Specna Arms SA-F02 FLEX™ Carbine AEG; Gate X-ASR Edition

The SA-F02 is from Specna Arms' FLEX™ line, designed to outdo their 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.

Starting at the tip of the alloy outer barrel we can find an alloy birdcage flash hider, which mounts to the 14mm CCW male threads. The birdcage has the classic M4/AR15 look, but can easily be swapped out for a muzzle brake for a more custom style, a tracer unit for come CQB action or a suppressor if you have more of a sneaky play style.

Surrounding the outer barrel we have the polymer mock KeyMod handguard, which is styled after the KAC URX4 and gives the rifle a dynamic, high-speed look. The mock KeyMod attachment interface is only functional for the 3 included rail sections. They can be moved around and mounted anywhere at the 3, 6 or 9 o'clock position on the handguard, the mock KeyMod slots are not compatible with aftermarket KeyMod accessories. The 12 o'clock position provides a full-length 20mm Picatinny rail which integrates seamlessly with the receiver rail to allow for longer optical sights to be used or red dot sight magnifier combos.

This SA-F02 is equipped with a pair of flip-up aperture iron sights, both of which are fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The sights can be deployed by pressing the textured tabs on each, which will snap the sights into position under spring pressure. To stow the sights, simply push them back down and they will lock into place.

As we arrive at the receiver, we see a familiar sight; standard M4/AR15 controls, with a well-placed fire selector sitting beneath a right-handed shooters thumb, a dummy bolt catch in the centre of the receiver on the left side, and the magazine release, which is located on the magazine well on the right side of the AEG. The controls on the SA-F02 are set up for right-handed users and provide 3 modes of fire, SAFE, SEMI, and FULL AUTO, which are signified by recessed text surrounding the fire selector lever. Each fire mode has a 90-degree throw between, making it super easy to switch from SAFE to SEMI, but not so easy that it can be done accidentally.

The magazine release is protected by a moulded in "fence" which protects the release from inadvertently being pushed as your rifle brushes against your kit. 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 dust cover on the right side will open, and the mock bolt carrier will retract, revealing the rotary HOP-up unit within. This is a simple mechanism that 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 for various weights of BBs. A perfect way for beginners to start to understand their airsoft guns better.

The pistol grip provided on the SA-F02 is an "A2" finger-ridged type, with diamond checkering on either side and linear grooves on the rear to provide a comfortable grip. The A2 grip finds its way onto many M4/AR15 AEGs, primarily due to its iconic look and suitability for different hand types.

The SA-F02 also uses the M4/AR15 modular trigger guard system, allowing the trigger guard to be changed out for an enlarged one, as long as the replacement guard is of AEG spec. The pre-installed trigger guard is a standard M4A1 flat type, made from polymer to keep the platform lightweight. At the very back of the receiver, we can find our ambidextrous "CQD" type sling plate, which allows a single-point bungee sling to be used with the rifle and installed on either the left or right side. This sling plate is constructed from steel, ensuring the substantial strength required to support the weight of the rifle.

Moving to the rear, we can find a 6-position M4/AR15 buffer tube, constructed from the same high-density polymer as the receiver. This maintains the lightweight build and prevents your buffer tube from becoming worn from constant stock adjustments. The crane battery stock runs on this buffer tube and can be adjusted to any of the 6 positions by holding down the textured adjustment lever on the bottom of the stock and adjusting it to the desired length. On either side of the stock, we can find QD sling sockets, which when coupled with a QD sling stud, can provide a flexible sling set-up with quick-release functionality.

The battery compartment of this SA-F02 is within its stock and we recommend a 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo battery in a nun-chuck/crane configuration. The battery compartment is accessed through the butt plate of the stock. This is achieved by pushing the two protruding tabs at the toe of the stock together, and then through the stock to the rear, after which the butt plate can be pulled downwards, and removed. With the butt plate removed, you can remove the battery compartment plug, and insert your battery into the buffer tube of the stock, connecting up the Deans connector found inside the buffer tube to your battery.

This version of the SA-F02 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 one of the best cost-effective beginner AEGs available, this is it!

If you are looking for something to zip around with when you're physically drained from running a full metal rifle all day, the Specna Arms FLEX™ series would suit the role well thanks to its lightweight yet robust construction. Equally, if you have upgraded your primary AEG for high performance and you need a solid, affordable backup if a catastrophe occurs, the SA-F02 is equipped for the job and can hold its own in most scenarios thanks to its upgraded tight bore inner barrel and rotary adjustable HOP-up unit.

For new beginners, the SA-F02 will have you as well equipped to rack up the kills as most full metal AEGs would, with the added benefit that if yours takes a bump or scrape it will still maintain its finish and good looks! Not to forget the attractive low price and the Gate X-ASR MOSFET that improves the internal systems and provides a higher rate of fire and trigger response. For those skirmishing on a budget, or new players ready to purchase their first primary, the Specna Arms SA-F02 FLEX™ Carbine AEG; Gate X-ASR Edition is a perfect choice.

Features

• High density polymer receiver
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit
• 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo batteryrecommended
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel
• 8mm bearings with steel gears
• ESA™ quick change spring system
• 14mm CCW male threaded alloy outer barrel
• QD sling sockets on the stock
• 6 Position Crane battery stock
• Flip-up iron sights pre-installed
• Extended charging handle latch
• Pre-installed mock KeyMod rail sections
• Polymer Mock KeyMod URX4 style handguard
• Enlarged trigger guard
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for red dot sights
• Version 2 Gearbox - Alloy shell, steel gearset, 8mm bushings

Package Includes

• Specna Arms SA-F02 FLEX™ Carbine AEG; Gate X-ASR Edition
• 200rnd High-capacity magazine
• Cleaning rod
• Specna Arms stickers