i am in need of your guys opinions.

[Sk8rSeth]

im honestly in love with the masada, its a work of art. but alas its nowhere to be found.
i still dont have an AEG, and i am in need of one. now whats your guys opinion,
i could wait for the masada to come into production again [but then id get that ugly as buttstock >_>]
i could see if this guy would send/sell me his http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/spo/1812581299.html
or i could just get this and start playing games now. http://ontargetairsoft.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=205
whats your guys opinion?

any other options? bout 250 is my budget for an AEG and im looking for something thats not a typical M4 RIS =P

[HiRez]

Well honestly before I could recommend anything, Would you mainly be doing field play or CQB? Usually the Basics work well for all, I saw you didn't want another M4, Other Attractive  options would be something like a G36, MP5, M14, M21, I mean the options are endless, I honestly wouldn't do the massada for 300, especially not from craigslist with a photo from a website instead of the gun.  If your budget is only 250ish, Do what i did for my first AEG way back, I bought a 125 dollar Classic Army Sports-line Mp5, and pumped about another 125 into it and it lasted me 3 years with no problems or maintenance other than cleaning off external dirt and greasing magazines. Eventually, I Got a new body on it and i still have it, My point is Just because a gun is 250 dollars, It might not be up to performance, and remember you would need other things as well other than a rifle and one magazine

[Sk8rSeth]

good point. and i am hoping to do alot of CQB but since there are not alot of areas for that (yet =D) i would need a gun that i could use for both field, and CQB.
i really like the G36C i have a double eagle version of that ive had for like 2 years, but thats just a crappy gun as you all know.  and honestly i wouldnt mind a good solid M4, as long as there is something that would differentiate me from all my buddies M4s you know?

and i guess i just love the way the masada looks so much that im becoming blinded! =P

[Pick]

well there are a few options that could set you apart from everyone else. I personally like the L1A1 from redwolfairsoft. but its a BIG gun (like almost 4 feet) but its definatly something different from the M4 or AK series guns. or you can do like both hirez and myself did and get a "decent" Mp5 and upgrade it with internals and a M4 Barrel for both CQB and Field play. the L1A1 is 241$ where a decent Mp5 and upgrades you can probally get away with under 200$

[I Slap Fat Kids]

I don't have any experience with a Masada of any kind, but I do own a SRC G-36K (Gen II).  I have to say that the SRC performs quite well, and I've never had an issue with it of any kind.  I've never had to replace any part on it, nor have I ever had to disassemble the gearbox..  Moreover, the externals are superb.  They're made of fiberglass and polymer, and they can take some serious blows.  The only thing I have to whine about on the gun is the hop-up.  Although the hop-up is metal, it is very sloppy, meaning that there is a lot of extra play between the components which is a detriment to the accuracy.

[MLA PRO]

I have no idea when the new ACR comes out, but ive heard a number of rumors about it. Ive heard that its a CA and ARES gearbox. I do know that youll be able to buy the AK lower, a rail hand guard, and the better masada stock. I also believe that the gun will be in a $350-$500 price range. I think that you should stick with the M4 platform for your first AEG. There are so many brands to choose from and its hard to say who has the best.

[Sk8rSeth]

now how about this one guys?
http://reddragonairsoft.net/aegs/details/57/12/aegs/dboys/dboys-pdw

its full metal, comes with a battery, so thats one less thing i need to get, i have a charger already.

so instead of getting a cheaper one and upgrading it, what would you guys say about this?

seems to fit my criteria. shoots pretty hard so its good for field missions, [400fps!], and when i go to CQB i can always get like one of those velocity reducers that screw onto the end of the barrel. so it fits both play styles. its definitely a unique weapon so i dont need to worry about that.
seems great! what are your guys thoughts?

BTW the first video is actually a very indepth review

[Pick]

Ask Crono00001 about Dboys (he blew his gearbox apart)

Never had one so i couldn't tell you

[MLA PRO]

ya do not get a dboys. I hear nothing good about their M4 series. Their AKs are alright. Get a G&G.

[HiRez]

Since you are new you might need some knowledge on Good, Reliable Manufacturers [Mostly, they still have their quirks]
Its ultimately your decision, And remember, you need extra mags and all that, Here goes the list

Echo 1-  Lower to mid-range guns, Decent prices
G&G- Middle to High-range guns, Prices are EXTRAORDINARY considering quality you get out of the box.
KWA- High-range guns, High prices, but they are worth the price
Classic Army- Low to High range guns, Prices vary highly, from 125 for my sport-line mp5, to 600 dollars for a full metal and 1:1 scale M249. All and all good manufacturer.
G4 Series- These are custom guns only available from airsoft GI, They are an extraordinary value and would be a wonderful First AEG Depending on model 150-250.

If anyone has anything else to add i think the man has a decision to make,

On another note, This list might help you a bit,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airsoft_manufacturers I would stay away from the Chinese manufacturers as A rule of thumb, You should be safe with American ones, but that list isn't up to date. Some Asian manufacturers are good don't get me wrong but until you get a little more experience with AEGs, I would stay with American Made

[GhostSOCOMM4]

I was in the same spot you were, if your looking for a gun in that price range, get a higher end gun. Like a G&P M4 or a VFC M4,a Classic Army M4, and higher end stuff like that. And all of those guns are completely customizable. Theres not much you can do to the masada. Thats my opinion, just get a higher quality brand for that much money.

[I Slap Fat Kids]

Some Asian manufacturers are good don't get me wrong but until you get a little more experience with AEGs, I would stay with American Made

No AEG's are manufactured in the United States.

I, personally, recommend the SRC G-36C because of the quality.  You will not find a better deal for your price range, unless you buy a used gun.

[Sk8rSeth]

i know to stay pretty clear of dboys in general, but a few reviews that ive seen have said that they have really improved alot lately. so i wasnt sure if any of you had any experience. would it be worth it to get that PDW and then switch to a nicer gearbox?
i do really like the G4 series except that the body is plastic, i know its high quality plastic, but its still not metal.

so from what you guys are suggesting, im looking at;
 the SRC G36c for around $225 [needs additional mags and charger]
 one of the G4 series for around $195 [needs additional mags, battery, and charger]

what do you guys think of this?
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/spo/1802451013.html
its a classic army CA36c, "It has a red dot sight, metal suppresor,upgraded barrel,and the original barrel,sling,tactical barrel light,extra frame."
he is asking $150 which seems extraordinary to me. whats good is its in state so i can go check it out. but im not sure what im looking for?? [needs additional mags and charger]

[TheStenGun]

150 for that gun is not a "too good to be true" price. Airsoft guns depreciate in value rapidly because you are taking a risk in regards to reliability with a package like that. Go ahead and check it out, or take a look at the guns on consignment at gearbox. There are always deals to be had if you know what you are looking for.

Oh and btw, if you are starting out I would suggest an M series weapon if you have no preference. From just an airsoft standpoint the availability of parts, mags, and gear that works with them generally makes them more hassle-free to run.