S&T Tar-21... ARES knockoff?
 

Found this rifle while browsing a store. I've been wanting to pick up a Tavor, but until now ARES has been the only option. Aside from a few youtube videos (which I cannot view due to bandwitch restrictions) and a pictorial "review" from another forum, I cannot find any specifics on the gun's internals. I don't suppose any of you gents have any dealings with this AEG/company?

The first versions had a polycarbonate gearbox shell, the new ones have a metal gearbox. Internals and externals are similar to the sportline ARES, such as the sportline Umarex G36c and UMP.

Eh, not too fond of the sportline stuff... but for a cheap AEG, I guess this doesn't sound completely useless. Too bad the Tavor is such a pain to disassemble, otherwise I'd just replace the internals altogether.

Externally it is also sub par, as it is made from a cheap plastic that gives it the feeling of a toy.

NA tbh id still prefer the S&T over the ARES since its way cheaper but obviously the build quality is cheaper too but i think it lasts longer. the gun is a great beginner and loaner gun.

S&T makes their own products. they are famous for their PPSh41 which is 10 billion x better than the POS ARES makes.

also their SVD from what i heard is not bad either as it is a Real Sword Clone, though the CYMA clone is apparently the best SVD clone on the market. overall S&T products aren't too shabby and i would recommend getting it actually :)

I just checked out their site. I'm guessing this "Explorer Version" is the new model, thought it still says it has a polycarbonate gearbox. On the plus side, apparently it has a quick-change spring system and comes with a metal hi-cap. However, I must say as a whole the gun looks really cheap, with visible seams and all.

Still, I'd sooner pay ~$250 for a gun that needs some work than the $400-600 price tag of the ARES.

I respect those brands who spend real effort in R&D and focus on "originality" rather than just clone the others with cheap materials. Their "lower price" is not actually low when you take their cheap materials + not so good finishing into consideration.
You actually get what you pay for. There is no dump businessmen in this world.

Check out the new S&T tavor (professional version ) doesn't look cheap at all. S&T T21 AEG with Electric Blowback (Professional Version) - YouTube

Basically the professional version looks to have the same external quality as the Ares minus trades at a fraction of the price. They moved the battery at the front as well.