Yes, here we are again, telling you that there is a new product you should try out! But this time it’s not based around gaming, but collecting and having actual fun with the build results! This time it’s also rather direct as we built some ourselves and are extremely satisfied. This is in no way a Sheik Mainland sponsored review, but we are going to be honest, as there are some cons too. Just keep reading, oh wordly slave of downtime hobbies!
What is Sheik Mainland?
Sheik Mainland is a Chinese Gundam like model company that does things a bit different. Although their lines have small resemblance on the Bandai products, we see big robots armed to the teeth for their in lore function. It’s a company that seems to have started around 2020, but the exacts here are vague. Reason for it being that China is a pretty closed of country, that only shows what they want to show.
What we can tell about Sheik Mainland, is that the first models appeared on the more western sites around 2024-2025, but were still hard to find if you didn’t know what to look for. They soon got foothold in Asia, and now, with the help of CCGwinkel among other bigger sellers, are trying to reach the EU shores. With success as they have people helping out from Asia instead of relying on distributors in Europe.
The Positives of not Having Gate Keeping Stores
Not like brands of action figures talked about in this blog, Sheik Mainland is aiming for a fair transition into the market, not relying on one big company to shovel the product. This gives room for smaller companies like CCGwinkel that can make a stand to get the product to the customer.
Enough About the Whats and Whos, Onto the Models
Yes, I know you are waiting for the review that says Sheik Mainland are an awesome product line! Well, it all began with a Facebook page, where 1/18th scale models are being displayed from a multitude of brands. Sheik was one of them and me, as a hobbyist got excited about a model that does not look like a RX-78 Gundam or something. So, I ordered one, which for my wallet, was a big mistake.
The model was the 1/144th scale Zarov C1 from the Ultra Action Trooper range. It took about 4–5 hours to build as it was my first “gunpla” or “plamo” model. The result was amazing! Being really happy with it and now owning a demo set of something that would be shipped really soon.
After talking to some peeps, i came across a dealer in Singapore, that seems to function as the link from China to the rest of the world. He (great guy) told me not to start with the Zarov’s or types like that, but with the Fenrir kits. Reason being that people, when exploring new models or kits, first want to experience a cheaper set than the big ones. Next to that, these kits are 1/18th scale and would fit perfectly with our existing range of action figures.
It wasn’t long before the first box of 20 (5 different colors) Fenrir kits came in. The yellow kit box was dented a bit more than the rest (they had to travel far, and the boxes are quite thin), so I decided to build that set. BOY WAS I SURPRISED!
Building the Sheik Mainland Fenrir’s
Yes. I used the multitude of Fenrir, because for a really affordable price in the hobby, you get not 1, but 2 kits in one box! Both of the same color, so basically the same set twice, ideal for army building. You can build them at the same time, but they take up about 1,5 to 2 hours of building if you are as experienced as I am in the plamo hobby.
The result looks flimsy, I’m not going to lie. Do know these models are to be played with, so altough they look flimsy, they are robust as heck! I tried bending them, popping them out of their joints, and pushing them further than intended. Yes I did get some joint pops, but nothing broke, making them really un-flimsy (is that a word?)
It has to be noted that the models have a really skinny vibe to them, as these models lorewise are built for crowdcontrol and warfare insurgency, not keeping the frontlines. These are “Chappy” like droids, mecha’s and they portray that really well, but also play and pose like that.
The Build Instructions
Do note this is still a Chinese product, so expect some Chinese instructions. A logical mind does need some looking into it, but when you finally get it, the fun begins. Building these models was a breeze. It was just a foldable a4 paper. Do note that the 3Min range is the starter series of models from the brand, so don’t expect some big builds, but more focussed builds on playfulness and easy of build. Perfect for people like me or that just want their action figures not right out of the box.
The Zarov C1 models was a bit more complicated, had more sprues and an actual instruction booklet. These models focus on posability, army building and a younger audience. Don’t let that fool you, every collector of 1/18 action figures can appreciate this kit!
The Extra’s in These Sheik Mainland Kits
This is where the value of these kits come around the corner, making you want more. There is a posable “fly” stand, so you can impress your Gundam friends with 42 points of articulation and make a battle scene right out of the box. The kits come with 4 pairs of hands extra, 4 different guns, which are compatible with all Sheik mainland kits, 1/18 or 1/144.
You still with me? This is a double RG (real grade) kit, with all these extras for the price of one (1) entry grade Bandai kit, with more posability than said kits! Perhaps now you are getting why we are so excited about this brand.
The Verdict
We tried an older kit (Zarov) and a newer just released kit (Fenrir) and both impressed! Let’s get to the pro’s and con’s:
Pro’s:
– They are great in detail.
– You can push them further with paint and hobby elements.
– The kits are highly articulated (42 points in a 11cm model is insane!) The Zarov, being a bit more bulky, is less articulate and more comparable to a gunpla kit, but with an unbeatable price for a HG kit.
– The company is new and releasing more models as they grow in size!
– The 3Min project line has 2 models in a box for the price of one Bandai kit.
– They are the ideal entry point into a new hobby.
– Sheik Mainland aims for innovation and playability, not posing and placing. They are robust!
Con’s:
– It’s hard to find them without stores like CCGwinkel
– The 3Min models are done too quick!
– The 3Min models have to be detailed by the builder. The visor, clearly color on the box, is just plain colored in the bought 5 colors.
– They are as addictive as one might (not) want. You want more after the build
so, should you give them a chance? Absolutely. Start with a smaller kit if you are still on the fence, but don’t skip this upcoming brand if you have the chance! Feeling convinced? Get the Fenrir models in the webshop. More to come in the coming months, but it takes some time to have them arrive in the shop.