What is CANSOFT?
 

So I've been on this site for a while and I'm still a n00b. >< I've heard cansoft a few times, but I'm still not exactly sure on what it is.

It's the clear guns retailers such as 007airsoft have been importing that are 100% legal to import without a special licenses etc.

How would you rate them? Like, obviously low-end, but are they on par with companies like JG? I guess what I'm asking is are they worth buying? I mean, I myself already have a couple guns, a TM FAMAS and an AGM M-14, but I'm still looking for decent-ish guns to loan to friends who aren't fortunate enough to own an airsoft gun.

Cansoft are basically Canadian-legal guns with clear receivers. There are not the typical clearsoft garbrage. In many instances (depending on brand), these guns are identical in every way to their completely black "pro" guns, but are manufactured with a clear receiver to make them legal to import into Canada. The internals and externals are all high quality. The only thing that differentiates them from their all black counterparts is the clear or translucent receiver.

So basically all they really need to be game or CQB worthy is a paint job?

How Cansoft look have no effect on how they perform.

They include some clear JGs that are coming in and also some that are better than JG. There are G&G and ICS guns with clear receivers which are both respected brands with very good quality.

Correct. And the CA Sportsline series Armalites are also being products in clear. Those are decent guns, although the CA Sportsline (both clear and black) are more akin to JG guns than standard Classic Army in terms of contruction and quality. Nothing wrong with that though, as their price point reflects that.

Would you get in trouble if you altered their colour? I mean, besides the obvious being careless and getting into trouble with the law, would it be advisable to have the recievers painted? I don't see it being any different than people who paint custom camo jobs on their guns.

Paint away if you wish.

Thanks for all the help, guys. :] One other question, I heard from a lot of people that 007's old AEGs, the full colour ones, were overpriced, would you say the same about his Cansoft guns?

Yes but keep in mind thats as soon as you paint it to look real you have done a illeagal act modifying it in any way to make it look real is against the law

just lettin ya know
i know it wont stop ya but i figured i would put it out there
8)

Well, if you're over 18, get age-verified, you'll have access to the age-restricted areas of the forum and you can find out for yourself.

Lowest to highest quality of Cansoft. Each Generation seem's be getting better for Cansoft as time go's on.

Cansoft gen1. Aftermath
Cansoft gen2. Jing Gong
Cansoft gen3. ICS & G&G
Cansoft gen4. Cassic Army

Long as I play it safe, who's gonna know? ;] I figured as much, but thanks for the heads-up.

I wouldn't quite agree there. If you were classifying their non-clear guns, I would put CA at the top of the pile, but their clear guns aren't their standard line, but rather their Sportsline series, which are more on par with JG than anything else. ICS and G&G guns are on par with their regular lines except the clear receiver.

just curious though, does this apply to the orange tips that get painted?

Orange tips mean nothing in Canada. That's an American law only.

since we are talking about can soft can anyone order from Canadian air soft supply or do you have to be a dealer because they sell the G&G gr16 for nearly 90$ less than 007 and as far is I could find on there site you need to be a retailer to order from them. I just think that much saving is too good to give up when I get age verified in July.

They're wholesalers and you need a business license in order to deal with them, and the minimum quantity is you have to buy at least a box of 5 guns at a time.

well that sucks but thanks for the heads up Crunchmeister but just so I have an idea how much are they going for on the classifieds not $400 like 007 airsoft?

They're cheaper than that.

does anybody have any information on the well series of gun that huang is selling on his thread, are they good or crap.

Check out this thread, you will know what the different between the G&G from 007 and from CAS. mcguyver already describe the different.

https://airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=73121

The whole term "cansoft" is ridiculous and should be dropped. It's confusing for newcommers. Clear is clear is clear. Real easy.

There's alot of terms to learn in airsoft, no reason to muddy up the waters with a donut term to make folks feel better about their clear gun. Get over it, guys. Seriously.

I hate the term "cansoft" myself. I think that sounds pretty gay, honestly. However, by that same token, I don't classify this new wave of semi-clear guns the same way I would traditional clearsoft.

Clearsoft is the crap that's been typically available at Cdn Tire and Wal Mart for years now. They're low performers, unreliable, and non-repairable when they break after a few rounds. They're not compatible with any other gun, part, magazine or accessory, and don't have hopups. This is what we typically mean by clearsoft.

Cosmetics aside for the realism crowd, these new "cansoft" guns are not of that ilk. In the case of ICS or G&G guns, you get exactly the same gun you would with the same internals as the metal guns, only with a clear lower receiver instead. That's a far cry from the trash people usually associate with the term "clearsoft". No one would classify either ICS or G&G's regular non-clear guns to be garbage. They make excellent quality AEGs that are used in fields everywhere by seasoned players.

The same is true of JG and their new line of semi-clear guns. While JG are a budget brand, they are by far the best of the China clones, and their clear guns are identical to their regular line in every was except for a clear lower and a much lower price tag because they're legal for import and sale in Canada.

And another good point is that we actually see these semi-clear guns selling for about the same price that their black counterparts sell for out of country. That in itself makes a big difference to many people. When you consider that it's $340-ish plus $5 for a can of spray paint for a "cansoft" G&G, it's a far cry from the $600 for the same gun in black when considering both are identical in every way that truly counts when you're on the field...

Well said... clear no longer = crapsoft. Some people just need to get over their prejudice.

How about, NEARsoft?

Absolutely 100% not true. A G&G gun that sells for $400 at Redwolf is leaps and bounds ahead of one that sells for $400 in Canada. I have yet to see an ICS with a clear receiver, but I've seen hundreds (no joke either) of their standard fare.

And I have seen plenty of G&G over the years. I did a semi-review of the M14 here in 2005.

And there is no way anyone is going to convince me that a polycarbonate receiver is as strong as ABS or magnesium or even zinc alloy potmetal.

Some of their internals "may" be the same by design, but I promise you that they haven't found every way possible to keep the costs down, and as time goes on, the quality of all the parts will tell the tale.

This is still new territory for everyone, and the summer gaming season isn't even upon us. Give it some time.

ill try again it the well r12 m4 cqb aeg that huang is selling on his thread any info would be appreicated. thank you

Right here...
http://www.canadianairgunsupply.com/...4-carbine.html

Yet people will swear up and down that there's no need to replace a plastic body on a TM with metal. There are a lot of stock-bodied TM guns that have withstood years of field abuse without any problems with their lower receivers breaking. I don't see why a polycarb receiver would be any different if it isn't abused. Accidents do happen, but those accidents can just as easily break a metal gun. Even the receiver on a $2000 PTW breaks. If it breaks eventually, then it's time to get a new receiver. No big deal, really.

When Ken first introduced us to the G&G "cansoft" line at 007, he specified in his thread that these were the SAME guns G&G sold with all metal receivers, only with a clear lower instead. He said they all other parts are identical to their non-clear lines. So you're saying that either G&G lied to Ken, or that Ken lied to us.

As for G&G keeping "costs down", I think that makes no sense at all. They don't need to cut costs to make them at that price. These cansoft G&G are selling comparatively for more than the US price of their all metal counterparts, although not a whole lot more. Once G&Gs initial manufacturing costs are covered, it costs them way less to manufacture a clear plastic receiver than a metal one. Even if G&G sell their cansoft models to Canadian distributors for more than what they sell their metal guns to distributors in other countries, that's still a huge savings for the Canadian consumer and a bigger per-unit profit for G&G. So why lower the quality of the internals to save money?

Man, you need to learn alot:

1) Those ICS guns are not available yet. To my knowledge (and as told to me by dealers who have bought from these guys), they aren't out yet.

2) The plastic ABS composite on a Marui is not polycarbonate. ABS does not come in clear. Totally different plastic. ABS flexes. Poly shatters. I know, I work with ABS, Poly and PVC everyday. They all react different with changes in temperature.

3) The G&G guns I've seen from CAS are the same $193 dollar guns from Redwolf with cheaper parts on them and without the nicer trimmings. Plastic hop-ups aren't in $400 U.S. G&G M4s. G&G guns traditionally have always shot 350ish FPS, have been quite accurate (newer ones are advertised with 6.04mm barrels).

Costs to manufacture a polycarbonate receiver are about the same as a zinc alloy or ABS. It's all injection moulded. Painting or powder coating takes but seconds by robot.

What makes no sense to me is that a $193 dollar U.S. gun that sells for $350 at 007 and $308 at CAS (but in a cheaper form) would be compared to the $400 U.S. at Redwolf.

Is 007's $400 G&G exactly the same as a $400 U.S. G&G but with a different receiver? Do you honestly believe that? Why not get Ken to elaborate about that here once and for all? I'm sure there are going to be other differences.

I have been to HK a number of times and have gone to the airsoft stores there, including Redwolf's warehouse. Redwolf doesn't even bother with the Asian market or local retail because Redwolf's prices are 20-40% over RETAIL. I can see how a $193 gun could in fact be the same as the Redwolf gun that they retail for $400.

http://www.redwolfairsoft.com/redwol...l?prodID=16262

Redwolf $432 U.S.

http://www.wgcshop.com/pcart/shopper...GR16R4C_cat_GG AEGs

WGC $388 U.S.

http://www.uncompany.com/pageproduct...sp?prodid=4652

Uncompany $432 U.S.


So, how these the same as a $193 (or less in the case of CAS) G&G? I used this as a comparison of model price differences as all 3 retailers had this one listed.

Wow, just, wow!!

http://www.thewarstore.org/GG.html

According to The Warstore, plastic hopups are typical of all G&G M4/16s. I had one in my G&G M16A3, not that it was ever anything but reliable (once the sleeve was replaced). It is my understanding that all "high end" full metal G&G ARs are simply dressed up versions of their full metal vanilla ARs, and their higher price reflect external differences, not internal differences.

I've only seen one clear receiver G&G thus far, so I don't really have a lot of experience with them. However, from what I can tell, it had bearing bushings just like my full metal G&G. Kinda ironic how being transparent was helpful, at least on that occasion. Anyways, if G&G wanted to cut costs, I would've expected those to be the first thing to go.

I don't think it's out of the question. A detail internal comparison would resolve the issue, if Ken or CAS is not inclined to field such a question. However, until said examination or answer are provided, I don't think it's unreasonable to hold either position.

All the G&G's I've seen from pre-2005 generation up to post 2006 (with the new gearbox) had metal hop-ups. I fixed 5 of them when DEA sent up 5 replacement gearbox shells in 2005.

And no, I don't believe for 1 second that a $193 (with extras I might add) G&G is the same as the exact same model that sells for $352 at Redwolf (without the extras), just with a clear lower.

I think they went back to plastic for most of their lineups since then. When I was researching into buying a G&G earlier this year, I had a hard time finding recent mentions of their metal hopup. I'm pretty sure mine was made within the last 18 months.

As I've said, you're perfectly entitled to that opinion. Unless you can prove the difference, however, it does not mean prove the opposite opinion to be wrong. ;)

Nice try!!! :smack:

[QUOTE=mcguyver;888897]Man, you need to learn alot:

1) Those ICS guns are not available yet. To my knowledge (and as told to me by dealers who have bought from these guys), they aren't out yet.

QUOTE]

Right here don't know if they have them in stock but they are still selling them
http://www.shootsoft.ca/clearsoft/index.php?cPath=47_46

So, where are they?

Having it listed on a website does not make it exist or available. When it hits the streets, as it were, then we'll know for certain what it's about.

I know I was just saying I’ve seen them for sale. But to be honest I personally think the G&G half plastic half metal bodies wont be to par with there full metal counterparts at all. I seem to remember reading there full metal m16 variants have magnesium receivers where the clear bottom ones had some form of cast aluminium and I personally have to say the magnesium would be tenfold better and that’s from personal experience due to the fact that I own more than a few paintball guns almost all aluminium an the one that is magnesium is of much better quality in both strength and weight. (Once again sorry for making a reference to paintball for all those who hate the sport with a passion).

to make it clear i was intentionaly talking about the G&G's not ICS's

For those who are in Montreal Area, you will have the chance to try it at the next game at Commando arena!

http://shootsoft.ca/images/m4_cqbr_gg.jpg

This baby is just amazing... It does an accurate 350fps with ,20g

And I will surprise few of you by telling, I will chose this babe to play and not my TM sr16!! Try it an you will see why!!

With is smoke clear and the black gearbox, there is no need to paint it!

Christian
shootSOFT

if you want a full metal gun do what many piantballers do to get a cool gun for milsim paint ball how ever instead of turning an airsoft gun into a paintball gun turn a real gun into an airsoft gun it's actually less illegal then making an airsoft gun that looks real

i do applaud ICS and G&G for doing what they can to help Canadian airsoft players express they're right to happiness under the brutal rule of the Canadian government

Err.... No, it's not. They're about equally illegal.

Please don't dispense faulty legal advice.

When you will buy those G&G you will see there no need to modify those babe to look more natural, and they will be legal!!

Not to mention a COLLASAL waste of money. Paintballers only gut Airsoft guns for milsim guns when they can get them cheap and probably broken.

I would suggest highly against that... extreme modification of a firearm plus with later change to automatic...sounds like they can charge you for modifying guns to prohibited devices. That will make yourself a headline of the town for a while and a nice spot in jail

Ok, so in Canada the only legal airsoft gun is one with clear parts. I understand that much. Ive done a fair share of reaserch and now own a G&G clearsoft gun. But now reading this thread and other threads here on ASC im wondering where all these full metal non clear guns are coming from?

Years ago, clearsoft was not tolerated under any circumstance and stating how awesome it was simply lit the fire beneath your feet. During this period, (ah the golden age of ridiculous prices), there were quite a few retailers that sold mainstream brands such as TM, G&P, ICS, and WA. However, CBSA eventually began cracking down on these 'illegal' sales and retailers closed both voluntarily and involuntarily.

We still have retailers that sell these guns at a much more reasonable price as well as used guns in the AV classifieds. Getting age verified greatly increases the availability of good quality airsoft guns.

As for this new G&G Clear crap, I'll never believe the quality is on par with my G&P. In fact, G&G was always the 'inferior' brand of the known brands (Usually issues with the internals). While I'm not saying the body's material makes the gun, I know Ken (like other retailers) likes to make money; mcguyver brings up some very good points.

For the most part, non-clear guns are illeal to import, not illegal to own (they're in the "grey area" for ownership).

Some retailers can still bring in black metal bodies through some method or another. There are ways, they're just out of reach of most of us.

Of course it's not on par with G&P: a whole different, significantly more expensive brand. No one's asking you to believe such a ridiculous idea.

Mcguyver's problem is that he doesn't believe it's internally even on par with G&G itself. I'd like to remind both side of that debate no one has done a proper internal review of the cansoft G&G yet, so the jury is still out on it.

I do not want a battle of speculation to break out, all it does is confuse newbies.

There is no grey area. Legal to own by individuals, illegal to import/acquire is a fact. Only spotty implementation makes it seem "grey".

So Quick question, as someone who is just getting into AirSoft, if I was to walk on to a field with a $200 "clear" gun, would I get laughed off the field, or do people use them?

That is a hard question to answer, Im not going to lie though. The truth is yes, people will laugh, but any decent human being wouldn't do it to your face and keep it to themselves in an attempt to be respectful. However this is not always the case, the majority of the airsoft community out there understands that not everyone has unlimited fortunes and wealth to invest into airsoft and people will use what they can afford. Now there are elitist jerks out there that do just the opposite, bragging about what they have and how much it cost at every given moment.

If you are that self conscious about having a clear gun, than I have a very simple 5 dollar solution for you. Its available at many local stores. Its called spray paint. Specifically I recommend the solid flat black thats available in the Krylon Camo line. The other alternative is to simply save up and purchase a non clear gun.

Thank you for your reply.

Is painting the guns allowed (as in is it legal in Canada)?

I would hate to end up losing a $200 investment by using a $5 solution. I have seen some amazing paint jobs in some of the forums, but none of them say if the gun was originally a "clear" gun.

I have, in the past, done paint jobs on paintball markers for others and have done a pretty fair job, imho.

You should be fine with painting your airsoft gun.

The short and quick of airsoft in Canada is, you can have one, you just cant import one. Although I believe in Ontario there is actually a law that states 18 to purchase, anyways that is the short and sweet, in reality its way more complicated.

In the USA in some states airsoft guns require an orange tip to identify them. That is not the case here in Canada. Treat your airsoft gun as if it were a real fire arm, proper storage and transportation techniques and you should be fine.

Generally you're allowed to have non-clear airsoft guns. The rule of thumb is don't do anything stupid with it. As T7 said, treat it as a real firearm.

In the past.. yes.. but the quality of clear receiver guns have improved to the point that functionaly they can be on par with stock black receiver guns.

Suggestion.. if you do get a clear gun... also get a can of black Krylon paint and paint it... then you can do the laughing.. at all the guys that shelled out hundreds more for a gun that shoots no better.

To me .. I could care less of you gun is clear.. the BBs hit the same.

Lots of people get in to "airsoft" via clear guns.. and once they get into the community a bit they gain access to better guns.

Very good full metal replicas are available ... for a price.

Also a noob (1 year)
 

OK so can the ICS and Classic Army clear recevers just be swopped out for the Company's metal body? or other makers metal body?

when i started i used the clearsoft stuff i now have upgraded but i wouldnt laugh at someone who showsup at a game with clearsoft, i would however tell him or her that they should upgrade to something that is at least comparable to what is being used at games. I ve play with guys that bragged about how great their gun were and they were the first one hit. I would welcome you to a game cuase the best thing about airsoft is meeting new people and enjoying yourself. By the way both my guns cost $200 and nobody laughed at me and i have quite well with them.

I have been looking around at the various and sundry AirSoft photo sites, and I have yet to spot anyone using "Clear Soft" or even "Can Soft" guns, this is why I asked about "getting laughed off the field". I imagine that some of the photos have actually been of these types of guns that have had good paint jobs done on them.

The Gun I picked up is a Jing Gong DPMS A-15 Panther with the Clear Body, I have yet to use this for anything other than scaring the trees in the orchard, but I am so far quite happy with it. I have in the past had some of the "Crap Soft" from Can Tire, and still pull some of this out when my sons and I feel like "goofing" around. (Goofing around as in doing attack/defend on the wood shed, we always use safety equipment.)

exactly everybody would have painted their gun, i just bought a well r11 last weekend with a clear receiver and painted it black, took the iron sights of it and put on a red dot, it is a fucking sexy little bastard now, and i do the same thing in my backyard with my kids we use a couple of clearsoft guns and its a blast.

What sites have you seen photos of Canadian airsoft taken within the last year?