Editor's Note:No news will be published on the 30th of December until the 1st of January. Regular news will resume on the 2nd of January 2008.  Well, PopularAirsoft was launched in the middle of this year and we have covered only the 2nd half of 2007. But nevertheless, we are making our best efforts in making a run down of some of the significant developments in the Airsoft World this year. This year has been an exciting one, with signs that airsoft is getting more and more popular all around the world. We hope that you had a fantastic 2007 airsoft year.

 

We make our list of the top ten news stories in the Airsoft World:

 

10. TSI Armories Galil Variants

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TSI Armories, a US-based company being managed by former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) veterans, came up with exact replicas of the IDF Galils, down to the Hebrew markings. The limited run of the replicas made these Galil variants collectors' items. Each order is customized according to the personal preferences of the customer.

 

They are also making a Tavor variant, but it seems that the prototype release is behind schedule.

 

9. A&K Releases Low-cost M249 Models

A&K, known for its M4 replicas, such as the CQB version, rattled the market for support action weapons (SAW) that have been much into the high-end range of the market, with their release of three M249 variants. With an average price of US$200.00, these models had allowed airsoft teams allocating support gunner positions and making skirmishes much more fun with suppressing fire during assaults.

 

8. Echo1 USA Airsoft Aggressively Releases Models

 

Echo1 USA was very aggressive this year in its continuous release of replicas, making it the most prolific airsoft gun vendor with its wide range of models that no comparative manufacturer can match. Much of this can be attributed to their arrangements with existing airsoft manufacturers from China and Japan.

 

 

7. Attack of the AKS Clones

 

Dboys and CYMA released almost at the same time, ACM AK74SU replicas, with options for going with the wood version. The recent months have shown Kalashnikov replicas flooding the market coming from these two companies. The DBoys AK models are released under the KALASH brand.

 

 

6. Team SWAK Wins KALIS 7.0 Tournament

 

Team SWAK were declared champions of Kalis 7.0: Tip of the Spear Tournament, held last 13 October 2007, in Quezon City, Philippines. Kalis is the Philippines' Premier Airsoft Tournament, now running on its 7th year. The format of the tournament is patterned after the "Combat Missions" reality TV show. Team SWAK then becomes the host for next year's Kalis 8.0 Tournament.

 

 

5.  Real Sword Debuts With Type 97

 

Real Sword, a Hong Kong based airsoft manufacturer, went into the market with the much hyped release of the Chinese Type 97 Bullpup assault rifle. The specifications of the Type 97, which is a replica of the "for export" model of the Chinese rifle, are very much well received, gaining a headway into the Asian market. We have not heard news yet of the AEG being available in the US and Europe.

 

 

Their release of Type 56 and Type 56-1 (Chinese versions of the Kalashnikov rifles) were also very much well received. The quality of these products and attention to details make these one of the best AK replicas around.

 

4. Systema Announces PTW MP5 Production

 

Systema Corporation of Japan, famous for its PTW (Professional Training Weapon) along the M16 and M4 lines, announced that it is going into production of the MP5 series. Systema user forums around the world went abuzz with this upcoming release, making HRT and CQC combat scenarios more realistic for those looking for a close-to-the-real thing airsoft action.

 

Release of the MP5 models is seen to be in the March 2008.

 

3. Tokyo Marui New Generation AK-74MN

 

Tokyo Marui will soon release the AK-74MN with electric blow back, and the "Recoil Engine" that gives you recoil feedback in firing the replica. Tokyo Marui, even with the proliferation of replicas from the Chinese mainland, and improving high-end models from Hong Kong and Taiwan, still has a lot more in its bag of tricks, showing the competition that it's still the Alpha-male in the airsoft manufacturing industry.

 

 

2. Classic Army Releases Sportline Series

 

In a move that caught the competition, especially from mainland China, off-guard, Classic Army releases its Sportline series, starting with the M15A4. The M15A4 is a very affordable AEG that still retains the Classic Army quality of a metal gearbox, range and accuracy that you can find in high-end models. Available at many airsoft retailers around the world at US$100.00, this affordable line of AEGs is highly recommended to newbies and the budget-conscious alike. This will make Jing Gong, DBoys, A&K, CYMA, and other mainland china manufacturers think twice about their aggressive pricing strategies (and hopefully improve their quality control). 

 

1. VCRA Provisions on Realistic Imitation Firearms Take Effect

 

This development in the UK alarmed airsoft enthusiasts the world over as the initial reaction was that UK airsoft will be endangered by provisions in the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA) on realistic imitation firearms (RIFs) which took effect last 01 October 2007. The UKARA, UKSGB, and the ABA were able to lobby for some exemptions to be included in the VCRA, effectively giving airsoft skirmishers the legal capability to buy and transport airsoft guns. UKARA had put into a place an airsoft skirmisher's database to monitor that those who make purchases of airsoft guns are of legal age (18 years and above) and do not violate the provisions of the VCRA.

 

 

With all the brouhaha over it, all's well at the airsoft front in the UK after the provisions took effect. While it may still take several more months before making a full assessment on the impact of the VCRA on UK Airsoft, for now it's lock and load for all valid skirmishers.

 

Some of our wishes for 2008:

1. Lower out of the box FPS limits for All China Made (ACM) Airsoft Replicas. Frankly, we are alarmed by the higher FPS of AEGs coming out from mainland china. These are all coming out at 370 to 420fps which are much over the legal limits in many countries and forcing many players to spend on downgrading these guns. If they can only limit these at 1joule/328 fps at .20bbs, then everyone would be very happy.
2. Improve quality control for ACM replicas. We have experienced first-hand the quality of ACM replicas and we would not mind paying a little bit more if these are shipped to us with better quality and finishing. Perhaps next year we will see more improvements in the quality of ACM replicas.  Stop sending lemons.
   
3. Safer Lithium-ion Polymer Batteries. We hope for an improvement in batteries Lipo as some of those in the market are still hazardous and dangerous to airsoft players.

 

How about you, our dear reader? What will be your wish for airsoft in 2008?

 

Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous 2008!