G&G or ICS? (details in post)

[Drittzy]

Evening TAG and Co.

I have been in Auckland for the past week (currently at the airport) and had a chance to head into the ASGC shop. Spent a good 2 hours there quizzing the staff about everything airsoft and ended up finding a AEG that really caught my attention, the ICS CxP QD4 (I would want to add a stock to it).

After mentioning this along with the usual stuff for a beginner, like price range, looks I like, potential style etc. they recommended the G&G CM 16 Raider. Apparently they are great out-of-the box guns and very upgradable. I could potentially make it look very similar to the ICS by changing a few parts around for less $ then the ICS.

If I got the ICS CxP QD4 I would have to buy a ICS full stock kit, metal rail to turn it into a full metal gun (minus the pistol grip I think?) and would want to upgrade the internal barrel. For the G&G I would get a new barrel and metal rail kit and a full metal body upgrade for a start. That would be far cheaper then the ICS but wouldn't get me the exact look. I was told that both have similar internals and so I am wondering what way I should go. Anyone got any pros or cons for those brands or guns etc.? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[Flazzbog]

I wouldn't listen to anything they tell you about airsoft guns since they're trying to sell them to you.

The best thing i could reccomend is find someones gun that you like at TAG and buy that, or a similar one from the same brand. I don't know of anyone using any ICS guns at TAG but a few people have G&G raiders. They're ok except they fall apart after a while. A great gun for just wanting to get out to games and figure out what you're really into.

[Tauron]

I don't know of anyone using any ICS guns at TAG

Forgotten about me already Flazz?

My first gun was a G&G CM16, it was OK but after it broke down too many times I upgraded to an ICS SIR M4 and couldn't be happier with it. Can't speak for that CXP QD4 model but the SIR M4 is pretty darn good.

By all means get the CM16 as a starter gun, just don't expect it to last beyond a year, and don't go throwing good money after bad by upgrading a cheap gun rather than getting something decent to start with!

P.S. don't get Flazz to fix your CM16 cos you'll never get it back

[Drittzy]

Believe it or not, but the guy I spoke to in the shop was really helpful. He talked me out of buying two guns (one was $700!) even though I was pretty interested in them. Then when I decided I liked the ICS CXP QD4 it was his idea to think about getting the G&G and building it up to look similar instead, as in the long run it would be cheaper and G&G parts are much more compatible then ICN's. He even recommended that I look at getting the accessories from a different online vendor as they would have more variety and it would be cheaper. He himself uses a ICN and said they are really good guns but still thought I should get the G&G as it would be cheaper in the long run and I would end up with virtually the same gun (give and take a few parts/brands).

When a sales man talks you out of giving them more money, then I think you can give what they say some credibility.