This year I managed to get away from the office for two days and visit IWA 2017 in Nürnberg. The event has been running for six years now and I was delighted to see more airsoft companies exhibiting than ever before, showcasing their latest innovations in product design and functionality. Since the exchange rate is poor for us in the UK right now, these new products will have an expensive retail price; however, it is still going to be a very exciting time over the next six months as these products hit the streets.
One of the largest airsoft stands this year was Nuprol. Their full range of guns were on display, plus their ever-expanding product range; which now includes mags, grips, speedloaders, bags, BBs, gas and so much more.
Revealed at the show was the largest Nuprol hard case they have produced. Although it’s just a prototype, you can see that it will be of the same high quality as the rest of the range. This very long case is perfect for sniper rifles, extended AEGs with silencers and other tactical long guns. The case has side clips and is airtight too; in my opinion, it is great value for the money.
Our friends at SRC never disappoint and have some great new products for this year, including the Meteor BB Tracer pictured below. This is a low-cost standard battery unit that performs as good as the more expensive rechargeable units from other manufacturers.
The SRC range of AEGs is ever-expanding, and now with the MAMBA range of tactical guns, things just got a whole lot better.
SRC also displayed their new SR8-R, pictured left, and their new range of sportline M4s, pictured right – due to hit the streets later this month. It’s worth keeping an eye out for their new SR8-compact too; it’s something different and looks really good.
Classic Army also revealed some great new products including their new small minigun which offers outstanding firepower from a can of green gas, and a battery to power the motor. This minigun also has a smaller price tag compared to the full-size models and doesn’t come with the hassle of setting up a full air system. I personally think this is a product which will sell fast once it hits the streets later this year.
Also on the stand was the full range of the new NEMESIS guns. I personally love a gadget and combined with airsoft, what could be better? The NEMESIS has an onboard chip that enables fast and simple setup of your rifling configuration; from full auto to 3-6 round bursts. Technology aside these are solid full metal guns that look great and have many stand-out features.
The ICS stand was popular as always and getting to talk to the guys was difficult. The two new pistols on display for this year were the BLE and the XFG. Both of these pistols look fantastic with outstanding skeleton work on the sides and top of the slide. Available later this year, I think they will sell well.
King Arms had a good size stand with many new models that are set to create a new standard in airsoft. Full metal with extreme skeleton work to reduce weight and beautiful engraving, these new guns are impressive.
The KA M4 TWS Type 2 – BK Ultra Grade, pictured above, is a CQB high-end AEG, equipped to hold two batteries so you never get caught short. It will retail at a sensible price and will be high-performing in combat; should be available this summer.
A new stand for this year or at least one I have not seen before was MODIFY, and in my opinion, their XTC CQB was one of the best guns at the show. Also available in the range is the XTC-G1 and XTC PDW; the CQB pictured above is the middle size. The XTC Series also features a simple spring adjustment to set the gun from 238, 270, 337 and 370 fps. It also has a CNC machined steel gear set too, Aircraft aluminium piston head, Cylinder, Cylinder head, 8mm ceramic ball bearings, 7 metal teeth high speed/ torque ultra piston. Keep an eye on this company, I think they are making very good quality guns at reasonable prices.
The ASG stand was busy and full of the great products we have come to expect. The stand girls were as delightful as always and put up with the silly old farts pestering them for photos.
Overall a great show, I would even say the best one yet for IWA. The belief in our industry and the innovative new products – along with the fact that manufacturers are producing better quality goods – all make this a very exciting time for everyone who works in the industry.
Until next year, I hope you have enjoyed this short IWA show review for airsoft guns.