IWA 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

Hey friends!

Welcome back to the blog! And sorry it's been a while - since returning from Germany at the start of the month I've been plagued with health issues, luckily these are behind me now so we can get back to it. IWA 2023 was a corker of a show with SO many cool new products that we'll be seeing relatively soon, I wish I could share them all with you but there just isn't enough hours in the day so I've compiled a list of my favourites from the show.

G&G Armament

G&G had everyone talking this year with their folding FAR 9 and FAR 556. The FAR name stands for Folding AR, and the number at the end is the 'calibre'. For this, we'll be focusing on the pistol calibre version - the FAR 9. This 9mm style AEG is unique in that it can be folded down from its total size to a third of its size (watch my Instagram reel here of the transformation). Simply remove the magazine, and pull the tab on the rail which will fold the front section and there is a button at the rear to fold the stock. Making this already compact AEG even more compact. I think this would be perfect for someone who doesn't have a lot of room to store their airsoft kit or who wants to slim down what they bring to games.

What I think is crazy about this AEG is that it is rear-wired! My brain simply cannot wrap around it so I'll believe it is witchcraft. Another notable feature is that it has a version 2 gearbox.

Cybergun

Cybergun were absolutely killing it this year with their new FN Herstal releases and the Canik TP9!

First, let's chat about the Canik TP9! This airsoft pistol has a nylon fibre body and a CNC aluminium slide making it lightweight and easily manoeuvrable. It has a flat trigger with safety, an improved adjustable hop-up unit, a cocking indicator, an aluminium magazine heel on the CO2 magazine and dot sights included.

Next up, we have the FN Herstal 509 pistol which will be coming in 4.5mm and 6mm variants - there aren't really any differences between them bar some markings. The airsoft (6mm) variant will be available in green gas and CO2 and as standard, it will come with a threaded barrel. It will be released later in the year with the FN Herstal 509 Tactical version following.

Last but not least from Cybergun - the VFC M249 GBB that you will have most likely seen on social media from MOA 2022. There aren't that many details on this just yet - apart from where the BBs go and the location of the gas tank but we're excited to find out more!

Feel free to watch my YouTube video here

Wolverine Airsoft

It was a pleasant surprise to see Wolverine Airsoft at IWA 2023 as they hail all the way from Tennessee, USA and they did not disappoint. Wolverine announced their new speedsoft range of HPA guns the 'Heretic Labs' range and new gas tank stocks.

Heretic Labs is a whole new brand that Wolverine has launched that is fully dedicated to our speedy bois and gals. Most notable from this range is the 'Article 1' Speedsoft pistol build that features a full CNC aluminium receiver set, a gen 2 inferno engine, custom electronics, and a binary trigger. As it has been built based on the MTW platform all the parts are interchangeable! 

Check out my YouTube here for all the details!

Helikon-Tex

Helikon is one of my favourite brands for women's tactical gear and I saw a few pieces on their booth that caught my eye! 

First up, the Women's Gunfighter jacket - this was shown last year and is available now! It is a tactical jacket designed for female uniformed service officers that has anatomical cuts and does not restrict movement. Used materials ensure the jacket's durability. A 2-way zip opens the jacket from the top and bottom for instant access to gear at the waist or in the pockets. It works well in tactical activities, although at first glance it looks like an ordinary outdoor jacket. It's intentional because that allows you to work in the field without drawing unnecessary attention.

The Gunfighter jacket has a hood hidden in the stand-up collar, which protects against wind and light rain, and zippered vents under the arms provide ventilation. Everyday items can be stored in seven jacket pockets: two on the shoulders, two inside, two side chest pockets, and a zipped pocket on the left forearm.

The MARIGOLD Women’s Shirt is the first shirt from Helikon-Tex dedicated to women.

It’s designed to be light, durable and comfortable during any activity. It is also tailored to fit the female figure perfectly. It was designed so that four pockets will not restrict any movement. Two pockets on the chest have buttons, and two on the hips have YKK zippers. Additionally, two hidden pockets are sewn inside the shirt. Last but not least, the MARIGOLD Women’s Shirt has a piece of a lens cleaning cloth sewn inside the shirt.

Pentagon Tactical

Next up, is Pentagon Tactical with their ARTAXES jacket for women! I actually brought an ARTAXES Mens Jacket all the way back in 2015 and it was one of my favourite jackets for years as it was super warm and water-resistant, and after many requests, Pentagon answered and presented the Female edition of the ARTAXES jacket. It is well-fitting, designed to be shaping, and has all the functionalities the original has.

It is laminated with Storm|Tex™ membrane that offers WP 5000g/m²/24h and MPV 3000m²/24h keeping moisture and wind out. Flexible fabric offers comfort and lines on the inside with Grid|Tech™ waffle fleece keeps you warm and ventilated during activities. The hidden hood in the collar is easily accessible and has 3 points of adjustment. It features large chest pockets with inner compartments and an earphone cable exit port on the right chest pocket. Arm pockets with Hook n Loop patches for your insignia. Underarm ventilation with insect-blocking mesh.

Pentagon also showed a new range of women's tactical pants including the Ranger 2.0 pants!  

VORSK

It was VORSK's first year at IWA 2023 and they sure made waves. Everyone was talking about the VMP-1! The VMP-1 or the Very Massive Pistol as it was very lovingly dubbed is VORSK's first GBB SMG. It is made from a high-density polymer making it lightweight, compact and easy to manoeuvre, especially when you throw the folding stock which has a butt pad that can tilt 15 degrees into the mix. It has an aggressive compensator that accepts a very chonky suppressor. Check out my YouTube video here!

Acetech

Acetech came to IWA 2023 with a whole host of new products including an all-new target system however it was these two products that stole the show for me!

First up, we have ‘Genesis’ (I think this is the correct name/spelling, if not please feel free to correct me!) this is a tracer unit, that also has a Chronograph, laser pointer and a torch (with strobe) in it?? Absolutely wild that all of this tech can fit into one attachment. It does make the pistol front heavy, and there aren’t any holsters (yet) that can take this big boi but I really like how they’ve combined EVERYTHING into one compact package.

Secondly, we have the Acetech moscart that fills up with just two twists of this ready-built loader - super convenient! 

Redwolf Airsoft

It was great to catch up with the team at Redwolf Airsoft and get some more information on their Battle Arms Development (B.A.D) AEG. It is a dual-licensed product as it features a number of FORTIS Manufacturing externals including the FORTIS 556 Muzzle Break and the FORTIS Quick Release M-LOK handguard which can be removed to mount all your accessories on and re-installed. Check out my YouTube video here!

 

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AEG | NOVESKE N4 GEN 4 SHORTY BY EMG/APS!

Hi friends! 

Welcome back to the blog! In this post we’re looking at another AEG - the Noveske N4 Gen.4 Shorty by EMG/APS from Evike Europe! 

The Noveske N4 Gen.4 Shorty by EMG/APS is an official AEG replica licensed by Noveske Rifleworks LLC. It has been designed in collaboration with APS and is the perfect replica of the assault rifle used by Navy Seals. 

First up, let’s talk about the externals. At the front of the rifle, we have a Dead Air Keymo flash hider which gives this AEG aggressive styling, an NSR M-LOK handguard which has plenty of space to add accessories such as Picatinny rail sections, torches, lasers and foregrips. The full metal upper and lower receivers have all the relevant Noveske markings for realism. On the body, we can also find the Charging handle, fire selector switch, bolt catch and magazine release, all of which are ambidextrous. It also features an enlarged trigger guard to facilitate glove use and a flared mag well to aid with loading. At the rear of the rifle, there is a 6-point RS3 stock, that has been inspired by the MOE stock from Magpul which offers lightness and comfort. 

Internally, we can find a Gearbox V2 SilverEdge, a MOSFET SDU 2.0 with a micro switch, and a QD spring system (that is accessible via the stock tube, and allows you to change your spring with nothing more than an Allen Key), it is wired to Deans (or T-Plug) with low resistance silver wiring. And also has the presence of bearings on the spring guide and the piston head as well as 8mm bearings, allowing for smoother and faster cycles while protecting the mechanics from additional stress. All of this allows the use of both 7.4v and 11.1v Lipo batteries and as gear SDU 2.0 is programmable, this gives players access to 5 firing modes. 

The Noveske N4 Gen.4 Shorty comes securely presented in a sleek black, Noveske branded box. On removing the replica from its packaging, it feels weighty and sturdy. There are no wobbles, or rattles - which is always a good sign. As I’m familiar with the platform, it didn’t take long to battery up - simply remove the pin at the back of the stock and the hinged door will open. The battery space isn’t too spacious so I used a small Nuprol stick battery, which fit well enough. 

So how does it shoot? It was consistent on both semi and full-auto - and I was pleasantly surprised. I tested it both using a 7.4v and an 11.1v Lipo and I think it definitely performed and sounded better on the 11.1v battery. Overall, it really is a fun gun to shoot. After a quick downgrade by Evike Europe (the out-the-box FPS is closer to 400 FPS so make sure you request this if you’re ordering from the UK), it chrono’d at 342 FPS with a decent rate of fire (you can check out my TikTok range test here). It is comfortable to shoulder thanks to the rubber padding on the sock, but I think due to the weight of it which is mostly because of the full metal receiver, to use it comfortably all day you would definitely need to attach a sling, especially like me if you’ve accessorised it to the hilt! 

I haven’t yet had the chance to play around with the SDU 2.0 to change the firing mode however, the Evike Europe website has these instructions for use: Connect a charged battery - Access the button located in the charger well on the bottom of the Gearbox - Press and hold the button, an LED will flash twice, release to accept. - Mode 1: Safe - Semi-Auto (default) - Mode 2: Safe - Semi - 3x Burst - Mode 3: Safe - 2x Burst - Auto - Mode 4: Safe - 3x Burst - Auto - Mode 5: Safe - 3x Burst - 9x Burst. 

Inside the box, you get the Noveske N4 Gen.4 Shorty AEG by EMG/APS, an unjamming rod, a 300-round high-capacity magazine and the all-important instruction manual. From Evike Europe, it retails for €339.90. You can save 15% on your order before shipping using the code FEMMEFATALE15 at www.evike-europe.com. 

Post sponsored by Evike Europe

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AEG | KWA KO EVE-4!

Hey friends! 

Welcome back to the blog! In this review, we’ll be looking at one of the new polymer range of rifles from none other than KWA - the KWA Originals EVE-4. 

Whilst the KO: EVE-4 AEG may just be “another M4” to some, KWA has taken care and time to develop this AEG and allow her to rival her sister AEG - the Ronin T6. At 4.6 lbs, she is an entire pound lighter than the Ronin T6, but with the same great internals. 

At the front of the rifle, we have a KWA two port Muzzle Brake and a K.O.R.E 4 MLOK rail that has plenty of space for attachments such as torches, and lasers, the upper and lower receiver are both made from a high-strength 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. The side charging handle is super convenient and allows for easy hop-up adjustment. At the back of the rifle, we have a true PDW-style stock. The KO: EVE-4 comes with KO’s new slim line vertical grip and a set of PTS Enhanced Polymer Sights. 

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. In the specs, it states that the FPS can range from 330-380 FPS with a ROF of 18+ and it is recommended that you use an 11.1v Lipo, as with the KWA KO EVE-9. When I put her through chrono, she was firing at 339 FPS which was perfect. 

Now you know I’m a hoe for nice packaging and the KWA Originals range come in a sleek, black branded box. On removing the replica from the box you get a feel for just how lightweight it is thanks to its polymer construction but the material doesn’t feel cheap and it feels sturdy - no wobbles, or rattles - always a good sign! It did take a little more time to battery up than the EVE-9, as the stock is less roomy. When the stock is extended, you can unclip the back of the stock and insert the battery in. As the battery space in the stock is much smaller than the EVE-9, I chose to use a Nuprol stick battery that fit quite nicely but I did have to fiddle to get the wires in without trapping them when I put the cover back on - which isn’t an issue, it’s more of an observation to take a little more care. It works just like any other M4 so if you are familiar with the platform anyway it is a seamless transition. I think aesthetically it is a little plain looking, but with the pop of blue on the included mag, it’s far from boring. 

So how does it shoot? It was consistent on both semi and full-auto - and I was pleasantly surprised. It sounds great and is really fun to shoot. It chrono’d at 339 FPS (but this of course can be adjusted) with a decent rate of fire (you can check out my TikTok range test here!). It is comfortable to shoulder and easy to manipulate because of its compact size and I think it would be comfortable to use all day as it’s really lightweight. 

Included in the box, you get the KO: EVE-4 AEG replica, a set of PTS Flip-Up Iron Sights, a KWA Front Grip, a VPS Tool, Two 4-slot Picatinny Rails, a Compact BB Speedloader and a KWA MS120 Midcap magazine included. The KO: EVE-4 retails for £239.99 from Extreme Airsoft and you can use my code ‘femmefatale21’ for 5% off!

Post sponsored by Extreme Airsoft

In-game photos by Samwise Photography

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GEAR | SPIRITUS SYSTEMS MKV CHASSIS!

Hey friends!

Welcome back to the blog! Today we’re going to be looking at my newest piece of tactical kit - the Spiritus Systems Micro Fight Chassis MkV.

The Spiritus Systems Micro Fight Chassis MkV is a small, lightweight and versatile chassis that can be used as either a magazine placard on a plate carrier or as the main component for a chest rig when other Spiritus Systems or compatible components are used such as the fat straps. The MkV from Spiritus is a single-cell placard-style chassis that is built from all-new materials with brand-new manufacturing processes.

Let’s chat about the construction - the MkV features MOLLE on the front and sides to increase carrying capacity by accommodating the attachment of additional magazine pouches and inside the main cell of the MkV it is lined on both sides with loop velcro to take Spiritus Systems magazine and other compatible inserts (those from companies such as Viper, One Tigris and Emerson Gear. The stitching, as we’d expect from an industry giant, is impeccable.

To enable it to be attached to plate carriers, it has 2 clips on at the top removable clips for the sides and it is backed with hook Velcro. This hook Velcro backing also enables users to run a dangler pouch.

Mine arrived from Tactical Kit in a clear plastic zip-lock bag to protect it during shipping (and storage) labelled with the brand and model of the Chassis, with the removable clips inside alongside it. On getting the MkV out of the bag, you can tell that it's super lightweight and the materials feel of good quality. I decided that this was going to go on my Phantom Gear “Wraith” T3 Plate Carrier as a mag placard so I went about attaching it and it was really easy - I clipped in the two clips on the top of the Chassis into the plat carriers clips and then removed the loop Velcro backing from the back of the chassis and it was good to go.

To insert my chosen inserts, I always insert the mags into the inserts before I do anything else, then I do a little trick where I fold 2 pieces of A4-sized paper in half and put them into the chassis, then I pop in the insert and position it. When I’m happy with the placement I remove one piece of paper, press the insert onto the side with the exposed loop Velcro, then remove the other side and press again. You can watch this gear hack on TikTok here.

I’ve been running it in this set-up for a few weeks now, and I think the MkV chassis fits really nicely onto my plate carrier, and honestly, it looks the tits. I love the new design - I think it’s aesthetically pleasing, looks modern and still retains its usability. It’s easy to set up as both a placard and as a chest rig (as the removable clips just slide on). The construction is sound, as of course we’d expect and the price point is pretty good (more on that later). I think Spiritus has done a stellar job with this.

It comes in Black, Coyote Brown, MultiCam, MultiCam Arid, MultiCam Black, MultiCam Tropic, Ranger Green, Wolf Grey and Woodland which is a great selection of camouflages and colourways. With this kind of offering, there is definitely a chassis for any loadout. I have the Ranger Green colourway.

From Spiritus Systems, it retails for $49.95, but for those of us in the UK we also have to factor in shipping and customs so purchasing it from a UK retailer, such as Tactical Kit is more cost-effective. At Tactical Kit, it retails for £54.99 plus P&P. It is worth noting that, before you consider purchasing a Spiritus Systems Chassis, this rig is a fully modular platform that is sold in parts and not as a complete unit. Although this is by no means a bad thing. It allows you to build the chassis to your own specifications. So this price is just for the Chassis alone and does not include any accessories such as the fat straps or inserts.

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PYRO | NEUTRON CHARGER BY TECTONIC INNOVATIONS!

Hi friends! 

Welcome back to the blog! Last year I reviewed the new and improved Tectonic Innovations single-shot impact grenade - the Neutron. Today we’ll be looking at the newest version of the Neutron - the Neutron Charger. 

The Neutron Charger from Tectonic Innovations is a single-shot impact grenade designed for airsoft. It is crafted from Stainless steel and aircraft-grade Aluminium for longevity and durability. Instead of the .209 primers we usually see airsoft pyrotechnics use, the Charger utilises HILTI m10 nail gun charges (now I know that sounds crazy but, hear me out!). It has a ‘twist to safe’ mechanism and locking pins for the fire and safe positions. The Neutron Charger can be holstered in any 40mm pouch or a Deadly Customs holster. It is available in black, red, orange, blue and purple with a matching base like its .209 counterpart. 

The main reason for the change of munitions is for use in countries that have limited availability/usage on .209 charges due to local laws. This m10 nail gun charge can usually be found in most hardware stores and is an unrestricted item, however, users are still encouraged to check their local laws for use of grenades. 

As we have noted previously one of the most notable features on the Neutron range of grenades is the 2 windows that are on the base of the grenade - that take 40mm glow sticks to make it easy to find in dark places. These have been kept on the Charger. Once you have cracked the glow sticks, they can be inserted into the window spaces and they’ll glow for a good few hours. There is one window on each side, which means wherever it falls you should be able to see the glow and locate your device. The glow sticks are easy to remove as well - you simply tip the bottom of the grenade upside down and they both fall out with ease. When reloading the Chargers munitions, these will also come out when you tip it upside down so be prepared to catch them if you want to use them again! 

As those of us who are familiar with impact grenades well know, with a lot of use, the firing pins in these devices can become blunt which impacts their performance, to combat this, the 2022 Neutron and Charger variation have a new and improved firing pin, meaning it lasts longer and you get more bangs from the original firing pin. 

Like the Quake 8 and the rest, all of the internal parts of the Charger are replaceable, so if anything should ever go wrong, instead of replacing the entire unit (for £79.99) you can simply replace the part - this works out much cheaper for the end-user. Most parts are available from dealers but if they’re out of stock they are available direct from Tectonic Innovations. The customer service at Tectonic is fantastic. The Neutron Charger is manufactured in the UK as well so no long waiting times for parts. 

It looks very similar to the Neutron - the only thing that differentiates them on the outside is the addition of ‘Charger’ underneath the Neutron logo. I think out of all of the colours, purple is the one that stands out the most to me. The writing on the Neutron Charger is easy to see and read in low light too. After the test throws, my tester Neutron Charger does have a few scuffs and chips but the anodising has held up well. 

So how does it function? Loading the m10 nail gun charges is easy enough but due to the swelling of the round getting them out after they’ve gone off, often needs a little help (I use a hairpin as it’s thin and flexible). Putting the two metal pieces back in after is also a little fiddly but, the new firing pin definitely adds some extra sensitivity to the 2022 Neutron and the Neutron Charger. The M10 rounds are also a little louder than the .209 primers so they add a little extra fun. 

If you’re familiar with my reviews, for all of my grenade tests, I do 25 throws on hard ground and then a few throws on the softer ground at different heights etc to test the sensitivity. During my tests, it went off on all of the hard ground throws and it off on 55% of the softer ground throws. This number is less than the 2022 Neutron but I think this is because the M10 nail charge might need a little extra oomph to detonate. Now it is worth noting that BFGs (Blank Firing Grenades) such as the Neutron and the Neutron Charger are designed to be used on hard ground. So it going off on softer ground is simply a bonus. If the ground is really soft and muddy it does struggle but if the ground is dry it will pretty much go off every time. I wouldn’t recommend using this in a woodland game though as they are expensive bits of kit and you don’t want to lose them in a bush. The glow stick windows are a nice touch and do really help when the site is dark. I did find if it lands funny in a corner that the glow sticks aren’t very visible but there’s generally a faint glow so it worked as it should. 

The Neutron Charger retails for £79.99 and is available from all Tectonic Innovations dealers, including Extreme Airsoft! You can also use my 'femmefatale23' code for 5% off at www.extremeairsoft.co.uk! 

Post sponsored by Tectonic Innovations

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AEG | BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE BRO SPEC15 M-LOK AEG FROM EVIKE EUROPE!

Hi friends! 

Welcome back to the blog! I have another review for you and in this one, we’ll be looking at the Black Rain Ordnance BRO SPEC15 M-LOK AEG from Evike Europe! 

The Black Rain Ordnance BRO SPEC15 M-LOK AEG is a licensed M4 airsoft replica that has been OEM’d by EMG and King Arms. Let’s start the review with the externals. At the front of the rifle, we can see a two-port muzzle break on a 14mm CCW thread, followed by a CNC machined aluminium alloy partial M-LOK handguard with laser etched trademarks and a one-piece fluted outer barrel, following on from the handguard we have a Cast aluminium alloy receiver with CNC finishing and stamped trademarks and electrophoretic finish. It has an integral trigger guard that lines up with the Strike Industries Grip smoothly, eliminating any trigger guard bite. On the receiver, we can also find the enlarged and enhanced charging handle and locking bolt plate. At the rear of the rifle, we have a 6-point adjustable stock with a rubberised butt pad making it comfortable to shoulder. The hand guard and the receiver are both finished off in a carbon fibre style finish. 

Internally, we are looking at an In-line MOSFET, an 8mm bearing gearbox with a quick-change spring guide that is fully compatible with most Version 2 gearbox upgrades, Neodymium High Torque Motor, CNC high strength gears, full steel rack piston and a one-piece metal hop-up. It has safe, semi and full auto-firing modes. EMG/King Arms recommend a 7.4v lipo for this replica. 

The Black Rain Ordnance BRO SPEC15 M-LOK AEG comes nicely presented in a branded box alongside an instruction manual, an unjamming rod and a 300 rnd high capacity magazine. On getting it out of the box, it feels sturdy - it weighs in at just over 3.1kg so it does have a fair weight to it. There’s no rattle or any wobble either which gives you confidence that it will last. The stock makes it pretty easy to battery up and it does have space for a stick battery - I probably wouldn’t use a split/nunchuck battery as I think it would be quite a snug fit. 

Although the rail focuses on aesthetics, there are a few M-LOK attachment points including both sides and underneath so you can attach rail sections to enable you to add more attachments like a torch, laser etc. I found adding my PEQ box was a no go without removing the flip-up iron sight as the Picatinny rail is somewhat split in half with an empty section. 

So how does it shoot? It was consistent on both semi and full-auto. It sounds pretty snappy on a 7.4v lipo and the rate of fire was pretty decent. It chrono’d at 3 FPS (you can check out my TikTok range test here!). It is comfortable to shoulder and easy to manipulate because of its compact size and I think it would be comfortable to use all day as it’s not unreasonably heavy. Slap a sling on there and you’re good to go for an all-day event. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feature ambidextrous controls - that would’ve been something I would’ve loved to have seen on this replica! 

From Evike Europe, the Black Rain Ordnance BRO SPEC15 M-LOK AEG retails for €419.90. You can save 15% on your order before shipping using the code FEMMEFATALE15 at www.evike-europe.com. 

Post sponsored by Evike Europe.

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2022 AIRSOFT WRAPPED | FEMME FATALE'S TOP 5 EVENTS 2022!

Hi friends!

Welcome back to the blog! Carrying on with my 2022 Airsoft Wrapped series today we’re going to be looking at my top 5 events of 2022! I usually do a top 5 airsoft sites however in 2022 I took a long break from airsoft for medical reasons and only managed to play 9 sites so I figured events would be a better round-up for last year! Now as always here’s the disclaimer: these are just my personal favourites (yours probably will be different) that I attended in 2022. Let’s get into it!

Gangsta City: A Christmas with Klaus (Swynnerton MOD Camp, UK)

At number 5, we have the last instalment of the Gangsta City games: A Christmas with Klaus. Over 6 hours, 2 teams battled over the streets of Buedeventura (Swynnerton MOD Camp) to capture the presents Santa’s sleigh dropped when the real Santa Claus was shot out of the sky by the Los Lobons and the fake Santa Klaus. Santa’s Helpers (the green team) took home the win, securing the presents and capturing the fake Santa Klaus with fairy lights in their FOB. The Gangsta City games are always very tongue in cheek and we all had a lot of fun completing the varying missions that were set during the day. Most players were in fancy dress and there was a huge raffle at the end. I had a blast, but the weather was less than ideal on the day. It was minus 1 degree Celsius for most of the day with a bitter wind chill however the cold temp did mean that the snow that fell earlier in the week was still on the ground so it did feel truly Christmassy.

Brew and Pews (High Ground Airsoft, Texas, USA)

At number 4, we have Brews and Pews. Whilst I was in Texas for the grand opening of Evike Outpost Houston, I decided to stay the extra day and attend ‘Brews and Pews’ which is the adults-only (21+) evening game at High Ground Airsoft. You can read my full review of High Ground Airsoft and its facilities here! Brews and Pews start at 6.30pm on Wednesday and ends at 10.30pm so it’s a great way to kick back after work with your airsoft buddies and have a couple of beers/seltzers/wines from the onsite bar at HGA (or alternatively you can bring your own). It is important to note, you are only allowed to consume 3 alcoholic beverages and continue playing, you are of course allowed to drink more and hang out but you won’t be allowed back on the field. 

Gangsta City: Lockdown (Gloucester Prison, UK)

Taking the number 3 spot this year is Gangsta City: Lockdown. This was the first Gangsta City game at former HMP Gloucester (otherwise known as UCAP Vendetta) and honestly, I thought 24 hours of pure CQB was going to f*cking suck but it’s been one of my favourite Gangsta City games to date. 120 players were fighting over the cell blocks of Buedeventura Prison - 60 Los Cuervos and 60 Los Rojas. Each player was given an orange or blue shirt with their prison number on before the game started which was their prison uniform for the game (I was orange prisoner 21). We started the game unarmed, and had to fight our way to our weapons and gear that had been confiscated on incarceration then take control of the prison by obtaining the merchandise and getting it out. It was a really good event and the site itself was a fantastic backdrop. Fighting through prison cells, abandoned workshops and prison yards was a really cool experience and I even got to do a shoot-out from the prison van. The accommodation for the event was in the cell blocks themselves, adding to the experience (I however did not sleep in the cells as Gloucester prison is notoriously haunted and I do not claim that negative energy!) There was a small shop onsite and caterers. 

Grand Opening of Evike Outpost Houston at High Ground Airsoft (Texas, USA)

At number 2, we have the Grand Opening of Evike Outpost Houston at High Ground Airsoft. In July, I flew from London to Houston, Texas to attend the Grand Opening of the new location of the Houston Evike Outpost. One thing evike.com knows how to do is throw an event, let me tell you! On the day of the opening, as well as attendees being able to shop in the new store, there was all-day play at HGA, vendors including Krytac, Haley Strategic, G&G Armament and Body Armour Vent showcasing their products on the forecourt outside, a Q&A with well-known airsofters including Jet Desertfox, Unicorn Leah, US Airsoft, Airsoft Alfonse and myself and a huuuuuge raffle where we saw attendees win thousands of dollars of prizes. It was a really fun event for the community and I would love to attend another soon!

The National Airsoft Festival (Ground Zero Airsoft, UK)

My favourite event of 2022 was none other, than The National Airsoft Festival, at Ground Zero Airsoft in Ringwood, UK. The NAF (or NAE if you’re old-school) has been running since 2007, when the team at Ground Zero/Zero One made history by hosting what was the largest airsoft event ever held in the history of UK airsoft, bringing in players from all over the UK and Europe. I’ve been attending since 2016 and it’s an event I look forward to every year, even if I choose not to play. It is a weekend (normally held on the bank holiday weekend in August) of camping, airsoft and friends. There are airsoft games that are played all weekend - a night game on Friday evening and all-day games on Saturday and Sunday at Ground Zero which is set on the private grounds of Somerley Estate in Ringwood, Hampshire. 

Adjacent to the site is the festival area which is filled with vendors such as EG, Viper, Attack Sense etc for players to shop and check out new kit, the GZ beer tent which has cheap beer and live entertainment at night and of course the Zero One shop is also onsite, although it has been scaled back in recent years - they used to bring the entire showroom to GZ but this, of course, was costly and time-consuming so it has been scaled down and now you can buy consumables for the games and collect any online purchases as the staff will bring them from the showroom to the festival. There are always plenty of food options too - greek kebabs, burgers, pizzas and there were even roast dinner wraps - how awesome is that! Even if your loved ones/friends don’t play airsoft they can also camp for the weekend too. I absolutely love attending this event, 3 days of camping with my airsoft friends at what is essentially airsoft Glastonbury is always a great vibe!

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2022 AIRSOFT WRAPPED | FEMME FATALE'S TOP 5 AIRSOFT GUNS 2022!

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! 

Number 3 - Umarex/VFC Heckler & Koch HK MP7A1 Gen 2 

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. 

You can check out my full review here and, my range test here. 

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