HG 1/144 Gundam Sandrock Custom EW Review & Release Information – The Endless Waltz Classic Returns

For many Gundam Wing fans, few mobile suits are as iconic as Gundam Sandrock Custom EW. Piloted by Quatre Raberba Winner in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, this elegant yet powerful Gundam stands out with its signature Anti-Beam Coating Cloak and twin Heat Shotels.

Now, Bandai is finally bringing this fan-favorite design to the modern High Grade lineup with the HG 1/144 Gundam Sandrock Custom EW, giving builders a fresh and highly detailed version of one of the most beloved Endless Waltz mobile suits.

Release Information

Kit Name: HG 1/144 Gundam Sandrock Custom EW
Grade: High Grade (HG) 1/144
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz
Release Date: June 6, 2026

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Why Sandrock Custom EW Remains a Fan Favorite

Unlike many Gundams that rely on overwhelming firepower, Sandrock Custom EW focuses on close-range combat and defensive versatility.

The Endless Waltz redesign by legendary mechanical designer Hajime Katoki gave Sandrock a more refined and heroic silhouette. The mobile suit traded much of its heavier armament for a cleaner aesthetic centered around:

• Twin Heat Shotels
  
• Anti-Beam Coating Cloak
  
• Improved mobility
  
• Distinctive desert-warrior appearance

This redesign has become one of the most recognizable mecha designs in the entire Gundam Wing franchise.

Key Features of the New HG Kit

1. Modern HG Engineering

Bandai has developed the kit using its latest HG technology, allowing for significantly improved articulation and posing capabilities compared to older Sandrock releases.

Dynamic action poses with the Heat Shotels are finally easier to achieve without compromising stability.

2. New Soft-Material Cloak

One of the most exciting features is the newly designed Anti-Beam Coating Cloak.

Unlike older versions that relied on rigid plastic parts, the HG 1/144 release uses a softer material that allows the cloak to flow naturally around the body, making dramatic poses much more convincing.

3. Excellent Color Separation

Early previews show that the kit requires very few stickers, with most major colors accurately recreated through part separation.

This means builders can achieve an impressive display piece straight out of the box with minimal additional work.

4. Screen-Accurate Endless Waltz Design

Bandai appears to be staying faithful to the OVA version of Sandrock Custom EW rather than incorporating later manga-exclusive upgrades.

For fans seeking a true Endless Waltz display, this is excellent news.

Display Potential

One of the biggest reasons collectors are excited about this release is how well it fits alongside other modern Gundam Wing kits.

The Sandrock Custom EW's flowing cloak creates a unique silhouette that immediately stands out on a shelf. Whether displayed:

• Cloak fully extended
  
• Heat Shotels drawn
  
• In a defensive stance
  
• Alongside the other Operation Meteor Gundams

the kit naturally becomes a focal point in any collection.

Thoughts

As someone who has built numerous Gundam Wing kits over the years, this feels like one of the most anticipated HG releases in recent memory.

Sandrock has often been overshadowed by fan favorites like Wing Zero EW or Deathscythe Hell EW, but the Endless Waltz version has always had one of the strongest visual identities in the franchise. The combination of the cloak, the twin Heat Shotels, and the clean Katoki redesign gives it a timeless look that still holds up nearly three decades later.

What impresses me most is Bandai's decision to use a softer cloak material. It may seem like a small detail, but it dramatically improves both posing and overall display value. For many builders, this feature alone could make the kit worth picking up.

If you're a Gundam Wing fan, this feels like a must-have release. If you're new to Gunpla, it may also be one of the best modern HG kits to start an Endless Waltz collection.

Should You Pre-Order HG 1/144 Gundam Sandrock Custom EW?

Recommended for:

✅ Gundam Wing fans
✅ Endless Waltz collectors
✅ HG builders looking for unique designs
✅ Fans of melee-focused mobile suits
✅ Builders who enjoy dynamic posing

Maybe skip if:

❌ You only collect larger scales such as MG or PG
❌ You prefer heavily armed mobile suits over melee-focused designs

Overall, the HG 1/144 Gundam Sandrock Custom EW looks poised to become one of the standout Gundam Wing releases of 2026. Between its modern engineering, impressive articulation, and beautifully recreated cloak, it delivers exactly what longtime fans have been hoping for