Hey all, newbie from Australia here. Excited to be a part of the community!
I'm after some advice and opinions.
After a long time wanting to get into the world of airsoft and after a weekend at reforger just outside London, I've been researching airsoft almost 24/7 for the past week while I've been on holiday and I'm keen to get my first rifle.
Now that I've read everything related I could find at least twice or thrice in these past few days, I need some opinions before I actually go insane.
Essentially, I'm torn between which brand 416a5 to get.
I've narrowed it down to a few and mostly leaning towards either the E&C or Double Bell I think:
Specna SA-H11 or H12 https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/specna-arms-sa-h12-one-tm-carbine
E&C 111 (416a5)
https://www.defconairsoft.co.uk/product/ec-airsoft-416a5-full-metal-tan/
Arcturus GR16 Mod 5 https://www.tsairsoft.com/arcturus-gr16-mod5-hk416a5
Double Bell 416 a5 https://wolfarmouries.co.uk/double-bell-416-a5-airsoft-aeg-dark-earth.html
What I know so far and questions:
- Specna QC issues (does this affect the h11 and 12 though? Are they newer or older, better or worse than the h21 and 22 (apart from the obvious mofset)?
- E&C QC is meant to be better, and considering its down from £329 to £249 (cheaper than the double bell) that might be a good option. Is the E&C better, because it's normally more expensive...?
- Arcturus proprietary gearbox... not ideal as I imagine I'll want to upgrade it in the future
- Double Bell seems good and maybe better build quality than E&C?
- Differing barrel lengths between E&C and Double Bell?
This'll be my first replica, but I don't mind teching and upgrading things, I might not straight away unless its strongly recommended, but I'm sure I will down the track. I suppose I'm looking for a solid starter with a good frame that I can tinker with when I get around to it.
Some sources of information from the countless I've sifted through so far:
https://airsoft-forums.uk/topic/48883-double-bell-by-813s-hk416a5-almost/ - review of double bell
https://youtu.be/N3IBuBdZk8Y - very in depth positive review of arcturus
https://www.airsoftaction.net/specna-arms-h-series/ - specna review
I understand that people might say VFC/Umarex and TM, but they're quite expensive by the looks of especially in the UK, and I'm not sure I want to invest that much just yet into something that many say you need to upgrade anyway.
Sorry for the long post,
Thanks all in advance