The third day of the IWA & Outdoor Classics 2014 is a day that the airsoft community look forward to as it is the Airsoft Meetup Day. Scheduled later in the day, we had to make ourselves busy in the morning before we all went to the Hong Kong Room around noontime. OptimusPrime wasn't feeling very well in the morning, perhaps having too much of German beer. Nevertheless, it's work as usual.

WGC Shop

I wasn't able to make it to this meeting, but OptimusPrime did and for the first time, he came to meet one of the strongest supporters of Popular Airsoft. The WGC Shop Team who were in town were looking for more partners as they want to service the European market even more. No mention yet of new partners, but it looks like they had a productive time with all their smiles.

MDT

King Arms recently obtained license with the Canadian company so we figured we ask MDT what they think about the relationship. King Arms contacted MDT several times in the past and their engineers thought that the airsoft manufacurer is up to the task after inspecting their previous work. The licensing agreement doesn't have a value restriction and instead of selling the receiver only King arms will sell it as a whole rifle based on the Savage Arms model but a receiver only version is possible in the future for those who already got the the base gun. MDT is currently developing a polymer magazine (pictured) hopefully King Arms will have the rights to produce that as well.

Helikon Tex

The IWA can always deliver something unexpected: I never thought I will see Brandon Webb signing his book the Red Circle at the Helikon-Tex booth. Other than celebrities Helikon Tex had a newly developed camo on display. It's called the Camolegion and its color scheme is based on the Polish service camo but its patterns are closer to ATACS. Helikon Tex is working closely with active service members (US and Polish) to develop the Camolegion for different terrains.  Both an urban and a desert version is in the works and now the comapany only need to overcome their stock shortages so we can enjoy their full product range at our retailers. All Helikon Tex bags now feature a laser cut molle system.

Airsoft Meetup 2014

The rest of the day, we were in the Hong Kong Room at Nuremberg Messe where the who's who in the European airsoft community were gathered, including airsoft companies from Asia and North America.

We started a bit late, but it was started off well by Paul Chu of RedWolf Airsoft who showed upcoming products from RWA and also their collaboration with Action Airsoft on the Sterling SMG PTW System.

Looking around, the Airsoft Meetup 2014 looked like it was another big success as there were attendees this year. The Hong Kong Room, which is already a big place, was almost filled up. I am excited with the thought of the Airsoft Meetup 2015 which I am sure would even be bigger.

 
Immediately after Paul Chu was Łukasz Bonczol of Gunfire where he showed us videos of their hottest items this year such as the E&L Airsoft AKs, and the Specna Arms AEG. The trailer video of GF Point was amazing and better check their YouTube Channel to watch it.

Next were the duo of Chris and Carlton of Airsoft Innovations, and of the Impact Tornado Airsoft Grenade fame. Their priority was to show the new shotgun system that is more effective than other existing airsoft guns in the market. However, they are looking for a partner to help build the airsoft shotgun outside Canada. In this case, there was some interest as after their presentation, they were approached by one of the manufacturers from Asia which I will not mention for now.

Ross Tucker of WE Airsoft Europe gave us an update on their plans for the European market, and announcing their new line of gas for airsoft gas blowbacks. His presentation was concise, though would have welcomed a show and tell. Perhaps next time.

It was the first time for Tim Seargeant to appear at the IWA & Outdoor Classics 2014. He was warmly welcomed by the airsoft community eager to hear what his new company, KRYTAC, has in store for the airsoft players. As he went through the various products they have lined-up, we discovered that it's  not only airsoft KRYTAC is aiming at. They also have their sights on the .22LR market.

Action Sport Games' CEO, Johnny Pedersen, was the next to present and he gave us an update on the ASG CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 AEG which many have been anticipating. We are expecting a release this year, provided that no production issues are found.

George Wang of ICS came up next to discuss their latest and bestes product --- the ICS Transform4 (though you will pronounce it as "Transform M4"). This is the split gearbox technology of ICS that finally comes with what they see as an efficient blowback function without straining the gearbox.

In a quick change in the schedule, Richard Lewis of the European Airsoft Association filled in while we waited for Jane Liu of Modify Tech. He gave us an update on what the association is doing right now and making an appeal to help them in terms of logistical support so they can operate fully.

The main focus of Modify Tech is their MOD24 which is their complete airsoft gun offering. We already mentioned before the features of this rifle, which in fact is perhaps the lightest M24 in the airsoft market.

After all the speakers, it was time for the Popular Airsoft 4th Airsoft Players' Choice Awards Ceremony. It's not a lavish one, as we prepared to give out the awards Salvers to those who were present: RedWolf Airsoft, Gunfire, Airsoft Innovations, Border War, WMASG, Airsoft versus Reality (which we need to fix the spelling), and Airsoft Verzeichnis. Hopefully, all the winners will come to the Awards next year as we shall be opening the Hall of Fame section for the awards.

A long day it was, and together with Ronald of NLAirsoft.com, it was a job well done, especially for him for doing most of the legwork. The Airsoft Community is now getting more involved in the Airsoft Meetup, and it might be a tradition at the IWA & Outdoor Classics.

While others thought of drinking and going around the old city of Nuremberg, for us it was the beds at our hotels that were foremost in our minds. We just wanted to sleep, sleep, and sleep after a tiring three days going around the massive Messe.

The videos will follow soon and photos at the Popular Airsoft Facebook Page.