Specna Arms SA-FX01 FLEX™ AR-9 SMG AEG; Gate X-ASR Edition

The Specna Arms FLEX™ line was designed with the objective of outdoing Specna's renowned CORE™ line in the lightweight, low-cost AEG game. Specna has maintained the robust, reliable and simple internals that made the CORE™ series such impressive and dependable platforms and has replaced some of the alloy components present in the CORE™ line with fibre-reinforced polymer parts, even further reducing the overall weight of the rifle and increasing its resistance to scratches.

The SA-FX01 is Specna's first AR-9 style FLEX™ AEG, borrowing the unique aesthetic from its high-end brethren, the SA-X01 EDGE 2.0™ and combining it with the rock-solid FLEX™ internals and high-density polymer construction to keep things lightweight and agile, not to mention cost-effective. As with previous FLEX™ releases, the SA-XF01 is kitted out with a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel straight out of the box, giving you a free upgrade to keep this lightweight and agile platform competitive with rival platforms.

This version is also equipped with the Gate Electronics X-ASR MOSFET, an in-line MOSFET system which acts as a smart fuse, preventing reverse polarity from damaging your wiring and providing limited diagnostics via its 2 L.E.D indicator lights. This also means you're treated to a Deans battery connector, a lower resistance alternative to the mini-Tamiya connector which is rapidly becoming the new standard in Airsoft. If you're looking for the best cost-effective beginner AEG in the "AR-9" shape, this is it!

Starting at the tip of the 8.5-inch outer barrel we can find an M4/AR-15 birdcage flash hider mounted to 14mm CCW male threading. The outer barrel is constructed from alloy to provide a strong backbone and keep the tightbore inner barrel nice and straight for perfect accuracy. If you want to mount a tracer unit, suppressor or alternative muzzle device all you need to do is unscrew the flash hider and mount your preferred device thanks to the common 14mm CCW threading at the tip of the barrel.

The handguard is equipped with M-LOK negative space attachment slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, ready for any M-LOK accessories to be directly mounted. M-LOK is one of the latest accessory interfaces to hit the market, both for real steel and Airsoft, allowing you to fit M-LOK vertical or angled grips directly, or mount 20mm Picatinny rail adapters for M-LOK to make use of 20mm Picatinny grips, flashlights and laser units.

Also present on each side of the handguard is a pair of QD sling sockets; one at the front and a second at the rear. This allows you to fit QD sling swivels, meaning you can quickly remove your sling and reconfigure it without needing to untangle yourself! The QD sockets are available on either side, meaning both left and right-handed shooters can mount a sling setup to suit them with ease.

With a 20mm Picatinny rail at the 12 o'clock position, the handguard also provides a mounting point for the included flip-up aperture iron sights which can either be left flipped down or removed entirely if you prefer to use a red dot sight or scope. The irons can be raised and lowered by hand, with no need to press buttons or fiddle with catches, and are fully adjustable for both windage and elevation.

The handguard's upper Picatinny rail meets the 20mm rail on the receiver seamlessly, allowing large optical sights and red dot sight + magnifier combos the extra space they need to be mounted easily. The receiver itself is constructed from fibre-reinforced high density polymer with a beautiful matt finish and a high quality textured feel, keeping the weight low and the strength high, with added scratch resistance so the odd mid-skirmish bump or scrape doesn't mean your pride and joy looks scruffy.

When it comes to the controls, the SA-FX01 is patterned after the M4/AR-15 platform, offering comfortable and well placed controls which are easy to master for almost any user. The fire selector switch can be found on the left side of the receiver, just above the pistol grip, offering 3 modes of fire; SAFE, SEMI-AUTOMATIC and FULL AUTO, with a 90-degree throw between each mode. The selector is a modernised design with an updated aesthetic to match the visual language of the SA-FX01 and is also far easier to use than the original M4/AR-15 selector design thanks to its raised profile and textured surface.

The magazine release is located centrally, just behind the magazine well, making it easy to operate for both left and right-handed shooters. This magazine release is definitely not one you will struggle to find in the heat of the moment; its prominent design and serrated contact surface mean fast reloads are a breeze, even with the adrenaline pumping!

Magazine compatibility-wise, we are happy to report that the SA-FX01 accepts Specna Arms S-MAG Mid-caps for the SA-X series, PTS Syndicate EPM-AR9 magazines and G&G ARP9 magazines, even the seriously intimidating G&G 1500rnd Drum Magazine. We think perhaps a drum mag might compromise the agility of the SA-FX01 slightly, but who can argue with 1500 BBs on tap? The SA-FX01 comes with a 200 BB high-capacity magazine included, so while extra mags are available, you get a bit of a head start on capacity straight out of the box.

The trigger is the standard "mil-spec" design, with a curved face to keep your finger positioned properly and prevent bad habits from developing. The trigger guard is enlarged and built into the receiver, offering strength improvements when compared to the standard M4/AR-15 modular trigger guard and allowing easy access to the trigger for users wearing full-finger gloves. Gloves are very much necessary for Airsoft, especially CQB where a finger or knuckle shot can be absolutely eye-watering. Thankfully, the SA-FX01 accounts for this and will not punish you for being well-prepared for the battlefield!

The charging handle can be found at the top rear of the receiver and features an extended latch which protrudes on the left side for fast access and one-handed operation. When the charging handle is pulled, the mock bolt carrier will retract and lock at the rearmost position, revealing the rotary HOP-up unit within the mock ejection port. The rotary HOP-up unit is the latest design for the M4/AR-15 platform and improves on the older "gear" unit with finer increments of adjustment and improved ability to hold its setting under the vibrations of full auto fire.

The HOP-up allows the user to adjust the amount of backspin applied to the BB and tune it to provide optimum range and a stable flight path with various weights of BBs. For the SA-FX01, we recommend 0.25g for the best combination of projectile speed, wind resistance, and range. When you have adjusted your HOP-up you can press what is known as the "bolt catch", the ping-pong paddle-shaped control on the right side of the receiver. This will release the mock bolt carrier and send it forward with a satisfying clank, keeping dust and debris out of this sensitive internal part, even if you like the odd mud bath at your local woodland site!

The pistol grip is located at the bottom of the receiver and is a very modern, ergonomic design based on the real steel "Gunfighter" style grip. The grip has crackle texture on each side and linear serrations at the front, providing perfect grip in any weather condition, even if you take your chances without gloves. The angle of the "gunfighter" style grip is slightly more vertical than the typical "A2" M4/AR-15 grip which improves comfort and eliminates wrist fatigue when shooting in modern shooting stances with the stock fully collapsed. The grip also has a filled-out backstrap, effectively supporting the web of the hand to keep your shooting position consistent for repeatability and accuracy.

At the rear of the receiver, we come to the M4/AR-15 buffer tube which is constructed from high-density polymer and offers 6 positions of adjustment so you can adjust the stock to suit your body type and loadout perfectly. The buffer tube also serves as the battery compartment, and to access the battery compartment you will need to pull the adjustment pin of the stock out slightly (located on the bottom of the stock). With the pin held in this position, you can slide the stock off the buffer tube to the rear, revealing a Deans battery connector inside. We recommend a 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo in stick configuration for the SA-FX01 for an easy fit and perfect performance.

Bringing up the rear of the SA-FX01 we have the Specna Arms Light Ops stock which is part of Specna's new SAAS (Specna Arms Accessory System) line. This stock is based on existing low-profile M4/AR15 stocks but with some choice refinements for improved comfort. The cheek piece of the stock is cylindrical, avoiding potential snags and has rubberised sections on either side with Specna Arms "SA" texture to provide a positive and comfortable ;cheek weld.

The butt plate is constructed entirely from rubber with deep linear serrations and an angled profile to more effectively grip your shoulder if you use Airsoft body armour or a bulky tactical vest. Either side of the stock boasts QD sling sockets, meaning if you add a QD sling swivel you can add and remove your sling in a matter of a second or less. The low profile adjustment lever of this stock is well out of the way and immune from snags, and has texture on its surface to allow for ease of use in wet conditions. This stock not only looks unique but functions fantastically, and the solid high-density polymer it is constructed from feels like it could be used to beat whales to death.

If you're new to the game and looking for a solid CQB or outdoors platform with the popular AR-9 SMG look, the Specna Arms SA-FX01 FLEX™ AR-9 SMG AEG; Gate X-ASR Edition is one of the best value options out there. With rock-solid high-density polymer construction, a unique look, pre-upgraded parts, considerately designed ergonomic furniture and the X-ASR as a bonus, you will never move faster in-game than with the SA-FX01 by your side!

Features

• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy and range potential
• High-density polymer construction - Alloy outer barrel and flash hider, alloy and steel trim parts
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Ready for a tracer unit or suppressor
• M-LOK handguard - M-LOK slots at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, 20mm up top, ready for M-LOK or 20mm accessories
• 4 QD sling sockets on the handguard, 2 on the stock - Ready for QD sling swivels to be mounted
• Flip-up aperture iron sights pre-installed - Adjustable for windage and elevation, 2 apertures to choose from
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for red dot sights, PEQ lasers or scopes to be mounted
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - The latest M4/AR-15 design, holds its setting well and allows for fine adjustment
• Ergonomic pistol grip - Textured with a filled-out back strap, a more vertical design for modern shooting stances
• Enlarged trigger guard - Built into the receiver, very strong and plenty of room for gloved use
• 3-Position fire selector switch - SAFE, SEMI AUTO & FULL AUTO, 90-degree throw between each mode
• Extended charging handle - Fast access to the HOP-up unit for quick mid-game adjustment
• Functional mock bolt catch - Send the mock bolt home after HOP-up adjustment by hitting the bolt catch
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock quicky and easily to suit your body type or loadout
• Specna Arms Light Ops stock pre-installed - Comfortable and modern stock design with QD sling sockets built-in
• Version 2 Gearbox - Alloy shell, steel gearset, 8mm bushings and ESA quick change spring system
• Rear wired - Deans battery connector inside the buffer tube, accessible with the stock removed
• Recommended battery: 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo battery in stick configuration
• Compatible magazines: Specna Arms S-MAG For X-Series | PTS Syndicate EPM-AR9 | G&G ARP9 Magazine
• Drum Magazine available here: G&G Armament 1500rnd Drum Magazine

Package Includes

• Spenca Arms SA-FX01 FLEX™ AR-9 SMG AEG; Gate X-ASR Edition
• 200rnd High-capacity magazine
• User manual (QR code for online manual)
• Cleaning rod
• Specna Arms stickers