armoury
ICS CES-P MP-5 + CXP-MARS PDW9
8mm bushing split gearbox with MIM
(Metal Injection Moulding) pinion and bevel
gears for both, one-piece metal hop unit,
a dual Mosfet system (power and monitor
functions protect the system and prevents
automatic firing due to a short circuit), a
self-diagnosis function (LEDs display the
status of your AEG), and a low voltage
indicator with protection cut-off.
The Unique SSS V2 Trigger system is
specially developed for the CES-P with
individual firing modes. It is able to change
the four firing modes between Safe - Semi-
3rd Burst, and full auto easily through the
fire selector controlled by a micro-chip in the trigger system.
Moreover, the combination of the pre-setting function
and the short pull trigger means that the rate of fire is
effectively increased. Thanks to the dual Mosfet design,
the full battery voltage is fed directly to the motor which
enables it to deliver full power and ensures a much faster
response. Furthermore, 11.1V LiPos can be used safely as
the system protects against overturning the gearbox; even
with a 7.4V LiPo, the firing cycle is completed, even if the
trigger is no longer engaged.
The CXP-MARS PDW9 is one of the highlights from ICS
for 2020. Featuring an integrated metal upper receiver and
lightweight M-LOK 6.5” handguard, flip-up sights come as
standard and there’s a really cool tri-way magazine release
design that personally I’ve not seen before. The thoroughly
modern aesthetic and the rose-gold plated bolt plate add
uniqueness and this “PCC” is available in two colours, matt
black and urban grey. I received the Urban Grey version of
the CXP MARS PDW9 for testing and the colour matching
is impeccable throughout and gives the entire package an
almost “cyberpunk” feel! The PDW9 is a rear-wired design
and the retractable stock presents good battery storage
space in an easily-accessed rear compartment.
Additional features include the SSS II E-Trigger and
short-stroke flat trigger to improve the shooting response
time. This model is available in two system-setups, MOSFET
and SSS and is equipped with a shadow barrel extension
tube (remember what I said about 9mm being perfect for
suppression?) and a new 20 degree vertical-style pistol grip
which personally I love. Not only is the look of the PDW9
“modern” but inside you get an upgraded 6061 aluminium
cylinder head
and piston head,
which increases
durability,
although you’ll
find this in the
SSS version only.
You also get
ICS’ proven EBB
System, the split
gearbox, a QD spring guide design, and a one-piece
metal hop chamber to round things out.
There you have it then, two AEGs with broadly similar
performance features but each with its own unique
aesthetic. So, which one did best on the range?
Using .20g BBs the MP5 gave a mean chronograph
reading of 0.92 Joule/315fps which was very consistent and
obviously perfectly site friendly, whilst the PDW9 nudged
it with a mean reading of 0.95 Joule/320fps. In terms of
accuracy there was little in it, as both models were perfectly
effective on target at 30m, with the PDW9 slightly better in
groupings - but only VERY slightly!
Personally, I still felt more at home with the sliding stock
and the ergonomics of the CES-P MP5 but then again I
guess I have many years’ experience of using an MP5 “in
game”. As a big guy I still don’t feel entirely comfortable
with the “PDW-style” sliding stock but that’s a personal
thing and I absolutely know that others feel differently.
Ultimately, which would I buy? I’d have to say that for
me the SMG is most definitely not dead and it’s the MP5 all
the way for me! However, if you are a dedicated “AR” user
then the PDW9 is surely the way forward for you, especially
as a CQB tool! Whichever way you go you can rest assured
that you’ll end up with a cracking AEG, with all the bells
and whistles you could possibly ask for, backed up by the
ICS reputation for excellence!
My thanks as always go to www.fire-support.co.uk for
the loan of the test sample. Please do check them out for
any, and all of your ICS Airsoft needs and much, much
more! AA
“THE UNIQUE SSS V2 TRIGGER SYSTEM IS SPECIALLY DEVELOPED FOR THE CES-P
WITH INDIVIDUAL FIRING MODES. IT IS ABLE TO CHANGE THE FOUR FIRING MODES
BETWEEN SAFE - SEMI- 3RD BURST, AND FULL AUTO EASILY THROUGH THE FIRE
SELECTOR CONTROLLED BY A MICRO-CHIP IN THE TRIGGER SYSTEM.”
www.airsoftaction.net 13