Systema M4 PTW MAX(2008) Basic review
 

This is a review I recently posted on WNYA.

I'm going to start this review off with a disclaimer. I am still a PTW novice and really don't know all that much about the inner workings of this gun. From a technology standpoint it's quite a leap from standard AEGs. Comparing it to normal AEGs is like comparing an AEG to an LPEG you would get from the flea market. Now I am in no way knocking standard AEGs, they are the back bone of the hobby and work just fine for what we use them for. A standard AEG in the right hands can be tuned to the same performance as a PTW. But the fact is there is a huge difference in technology, this could be a good thing or a bad thing.

Part 1

On to the review. This review will be a multi part put together over time as I learn more about the gun.

What you get for $1500. In the box you will find the weapon, one 120 round mag, loading tool, small bag of BBs, instructions on CD, hop adjustment tool, registration card, M150(red) cylinder and if purchased from an authorized dealer a warranty. You must use Systema brand battery's, if you don't you will void the warranty.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0111.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0167.jpg

The complete game usable kit. This is a gun that you can't just buy and run right out and use in a game. Mags are proprietary and the M150 is not realistically game useable(something we will go into later). In my opinion the things you need at a minimum is a 6 pack of mags, 9.6volt battery and the M110(blue) cylinder. Pictured is also the 12volt battery for the M150(red) cylinder, Sure-Fire RIS, EOtech, G+P Troy flash suppressor, and back up sight. So with the minimum your looking at a total in the $2200 range. As pictured your pushing closer to $3000.00. This is of course the biggest down fall of the PTW, the price.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0171.jpg

The gun itself is very heavy. It's weighted the same as its real steel counterpart. The build quality is second to none, it's for the most part indistinguishable from the real thing. Some comparison shots with the real thing.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0168.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0170.jpg

Trade marks are nice but of course not realistic. Red Wolf has lowers with proper trades.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0172.jpg

I opted for the full-auto version. It's my understanding that the auto versions can be converted to burst fairly easily.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0173.jpg

The gearbox and electronics are held within the lower receiver. As you can see everything is very compact. The gun has what can be described as small computer that monitors everything the gun is doing. Every time the weapon fires the pistons always ends in the forward position. It also monitors power consumption and lets you know if there is any issues via a small LED just forward the gearbox.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0174.jpg

The electronics system also allows for "last shot lock back". When the weapon fires the last BB the gun stops firing, no dry firing. To get the weapon to fire again, a fresh mag must be inserted and the bolt release has to be depressed. You can see the bolt catch in this picture along side the real steel.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0169.jpg

More to come

Part II

Cylinder changes are done quite easily. Just pop the rear push pin and open the weapon up as you would the real weapon. Then pull back the charging handle and remove the cylinder. It's no different then pulling the bolt carrier from a real one.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0176.jpg

Battery is held in the crane stock. Fairly easy battery change and the wiring is heavy duty.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0177.jpg

Some quick notes about the M150. With this cylinder your pushing 500+ fps with .2s. With the 12volt battery you have a solid stream of BB's. You can engage targets well beyond the range of most standard AEGs. It is extremely dangerous at close range. If it were allowed in a game strict rules would have to be in place for safety reasons.

M150 VS heavy gauge roofing aluminum.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...h_MOV02792.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC02793.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC02794.jpg

M150 VS ESS goggles. They survive but are completely unusable.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...h_MOV02796.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...DSC_0152-1.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...DSC_0153-1.jpg

More to follow

Part III The magazines

Depending on how you look at it the magazines for the PTW can be plus or a minus.

I'll start with the negatives. The gun can not use anything other then PTW mags. You can also not use PTW mags in any other gun. This could be bad for several reasons. The first is you would not be able to exchange mags in the heat of battle with a team mate if they are using anything but a PTW. Right now there are very few PTWs on our local fields. The next issue is price, PTW mags are close to $50.00 a piece. You can get a six pack for $250-$275. The next issue would be choices, you have one. The only mag available is the 120 round midcap.

The good things. The mag is exactly the same size and weight of a loaded 30 round real steel mag. The mag also looks and feels exactly like a real mag. The best part is the mag feeds every single BB. It also feeds the BBs realiably unlike many other cheaper mid-caps. The quality of the mag is unmatched, but it should be for the price.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0180.jpg


From left to right, standard mag, PTW mag, real steel.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0178.jpg

As you can see the standard mag is a little shorter then the the PTW mag and the RS.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...2/DSC_0181.jpg

Nice review man.

I was just wondering there was brief moment, while you were shooting the roof with the PTW, where the gun paused was it a misfeeding issue?

I did not have the mag seated all the way. Just gave it quick slap and it was fine. First and only time that has happened. I forgot to set up the PTW before I started filming and had to grab the gun and find a loaded mag. Poor planning on my part.

You cant just leave it at that! Good writing and no conclusion? :cry: Pros and Cons would be nice.
Good review

There will be more to come. I still have a lot to add.

excellent review, i like how you do comparison test with videos and images.

How does your mag feel when inserted into magwell....loose with some slop side to side & front to back? I have 2 new 08' M4-A1's and they are both loose, even when they are used in my 07' CQB...I have since purchased two 6-packs of mags and they do not have this problem!!!

Just curious! I know other guys are experiencing the same problem/flaw!

5 dodo and mine would be home!!!!

How is the 9.6v?? enought for a day??

No issues with mag play. Feels the same in the mag well as a real steel does.

Maybe you got a good one...Lucky!

Excellent review

Well that's a comforting video with the goggles... I have those ones :(

But do you take 540fps hits from that close? Didn't think so.