MACROSS HG VF-31 Siegfried: Which Variant to Choose

Quick answer

Choose the HG VF-31S Siegfried deluxe set if you want the full display package with an acrylic stand and waterslide decals. Pick the standard VF-31S or VF-31J if you prefer a lower price and only need the core kit.

Standard kit vs deluxe set: what you actually get

The HG VF-31S Siegfried comes in two versions. The standard release is the model kit itself with the usual runners and a standard instruction sheet. The deluxe set adds an acrylic display stand and waterslide decals featuring Mikumo Guynemer. If you plan to pose your finished Valkyrie in flight or want extra marking options, the deluxe set saves you the trouble of buying those separately. If you build mostly for shelf display in battroid mode, the standard kit is enough.

VF-31S vs VF-31J: pilot and part differences

Both kits share the same 1/100 scale and HG engineering, but they represent different machines from Macross Delta. The VF-31S is Arad Molders' unit, while the VF-31J is Hayate Immelmann's. The VF-31J introduces a "Replacement Three-Step Deformation (Shortcut Change)" system that simplifies transformation using replacement parts. This is a first for the Macross HG series. If you value ease of transformation and a slightly different design, the VF-31J is the more innovative choice. The VF-31S kits stick with the standard transformation approach.

Price vs value trade-off

The deluxe VF-31S set is priced at USD 68.87 (catalog comparison price USD 97.00), while the standard VF-31S is USD 43.52 (catalog comparison price USD 64.00). The VF-31J is USD 44.85 (catalog comparison price USD 65.00). The deluxe set costs about 58% more than the standard VF-31S. The extra money gets you the stand and decals, which are nice but not essential for a satisfying build. If your priority is getting the most kit for the lowest cost, the standard VF-31S or VF-31J are the better deals.

Decision rules

• Need a display stand and extra decals?: Get the HG VF-31S Siegfried Deluxe set (product ID 522230). It includes the acrylic stand and waterslide decals out of the box.
• Want the lowest price?: Choose the standard HG VF-31S Siegfried (product ID 522231) at USD 43.52. You miss the stand and decals but keep the same core model.
• Prefer easier transformation?: Pick the HG VF-31J Siegfried (Hayate Immelmann Use) (product ID 522232). It features the new three-step shortcut change system using replacement parts. This is the first HG Macross kit to use that system, so it offers a different building experience.

Product facts

• MACROSS HG VF-31S Siegfried Arad Molders Use Deluxe set 1/100: Deluxe set includes an acrylic stand and waterslide decals of Mikumo Guynemer. You get display and customization extras without buying them separately, making it a complete package for posing and detailing.

  

• MACROSS HG VF-31S Siegfried Arad Molders Use: Standard VF-31S kit features a wide range of motion for various poses. It delivers solid articulation at a lower price point, ideal if you already have stands and decals or prefer a simpler build.

  

Which kit fits you?

Best for

• Builders who want a complete display package with stand and decals
• Fans of Arad Molders who want the deluxe set

Not for

• Budget-conscious builders who only need the core kit
• Those who prefer the VF-31J design or the shortcut transformation system