The One Piece fan community is famous for its endless debates about character powers. Recently, a new perspective has been gaining huge attention on Reddit (r/OnePiece), claiming that Gear 4 is actually the greatest transformation in One Piece history, and even one of the best in the anime world, not Gear 5, the “Sun God” form.
Why are fans so obsessed with Gear 4?
When it comes to Luffy’s power-ups, creator Eiichiro Oda always delivers explosive moments, and Toei Animation has done a great job bringing those visions to life. Yet among all the power-ups, Gear 4 holds a special, unrivaled place in fans’ hearts.
First introduced during the Dressrosa arc in a life-or-death battle against Doflamingo, Gear 4 marked the biggest breakthrough after two and a half years of training during the timeskip. It’s not just a simple size boost like Gear 3 or a speed increase like Gear 2. Gear 4 perfectly combines explosive strength, agile mobility, and masterful use of Armament Haki for defense.
Since defeating Doflamingo, Gear 4 has become more than a temporary state to win fights. It’s Luffy’s ultimate weapon, accompanying him through some of the series’ most iconic battles, especially the intense showdown with Sweet Commander Katakuri.
How does Gear 4 differ from the “ultimate power” Gear 5?
No one can deny that Gear 5 is Luffy’s strongest form to date. The arrival of the Sun God Nika revived the story when all seemed lost against Kaido, revealing shocking secrets about the past. So why is Gear 4 still favored?
The answer lies in diversity and symbolism. Gear 4 debuted when Luffy faced Doflamingo, a former Warlord with unmatched brutality and skill. It was the first time fans saw Luffy push himself to a new limit, creating an indescribable excitement.
Secondly, while Gear 2, 3, and 5 mostly have just one form with minor variations, Gear 4 introduces three completely different forms, each with unique functions and tactics:
– Gear 4 Bounce Man: The most balanced form between offense and defense, allowing Luffy to “fly” and deliver powerful punches.
– Gear 4 Snake Man: Debuted on Whole Cake Island, this form focuses on extreme speed and unpredictable attacks, challenging even the most skilled Haki users.
– Gear 4 Tank Man: A purely defensive form that turns Luffy’s body into a giant Haki-coated ball, capable of reflecting the heaviest attacks.
Although Gear 5 offers godlike power, Gear 4 feels like the form of a true warrior who has honed his strength through sweat and blood. This variety in combat style and its significance as a turning point make Gear 4 the “gold standard” transformation for many hardcore fans.