Energy Layer - Gigant Gaia

is an Energy Layer released by Takara Tomy as part of the Burst System as well as the Dual Layer System. It debuted in Japan with the release of the B-67 Random Booster Vol. 5 Gigant Gaia.Q.F on December 28th, 2016.

Description
Takara Tomy's Gigant Gaia is a Balance Type Energy Layer featuring two rows of four blades resembling stones, two golem heads on either sides like the Layer's namesake, the Greek Primordial Deity Gaia, and a large 'G' around the center of the Layer.

The direction, shape and downward angle of the two rows of "stones" are similar to the blades of Wyvern except that the stones are much thicker and the angle that they protrude from is more obtuse, like the blades of Victory Valkyrie. The sides two golem heads create points of Burst Attack and the top of the heads create a smooth, low-recoil surface. This is meant to give Gigant Gaia a mix of Defense and Attack properties, however, the angle and spacing between the stones are too small for decent Attack potential.

Instead, Gigant Gaia 's potential lies within Defense; the stones deflect attacks creating a low recoil surface perfect for KO Defense Combinations and the teeth on Gigant Gaia alternate between "medium tall" to "short" giving Gigant Gaia strong Burst resistance, greater than Wyvern due to the similar blades and stronger teeth. However, this Layer's Stamina is only average compared to Layers such as Wyvern, Odin or Neptune, giving combinations using Gigant Gaia a risk of being Out Spun.

Use in Defense Combinations
Gigant Gaia can be used in the Defense Combination Gigant Gaia Heavy/Gravity/0/2/4/5/7 Cross/Glaive Unite/Bite/Defense. The heavy weight of Heavy/Gravity/0/2/4/5/7 Cross/Glaive further bolsters Gigant Gaia 's KO resistance and Stamina while the Layer's teeth can compensate for the greater Burst risk. Unite/Bite adds greater KO resistance but reduces Stamina, Defense can bolster KO resistance, Stamina and Burst resistance but not to the same degree as the other Performance Tips.

Overall
Takara Tomy's Gigant Gaia is a great Energy Layer for Defense with strong KO resistance and stronger Burst resistance. However, the Layer is still outclassed by Neptune, Wyvern and Odin due to its only average Stamina. Furthermore, with the release of the SwitchStrike/God Layer System, Gigant Gaia has become too light to be competitive.

As such, Takara Tomy's Gigant Gaia is recommended for collection purposes only.

Takara Tomy

 * B-67 Random Booster Vol. 5 Gigant Gaia.Q.F - 01: Gigant Gaia Quarter Fusion (clay orange)
 * B-101 Random Booster Vol. 9 Beat Kukulcan.7U.Hn - 08: Gigant Gaia 8Under Quake
 * BG-07 Random Layer Collection Vol. 7 - 03: Gigant Gaia