NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT MILSIM IN AIRSOFT! THERE IS THE 3 GUN, A DISCIPLINE IN WHICH THERE IS A COURSE OF FIRE (COF) IN WHICH YOU HAVE TO HIT TARGETS WITH A HANDGUN, RIFLE OR SHOTGUN IN DIFFERENT STAGES. OR YOU CAN ALSO TRY THE IPSC, A SHOOTING COURSE WHERE SPEED IS THE KEY. OR CQB, WHERE CAMOUFLAGE IS NOT A PRIORITY AND YOU CAN SHOW OFF WITH A FANCY REPLICA. AND THESE ARE JUST SOME AIRSOFT OPTIONS ONE CAN ENJOY. THE NEW MONSTER SERIES IS PRESENTED AS "THE REPLICA" THAT STANDS OUT ABOVE ANY OF THEM. WHY? HERE ARE OUR 8+1 REASONS.

1.  HOW LONG IS YOURS?

Basically, the only thing that differs is the length of its MKR System hand guard (Monster Keymod Rail). That's it? Actually, that is something that greatly influences gameplay, because with the shorter model, running, jumping over walls, going around corners... everything is faster and easier. Although the extra centimetres are noticeable when comparing the effective range of the bbs. This is why we end up using the shorter models in CQB scenarios and standards ones in open spaces games where distances are greater.

2. NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT MILSIM!

The deep red colour that shines throughout the model makes it very aggressive, a strong trend that comes from "3 Gun" competitions. Although, speaking of aggressiveness, how about the leopard-shaped head hand guard? (spot on on using an AKM muzzle to emulate the tongue). While we must add that pointy finishes are prone to getting tangled and that red colour has much room in airsoft modalities such as CQB, Speed Ball, IPSC, 3 Gun... Not everything is about milsim in our hobby!!

3· BUILT FOR SPEED

There are plenty of details that make this model more than suitable for IPSC or 3Gun events. The QRS trigger offers a lower trigger travel and less resistance, favouring a more rapid and instinctive shooting. The ambidextrous shooting selector and the magazine release allow us to keep all features even while shooting with the wrong hand. The Crusader handle has been resized to help us access the hop up to correct it more easily, with the help of the functional bolt catch which keeps open the ejection port.

4. THAT ASS

The foldable stock follows the Troy's line, if you don't know what this is think of an MP5A3. Unlike other actuators, once you press it a spring extends completely (although it has an intermediate position). This format reduces the length of the model several centimetres and, although in other models there is less room for batteries than in a conventional tube, this has been successfully tackled and there is a space measuring 10 cm in depth, 3 cm width and 5 in height, where the square batteries can be comfortably fitted. Besides, reducing the surface of the recoil pad enables a faster shouldering, and thanks to the stripped surface it can be held smoothly, which are two key features in sports shooting where speed and accuracy are paramount.

5. THE GUTS

If we liked the ECS gearbox, now we are looking at its evolution, version 2.1 is even better. What makes it so good? 8 mm spherical bearings, the mosfet inside the gearbox, the half-toothed metal piston (note that the part is not just squeezed in but has its own place and is embraced by two rails which prevent it from moving due to use), lightened piston head thanks to CNC and with bearings!, steel gears, metal spring rail with bearings... and a helical spring , with the part that contracts when shooting being softer to reduce the effort and the part that pushes being harder to take advantage of a higher performance that allows us to get the most repower with less resistance.

6. THE DOWNSIDE

The gearbox has a quick change spring system but, unlike other models, in this case you have to remove the gearbox from the body to change the spring, you cannot do so through the hole of the stock. This is not surprising due to the stock it has, and although it is true that we avoid opening the gearbox, it is certainly not as fast as in other models.

7. LIKE IN A MOVIE

There is a small detail common to the latest Avalon models we have had the chance to disassemble. The inside precision barrel (6.03 mm) is a competition barrel with an O-ring at the end to improve centering and reduce vibration when firing, which increases the stability of the ball and a straighter and steadier flight (these are one of the reasons we are big VFC fans). And besides, the reference "Psalm 144: 1 Of David" is laser printed, as well as the quotes by Private Jackson from saving Private Ryan "Blessed be the Lord, my strength which teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight".

8. THE IMPORTANCE OF HIGH-END RUBBER

This model has a Maple Leaf rubber, with a fluted design for a better grip on the hop-up chamber, longer lips to better seal the coupling of the nozzle, the triangle shaped protrusion inside that enhances the effect, the nub or "Maple Leaf AEG Hop Tensioner" which increases the surface in contact with the ball... all this to provide the ballwith a 20-30% range increase regardless of the speed at which our replica is fired. Have we told you how much we like VFC yet?

+1. WHY SHOULD IT BE PART OF YOUR COLLECTION ?

If you are an IPSC or 3 Gun guy that's all you need, but if you prefer conventional airsoft , Avalon is a brand with even higher standards than VFC. A replica whose colour won't give us away at CQB can make a big difference thanks to the precision of the flight of its bbs and, make no mistake, so can its high  fire rate of 1,030 bbs per minute!! (almost 20 balls per second). This, together with its compact design and its lightweight construction, surely needs to be combined with a steady hand and accuracy to eliminate the enemy.