Topics covered
- Our first impression as soon as we held it
- What it looks like on the outside
- We've disassembled it, here's what's inside
- The unboxing
- Final conclusions - who is it right for?
We tested Well's new electric bb SMG, it was fun and we'd like to tell you how it went.
It rarely happens that the members of the Airsoftmania team are all in complete agreement during the post-test meeting, especially after trying out a new entry-level replica. We all come from different backgrounds, and often the only thing we have in common is our passion for airsoft, and you know... different experiences lead to different yardsticks of judgement. Among us there are those who are more uncompromising, ready to unearth every little flaw in the airsoft replica they are testing, and the more flaws they find, the more satisfied they feel. Then there are those who dream of the perfect airsoft weapon, flawless, ready for any battlefield, powerful, light, accurate and durable; they usually suffer a traumatic awakening from their dream when it comes to trying an intermediate or entry level replica. Some of us are more understanding, knowing that the perfect weapon does not exist, especially when trying a cheap airsoft replica.
This, on the other hand, is one of those rare times where we all agreed, right from the start, without the need for rivers of beer to flow before finding a common synthesis on this fun airsoft electric SMG. In fact, everyone said:
"I'm surprised, this Airsoft SMG is light, convenient and easy to handle!"
Everyone agreed in complimenting Well who managed to bring to market a new electric SMG at a really low price and with truly enviable features. Furthermore, we all appreciated the ability of this little airsoft submachine gun to win the sympathy of at least two different types of players. And indeed, we all agree that the Well SMG 01-A is a perfect AEG SMG for both new players and those who wants to try the emotions of new gameplay, made of speed and dynamism. The former looking for an airsoft weapon that is easy to use, rdurable and inexpensive, but at the same time won't put them off with a few malfunctions in the middle of a skirmish on the playing field. The others who want a really light-weight electric SMG without sacrificing after-market compatibility, both aesthetically and mechanically.
Let's get into it, we x-rayed the SMG Airsoft WE-01A by WELL, and tell you what we saw
For those not already familiar with it, let's start by talking about Well, the manufacturer. A brand known for having replicated the world's most famous precision rifles, including the L96 and M24, thus establishing itself in the market as a manufacturer of sniper spring replicas. In recent times, however, it has gone on to explore new markets by also producing airsoft gas smg and electric airsoft smg replicas, churning out low-cost products, but with truly enviable quality.
Airsoft SMG WE-01 viewed from outside
On the aesthetic side Well offers an SMG built on the M4 platform. A well-known and highly compatible platform for which the market offers an innumerable number of accessories and spare parts. The 6-inch M-LOK forend allows the installation of some of the best-known and most diverse sights and lighting systems on the market.
The 9mm type single-row magazines of this M4 Airsoft guarantee a good quantity of bbs to be fired, around 100. For these too, there is a very high compatibility with magazines for the same model but produced by other brands, which are often available at truly cheap prices. Here you can see features and price of the Well magazine. On the SMG WE-01A there is an ambidextrous sliding fire selector switch, a feature that many players can no longer do without, but which is increasingly rarely available on low-cost replicas.
The stock is one of the most distinctive features of this airsoft SMG; it is a snap-open stock with two positions: one closed and one fully open. Inside we find the housing for the stick-type battery with T-Dean connector. Note the presence of a Mini Tamiya adapter, already included in the box.
We have already mentioned the lightness and robustness of this airsoft smg, which is possible thanks to the extensive use of an excellent reinforced abs with which it is almost entirely made. The only exceptions are the locking pins of the body and the stock rail, which are made of strong and light metal. The overall weight is just under 2kg, ideal for intense and dynamic play but also for long-range competitions, where light and essential equipment is the key to victory.
If lightness is the key to victory, however, practicality and size must not be forgotten, as the AEG WE-01A boasts competition-grade dimensions. Just 55 centimetres long with the stock closed and 62 with the stock open, it easily fits into a backpack as a backup weapon. This versatile SMG bb gun also excels in CQB where size is at a premium for quick entry and immediate kills.
We disassembled it, here is what we found inside this M4 bb gun
We are positively surprised; we had no idea we would find this quality on such a low-cost airsoft replica. The metal gearbox is type 2 as used in the m4-based replicas. The mixed air unit with ¾-drilled cylinder is also made of metal and the cylinder head is made of high-quality polymer. Piston and piston head are made of POM with two metal teeth, normal torque 16:1 gears.
Further credit is due to the trigger and the electronics connected to it.
The Mosfet motor-drive system takes on the onerous task of activating the current powering the electric motor of this amazing M4 AEG, avoiding the problem of direct currents and its damaging extra tension, further extending the longevity of the electric motor. Finally, as far as the electronics are concerned, we have already mentioned the low resistance wiring with T-Deans plug and Mini Tamiya plug adapter.
Completing the good mechanics of this entry -level SMG Airsoft Gun is a precision rotary-type Hop-Up unit for millimetric shot adjustment.
Performance: We took the SMG WE-01A to the Airsoft battlefield and had fun testing it
Lots of fun with the SMG Well WE-01A!
We have already talked about its lightness and manoeuvrability. We had already appreciated its ergonomics and durability, but by taking it into the field we were finally able to connect the dots and really understand how much these features can be transformed into performance and fun thanks to a bb smg that, we will never tire of saying it, competes in the cheap airsoft gun category.
After a fun and improvised CBQ battle on equal arms, all equipped with the WE 01A, we improvised an airsoft range in the field to test our new and exciting replicas at different distances. Equipped with 0.20G Specna Arms pellets and LI-PO battery 7,4 1400mah 15C, we appreciated the excellent accuracy and effectiveness of the shot with a target at 20 metres. The shots always hit the target, direct and powerful. With target at 45 metres the accuracy drops in favour of the rate of fire. It should be noted, however, that the shot still arrived on 20 centimetres target with both single shot and burst.
In our opinion, the muzzle velocity of around 340 FPS stated in the data sheet provided by Well is respected
With a power output of 0.93J, the SMG WE 01 is in line with the regulations for most of the European, UK and US markets. However, we would like to point out that for the German market, and other countries with power limitations, it is possible to request a modification without loss of performance at the time of purchase.
There are at least three types:
- The first consists of an upgrade that allows you to remain within the legislative limits by replacing the spring with a 0.5J but at the same time increases the performance of the replica by replacing the hop-up with a high-performance patented 'Psionic Upgrade';
- The second involves a small modification to block the single shot selector. In this way, the possibility of burst shooting will be lost, but in this way it will fall within the legal limits in most markets with power limitations;
- The third case involves a simple downgrade to 0.5J by replacing the spring. In this case, however, the reduction in output power is matched by a reduction in range performance.
Packaging e unboxing
Once we took out the shipping box to our eyes, we were presented with a beautiful matt black package, sturdy and with strong closing tabs. Once the package was opened, nestled in the shaped padding was our SMG with its accessories, not many in reality; in fact, inside we found a 100 bb mid-cap mono-wire magazine, a spring spead loader, a small pack of 0.20G test pellets, as well as various manuals and documentation. Unfortunately, there is no battery and charger, but considering the great compatibility, thanks to two types of connectors, this can be remedied very easily. Everything is very compact and well protected by the shaped foam padding in which it is immersed.
Conclusion, is the WE-01A good for you?
If you have read this far, you will probably be very clear about our impressions of this Aairsoft SMG WE-01A: we are extremely satisfied with an airsoft SMG that in value for money seemed truly remarkable. But for us, when testing an airsoft weapon, it is very important to understand whether to recommend it, and if so, to which category of player to recommend it. The answer to the first question is obvious, we showed enthusiasm, so for us it is a replica that is absolutely to be recommended. But to whom?
New Players.
Certainly this AEG SMG airsoft has all the credentials to be popular in the entry-level and low-budget category. Probably designed for new players approaching airsoft, perhaps with a limited budget and who do not want to invest too much in the initial phase, but who also do not want to give up a medium-high level of reliability and the possibility of improving it further in the future through upgrades. If you see yourself in this category of players, you have just found the right replica to spend your money on. Well WE-01A!
Experienced players
The big surprise, for us, was discovering that the SMG Airsoft WE-01A from Well, has all the makings to appeal to more experienced players looking to buy an inexpensive yet reliable electric replica to use as a good backup weapon. In fact, its reliability, combined with good quality mechanics and electronics, as well as high compatibility with spare parts and accessories make this fun airsoft replica a good starting point for future customisation.
If we add to this the fact that this airsoft smg is very light and easy to handle, as well as being very short and compact, a discrete power output and good accuracy over medium and short distances, it is easy to believe that the WE-01A will soon establish itself as a backup weapon to be kept on hand at all times for CQB, arena battles and why not also for speedsoft. So if these features appeal to you, the Airsoft SMG WE-01A could be your next 'toy'.
