AI GasCan Review
Airsoft Innovations is most known for their Tornado grenade, previously reviewed in our parent publication – U.S.A.S.O.C. – The Magazine; but as you know, the Tornado, and many of our secondary weapons, run on some type of propellant, usually gas or propane. In the past, leakage, propellant running out, and other challenges have occurred. Thus, AI began creating their next product that would take the market by storm – the Gascan. Simply put, its name describes what it is – a can holding propellant for your Tornado, secondary, or any other gadget of yours that is gas operated. Before getting into the review of the AI’s newest innovation, let’s take a brief look at the company itself.
“Airsoft Innovations is a company dedicated to providing the Airsoft Community with effective, well-engineered products that enhance the capabilities of the player as well as expanding the game itself. A company founded and staffed by Airsoft players, we know what other players want and need, we listen to the community, and we deliver.
“The first major breakthrough for AI came with the discovery that Green Gas and Propane are chemically very similar. The result was the Airsoft Innovations Gungas Propane Adaptor which provided a means for players to fill up their GBBs with cheap and readily available propane. The next major product launch was the Airsoft Innovations Tornado Timer Grenade, the first truly effective airsoft hand grenade, and still the best. The most recent product we have launched is the Airsoft Innovation Tornado Impact Grenade, an evolution of the original Tornado Timer Grenade that is potentially even more versatile than the original.” – AI
Features:
When we received the Gascan from AI, it came with the Gascan itself, propane adapter, lubricant, and the instruction manuals. Upon initial inspect, I was impressed with the size of the AI’s latest invention – it is compact, solid, and lightweight. One of the features AI likes to talk about is how you can bring the Gascan with you in the field; and after all, is that not what we have all wanted – instead of bringing that big, odd-shaped gas or propane can with us, why not have something so small that you can fit two in a double-M4A1 magazine pouch. The Gascan is versatile while also being compact – what we initially liked about it.
The can itself measures in around 1 lb when empty and anywhere between 1 or 2 lb when filled. Coming just over five inches (13 cm) in height, while being able to easily wrap your hand around its cylinder-shape – it has an impressive design. Its body is completely metal, wrapped with a black, white, and yellow label. Everything from its name to the manufacturers’ warnings are printed here. Also a neat feature is that AI put a label for GBB or Tornado, which you can mark with a check-mark, as to what propellant is in the Gascan. Depending on how much propellant-based products you are operating with, you could have one Gascan devoted to GBB while another devoted to a Tornado grenade – as stated before, two Gascans will fit in a standard, double-M4A1 magazine pouch.
The design of the Gascan is relatively simple. You have your metal cylinder where the propellant is held. On the bottom of the cylinder is where you can insert the gas into the hollow chamber. A top-cap, secured with a rubber-seal, ensures the gas stays trapped until when your device needs to be filled. On the top of the cap is the stem that fits into your Tornado or GBB weapon; and there you go – a simple, yet effective design that will, as AI states, will “get you back in the game.”
Also on the labeling of the Gascan is your lubrication guide, which brings up the ol’ question of how much lube is enough (alright you horn dogs...calm down); but in all seriousness – lubrication is an important maintenance procedure you will want to keep up with if you want your propellant-based products’ lifespan to extend as much as possible. AI has printed how much to use depending upon which application you are using the Gascan for: GBB or Tornado grenade. Per Airsoft Innovations, they say to use two drops of light-weight silicone oil (included in the package) for GBB. For Tornados – use eight drops of grenade oil (included in the Tornado package). To lubricate the Gascan, simply unscrew the top cap – it is hand-tight, so be sure to not sure any tools. AI says that upon removal of the cap, deposit the required amount of drops into the device. Once the required number of drops have been dropped into the Gascan, replace the top-cap, ensuring there is a 0.5mm gap between the top- cap and the body cylinder of the device. This is all shown within the instruction manual as well.
Next up is filling the device. To do so, invert the Gascan so it is sitting on its cap. Either insert your chosen gas into the device or put the included propane adaptor kit onto your propane can and fill. Simple as that – the Gascan will then hold your propellant until you need to fill your magazine or grenade.
To fill your magazine or a Tornado grenade, simply remove the probe cap. Be sure to keep the cap in a safe location so you will not lose it when refilling. Then simply fill your magazine or grenade as you normally would with a traditional gas can. It is as easy as that – you are back in the fight.
How well does it work? Very well – we were able to do multiple refills on both our GBB weapons and Tornados. It was simple, easy to use, compact, and useful to MILSIM applications. You will not have to worry any more about refills or problems with leakage – you now have a reliable backup to keep you in the game.
Pros:
The following is what we liked about the Airsoft Innovations Gascan:
- Design, innovation, and simple yet very useful operation of the Gascan. It does not take up much too much space in your rig, allows you to take a refill option into the field, and works as expected. It is not over-complex – it’s raw and gets the job done, which is what you want in a product.
- Quality for the price you pay – the Gascan only goes for $39.95 USD (30 EUR). If you have a GBB or Tornado, this would be a wise investment.
- Ability to fit easily in standard gear pouches – can have it right up front with you with easy access when it is needed.
- Seal and non-leakage. We went through an eight hour training session it held our propellant throughout the entire time, even with multiple reloads on different devices.
- Included accessories: propane adaptor kit and lube.
- Operation – the Gascan performs as desired and gets you back in the fight.
- Availability – Airsoft Innovation features this product on their site. Click here for more info.
Cons:
The following is what we did not like about the Airsoft Innovations Gascan:
- If I had to be picky, the color scheme. Although the metal look with the label is not too shabby, it is not that tactical of a look. It has more a machined, industry look. Is this a big deal? No, we do not think so, but we had to mention something.
Conclusion:
In the end, the Airsoft Innovations Gascan is solid, reliable, affordable option for all your propellant-based needs for refills. If you operator heavily with gas systems, we highly recommend the Gascan. It will save you time, hassle, and get you back into the fight more efficiently. We here at Operator give the Airsoft Innovations Gascan our “Stamp of Approval.”