Post by triggs (FAH) on Jun 11, 2010 22:48:50 GMT -5
This is a VERY quick overview of the various types and brands of FN Herstal SCAR's available, I will be attempting to keep it up-to-date if possible.
NOTE When I say coloring I do mean the TAN version SCAR not the BLACK version. Black is black that much isn't going to change.
AGM SCAR L Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Classic Army Clone
Price: $150 - $200
FPS: 350 - 410
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Some Pro's:
- It's a clone of the Classic Army
- It also incorporates some of the DBOY innovations like the easy-to-access battery compartment.
Some Con's:
- It's a clone of the Classic Army, meaning the hop-up is again a non-standard M4 design.
- AGM quality is questionable. In its price range there are better companies available.
- The Tan coloring is a bit hard to tell, but a few pictures also make it look like the G&G with it's odd gold(ish) coloring. This may not be a con, it just may be a bit odd to some people.
Honestly I wouldn't trust the AGM SCAR. I've had a few AGM's and the internals leave a lot to be desired. However, as a budget AEG it might not be bad and could be a good buy.
Classic Army SCAR L/H Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $300 - $400
FPS: 350 - 400
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = Standard G&P/CA/A&K/JG SR-25 highcaps and midcaps
Some Pro's:
- Built like a tank, both internally and externally.
- Both a -L model and -H model (-H is now available with version 2/extended version 2 gearbox compatibility)
- Factory 60-day warranty
Some Con's:
- CA quality has been hit or miss lately, it may work, it may not. They seem to be working much harder this time on quality control, but a few bad shipments last year really hurt their image.
- Externals aren't nearly as realistic in terms of breakdown or the tan coloring as seen on the VFC, and appears to model the Gen1 coloring.
- Internals are of a non-standard design. Gearbox is version 2 and upgradable, the hop-up however is not and is of a custom design.
- Wiring and battery: Two downsides here, as long as you keep the stock closed it's fine but folded, the wiring is exposed and could get caught on something (highly unlikely). Getting to the battery is also a pain and takes an allen wrench, so like the VFC field changes will be a pain.
In short the CA is a bullet proof replica, however it's non-standard hop-up could be a problem should it break (unlikely but it is a con). It's also a generation 2 SCAR and some people may not like the older look and feel of the Gen 2.
DBOY SCAR L/H Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Classic Army Clone
Price: $150 - $200
FPS: 350 - 410
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = Unknown at this time. Reviews not available, but it is rumored to be a VFC clone.
Some Pro's:
- Clone quality has come up recently and the SCAR is no exception, the DBOY SCAR is showing to be a good replica internally.
- Cheap, if you're on a budget it's in a good price range.
- SCAR-H coming soon! Rumored to be a VFC Clone.
- Semi-accurate externals, the coloring looks good, not as good as the VFC, but better than the G&G.
Some Con's:
- For starters it is a clone, but with some care it should last. You'll want to have it checked over by a local store or a good tech. But from the field, I've seen no failures and they're pretty solid.
- Second it is a clone of the CA so still a Gen 2 design, but also the same non-standard hop-up (would make a good donor for the CA).
In short if you're on a budget go for it, it's probably the best option out there. Externals are good, internals with some care could put up with the same abuse. Downside is how long, it could be very short it could be very long depending on the fluke at the factory as quality control isn't as high as some other companies.
Echo 1 SCAR L/H Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Rebranded DBOY
Price $150 - $200
FPS: 350 - 410
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = Unknown, waiting for official release and reviews
Same pro's and cons as the DBOY, but comes with a warranty and possibly slightly better internals (not confirmed in any test case).
G&G SCAR L/H Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $300 - $400
FPS: 350 - 380
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = Unknown at this time (awaiting official release), would guess they are proprietary and use a design similar to the GR-25 (SR-25).
Some Pro's:
- Superb internals, possibly the best out there in terms of quality and durability.
- Solid externals, again I tested this first hand against the VFC, the G&G has no flex and feels worlds stronger than the VFC.
- Standard version 2 internals, even the hop-up appears to be the standard M4 hop-up. Great news for upgrading.
- Out of the box a solid shooter. Factory 6.04mm tightbore.
Some Con's:
- The tan coloring is really out there, it appears to be colored more like a generation 4 SCAR rather than a Gen 2 (CA) or Gen 3 (VFC). - But I've only seen rumors of the Gen 4 coloring.
- Only a -L model available, the -H should be out sometime this summer.
In short if you want internal quality get the G&G, the downside is you don't get a very accurate colored SCAR, it almost appears gold.
JLS SCAR L Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price:$150 - $200
FPS: 350 - 380
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Some Pro's:
- Nothing
Some Con's:
- Quality is shit
- Externals are out of proportion and coloring is off.
- Internals are of poor quality and untrustworthy.
In short, don't buy it, it's a total piece of junk.
STAR/ARES SCAR L/H w/EGLM Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $600 - $750
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = STAR/ARES PROPRIETARY SCAR-H/M14 Style midcaps ONLY
EGLM = Standard 40mm grenades
Some Pro's:
- The only SCAR out there that comes with an EGLM grenade launcher.
- Possibly even better externals than the VFC in terms of looks and coloring.
- It comes with midcaps from the factory!
Some Con's:
- ARES internals haven't been known to be all that solid, in short I don't trust them at all.
- EXPENSIVE, I can't begin to describe the price it's way out there at about $600-$750.
- VERY weak body, even more flex than the VFC SCAR. Supposedly this has been fixed since ARES took back over marketing from STAR, but it is still unknown.
- Proprietary design, mags are non-interchangeable on the SCAR-H. so only STAR/ARES SCAR-H mags will fit
In short I wouldn't waste the money, the only thing it has going for it is the EGLM grenade launcher or as a wall hanger.
VFC SCAR L/H/SSR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $400 - $500
FPS: 330 - 350 (-L/-H) 400+ (SSR)
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = VFC ONLY SCAR-H Style high-caps and midcaps
-SSR = VFC ONLY SCAR-H Style high-caps and midcaps
EGLM = Standard 40mm grenade launcher
Some Pro's:
- Great exterior, probably the best out there in terms of realism.
- Innovative stock, there are no wires to get snagged on.
- Standard version 2 internals and hop-up. Should anything break there are plenty of OEM and aftermarket parts to replace them. VFC pretty much sells the SCAR piece-by-piece.
- Nice extra's: The -L comes with an extra CQC barrel while the -H comes with a mock suppressor (Hong Kong version only).
- VFC is the only one to make the SSR DMR/Sniper variant.
- VFC now offers a EGLM grenade launcher SEPARATE from the rifle, good news for a lot of people.
Some Con's:
- For the price the internals are mediocre, honestly they aren't any better than other companies, clone or not. In all honesty the CA internals are shown to be better built.
- Again for the price, they come with a case, nice but it's pretty much junk, the rifle flops around in the case simply picking it up, not very protective.
- STAR Mid-caps will not fit due to the design of the magwell. Thus you're stuck paying the big bucks for VFC midcaps/highcaps
- Wiring and battery: As stated before the VFC has a wireless stock design which is great, the downside is getting to the battery is very risky on the field, you can easily loose the pin securing the buttpad on.
Basically if you want a wall hanger it's absolutely hands down the best looking SCAR, but internally it really isn't all that great and may be a bit fragile. Especially for the price tag.
FPS wise it shoots right around 350 so it is perfect for CQC or outdoor combat, from reports it's accurate and consistent. VFC is also the only company to produce the SSR (Sniper Support Rifle) variant and do offer it in a higher velocity around 400-440 (reports vary).
VFC SCAR-L Gas Blow Back Rifle (GBBR) = Original Design
Price: Unknown
FPS: Unknown
Mags:
-L = Proprietary VFC STANAG M4/M16 mid-cap and low-cap
Pro’s:
- Unknown
Con’s:
- Unknown
At this time the VFC SCAR-L is unavailable. Will update when data is available.
WE TECH (WETTI) SCAR-L Gas Blowback Rifle (GBBR) = Original design
Price: $250 - 380
FPS: 350 - 370 on green gas
Mags:
-L = Standard WETTI STANAG green gas and CO2 midcaps
Some Pro's:
- The ONLY gas blow back SCAR-L out there
- Cool to fire, the blow back is crisp and consistent
- A real eye/ear catcher on the field
Some Con's:
- It's a WE, this means lower quality internals
- CO2 model is known to blow apart the stock supports due to the increased pressure, green gas model is fine.
- Working bolt cover is just for show. There is no actual bolt carrier like in Western Arms (WA) M4 designs, the door functions similar to Electric Blow Back Rifles (EBBR) so there is little recoil in comparison to a WA/G&P/AGM/JG GBBR.
While the WE SCAR is a dependable field rifle in comparison to other GBBR designs, the lack of recoil may be a drawback for some. The marketing of the CO2 model is a great idea, except when you consider the fact that you're rifle falls apart in your arms. Having seen and fired one , they are interesting. But the expense of the mags ($68 a piece) coupled with the usability of a GBB year around makes this more of an eye candy rifle than a skirmish rifle.
NOTE When I say coloring I do mean the TAN version SCAR not the BLACK version. Black is black that much isn't going to change.
NOTE When I say coloring I do mean the TAN version SCAR not the BLACK version. Black is black that much isn't going to change.
AGM SCAR L Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Classic Army Clone
Price: $150 - $200
FPS: 350 - 410
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Some Pro's:
- It's a clone of the Classic Army
- It also incorporates some of the DBOY innovations like the easy-to-access battery compartment.
Some Con's:
- It's a clone of the Classic Army, meaning the hop-up is again a non-standard M4 design.
- AGM quality is questionable. In its price range there are better companies available.
- The Tan coloring is a bit hard to tell, but a few pictures also make it look like the G&G with it's odd gold(ish) coloring. This may not be a con, it just may be a bit odd to some people.
Honestly I wouldn't trust the AGM SCAR. I've had a few AGM's and the internals leave a lot to be desired. However, as a budget AEG it might not be bad and could be a good buy.
Classic Army SCAR L/H Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $300 - $400
FPS: 350 - 400
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = Standard G&P/CA/A&K/JG SR-25 highcaps and midcaps
Some Pro's:
- Built like a tank, both internally and externally.
- Both a -L model and -H model (-H is now available with version 2/extended version 2 gearbox compatibility)
- Factory 60-day warranty
Some Con's:
- CA quality has been hit or miss lately, it may work, it may not. They seem to be working much harder this time on quality control, but a few bad shipments last year really hurt their image.
- Externals aren't nearly as realistic in terms of breakdown or the tan coloring as seen on the VFC, and appears to model the Gen1 coloring.
- Internals are of a non-standard design. Gearbox is version 2 and upgradable, the hop-up however is not and is of a custom design.
- Wiring and battery: Two downsides here, as long as you keep the stock closed it's fine but folded, the wiring is exposed and could get caught on something (highly unlikely). Getting to the battery is also a pain and takes an allen wrench, so like the VFC field changes will be a pain.
In short the CA is a bullet proof replica, however it's non-standard hop-up could be a problem should it break (unlikely but it is a con). It's also a generation 2 SCAR and some people may not like the older look and feel of the Gen 2.
DBOY SCAR L/H Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Classic Army Clone
Price: $150 - $200
FPS: 350 - 410
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = Unknown at this time. Reviews not available, but it is rumored to be a VFC clone.
Some Pro's:
- Clone quality has come up recently and the SCAR is no exception, the DBOY SCAR is showing to be a good replica internally.
- Cheap, if you're on a budget it's in a good price range.
- SCAR-H coming soon! Rumored to be a VFC Clone.
- Semi-accurate externals, the coloring looks good, not as good as the VFC, but better than the G&G.
Some Con's:
- For starters it is a clone, but with some care it should last. You'll want to have it checked over by a local store or a good tech. But from the field, I've seen no failures and they're pretty solid.
- Second it is a clone of the CA so still a Gen 2 design, but also the same non-standard hop-up (would make a good donor for the CA).
In short if you're on a budget go for it, it's probably the best option out there. Externals are good, internals with some care could put up with the same abuse. Downside is how long, it could be very short it could be very long depending on the fluke at the factory as quality control isn't as high as some other companies.
Echo 1 SCAR L/H Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Rebranded DBOY
Price $150 - $200
FPS: 350 - 410
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = Unknown, waiting for official release and reviews
Same pro's and cons as the DBOY, but comes with a warranty and possibly slightly better internals (not confirmed in any test case).
G&G SCAR L/H Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $300 - $400
FPS: 350 - 380
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = Unknown at this time (awaiting official release), would guess they are proprietary and use a design similar to the GR-25 (SR-25).
Some Pro's:
- Superb internals, possibly the best out there in terms of quality and durability.
- Solid externals, again I tested this first hand against the VFC, the G&G has no flex and feels worlds stronger than the VFC.
- Standard version 2 internals, even the hop-up appears to be the standard M4 hop-up. Great news for upgrading.
- Out of the box a solid shooter. Factory 6.04mm tightbore.
Some Con's:
- The tan coloring is really out there, it appears to be colored more like a generation 4 SCAR rather than a Gen 2 (CA) or Gen 3 (VFC). - But I've only seen rumors of the Gen 4 coloring.
- Only a -L model available, the -H should be out sometime this summer.
In short if you want internal quality get the G&G, the downside is you don't get a very accurate colored SCAR, it almost appears gold.
JLS SCAR L Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price:$150 - $200
FPS: 350 - 380
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Some Pro's:
- Nothing
Some Con's:
- Quality is shit
- Externals are out of proportion and coloring is off.
- Internals are of poor quality and untrustworthy.
In short, don't buy it, it's a total piece of junk.
STAR/ARES SCAR L/H w/EGLM Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $600 - $750
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = STAR/ARES PROPRIETARY SCAR-H/M14 Style midcaps ONLY
EGLM = Standard 40mm grenades
Some Pro's:
- The only SCAR out there that comes with an EGLM grenade launcher.
- Possibly even better externals than the VFC in terms of looks and coloring.
- It comes with midcaps from the factory!
Some Con's:
- ARES internals haven't been known to be all that solid, in short I don't trust them at all.
- EXPENSIVE, I can't begin to describe the price it's way out there at about $600-$750.
- VERY weak body, even more flex than the VFC SCAR. Supposedly this has been fixed since ARES took back over marketing from STAR, but it is still unknown.
- Proprietary design, mags are non-interchangeable on the SCAR-H. so only STAR/ARES SCAR-H mags will fit
In short I wouldn't waste the money, the only thing it has going for it is the EGLM grenade launcher or as a wall hanger.
VFC SCAR L/H/SSR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $400 - $500
FPS: 330 - 350 (-L/-H) 400+ (SSR)
Mags:
-L = Standard STANAG M4/M16 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
-H = VFC ONLY SCAR-H Style high-caps and midcaps
-SSR = VFC ONLY SCAR-H Style high-caps and midcaps
EGLM = Standard 40mm grenade launcher
Some Pro's:
- Great exterior, probably the best out there in terms of realism.
- Innovative stock, there are no wires to get snagged on.
- Standard version 2 internals and hop-up. Should anything break there are plenty of OEM and aftermarket parts to replace them. VFC pretty much sells the SCAR piece-by-piece.
- Nice extra's: The -L comes with an extra CQC barrel while the -H comes with a mock suppressor (Hong Kong version only).
- VFC is the only one to make the SSR DMR/Sniper variant.
- VFC now offers a EGLM grenade launcher SEPARATE from the rifle, good news for a lot of people.
Some Con's:
- For the price the internals are mediocre, honestly they aren't any better than other companies, clone or not. In all honesty the CA internals are shown to be better built.
- Again for the price, they come with a case, nice but it's pretty much junk, the rifle flops around in the case simply picking it up, not very protective.
- STAR Mid-caps will not fit due to the design of the magwell. Thus you're stuck paying the big bucks for VFC midcaps/highcaps
- Wiring and battery: As stated before the VFC has a wireless stock design which is great, the downside is getting to the battery is very risky on the field, you can easily loose the pin securing the buttpad on.
Basically if you want a wall hanger it's absolutely hands down the best looking SCAR, but internally it really isn't all that great and may be a bit fragile. Especially for the price tag.
FPS wise it shoots right around 350 so it is perfect for CQC or outdoor combat, from reports it's accurate and consistent. VFC is also the only company to produce the SSR (Sniper Support Rifle) variant and do offer it in a higher velocity around 400-440 (reports vary).
VFC SCAR-L Gas Blow Back Rifle (GBBR) = Original Design
Price: Unknown
FPS: Unknown
Mags:
-L = Proprietary VFC STANAG M4/M16 mid-cap and low-cap
Pro’s:
- Unknown
Con’s:
- Unknown
At this time the VFC SCAR-L is unavailable. Will update when data is available.
WE TECH (WETTI) SCAR-L Gas Blowback Rifle (GBBR) = Original design
Price: $250 - 380
FPS: 350 - 370 on green gas
Mags:
-L = Standard WETTI STANAG green gas and CO2 midcaps
Some Pro's:
- The ONLY gas blow back SCAR-L out there
- Cool to fire, the blow back is crisp and consistent
- A real eye/ear catcher on the field
Some Con's:
- It's a WE, this means lower quality internals
- CO2 model is known to blow apart the stock supports due to the increased pressure, green gas model is fine.
- Working bolt cover is just for show. There is no actual bolt carrier like in Western Arms (WA) M4 designs, the door functions similar to Electric Blow Back Rifles (EBBR) so there is little recoil in comparison to a WA/G&P/AGM/JG GBBR.
While the WE SCAR is a dependable field rifle in comparison to other GBBR designs, the lack of recoil may be a drawback for some. The marketing of the CO2 model is a great idea, except when you consider the fact that you're rifle falls apart in your arms. Having seen and fired one , they are interesting. But the expense of the mags ($68 a piece) coupled with the usability of a GBB year around makes this more of an eye candy rifle than a skirmish rifle.
NOTE When I say coloring I do mean the TAN version SCAR not the BLACK version. Black is black that much isn't going to change.