Category: Airsoft GI News

Lancer Tactical came onto the market in 2012. Offering budget priced guns that could give people a taste of Airsoft. They quickly grew a reputation for being cheap, poor quality control, and overall bad guns. They revamped their starter line in mid-2017 and haven’t looked back since. They took everyone’s complaints from their original line and addressed every issue. Now, it is an incredibly solid gun that is still priced at the entry level. We’ll be taking a look at everything they’ve done to fix their entry line today.

 

Improved Gear Set

The original Lancer Tactical M4’s had a pretty basic gearset. A pot-metal mix that failed more often than they didn’t. Lancer Tactical upgraded to the XYT 18:1 gearset. This allows for a better rate of fire and better durability. Now switching to a stiffer spring would not result in immediate gear failure.

Rotary Style Hop Up Unit

Originally, Lancer Tactical included a cheap Clear Plastic Hop Up unit. It featured a dial adjustment gear and would often lose tension after minimal adjustments. They switched to a rotary style hop up making it much more consistent. The rotary style unit is modeled very similarly to the Prowin Hop Up Unit. It holds its back spin incredibly well and keeps the trajectory very consistent.

 

8mm Steel Bushings

In a $120 gun you wouldn’t expect bushings to be a point of interest. Lancer Tactical included 8mm Steel Bushings to give you even better longevity and smoother performance. As an 8mm you can also swap it for most after market bushings as well.

 

Low Resistance Wiring

The wiring used in the Gen 2’s is also of the highest quality. It’s very similar in construction to Lonex wiring. It’ll allow for smooth transfer of energy. Giving you the best trigger response and rate of fire possible. It also helps when using a higher output battery.

 

Quick Change Spring Guide

The Airsoft Industry is slowly evolving to include a quick-change spring guide in guns. A lot of companies started putting this into their high-end guns. Lancer Tactical was one of the first to standardize it for entry level guns. The ability to adjust your FPS quickly is a huge plus for most players. It allows you to run your gun more effectively indoors or outdoors.

 

Full Metal Rack Piston

The Lancer Tactical Gen 2 has had several durability upgrades included out of the box. They come stock with XYT gears, 8mm Steel Bushings, and a Full Metal Tooth piston. All of that out equals durability and steady performance. What good does an airsoft gun do for you if it fails just 10,000 rounds?

Lancer Tactical has made strides to improve the quality and performance of their guns. They’ve gone from being an entry level option to a quality beginner level gun. They wont just give you a taste, they’ll give you a meal. You’ll get a solid work horse to keep you playing Airsoft. In addition you have a great base gun to upgrade off of or practice teching.

There are several different brands to go through. There are several different models to choose from. Today we’ll be going over the most popular models in Airsoft. These are in no way the best. They’re simply the models that are asked about the most.

 

#5 – M700/M24 (VSR-10)

Internally these 2 models are very different. Externally they both mimic an incredibly similar rifle in the real world. In the real world the sniper role is often highly fantasized in movies, television, and video games. A lot of people like sniper rifles but don’t realize all of the work that actually goes into it. For those who have done the role in real life possibly know what might go into it. Someone like Novritsch who had actually served in the Armed Forces knows how hard it actually is. The way he moves, he knows when to shoot and when not to.

 

 

#4 – AK

The most produced family of rifles in World History. As far as real firearms go, the AK is iconic around the world. It is often seen as the bad guy gun. Even the country of Mozambique has an AK-47 on it’s flag. With such a huge influence in the world, it’s no surprise that the AK family is popular in Airsoft. With a huge range of models to choose from and many different manufacturers, the AK is a force to be reckoned with in Airsoft.

 

#3 – 1911

The AK is debatably the most iconic rifle in the world. The 1911 is possibly the most iconic pistol in the world. Still in use by Law Enforcement and Military Groups, the 1911 has been chugging for 107 years with no end in sight. Made by pretty much every company that makes Airsoft Pistols, the 1911 has made it’s mark in the Airsoft community just how it did in the Firearms community. A company such as Elite Force produce an incredibly reliable 1911 at a fairly low price. You can also go the premium with upgrades route such as a TM 1911.

 

#2 – Glock

 

The Glock is rumored to be the 1911’s replacement. Once it became available back in the 1980’s it took the market by storm. Adopted by several Law Enforcement Agencies and Military Groups, the Glock has stepped into the spotlight as a top performer. In Airsoft the Glock is highly sought after. Because it wasn’t licensed until this year, you would be taking a major risk trying to import a Glock. There were a lot of stories about Glocks getting seized by US Customs due to copyright infringement. People would lose entire $150-$200 investments because of it. A few stores would manage to get them in from time to time but for the most part it wasn’t easy finding a brand-new Glock in the US.

 

#1 – M4/AR Platform

The M4 Carbine is the most widely produced model of Airosft gun and it will more than likely stay that way. With a huge abundance of parts for internal and external upgrades there is literally a limitless number of options you can do to make your M4 truly your own. We can more than likely do a Top 10 of M4 models alone. You can go the MK18. MOD 0, MK12, just to name a few military designations. You also have several companies who produce rails that aren’t used by the military. Such as Centurion Arms, Noveske, Fortis, PRI, and many more. Regardless if you’re a casual player or a hardcore player that has to have his Kit made to perfection. The M4 is a gun you’ll see anytime you walk onto any airsoft field.

We all see people make mistakes. Some are bad. Some are funny. Some are probably bad to laugh at. We don’t intend for it to come off as negative but sometimes things are funny. Today we’re going to go over a few things that make us laugh. We probably shouldn’t laugh at these though.

 

The Elitest Gun Down.

Our most annoying “That Guy” on the field. Talking up a storm about how good he is or how everyone else isn’t. In the middle of showing off you just hear a sharp grinding noise. That was straight karma coming back. Most people you’ll probably say “Aww man, I’m sorry.” This guy, you just burst out laughing! “Yeah! Mr. High and Mighty with the high end build that breaks!” It’s always funny to see Karma put an Elitest in place. This is probably the only one we don’t feel bad about laughing at.

The Face Planter

Ref asks both teams if they’re ready, THREE, TWO, ONE, GO GO GO!!!! You take off sprinting out of the gate! Thinking about your quick game strategy. As you’re running, you step on a pile of bb’s and you’re eating the dirt. For those of us who witnessed you fall, we’re laughing while trying to get back up. Sorry man but who hasn’t laughed at someone face planting.

GRENADE!!

We have seen it a handful of times. A grenade is the best tool for a job. The issue with grenades is that it’s all about placement. Some people are better than others at throwing grenades where they need to go. Rarely, they’re the last person you want to be throwing a grenade. Some people might get mad, most will laugh at the entire situation.

 

Video Credit: Airsoft Alfonse and Jet Desert Fox

Original Video Here

No Cover Light Up

When playing Airsoft, you want to try to move as methodically as possible. Staying in cover when possible and moving when it’s clear. If you don’t do this, you’ll end up running out in the open. Only to get blasted by 5 different people watching that area. It’s funny cause they end up doing the “I’m Hit” dance. You can’t get mad at the guys shooting cause they’re engaging a target of opportunity. Most people shoot until they see a hand/dead rag go up. Assuming by the time the first shot registers with the guy. There might be 15 bb’s already in the air. Then multiply that by how ever many people are shooting at said person. The moral of the story, don’t run out in the open!

The Youngin Who Can’t Cycle Their Gun

While working at our California Store, we’d have younger kids looking for their first gun. Those on a tighter budget would want something like a Sniper or a Shotgun. The very first thing I did was ask them to rack one. If they struggled in even the slightest way I’d urge them to not get it. When I’m at a field and see a child struggling to just pump their gun, field I do laugh at it. I wonder what store would sell a Kid something they can’t physically operate. They’re putting their dear life into pumping it once. Most don’t want to shoot it because a follow up shot is almost impossible.

 

We can’t help but giggle when we see stuff like this happen at the field. The biggest difference you can make to a player is approach them. Help them out how you can. Whether it’s letting them try your gun or showing them tactics. When we get embarrassed it helps our moral to be shown the how to do things.

How often do you find people doing a few things that just annoy you? There’s a lot of things that people do that just make you go “UGGGGHHHHHHHH”. After playing for 9 years I’ve noticed a few trends in the Airsoft Community. We’ve done 2 videos about these guys. So today, we’re going to go through our Top 10 most annoying “That Guy”!

#10 – Compares Airsoft to Real Steel

Most of us seasoned players have met “that guy”. You’re listening to the ref during rules and notice a guy totally eyeballing your gun. After the briefing he comes up to you and says. “That’s a nice gun, how much do you have in it?” You tell him a rough estimate of your project. “WHAT!??! You could buy the real one for that price!” Quietly in your head you’re thinking. “A real one? The real PEQ-15 alone is the price of my complete project. The rail alone is as much as my original base gun. I’m pretty sure the suppressor is illegal to own in California. I’m also positive I can’t shoot my friends with a real one.” An airsoft project that runs you from $750-$1000 typically runs nearly $4000 in a real firearm build. In many cases it’ll cost more. Also if you want a true re-make of your Airsoft gun, be prepared to spend over 56 times as much.

 

	Real Steel	Airsoft
Base Gun	$999.99 (Semi Only) $40,000 (Full-Auto)	$324.99
Rail	$550	$135
PEQ-15	$1369.00	$59.46
Optic	$559	$40-200
Suppressor / Muzzle Break	$495	$41.99
Total	$3972.99 (Semi Only) $42,973 (Full Auto)	$601.44 (Cheaper End) $761.44 (Higher End)

#9 – Beware of your MED (Minimum Engagement Distance)

After playing for 9 years, I personally don’t mind getting shot at point blank. It’s apart of the game and it will happen from time to time. Regardless if you agree with it or not, don’t be “that guy”. Just because I can handle it doesn’t mean the first-time player out there will. We want people to come back for more and enjoy their time out there. Fields usually have it because of insurance policies. People with guns that can have a higher FPS, should learn how to estimate distance. A good idea is to get a known distance and use that as a quick judgment. If you have an optic on your gun this’ll also help you determine range. Learning what a 3ft barrier looks like at different distances will help estimate rang. This insures you’re not shooting inside of your MED and maximizing the effectiveness of your shots.

 

#8 – Best Gun but always Breaks

            We all enjoy upgrading our guns. #10 wouldn’t happen without #8. The difference between them, making sure your gun is working before showing it off. Using the most expensive parts won’t make it perform like the best gun on the field. Additionally, if you have someone who isn’t too good working on it. You might run into some issues. We all love to boast about what upgrades are in our gun. Seeing the amazing end results always brings joy to us. But if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.

 

#7 – Fight Starter

Airsoft can be fairly intense. There’s a lot of stopping and going. Moving from cover to cover. Shooting at and taking return fire. It is an amazing way to get your heart pumping. It shares one similarity to Video Games. If you’re just having a bad day, it could lead to some frustration. I’m personally guilty of getting mad at myself for making simple mistakes. I’ll yell at myself, maybe punch a wall, but that’s the extent of it. I have never thought of actually harming someone else while playing. It’s a game, I payed to be at, and should be left as a game. If you’re having an issue with a player take it up with the field staff. You don’t want to take it into your own hands and antagonize another player. 2 players antagonizing each other is the easiest way to lead to a physical altercation. You also don’t want to be the one to start something with someone else.

#6 – Be aware of your targets

Airsoft is a great tool to cross train with your real firearms. One of the rules of firearms is, be sure of your target and what lies beyond it. #6 of our don’t be “that guy” works most of the time with #9. When breaching a room, you don’t want to go in guns blazing. If you are 100% positive there’s enemies, throw a grenade in. If you think it’s a mixture of friendlies and enemies, go into it more thoughtfully. You breach the room and immediately shoot the first person you see. Turns out it was a friendly and you completely missed the enemy in the corner. Always consider where you’re shooting and who you might be shooting at.

#5 – Taking off eye pro mid game

The most important thing for anyone who plays Airsoft is safety. We walk onto the field with 2 eyes and we intend to walk off with 2. There are those occasional players, who for whatever reason, remove their eye protection. Please don’t be “that guy”. You might find an area you think is “safe”. Next thing you know, someone turns the corner and shoots you. If you begin to fog up during a game, there is no need to panic. You can always have field staff escort you to a safe area. You’ll be able to clear your mask safely. Removing your eye protection mid-game is the easiest way to lose an eye. If you’re lucky enough to have someone notice. They should immediately yell “BLIND MAN”, bringing the game to a halt. Not only do you endanger yourself, you’re also cutting into other people’s playing time.

#4 – The Constant Borrower

We all have “that guy” at a field. The guy who doesn’t have anything but refuses to rent whatever he’s missing. He starts with your speed loader, moves onto your mag, then just “borrows” your guns! You’re wondering how he’s made it this far. Surely, he has to be borrowing stuff at work and school? How hard is it to order a $5 speed loader? Most guns come with one anyways! If you know you’re going to be shooting more, get an extra magazine! Or switch to high caps! When you purchase a sniper rifle you need something else for closer targets! If you’re reading this and think “Man, I don’t know anyone like that.” You migt be “that guy”

#3 – The Overshooter

You’re lurking through the map. You get the drop on a single guy. He has no clue you’re there. You bring your rifle up and… BRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTT. You dump half a mag into him for no apparent reason. When you get the drop on someone, just shoot them once. You save ammo, it’s much less noticeable, and he’ll thank you for taking mercy. It is also the easiest way to run into a potential #7 “that guy”.

#2 – Calling other people’s hits

Sitting back and taking those long shots can be the most satisfying things in airsoft. Getting someone lined up, pulling the trigger, watching the bb hit them and… nothing. You shoot again, and again, and again, nothing. “HEY ************ CALL YOUR ******* HIT!!” It’s the easiest way to get yourself kicked off of the field. Ref’s can’t have you screaming curse words across the field cause there’s probably kids playing. If you run into a scenario of someone not calling their hits, notify field staff. They’ll take care of the player causing issues. For the rest of us listening to you freak out, it’s more annoying than anything.

#1 – The Elitest

Our number one for don’t be “that guy” is don’t be an elitest. The guy who acts like a total hot shot just because he has real gear, an ultra-rare gun, and runs night vision in the middle of the day. They won’t admit it, but they more than likely started with a standard M4, paintball mask, and stuffed mags into their pockets. They’re all high and mighty yelling out orders. People listening just roll their eyes and stop paying attention after 5 minutes. If you find yourSELF telling everyone about your stuff. Having to constantly re-grab their attention, you might be an elitest. Elitests are probably the single most toxic thing to the Airsoft community. They rarely promote growth and consistently put others that aren’t on their level down.

 

We all have probably been one of “these guys” at some point while playing airsoft. The key is to minimize that as best as possible and attempt to keep newer players from becoming one of “these guys”

When starting out in Airsoft, we have a ton of options. It seems like a never-ending list of choices to filter through. But, as always, WE’RE HERE TO HELP! Today, we’re going to be helping the people on a tighter budget. Specifically, we have a $200 price point to work with. Hold onto your tight’s folks, we’re getting this party started!

 

#5 – Lancer Tactical Multi Mission Carbine (MMC) $185

The Lancer Tactical MMC line is one of the most underrated series on the market. OEM’d by Lonex, This series will last and perform at a competitive level. With Lonex’s complete line of parts included, this gun is the walking definition of “Pre-Upgraded”. Every single part in the gun is considered an upgrade part by most techs. Along with all of the upgrades is a high strength polymer body. Why is this only at number 5 you ask? Well it’s an incredibly basic gun. There’s nothing that stands out that’ll make it an ultra-high-end performer. While the internals are better than most, they’re not the best parts available for upgrading. Check out our review here!

 

 

#4 – Apex Fast Attack (Metal & Polymer) $110 – $196

 

The Apex brand gained a bit of a negative reputation a few years back. Recently they’ve streamlined their gearboxes, re-worked a few things, and now feature an incredibly reliable system. The Fast Attack series come in a full metal and polymer bodies. Internally it features 8mm steel bushings, low resistance wiring, a 25k Classic Army Motor, Flat trigger, rotary hop-up unit, and a 6.03mm Barrel. The trigger response is amazing on this extremely budget M4. With most of the upgrades already done for you, there is very little that you’d absolutely need to change. Now a lot of people are asking, “How is an Apex above the MMC?” It’s above the MMC because they perform relatively the same. The polymer Fast Attacks are about $70 cheaper. You can also get a metal Fast Attack for about $10 more than the MMC.

 

 

#3 – G&G CM-16 E Raider 2.0 $190 – $225

The G&G Combat Machine line dominated the entry level market for many years. We used them as a base for our G4 line up and they worked fantastically. Very recently G&G re-vamped their line to include a MOSFET straight out of the box. Originally their mid-tier guns included their ETU system. Now it’s trickled its way into their entry level guns. The trigger unit allows for incredible trigger response. It can be programmed to feature a 3 or 5 round burst, The G&G is wired to deans, giving you great trigger response and rate of fire. The biggest drawback to the new G&G is the battery space. With their MOSFET being in-line, it takes up a lot of space making battery options limited. Using higher voltage batteries may result in your MOSFET getting burnt out as well. Their MOSFET seems to run into snags when using anything higher than a 7.4v LiPo.

 

 

 

 

#2 – Elite Force M4 CFR Next Gen – $184.95

 

 

Elite Force is known for their quality control. Everything from their high-end AEG’s, pistols, and (of course) their entry level guns. They thoroughly quality control check every single gun that is imported into the US to be sure you don’t run into an issue. The CFR features a microswitch trigger similar to the G&G. This allows for great trigger response. The advantage of the Elite Force is it can handle higher power batteries more efficiently. You’ll get a similar rate of fire, semi-automatic response, and range and accuracy. The difference being the Elite Force won’t burn out from consistent high-power battery usage. Check out this awesome review from Diles46!

#1 – Classic Army ECS Skirmish Line – $184.99 – $224.99

 

Classic Army has made a huge splash in the industry in the past 2 years. They’ve rebuilt their reputation and are quickly taking over the market. Their Skirmish line was already incredibly competitive with a MOSFET, precision gears, 6.03mm barrel, and rotary hop up. Then they started producing the Skirmish line with their ECS out of the box. The ECS allows for an enormous range of programmability. Classic Army also upgraded from a basic motor to a proline 23k motor. The upgraded motor shows in the improved rate of fire. They also changed the hop up unit to a polymer. Giving it a better seal for a more consistent FPS output. Featuring 4 different types, in 2 legnths, only APEX has more selections in their line. Check out our review here!