dapprman

I just got a Xcortech 3200 from Hlemetworld for ~£49 + postage (was buying a few other bits as well). If you're willing to wait, ebairsoft are selling them for ~£48 (depending on conversion rate of the time) postage free from HK. BTW reading reviews when I was working out which to go for - the Madbull has a reputation for reading low

If you go Ares there are two models and 3 colours for each. The original (more expensive) model comes with a short barrel and a MARS sight (it's actually a CTAR). The newer model that replaced it has a rail instead of a sight and the normal length barrel. The colours are black, green, and Dark Earth. (checking the Ares website they still do a CTAR without the MARS sight, but I've not seen one for sale over here). As it's an older model you'll probably find end of stock being sold off - I got mine reduced from ~£380 to ~£280 (from memory). Note one option is to keep an eye open for second hand where the owner has given details of any fixes he has done (or had done for him). I suspect at some point I'll need the fire selector spring on mine sorted out (might mofset it at the same time). -- edit Oh should add I keep the following URL for reference as it covers the good and bad points

The Ares one seems hit and miss. Outside it's superb, it's the internals that can be a problem - we're talking version 2 here with the longer barrel and no MARS sight. The newer version supposedly had fixes for some of the issues in the original. Main issue seems to be the fire selector mechanism and mine does play up occasionally. I've also had some fraying of the battery plug wiring due the tight fit in the stock - would have been better if it was shorter, however for me this is moot as this weekend a friend is converting mine to deans.