Monkey D. Luffy, the charismatic captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of One Piece. Created by the legendary Eiichiro Oda, Luffy’s journey from the East Blue to the Grand Line has been nothing short of epic. But what truly sets him apart are his Gears, a series of techniques that amplify his Devil Fruit powers, making him a formidable opponent even against the most powerful foes. With the recent debut of Gear 5 in the anime, it’s high time we rank these Gears by their sheer power and impact.
The Foundation: Gear 1
Let’s start with the basics. Gear 1 isn’t officially a “Gear,” but it’s the cornerstone of Luffy’s fighting style.
With nearly 100 different attacks like the iconic Gum-Gum Pistol and Gum-Gum Bazooka, Luffy’s base form is anything but basic. It’s the bread and butter of his combat, and the best part? It doesn’t exhaust him, allowing him to go the distance in any battle.
The Speed Demon: Gear 2
Introduced during the Water 7 Saga, Gear 2 was Luffy’s answer to the CP9’s lightning-fast movements.
By pumping his blood at an accelerated rate, Luffy gains a burst of speed and power, complete with a steamy aura that’s become synonymous with this form. While it’s not the most powerful in terms of raw strength, it’s a game-changer in battles that require agility and quick reflexes.
The Heavy Hitter: Gear 3
Also a product of the Water 7 arc, Gear 3 turns Luffy into a giant—well, at least his limbs.
By inflating his bones, Luffy can deliver punches and kicks that rival the force of a giant’s. The downside? It used to slow him down, but post-time skip, he’s mastered this form to perfection, eliminating its previous drawbacks.
The Defensive Dynamo: Gear 4 – Tankman
Developed during his training on Ruskaina Island, Tankman is all about defense.
While it sacrifices mobility, this form can absorb a tremendous amount of damage, making Luffy nearly invincible. Although we haven’t seen it much in the series, its impact can’t be underestimated.
The Absurd Yet Effective: Gear 4 – Tankman Stuffed Version
This form is what you get when Luffy combines his love for food with his battle tactics.
After consuming a mountain of biscuits during his fight against Charlotte Cracker, Luffy morphed into this hilarious yet terrifying form. Its defensive capabilities are off the charts, and it even packs a counterattack, the Gum-Gum Cannonball, that can send foes flying for miles.
The Speedster on Steroids: Gear 4 – Snakeman
Snakeman is the epitome of speed and unpredictability.
Unveiled during his duel with Katakuri, this form is designed to outmaneuver opponents with advanced Observation Haki. Its attacks are not only fast but also erratic, making it nearly impossible to anticipate Luffy’s next move.
In honor of tonight's historic moment, let's take a look back at all of Luffy's Gears. Which one is your favorite?
Episode 1071 airs August 5! #OnePiece pic.twitter.com/rGaprCyGtW
— One Piece (@OnePieceAnime) August 5, 2023
The Jack of All Trades: Gear 4 – Bounceman
Bounceman is Luffy’s most balanced form, offering a mix of speed, power, and defense.
First seen in his clash with Doflamingo, this form uses the elasticity of rubber combined with Haki to launch devastating attacks. It even allows Luffy to fly, adding another layer to his combat capabilities.
The Game Changer: Gear 5
Finally, we arrive at Gear 5, the latest addition to Luffy’s arsenal.
Unveiled during the climax of the Wano arc, this form transforms Luffy into the Sun God Nika, a being of almost limitless power. It allows him to use all his Gears and Haki types freely, bending reality to his whims. It’s a form still in its experimental stage, but its potential is astronomical, making Luffy a force unlike any other.
Final Thoughts: The Ever-Evolving Captain
Monkey D. Luffy has come a long way since his days in the East Blue. His Gears are a testament to his growth, creativity, and indomitable spirit. As One Piece continues to unfold, we can only anticipate what other jaw-dropping techniques Luffy will unveil. But for now, Gear 5 sits at the pinnacle, a symbol of a journey filled with trials, triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of becoming the King of the Pirates.
