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ICS CXP-YAK R SR

ICS CXP-YAK R SR

Some airsoft companies seem content to just follow a single line of thought in relation to their designs, but I have to say that I Chi Shivan, or more simply just ICS have not done this in any way. I’ve always been a fan of their split gearboxes, which are reliable and easy to work on, and personally I’ve never had an AEG from them that has been anything other than first rate. I’ve been working with ICS replicas for the best part of twenty years and I have to say that they offer some of the most consistently reliable airsoft replicas out there; they may not always have been; cutting edge’ in their overall design but they’ve always been field-ready out of the box.

Despite some very odd names (only the MAR models makes sense to me, ‘Modern Assault Rifle’) with the introduction of their ‘CXP’ models they really hit on something quite unique, in the form of a thoroughly modern design with an Electronic Blowback function that not only look great but perform superbly straight out of the box. It’s been my great pleasure to test most of the variants of the CXP and new variants keep on coming through.

Sound from the ground up

Inside the shell, the CXP YAK series of AEGs are all made from the same components and feature the aforementioned split gearbox, an Infinite 2500 long pin motor, and an M100 spring. They all also benefit from the ICS Electronic Blowback function, which is a nice nod towards realism, giving some kinetic energy feedback, but don’t expect any true felt recoil. Given the M100 spring fitted for UK models, it’s recommended that you use nothing greater than a 7.4V LiPo, and dependant on the exact model, you can have your RS either front or rear wired. Built from the ground up, with some solid internals, things get even better on the outside of the YAK models though, as the upper receiver looks like it really is CNC machined, with some aggressive, dynamic lines.

The fit to the lower is incredibly tight and precise, with no gaps or wobble in evidence; at the rear of the upper, is a really nice ambidextrous charging handle, which seems to have become a bit of a fixture on the YAK range too. The YAK R SR sadly lacks the ambidextrous safety and magazine release from some of the other ICS models, but the oversized mag release is a useful feature. The majority of the YAK models have a beautifully achieved KeyMod rail system, which comes with three short sections of rail. The YAK lightweight ‘Yager’ handguard is a modern-looking design, built from highquality aluminium alloy and engineered to handle the hardest and most demanding use.

It is also CNC machined and finished with hard anodising for added durability. Going to the rear of the CXP-YAK, with the model I had to test, things get even more interesting. The CXP series can be either front or rear-wired, as I said, depending on the exact model, but the slim rail models are all rear-wired to avoid messing up that lovely, clean rail with a battery box. The YAK also has the all new UKSR1 ‘sniper’ stock. Again, ICS appear to have looked to one of the ‘best in the business’, MAGPUL, and have come up with a variation on the real-world PRS GEN3 stock; this is a field precision stock for AR platforms, featuring tool-less length of pull and cheekpiece height adjustment.

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In the case of the ICS version, it also offers battery storage, via a quick-release butt-plate. Where ICS have been really clever with their stock though, is that it can be fitted to most airsoft AR/M4 models, as it uses the existing buffer tube to mate to; so, if you fancy something a bit special in relation to your stock, you can most certainly have it Other than that, the YAK’s all feature a stippled, comfortable pistol grip of ICS design, along with their excellent flip-up front and rear sights, and an enlarged trigger guard, and there’s also a singlepoint sling attachment point as standard. The flash hider is unique to ICS and mates to a standard 14mm CCW thread, so you can easily change this out for a different barrel extension, making the system extremely versatile. The magazine is the T-Mag, which is their innovative 300 round high capacity model with the clear ‘windows’; this is really neat, as you can tell visually how many BBs you have left.

Field ready!

I’ve tested a number of the CXP rifles and carbines, the smooth operation and performance of the CXP-YAK DMR came as little surprise to me. Loaded up with .20g NUPROL RZR BBs and with a NUPROL 7.4 LiPo fitted, it was time to take the rifle to the chrono, and again given the M100 spring fitted, it was no shock when it racked up a consistent and site-friendly 1.04-Joule/336fps.

ICS install an M100 spring for the UK and use an Infinite 2500 motor, instead of their Turbo 3000 motor; the reason for the spring change is to get the velocity below the UK legal limit, although in thecase of the SR I feel that locking it to semi and upping the fps might be worthwhile! ICS have also popped in a MOSFET for the latest models, and I will say that the response is hyper-efficient (yes, I tried it on an 11.1 LiPo too, as pictured, and it was wicked, but not recommended if you want your AEG to have a happy and long life!).

Accuracy was again as I expected, that being excellent, once the hop was securely set. Shots out to 30m were absolutely spoton, with BBs ranging out to a good deal further than that. ICS AEGs have never been slouches when it comes to accuracy, and the CXP line obviously follows that particular family tradition, but to me the KeyMod just shouts out for a bipod and the top rail for a decent bit of glass. I would have to suggest going back to an M120 spring, locking the AEG to semi and using it as a true DMR, as the 458mm barrel is perfectly suited to this, and the new trigger is certainly crisp enough to squeeze off some quality shots!

Conclusion

You can pick up a CXP-YAK R SR from Fire Support for £379.00, and at this price, ICS continue to give tremendous value for money; although it lacks some of the ‘bells and whistles’ of their more expensive AEGs, this is a completely solid, very attractive modern-styled AEG that will be a joy to own and skirmish with.

For more information on the CXP line of AEGs and the rest of the extensive range of ICS AEGs and accessories please do pay a visit to www.fire-support.co.uk.

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  • ICS CXP-YAK R SR - image {image:count}

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  • ICS CXP-YAK R SR - image {image:count}

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  • ICS CXP-YAK R SR - image {image:count}

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  • ICS CXP-YAK R SR - image {image:count}

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