Gun used for testing:
ICD Freestyle
Nitro Duck X-Stream Tank 68/4500
Stock Barrel and CP 2 Piece with paint matched to barrel
Shock Tech Mini drop and on/off ASA
Pre-BE Revolution Hopper with Empire Reloader Internals
In my search for my new high end electro, I had quite a few markers to choose from. Dye Matrix 4, Alias Intimidator, MacDec Cyborg, 2004 Smart-Parts Shocker, the list goes on and on. A few months ago wandering around the internet I noticed the new gun from Indian Creek Designs, the Freestyle. My first thought, it looks like a toy! It's small futuristic styling looks liked something from a corny 60's sci-fi show. But after looking at the features the gun boasted, I was impressed. I decided to try one, a local paintballer (Danny Hassel of Explicit Content based at Big sky paintball in Missouri) had recently aquired one. I went to test the gun and as he handed it to me, even with the 68/4500 Nitro Duck X-Stream tank attached and full of air the gun still seemed incredible light. After holding the gun and playing with the trigger for awhile to get used to the gun we took it out back and gassed it up.
This is were my first complaint comes in, the Freestyles grip frame is at a very odd angle and makes for a low comfort level, especially with the stock drop. I recommend a Mini-Drop or a rail to help the wrist out. For the test we only had a Revolution Hopper with Empire Reloader internals, so we really couldn't test the maximum speed of the gun, but what I could tell from this test was the quality of eye system the gun had, no chops what so ever. Not only that but the bolt hits the balls at such a light pressure I think it would be impossible to chop. Inserting your finger into the breach is no problem, and the hit of the bolt is lighter then even the famed AGD Level 10 Bolt.
The amount of recoil the gun has is also incredible. Unlike Intimidators this gun has absolutly no recoil to interfere with were you want to put the ball, you point it there, it sends out a flat trajectory ball with almost no noticeable recoil.
The stock barrel doesn't Immediately need to be replaced, but it's not the best thing in the world.
The Inline Regulator is another common complaint on most ICD guns, but the stock Inline on the freestyle really isn't bad, no worse then +/-3-5 if you are really picky, it should be your first upgrade. I would recommend an AKA Sidewinder, AKA Two Liter, or a Custom Products inline regulator.
Another great feature is the addition of a clamping no-rise stock on the marker. Believe it or not that little feedneck clamps and clamps hard. Smallest profile clamper I have ever encountered.
I have heard of other problems with this gun, namely the infamous "Lemon". Basically a gun that will work for awhile, and then quits. Leaking, Consistency problems, and just not working have all been listed by certain owners. But this is true of any new guns, The New Shockers and Alias Intimidators had similar problems when the were released. So if you fear the melon, just wait a few months before purchasing, but as of right now a Freestyle is a safe bet.
Conclusion: Fast, Never Chops, Little or No recoil, Little Pricey, Potential Lemon as of right now (7-8-04)
Recommend Upgrades: Barrel, Inline Regulator
Final Score: 9/10
Special Thanks to Danny Hassel (He's the one on the right):
ICD Freestyle
