The Hera Arms CQR
When you first look at the ICS Hera Arms CQR, it immediately stands out among the many types of M4 variants out there. This AEG is based on the traditional inner workings of the ICS proline AEG split gearbox with an enhanced ergonomic package by Hera Arms that looks out of this world. Starting at the front, you have a short barrel configuration with a unique picatinny rail with Hera markings. Attached to it is a PDW-style grip reminiscent of the P90 submachinegun. Moving back, you get the familiar AR-15-style receiver, so handling this gun is no different than handling any M4/M16-type gun. Towards the back, you get a fixed position thumbhole style stock from Hera. The length of pull can be adjusted by adding or removing spacers, which are available separately through ASG. Up top of that, you have folding polymer sights, which can be found on other ICS proline guns as well. All in all, the gun is very futuristic looking with consistent design language throughout, although it may be busy for some. The nice thing is that for those who are used to the more common M4 but want to try something different, this isn't too big of a step in another direction where you would start to shop for entirely different magazines and batteries to make this usable. This gun feels very solid. That is usually said casually, but for this gun, I seriously mean it when I say it is a stout-feeling airsoft gun. There are no wobbles, and the short length of the gun centers the weight so it feels substantial in your hands. If the looks are not your cup of tea, the gun may seem heavier for some players. This gun is a solid performer aside from that so this gun will serve you well out in the airsoft field. Out of the box, it is shooting around CQB velocities, though with the ICS split gearbox, you could change out the spring and increase the velocity to outdoor field limits very quickly. If you have to get to the split gearbox, you would have to open this AEG up like you would a genuine M4 variant, which is by pivoting the upper receiver to access the innards. This is made slightly more complicated due to the Hera front grip sitting where it does. You will have to remove or slide forward this grip to pivot the receiver and access the gearbox.
What else can I say about the gun? Radical ergonomics aside, the weapon is a straightforward piece and is as much a winner as any other ICS gun you get. The quality is always there, and the uniqueness of this piece is sure to make it stand out. A funny side note is the absurd amount of sling mounting points that appear on this rifle. I guess the Germans want to make sure you can sling the weapon any way you can conceive.
About ICS
ICS has been around since the early days of airsoft and is a well-established company. Just like the handful of other manufacturers that were around in the beginning, they initially based their designs on Tokyo Marui's AEGs. Still, they had always differentiated themselves by giving you more for the money. Their early guns were all full metal variants; however, in recent years, they started to offer sporting versions of guns as well. One of the major features that ICS has that sets them apart is the split gearbox design available in certain variants, such as the M4-style guns. The split gearbox has a distinct advantage over conventional AEGs. Conventional AEGs feature a gearbox that is pretty much like a contained unit that houses the gears, compression parts, and electronics. Taking apart a gun down to the gearbox is a very involved task. With an ICS split gearbox, the gearbox is separated into two halves. As a result, taking apart the rifle is similar to field stripping a real AR15/M4 rifle, and the upper gearbox even slides out. The upper gearbox houses the compression parts, while the lower gearbox that sits in the lower receiver houses the gears and electrical parts. Maintenance, upgrades, and repairs are easier to perform, and it is easier to diagnose problems.
Their proline rifles are among the best. I would easily stack them up to Krytac or VFC.
ICS + ASG Partnership
At Fox, we always offered ICS guns directly from ICS. Action Sport Games has recently partnered up with ICS to be a US distributor. This allows us to get ICS products more reliably. Up until now, ICS has been almost one of the best-kept secrets in airsoft. Once you pick one up and use it, you will fall in love with their AEGs.