For hardcore airsoft players who prefer night games, a tracer unit is a serious consideration. Serving multiple purposes – from helping one’s aim to signalling when your magazine is nearly out of BBs, a tracer unit can be a big help. How a tracer unit works in the world of airsoft relies on a few factors. It all starts with your BBs. Tracer or “glow in the dark” BBs are loaded into your magazine. These glow in the dark BBs are activated by bright lights. Some players utilize special magazines that come with light systems inside them. When fired, the activated BB flies forth from the gun and towards your target, giving a tracer round effect. In the case of the G&G Tracer unit, the BB activator also doubles as a barrel extension.

Here is a look at the G&G Tracer unit in action from the guys at AirsoftGI (we thank them for co-opting this footage):

The G&G Tracer features a 14mm counter-clockwise threading and easily screws on to guns compatible with that type. The tracer unit features a motion detector inside that detects when a BB passes through it and emits a bright pulse of light at it while it exits the barrel. This activates the BB’s glow in the dark properties and creates the tracer round effect. Inside the strong, aluminum body, the tracer unit is equipped with a rechargeable battery that is charged via an AC adapter that is included in the package.

Tracer fire in pitch black conditions

Using the G&G Tracer unit is as simple as pushing a button and beginning to fire your gun. The tracer unit features an unobtrusive, small LED light which blinks towards the direction of the shooter to let them know the unit is activated. My personal preference is to load tracer BBs in the last 20 or so rounds of my magazines. This tells me when my mag is just about out and gives me time to plan a reload instead of being surprised by suddenly running out of rounds to shoot.

Good airsoft tracer units are not cheap. For example, this model retails for about $110 dollars. You can find some units out there for cheaper prices but I guarantee you that they will not be made from such high quality materials as pricier models like this one. Overall, you can’t go wrong picking up the new G&G Tracer unit. It is made from high quality materials and should last you a long, long time.

[easyreview title=”G&G Tracer Unit Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]
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We recently got the chance to review G&G Armament’s CM16 R8-L airsoft electric gun combo package in the black color. This combo package is a great way for beginners looking to up their game as not only does it include the airsoft gun but, also, a raised, 30mm red dot sight!

In terms of design, the CM16 R8-L AEG features a quad, free-float rail system on the hand-guard as well as a top rail which extends across the top of the receiver. G&G has definitely given players a lot of rail real estate to mount scopes, lights, or whatever other accessory they prefer. The battery is stored inside a multiple position crane stock and, when fully extended out, the gun measures roughly 30 inches in length! Additionally, the AEG package includes a cantilever red dot sight which, while not super high-end, is fine for a typical airsoft game – although it does seem to have a fair bit of parallax effect if viewed from off-center. Aside from the red dot sight, this combo package includes G&G’s contoured, 300 round hi-cap magazine as well as a smart charger!

The gun’s receiver is made of a good quality nylon fiber which is VERY light, making the CM16 R8-L wieldable with one hand if necessary. It should be noted, however, that the gun features a full metal, version 2 gearbox with 8mm steel bushings and gears. In terms of performance, the G&G CM16 R8-L clocked in pretty consistently around 380 FPS – a bit higher than the on-paper specs, but this velocity is fine for outdoor fields. Also, the gun’s motor is listed as a 16,000 RPM “high torque” model.

One thing that would have been nice to see on this airsoft gun is G&G’s “Forward Assist” functionality which can be found on many of their AEGs. This system utilizes the forward assist button on the right side of the receiver to release tension in the gun’s spring. This is a very handy feature to have when done playing as you never have to fire off an additional shot to do the same thing.

The last thing I wanted to bring up about the CM16 R8-L is that it is very comfortable to use. While I did mention earlier that the gun is very light weight, it also features a nicely-contoured pistol grip as well as the contoured hi-cap. The grip smoothly arcs into the trigger guard assembly ans there are no strange, pointed edges that will gnaw their way into your hands. The magazine makes for a great vertical grip and gives a great deal of stability while aiming.

The CM16 R8-L combo pack retails for $190 dollars on e-tailers like EVIKE, which is a pretty cool deal when you look at the value you are getting for your money. If you are a beginner on a budget or a mid-level player looking for a solid performer at an inexpensive price, you won’t be disappointed.

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