is a clear improvement over the Durandal in nearly every aspect, and that includes its astounding optional parts. First of all, it comes with a 10-inch sword, while the model itself is around six inches tall. That’s just the sort of over-the-top weaponry we’ve come to expect from Frame Arms kits, and the extra edge (pun very much intended) that collectors coming from Gunpla are looking for.

3. EXF-10/32 Greifen:RE2 - Best Grunt-Style Mecha Model Kit

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

“Grunt” kits rarely get the recognition they deserve. From the noble Zaku to the disposable Leo, these models have become the cornerstone of any mech collection. For Frame Arms builders, the Greifen:RE2 is their “stormtrooper mech,” a mass-produced unit that’s perfect for dioramas and to make the other, more intricate kits look even cooler. Basically, the Greifen is the ultimate wingman in the world of Frame Arms.

Why We Like It

The Greifen proves why so many long-time Gunpla builders still go for Frame Arms model kits when they want to start customizing models. The pale green base of the Greifen works perfectly as a base for weathering and color mixing. The clear plastic parts in the model’s head are also a highlight of the Greifen, showing that even the “grunt” kits from Frame Arms can look sci-fi cool.

4. Kenshin - Best Samurai-Inspired Mecha Model Kit

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

A straightforward name for a straightforward model, the Frame Arms Kenshin is an awesome callback to a time when Japanese robots looked more like giant metal samurai. Kenshin stands tall as one of the most recognizable models in the Frame Arms catalog, and looks amazing when paired with the other Sengoku-inspired kit in the line, Shingen.

Why We Like It

There’s a surprisingly low number of mecha model kits based on classic “Super Robot” anime. Even when you find them, purists don’t necessarily love the “Infinity” styles we saw a few years back with Mazinger Z and Grendizer. Kenshin keeps it simple and cool, with a transformable armor frame that offers a vast array of posing options. There’s also the fact that both Shingen and Kenshin were designed by Kunio Okawara, the visionary who crafted the original RX-78-2 Gundam.

5. RF-9 REVENANT EYE:RE2 - Best Tactical Mecha Model Kit

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Another grunt kit, but this time with a more tactical flair. The RF-9 Revenant is a “reconnaissance” unit fitted with various radar systems and antennas, making it look more “tactical” than other Frame Arms kits. Even the green and brown color palette of this kit screams “guerrilla grunt,” making it a great pick for collectors looking for the perfect model to fill an action diorama or a military-themed mecha collection.

Why We Like It

One thing about the Frame Arms line that any Gunpla collector immediately notices is how “versatile” each model is. The RF-9 Revenant, with its transformable head and shoulder pieces, is essentially two models in one kit. That’s beyond great for grunt kits, allowing you to pose multiple Revenants next to each other in different configurations. This model, in particular, is also a great canvas to practice weathering and “damage” painting techniques, thanks to its rustic brown-and-green colorway.

6. Frame Arms Girl: Hresvelgr=Cornix - Best Transformable Anime Mecha Model Kit

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

They might look cute most of the time, but the optional armor parts prove why many Frame Arms fans actually prefer the Frame Arms Girl line over their oversized mecha counterparts. The Hresvelgr=Cornix offers three different modes, each cooler than the last, resulting in one seriously cool mecha/anime model kit that’s perfect to start your Frame Arms collection.

Why We Like It

This is precisely the type of model kit that gives Frame Arms a slight edge over some Gunpla kits as far as aesthetics are concerned. The intricate details on this model’s armor parts are simply outstanding—the sort of level you’d expect from an MG Gundam model kit. The fact that it’s also a transformable model with three different modes is just the icing on the cake. As an introduction to what the line has to offer, this model does its job, but it might leave some long-time Frame Arms collectors wanting more.

7. NSG-X2 HRESVELGR=ATER:RE2 - Best Transforming Flagship Mecha Model Kit

Our Rating: 4.5/5

For years, the NSG-X2 Hresvelgr=Ater was THE Frame Arms kit to own. Beyond its cool design and transformation gimmick, this model kit features incredible color separation and outstanding clear plastic parts. The “RE2” part of the name refers to this being the kit’s second revision; Kotobukiya now aims to improve the kit’s infamous loose joints and articulation issues, and, for the most part, they’ve succeeded.

Why We Like It

The NSG-X2 combines many of the design philosophies mecha fans like to see in a model kit. It has the vibrant, cool colors of a Gundam, the angular pieces of Armored Core, and even the proportions of the awesome Skells from Xenoblade Chronicles X. While the loose articulations can still be a bit of an issue for posing, the model looks so good on any shelf that it’s worth the little extra elbow grease (and maybe some Tamiya cement.)

8. LX-00 Ray Falx:RE2 - Best Winged & Weapon-Heavy Mecha Model Kit

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Extremely poseable and extremely colorful, the LX-00 Ray Falx is the Wing Gundam Zero of the Frame Arms line. Funnily enough, the flashy wings aren’t this model’s main gimmick—that would be its reconfigurable arsenal. Featuring a transforming sword, rifles, daggers, and knives, the Ray Falx is completely armed to the teeth (if it had any teeth.) Surprisingly, it’s not a complicated build, even for first-time builders.

Why We Like It

This is a case in which a model’s “revised” design might be a bit controversial for collectors. The new color palette, featuring purple accents instead of clear blue, can be a bit of an acquired taste. That said, the improved joints and articulations now make the modular weapon system in this model kit shine brighter than ever. Gone are the days of getting loose arms and bendy knees when posing the Ray Falx with its massive Beryl Sword… mostly.

9. NSG-X1 Hresvelgr - Best Classic Transforming Mecha Model Kit

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

No, you’re not seeing double: the Hresvelgr armor is so cool, it made it twice into our list. The NSG-X1 Hresvelgr offers a “darker” take on the NSG armor. With its turquoise and purple colors, the NSG-X1 has a regal air that fits well with its massive weapons. Speaking of weapons, that’s where this model truly shines: the blades have that awesome Frame Arms clear plastic collectors love – the kind that immediately catches the eye on any shelf.

Why We Like It

This is the very first Frame Arms model kit to use transforming gimmicks, something that would become a landmark of the series. That’s both a blessing and a curse; while the gimmick works just as flawlessly as it does in the NSG-X2, the older joints (and the fact that this model didn’t get a RE2 version) mean that some armor pieces spend more time on the bottom of the shelf than on the frame itself.

10. Frame Arms Girl Gourai-Kai & Exosuit Unit - Best Two-in-One Mecha Model Kit

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Why pick between Frame Arms Girls and the regular Frame Arms line when you can just get the best of both worlds? The Gourai-Kai & Exosuit Unit is, surprisingly, one of the most complex kits in the entire Frame Arms line. While most models in the series come with pre-assembled frames, builders will have to put this one together from scratch. For those looking for a slightly more challenging build, this is the one they should get.

Why We Like It

In a hobby where “Optional Parts” and “Sold Separately” abound, it's sets like the Gourai-Kai that remind us that model kits don’t have to be prohibitively expensive. This is the perfect way to kick-start any collection. You can even separate the Frame Arms Girl from its mecha armor, resulting in two separate, fully-posable kits. And the best part? They look great in any configuration you can think of!

Final Thoughts on the Frame Arms Line, the Best Non-Gundam Mecha Model Kits

Not every collector is looking to spend entire afternoons assembling model kits. Some just want a cool mech to put on their shelves. Fortunately, Frame Arms offers the best of both worlds. With their pre-built frames and flashy armor designs, Kotobukiya has done an outstanding job distancing the Frame Arms line from the Gunpla experience, while offering a similar shelf presence for all their undeniably awesome mech designs.

Any of the 10 model kits we just saw stands tall (literally – these are 1:100 models, after all) besides any Gunpla model. If you’re a Gunpla collector looking to broaden your horizons, or if you’re simply looking for more cool mechs to add to your shelf, Poggers has got you covered with our selection of Frame Arms and Frame Arms Girls model kits!