SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

ANOTHER MONTH ROLLS BY, AND WHAT A MONTH IT’S BEEN FOR NEW GEAR COMING ONTO THE MARKET! THERE’S BEEN A FEW MEANINGFUL ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT NEW TECHNOLOGY IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, AND IT WOULD SEEM THAT MANUFACTURERS ARE REALLY STARTING TO PUSH FORWARD AGAIN, SO AS USUAL THE AA CREW HAS PICKED A FEW CHOICE MORSELS THAT HAVE TEMPTED US, AND WILL NO DOUBT TEMPT YOU TOO!

Kicking off this month we have to mention more on the ARES Airsoft announcement via their social media platforms, that they have some new motor/gearbox tech on the way! We’re liking the look of this minimalist setup that combines a tiny brushless motor with a what promises to be a minimalist gearbox, almost by the look of things making it one streamlined, fully integrated unit! Apart from some really “teasy” pictures, ARES haven’t yet been very forthcoming about the exact nature of the technology and some have speculated online that

it looks very much the same as the setup offered by SYSTEMA. Our take (thus far) is that any advance in gearbox/motor tech has to be a good thing and ultimately there are only so many ways to make things work. Suffice to say, we’re following this development closely and as soon as we know more we’ll be sure to pass the information along!

Sticking with ARES, we’re also pleased to see that their new X-CLASS AEGs are finally getting talked about in a meaningful way and what an awesome range of AEGs this looks to be! With four new models now on the ARES website and a totally fabulous-

looking new BRONZE colourway, the specifications look righteous: • MATERIAL : Aluminum Alloy + Nylon Fiber + Metal • FIRE MODE : Safe/Semi/Full Auto • MAGAZINE : 100/140 rounds Magazine (Varied by Model) , 6mm BB • BATTERY : 11.1v LiPo Recommended • HOP-UP : Adjustable • VELOCITY : According to Your Local Regulation • GEARBOX TYPE : E.F.C.S. Gearbox (Programmable) • GEARBOX MATERIAL: Metal • MOTOR : ARES Slim High Torque Motor

• RAPID VELOCITY TUNING SYSTEM (RVTSTM) : Yes • BARREL THREAD TYPE : +14 • Battery Plug: T- Plug

We’re very much looking forward to checking these new bad boys out, and again we’ll bring more information as soon as we have it!

On the pistol front, as we reported in the website news, it’s nice to see that TM haven’t forgotten the fun aspect of airsoft, as their take on the little Ruger LCP is hitting stores now! The LCP was launched by Sturm, Ruger at the 2008 SHOT Show and is quoted to be the “perfect backup pistol”. Weighing in at just 9.4 oz (266.5 g), this was Ruger’s first foray into the field of tiny, ultra-light defensive pistols. LCP stands

for “Lightweight Compact Pistol” and was designed in direct response to user requests for a compact firearm for use by police as a back-up, and as a defensive handgun for civilian concealed carry needs. In airsoft form the TM “take” features:

Slim Silhouette: The proper features and compact nature of the LCP have been replicated as closely as possible • One Trigger Pull Action: Being a NBB replica the LCP operates by simply pulling the trigger (double action) • Long Range: Despite its compactness, short inner barrel (66mm) and relatively low velocity, we’re told the LCP has a little bit of that old “TM Unicorn Dust” when it comes to range, with a fixed hop up system using Marui’s legendary hop bucking • Silent Mechanism: The LCP operates almost silently, so it makes it a perfect pistol for a backup where you may need to get out of a sticky situation quietly and quickly! • Metallic Mechanism: The internals are mostly metal for better longevity; this also adds weight to the replica for a more enjoyable handling • Diecast Magazine: The 10BB magazine is diecast metal for better resistance to cold weather and provides better gas efficiency

All in all the LCP looks to be another righteous little handful like their old Detonics (which we love!), and it’s lovely to see something from TM that again puts the “F for FUN!” back into airsoft. Many thanks to our good friends at Fire Support for letting us know that the new LCP is now in stock with them!

Moving onto gear…

We’ve been spending a lot of time with Plate Carrier Systems recently, really getting under the skin of what we like, what is great value for money and, above all, what really WORKS on the airsoft field when the BBs start flying! We know that many of you like a “real deal” system and the weight of your gear is sometimes a key element; after all you need to carry everything on you for hours or sometimes even days if it’s a MilSim! Each gramme taken from your overall equipment weight can be redistributed for the weight of extra ammo and consumables. That is why our friends at DIRECT ACTION created the BEARCAT® ULTRALIGHT PLATE CARRIER SYSTEM, which is also the starting point for a new, ultralight tactical equipment system.

Thanks to lightweight, yet durable softshell fabric and reduction the use of laminate to bare minimum, they’ve been able to make one of the lightest plate carriers on the market, without limiting its functionality. Stretchable construction will allow you to fit most of the popular plate shapes, including SAPI and Swimmer Cut. On the sides of the front panel and on the shoulder straps there are elastic loops for cables, antennas etc. Thanks to a systembased approach to the equipment, the BEARCAT Plate

TAP/CLICK IMAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION

Carrier is compatible with some of the accessories from the SPITFIRE system which we already use and love and there’s already some new panels that we like a LOT, like the SKELETONIZED TRIPLE 308 FLAP. Specifications for the “barebones” BEARCAT are: • Made of softshell fabric and laser cut laminate • MOLLE/PALS compatible modular system • Interchangable front flaps • Optional accessory cutaway system • Chest rig attachment system via buckles • Back panel zipper attachment system compatible with Crye Precision AVS™ standard • Elastic loops for cables, antenna, etc • Compatible with Comfort Pad set

We’ve used DIRECT ACTION gear all over the world - not just for airsoft - and we love the idea of the new BEARCAT system… We’re sure that you will too!

And we do like a good camo pattern so, staying with a “Polish Theme”, we’re pretty excited about the fact that TAIWANGUN.COM have just dropped a full set of clothing in the new Polish MAPA pattern! We’ve been speaking in-depth to specialist AA contributor and fellow camo-ist, Lawrence H, who posted some details about MAPA on his own StrikeHold! Blog. He told us:

“Like it or loathe it, everybody’s into new camouflage these days. And while some countries are taking the path of least resistance and adopting MultiCam, or a derivative of it, other countries are taking a more in-depth approach. Poland is an example of the latter – although they do also seem to not be in much of a hurry about it. But perhaps the pace is about to pick up a bit on the back of the news that there is now a new indigenous-designed pattern entering the scene. The pattern is called MAPA (Polish for “map”) and has been scientifically designed by”ASP post-graduate Mr. Maciej Dojlitko” to specifically match the terrain and vegetation found in Poland. According to the information we received today from SPECOPS Poland, the prime contractor for the Polish Army’s Future Soldier clothing and equipment, the camo has been designed as a familyof-patterns and that this is just the first prototype – so there may well be some further tweaks!”

What we do know, is that the initial MAPA (Multi-environmental Adaptive Pattern) is an “natural hybrid”, a pattern designed to provide best concealment at close, mid and long range in temperate woodland. The collection of tactical uniforms available from Taiwangun are produced by the specialist manufacturer MASKPOL SA and offer the user a simple, classic cut combined with the unique MAPA masking print. In addition, one of the most durable materials available on the market, fabric for military applications, is being used, a 50% cotton and 50% durable polyester, reinforced with a rip-stop weave. It is a unique combination that creates many possibilities and is intended for the user that understands both the pattern and the design of the clothing models. These unique and durable products will provide the user with convenience and comfort and will allow for long-term use in any, even extreme conditions, so we are really looking forward to where things go from here! At this time Taiwangun are offering Combat Pants, a Combat (UBACS) Shirt, a Combat Jacket/Overshirt, and a couple of ballcap designs in the MAPA pattern, but we are hoping this is just the beginning!

Nimrod Tactical have also been in touch with us to introduce their new line of hard rifle cases. We’ve been using hardcases for AEG and GBB transport for some considerable time and have to say that that they are far superior to other types of gun case. Nimrod’s new version is 1,000mm long which makes it a great length for most carbines out there and you can pick from either WAVE or PNP foam, depending on how Gucci you want to be with your gear and accessories! Solid construction means that any items stored inside will be held securely with no movement at all possible, preventing any damage during transit or storage. The cases also benefit from a PRESSURE EQUALIZATION VALVE should you be looking to transport your beloved RIFs by air…. … and we hope that we’ll all be able to do this again soon for travel to overseas games, and look forward to seeing some of you at them in the future. For now though, stay frosty and where possible, as always, GET OUT AND PLAY AIRSOFT! AA