Hey friends!
Welcome back to the blog. Today I'm looking back on the airsoft replicas I've enjoyed using the most over the last year. Disclaimer: these are just my personal favourites (yours probably will be different) that I have used in 2022 - meaning they more than likely aren't groundbreaking or the newest releases, simply the ones I've enjoyed using the most. Let me know your faves in the comments!
Number 5 - The BOLT AKM
Taking the number 5 spot this year we have BOLT’s newest AKM, which has been designed to have the strongest recoil simulation system in the world - their patent-pending BOLT Recoil Shock System or the B.R.S.S for short. This AEG is mostly constructed from stamped Steel, Aluminium, and Zinc, with a real wood handguard and fixed stock, and a bakelite grip to make it more realistic and give it a good weight. It weighs in at around 3.4KG so she is a hefty gal! As for length, she’s also packing - she measures in at 91cm! There still isn’t that much information available on the internet for this AEG so I can’t give you a full rundown of the internals, but we know it has the B.R.S.S system to give a realistic blowback, and it has an adjustable hop-up to aid in accuracy. You can check out my full review here, and check out my range test here!
Number 4 - ARES M4 X-Class Model 9
Next up, we have the ARES M4 X-Class Model 9. It is constructed from Aluminium Alloy, Nylon Fibre and metal. At the front of this premium AEG we can see a steel Flash Hider (14mm CW) that leads onto an M-LOK Geissele style rail system and a Radian arms-style receiver. It has a full-length Picatinny top rail so players can accessorise their rifles with sights, scopes and other accessories such as a PEQ box. It features the Ares slim pistol grip which is designed for comfort and grip. At the rear of the rifle, we have an Amoeba Pro stock that houses the battery compartment and has multiple sling points. This rifle is available in either black or bronze and multiple barrel lengths. You can check out my full review here and my range test here!
Coming in at number 3, we have the Umarex/VFC MP7 AEG. Controversial, I know considering the issues with the Gen 1 MP7s. It’s a full-sized and accurate 1:1 replica of the MP7 SMG from Heckler and Koch. It is a fully licensed replica so it has all the correct markings and trades just like the real thing. It is manufactured mostly from a high-density polymer with Aluminium Rails, stock bars, sights, controls and a steel flash hider, body pins and screws making this build lightweight but also durable. As this is the Gen 2 model, internally it boasts a full-sized AEG gearbox with a capable high-speed motor, next-generation micro fire control and FET. It does also have empty magazine detection which means that it cuts off on after the last round, this makes it more realistic to operate. Luckily the Gen 2 model has improved internals so mine is still going strong and has escaped the curse of the MP7. I will of course keep you guys updated if the changes. You can check out my full review here, and my range test here!
Number 2 - The SECUTOR ASTRA III SHADOW
The SECUTOR ASTRA III SHADOW is a dual-tone AEG from Secutor Arms, that is matte black and features the SHADOW handguard and stock tube in a very dark grey which compliments the black perfectly. At the front of the replica, there is a steel flash hider that can be removed to allow for the attachment of accessories such as a tracer unit or mock suppressor. Following on from the steel flash hider we have the SHADOW handguard which uses M-LOK as its attachment system and despite its relatively short length, it has plenty of space to attach say a PEQ box or a laser. On the body, we can see the secutor markings and there is a functional and ambidextrous bolt catch, and a magazine release on both sides making this a great option for box right and left-handed shooters. At the back of the rifle, there is a telescopic stock that boasts 5 positions to customise the length to the shooter. In the box, there is a set of metal flip-up ironsights and an adjustable M-LOK grip that are easy to install.
Internally, it features a programmable electronic trigger, a quick spring change, a 6.03mm precision barrel, an integrated electric trigger unit, an 8mm bushing and bearing combination, a reinforced polymer piston with all metal teeth, silver wiring, a Hi-Torque Engine, CNC steel cylinder and cylinder head made in a single piece to improve compression, Metal spring guide with bearings to prevent spring twisting and is rearward to DEANS (or T connector). It is also worth mentioning that it has a 60º maple leaf installed with a fixed cam to enable it to always exert the same pressure on the rubber which helps to avoid displacement or incorrect placement of the cam and its nub. This means that the FPS of the replica is more consistent. She’s pretty tasty. You can check out my full review here, and my range test here.
Number 1 - KWA Originals EVE-9!
Taking the top spot this year we have the KO: EVE-9 AEG! The longest variant in the KO EVE line of replicas, was intended to rival the KWA T10 but without the kickback of KWA’s recoil system. Externally, at the front of the rifle, we have a KWA SOCOM Muzzle Brake and a K.O.R.E 9 MLOK rail that has plenty of space for attachments such as torches, lasers, the upper and lower receiver are both polymer and have all the controls we would expect to see on a typical M4 system including the mag release and the ambidextrous fire selector that has safe, semi and full-auto modes. It also has the new KO’s slimline pistol grip. At the back of the rifle, we have a PTS EPS (Enhanced Polymer Stock) that houses the battery (and it has plenty of space which we love to see!)
Internally, it features the AEG 2.5+ Gearbox (that we have seen in the TK45C, the Ronin T6, the Ronin 47 and the QRF Mod series), the KWA High Torque Motor and an adjustable hop-up. It is Electronic Trigger ready and is wired to Deans or T-Plug. It also features the Variable Performance System (or VPS for short) which lets the user adjust the FPS using a tool that’s included in the box. This polymer AEG from KWA really pleasantly surprised me.
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