(Advisory: No news posting from the 31st of December 2012 up to the 1st of January 2013 as we take the New Year Break. News posting shall resume on the 2nd of January). Our apologies for the non-posting of news and stories yesterday as we did not have a very reliable internet connection from where we were in the tropics. But today, we'll post what’s supposed to be the news items that you must all read as there are some for your benefit.

The year 2012 was a good year for airsoft with lots of new designs and even more competition coming from new vendors which means that more choices in terms of quality and pricing for airsoft players. We're seeing a significant trend of airsoft gas blowback rifles having more and more models coming out. The release of the TM MP7 and KWA KRISS Vector GBB are two of the examples. We are expecting even more models to come out in 2013.

We do not see a consolidation in the airsoft market next year as the expansion and competition continues and even more airsoft players getting involved from all over the world though we saw a lower turnout of airsoft players in some countries where we expect to be the guiding lights in airsoft play, with the exception of their dedicated communities that continue to hobby in an even more serious way.

Will airsoft experience and even bigger expansion in 2013? There have been some recent developments that may just lead to it as more firearms enthusiasts take up airsoft for the lack of a better alternative at continuing their passion for shooting sports and airsoft is still the best alternative. The approval of airsoft as a legal sport with some restrictions in Holland brings the country into the community of airsofting nations and a slight increase in the number of airsoft players worldwide.

We are excited what 2013 has in store for us and we are hoping that what we wished for will happen (and we cannot tell you what these area as we might be totally wrong). If you have predictions for airsoft for next year, feel free to tell us.

We all wish you a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, and Exciting Year of the Snake!