Systema Engineering is always at heart, an airsoft custom parts maker, taking pride in creating upgrade parts for the airsoft market before plunging in what is an engineering marvel in airsoft --- the PTW series which every owner has taken pride of. The PTWs are prized ones, and those who are willing to spend money on a PTW thinks it's a worthwhile expenditure. Many would not agree why some airsoft players would spend so much money to get a PTW, but most would agree that the PTWs are some of the finest airsoft guns ever produced.

Even their Challenge Kits, aimed to reduce the price of ownership of PTWs, was a popular one, albeit it was opposed internally by the engineers of Systema. Only the strong will of the company's CEO. Kumi Yoshinoda, made the release of the Challenge kit possible, and it became a successful line of semi-complete PTWs.

Still, there is a realisation that even the Challenge Kits are still an expensive proposition, that the company decided to embark on creating more options for airsoft players to own a PTW. In the observance of the 10th Year of the Systema PTW, they will be releasing limited edition "Value Kits" which can go from very basic to more options. Thus, airsoft players can a Max, Max 2, Super Max, or a Super Max 2 (In M4A1 or CQB-R variants) that can go below US$1,000 up to maximum of almost US$1,200 in price as compared to the Challenge Kit which will set one back by US$1,600.00.

The "Value Kits" will be around 4 types, and all broken down to components for the user to identify and put together a PTW together. It will be more a taxing exercise that will challenge the airsoft player more than the Challenge Kits. Also, to own one of these, one would need to reserve one from the nearest Systema reseller as they will be releasing only 300 units per Value Kit and I don't know if dealers have already fully reserved their desired allocations today as reservations opened at 0900H JST.

To give you an idea on what the value kits are, here is the list as sent in by the company:

1. Rail System Compatible Kit (M4 / CQBR)

This Kit was intended to not conflict with parts that already comes with the P.T.W. and was designed to complement the end user's choice in a rail system as well as sights. Conventional removable parts from the Challenge Kit are as follows:

• Hand Guard
• Stock (the stock tube which reveals itself when the stock is removed is designed as Mil/Spec type)
• MAGPUL/PTS Trigger Guard
• MAGPUL/PTS Rear Sight

2. Receiver Kit for Exchange (M4/CQBR)

This kit has the most impact in changing the appearance of the receiver. The contents of the kit are as listed below:

• Flash Hider
• Flash Hider Ring
• Flash Hider Color
• Flash Hider Hollow Set Screw
• Front Sight Post
• Front Sight
• Front Sight Stopper Pin
• Front Sight Stopper Pin Spring
• Front Sight Post Knock Pin
• Front Sight Swivel Ring
• Front Sight Swivel Ring Pin
• Gas Pipe
• Gas Pipe Retaining Pin
• Hand Guard Cap
• Barrel Nut Assembly
• Upper Receiver
• Lower Receiver
• Small Parts that accompany the Receiver
• Charging Handle Assembly
• Dust Cover
• Dust Cover Shaft
• Dust Cover Shaft E Ring
• Dust Cover Spring
• Forward Assist Knob
• Forward Assist Knob Dummy Pin
• Forward Assist Knob Spring
• Forward Assist Knob Set Pin
• Take Down Pin
• Take Down Stopper Pin
• Take Down Stopper Pin Spring
• Pivot Pin
• Pivot Pin Stopper Pin
• Pivot Pin Stopper Pin Spring
• Grip
• Grip End
• Grip End Screw (4 pieces)
• Magazine Catch
• Magazine Catch Button
• Magazine Catch Spring
• Bolt Stop
• Bolt Stop Set Pin
• Bolt Stop Spring
• Trigger Hammer Dummy Pin (4 pieces)
• Full Auto Shear Dummy Pin (2 pieces)
• Selector Cap

3. Personal Custom Kit

This kit is made up of the three main engine area of the P.T.W.; Motor, Circuit Board, as well as the Gear Box. We also have an Ambidextrous model kit. The parts included in this kit are as follows:

Regular kit (the selector lever is situated only on the left side.)

• Code name KUMI Type 490 motor
• S.E.C.U. (detection circuit board)
• Selector switch board
• 2012 (short type) model, switch device
• Gear BOX assembly (regular type)

Ambi-Kit (the Gear BOX includes ambidextrous selector parts)

• Code name KUMI Type 490 motor
• S.E.C.U. (detection circuit board)
• Selector switch board
• 2012 (short type) model, switch device
• Gear BOX assembly (Ambi type)

Depending on how you want to save or how you want to put a PTW together, the Value Kits can provide an attractive proposition. If you don't have time but have a budget, you might want to consider getting a complete PTW though. Still, it will be a learning experience in PTWs for you in case you decide to get one.

There are no details yet as when these kits will be delivered to their dealers and resellers. We cannot publish the price list given that it is "dealer-eyes" information which from there they will release the retail pricing for you to place your order.

Apart from the Value Kits, what is significant here really is the 10 years of the PTW as a premium airsoft gun revered by many airsoft players, and loved by milsimers. The PTW shows the ingenuity, attention to detail, and craftsmanship of the Japanese who so far are still able to release new innovations even with the onslaught of cheaper and attractive airsoft guns from other companies based outside of Japan.

The question now is how Systema Engineering will fare in the next 10 years for the PTW. With the direction of innovative airsoft companies is in electric blowback and recoil for AEGs; and even more models of gas blowbacks (and also improvements in HPA technology for airsoft in the USA) creating more realistic airsoft guns that can be used in training which is the market that Systema wants to be dominant company, will they be able to show something that can match these?

We'll find out 10 years hence.