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| Online exclusive content published by The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Q2 2010. The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved. |
Specs:
Product Brand: Echo-1
Built Material: ABS/metal
Shooting Modes: semi/full-auto
Magazine Capacity: 190rnd HiCap
300rnd HiCap
Length: 15.25in
Weight: 5.25lbs
Power Source: custom 10.8v PEQ
Hop-up: yes
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 360 fps w/.20bbs
Product Brand: Echo-1
Built Material: ABS/metal
Shooting Modes: semi/full-auto
Magazine Capacity: 190rnd HiCap
300rnd HiCap
Length: 15.25in
Weight: 5.25lbs
Power Source: custom 10.8v PEQ
Hop-up: yes
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 360 fps w/.20bbs
Package & MSRP:
You actually get quite a deal for
around the $210 mark. You get the
gun, HK-style sights, free-floating
rail, rubber but cap w/sling, custom
PEQ 9.6v NiMH battery, vertical
pistol grip, 190rnd HiCap, 300rnd
HiCap magazine, butterfly hex
wrench, manual and cleaning rod.
You actually get quite a deal for
around the $210 mark. You get the
gun, HK-style sights, free-floating
rail, rubber but cap w/sling, custom
PEQ 9.6v NiMH battery, vertical
pistol grip, 190rnd HiCap, 300rnd
HiCap magazine, butterfly hex
wrench, manual and cleaning rod.
Pros:
Is it possible to have all the feel of an MP5 series AEG in an M4 platform? Thanks to Echo-1, yes. It’s always
nice to see when a company uses something practical. Echo-1 has gone that route here by utilizing a free
floating rail system. From rear sight to front sight, you get one continuous rail. Mounted at the front and
back are sights similar to those of the MP5 series which allow for smoother sighting vs. the triangulation of
the standard H-bar type sights. These can be removed and repositioned at the discretion of the shooter allowing
for just about any sight system preferred. Flanking either side of the top rail are 4.5in rails at the 3 and 9-
o-clock positions with a 4in rail at the base. This allows for just about any type of set-up you might need,
from lasers to tactical lights along with the PEQ battery pack. The fact that it’s a free-floating system means
you won’t have to worry about the potential wobble of a RIS, or the annoying limitations of an S-type rail. The
compact size of the AEG allows for quick maneuvering in just about any environment, beit MOUNT or brush.
Is it possible to have all the feel of an MP5 series AEG in an M4 platform? Thanks to Echo-1, yes. It’s always
nice to see when a company uses something practical. Echo-1 has gone that route here by utilizing a free
floating rail system. From rear sight to front sight, you get one continuous rail. Mounted at the front and
back are sights similar to those of the MP5 series which allow for smoother sighting vs. the triangulation of
the standard H-bar type sights. These can be removed and repositioned at the discretion of the shooter allowing
for just about any sight system preferred. Flanking either side of the top rail are 4.5in rails at the 3 and 9-
o-clock positions with a 4in rail at the base. This allows for just about any type of set-up you might need,
from lasers to tactical lights along with the PEQ battery pack. The fact that it’s a free-floating system means
you won’t have to worry about the potential wobble of a RIS, or the annoying limitations of an S-type rail. The
compact size of the AEG allows for quick maneuvering in just about any environment, beit MOUNT or brush.
Cons:
Sadly the receivers are ABS. While still durable, it would’ve been nice to have that extra security of a metal
body. As is to be expected of any short-barreled AEG, accuracy suffers a bit at distance. While you can
literally pummel the opposition with 360fps at a closer range, as you get out past 10 meters, some adjusting is
needed to consecutively nail a smaller target. Lastly, while a pro, the battery pack is also a con. It adds a
bit of weight to the front end of the AEG and should you want to run a laser for a night game, the shooter
might be running two PEQs or a rail-mounted laser. So it’ll look a bit goofy. Additionally, the battery pack
will have to be mounted on the side of the AEG as when mounted on top it just sits too high, unless you’re
running a riser mount with an aftermarket sight system.
Sadly the receivers are ABS. While still durable, it would’ve been nice to have that extra security of a metal
body. As is to be expected of any short-barreled AEG, accuracy suffers a bit at distance. While you can
literally pummel the opposition with 360fps at a closer range, as you get out past 10 meters, some adjusting is
needed to consecutively nail a smaller target. Lastly, while a pro, the battery pack is also a con. It adds a
bit of weight to the front end of the AEG and should you want to run a laser for a night game, the shooter
might be running two PEQs or a rail-mounted laser. So it’ll look a bit goofy. Additionally, the battery pack
will have to be mounted on the side of the AEG as when mounted on top it just sits too high, unless you’re
running a riser mount with an aftermarket sight system.
Efficiency:
We tested this little beast with just about every single M16 magazine we could get our hands on. From MAG to
CA, TM, ICS, SRC, KWA, STAR and JG, the XK performed flawlessly with nary a double-feed, misfire or BB jam. The
beefy mechbox was able to maintain a consistent accuracy at 20 yards as well. We also tested it with a variety
of Kong Power’s 7.4v LiPo batteries without issue. Aside from a slight increase in the rate of fire, the XK
continued to fire flawlessly and efficiently.
We tested this little beast with just about every single M16 magazine we could get our hands on. From MAG to
CA, TM, ICS, SRC, KWA, STAR and JG, the XK performed flawlessly with nary a double-feed, misfire or BB jam. The
beefy mechbox was able to maintain a consistent accuracy at 20 yards as well. We also tested it with a variety
of Kong Power’s 7.4v LiPo batteries without issue. Aside from a slight increase in the rate of fire, the XK
continued to fire flawlessly and efficiently.
Durability:
I reeeeeeeeally wish this AEG had a metal body.
As it stands, it’s fairly durable but I just don’
t have the reassurance that I could send it off
with Howitzer for a day of gaming and get it
back in the same condition. Also, with the
realistic breakdown, there’s a worry that the
flanges in the upper receiver that drop down to
hold the rear pin in place could potentially
snap, a problem that plagued TM’s original M16
series AEGs. Other than that, the CQB feels
nice and solid and despite the plastic body,
doesn’t creak.
I reeeeeeeeally wish this AEG had a metal body.
As it stands, it’s fairly durable but I just don’
t have the reassurance that I could send it off
with Howitzer for a day of gaming and get it
back in the same condition. Also, with the
realistic breakdown, there’s a worry that the
flanges in the upper receiver that drop down to
hold the rear pin in place could potentially
snap, a problem that plagued TM’s original M16
series AEGs. Other than that, the CQB feels
nice and solid and despite the plastic body,
doesn’t creak.
Upgradability:
The first and last thing I’d do to the XK is
convert it to a HurricanE metal body. I’d also
gut the PEQ battery pack and toss a LiPo in.
That alone would take the weight off of the
front end. Other than that, there’s not much
else that needs to be done here. That said, it’
s completely compatible with any TM standard
aftermarket parts so you could go crazy if so
desired.
The first and last thing I’d do to the XK is
convert it to a HurricanE metal body. I’d also
gut the PEQ battery pack and toss a LiPo in.
That alone would take the weight off of the
front end. Other than that, there’s not much
else that needs to be done here. That said, it’
s completely compatible with any TM standard
aftermarket parts so you could go crazy if so
desired.
Final Thoughts:
Some say that size doesn’t matter, And Echo-1 has proved it. This little bastard breaks the mold giving you
the power of a full-sized M4 in a small tanker-style CQB package. I really couldn’t get over how much like an
MP5 the XK feels. This really is a fairly sturdy AEG, and arguably the perfect back-up AEG that can be easily
carried into the field, but the plastic receivers leave the airsofter wanting more which ultimately keeps it
from ranking higher.
Some say that size doesn’t matter, And Echo-1 has proved it. This little bastard breaks the mold giving you
the power of a full-sized M4 in a small tanker-style CQB package. I really couldn’t get over how much like an
MP5 the XK feels. This really is a fairly sturdy AEG, and arguably the perfect back-up AEG that can be easily
carried into the field, but the plastic receivers leave the airsofter wanting more which ultimately keeps it
from ranking higher.
Pros Cont'd:
The high FPS means that aside from a slight loss of accuracy at distance, you don’t really sacrifice power.
While not “realistic” per say, the rubberized buttcap adds to the maneuverability of this AEG and the detachable
sling mount can be placed on either the left or right side of the butt cap for ambidextrous use. The working
charge handle gives you quick access to the 1-piece metal hop-up which is the standard wagon wheel style that is
the industry standard on M16 variants. The 9.6v battery that’s included means that the shooter won’t have to
stress about performance as it should easily last an entire game (if not more) on a single charge, while
providing plenty of juice to power the beefy, upgraded mechbox. The fact that the battery is custom built into
a PEQ means that you don’t have to sacrifice form over function. Echo-1 saw fit to include both a short 190rnd
HiCap and the standard 300rnd M16 HiCap so you’re ready to go right out of the box. Also the addition of the
vertical grip gives the shooter more options for fielding as well as a stable platform for aiming as there is no
stock on this AEG. Lastly, as has come to be expected from Echo-1, the price tag is a welcome sight in a day
and age where every release by the other guys usually runs in the $300+ range.
The high FPS means that aside from a slight loss of accuracy at distance, you don’t really sacrifice power.
While not “realistic” per say, the rubberized buttcap adds to the maneuverability of this AEG and the detachable
sling mount can be placed on either the left or right side of the butt cap for ambidextrous use. The working
charge handle gives you quick access to the 1-piece metal hop-up which is the standard wagon wheel style that is
the industry standard on M16 variants. The 9.6v battery that’s included means that the shooter won’t have to
stress about performance as it should easily last an entire game (if not more) on a single charge, while
providing plenty of juice to power the beefy, upgraded mechbox. The fact that the battery is custom built into
a PEQ means that you don’t have to sacrifice form over function. Echo-1 saw fit to include both a short 190rnd
HiCap and the standard 300rnd M16 HiCap so you’re ready to go right out of the box. Also the addition of the
vertical grip gives the shooter more options for fielding as well as a stable platform for aiming as there is no
stock on this AEG. Lastly, as has come to be expected from Echo-1, the price tag is a welcome sight in a day
and age where every release by the other guys usually runs in the $300+ range.
There’s a growing trend in our sport and that’s CQB. Over the last several years, CQB style airsofting has not
only come into its own, but looks to usurp woodland-based scenarios in popularity. Those who do it love it.
Those who haven’t yet experienced it want to. Personally, I don’t really get all the hype, but the only real
“honest” CQB game I’ve been to, that wasn’t plagued by cheaters, had 50 or so altercations over the course of a
scenario, or had ridiculous “surrender” rules was a BAASH game. So with one, in over a dozen, I just decided to
stick with woodland based airsoft. That’s not to say I don’t see the value in CQB style, beit the unique
experience or the guns. And it is with that in mind that today we’re taking a look at Echo 1 USA’s M4 CQB XK…
only come into its own, but looks to usurp woodland-based scenarios in popularity. Those who do it love it.
Those who haven’t yet experienced it want to. Personally, I don’t really get all the hype, but the only real
“honest” CQB game I’ve been to, that wasn’t plagued by cheaters, had 50 or so altercations over the course of a
scenario, or had ridiculous “surrender” rules was a BAASH game. So with one, in over a dozen, I just decided to
stick with woodland based airsoft. That’s not to say I don’t see the value in CQB style, beit the unique
experience or the guns. And it is with that in mind that today we’re taking a look at Echo 1 USA’s M4 CQB XK…
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