Move Over PR900 – The UX ICONIX Is Gunning for the Crown of Budget PCPs

Yes, spring has finally sprung – and with it comes that irresistible itch to pick up a new hobby, soak up the sun, and maybe even try your hand at shooting tin cans in the garden. But this week, something even more exciting than blue skies has arrived... a new contender for the cheapest PCP rifle on the UK market: the UMAREX UX ICONIX.

UX ICONIX - 2026 Airgun of the Year? - We think it should at least be considered

If you’ve read our Budget PCP Guide, you’ll know we’ve long tipped our caps to the PR900 and the Stoeger XM1 family. These rifles have been our go-to recommendations for newcomers looking to get into PCP airguns without emptying their wallets. So, the big question is: "Can the ICONIX take the crown?"

Short answer: not quite.

Long answer: Whilst the PR900 doesn't have the side leaver or Picatinny rails seen on the ICONIX, It’s not better than the PR900, but it doesn’t need to be.

What the ICONIX brings to the table is accessibility — a budget PCP that doesn’t suck, doesn't explode your bank account, and still puts a smile on your face when you pull the trigger. If you're tight on cash or looking for a low-risk summertime setup for the kids, this could be exactly what you're after.

Let’s Address the Brand Elephant in the Room…

Yes, it's branded UMAREX. No, it's not made in Germany. Don’t panic.

This rifle is likely the lovechild of UMAREX and SPA (Snowpeak Airguns) — a name that might not ring any bells, but you’ve seen their handiwork. SPA has built airguns for more brands than we can count: SMK, Artemis, JTS, Remington, Lee Enfield, Diana, and more. It’s probably the biggest OEM airgun manufacturer in the world, and when paired with UMAREX? That’s a partnership that means business.

Now, if you’re still clutching your pearls because it’s Chinese-made, welcome to 2025. The reality? Some of the best bang-for-buck airguns today come out of China. The XM1 Scout is Chinese – and we firmly believe it wipes the floor with many “big brand” rifles made elsewhere. And if you still think Webley’s made in Birmingham, oof… do we have news for you.

So… What’s the Deal with the UX ICONIX?

Let’s be blunt: this isn’t a match-grade rifle. The trigger.. It's there. It’s not regulated. But for £185? Come on. This thing is insanely good value.

What You Get:

• PCP power, multi-shot mag, and a decent barrel.

• 30 FPS variation over 45 shots – from an unregulated rifle!

• Weighs just 2.2kg – super handy for younger shooters.

• Silencer-ready with a 1/2"-20 UNF thread.

• No fancy bells or whistles – just raw, accessible PCP fun.

You want numbers? Here’s the full spec sheet:

• Calibres: .177 & .22

• Energy: Sub-12 ft/lb

• Magazine: 10-shot rotary mag

• Shot Count: 20–30 full-power shots

• Barrel: 510mm rifled

• Weight: 2.2kg

• RRP: £185 (Seriously.)

It’s not going to win competitions. But it will win hearts, especially those of newcomers, teens, and dads looking to relive their childhood by blasting pellets at cans with the kids.

Kit It and Quit It – Our UX ICONIX Starter Bundle

Now here’s where things get even better.

We’re offering the ICONIX at the same price as everyone else (£185), but here at Vector Air, we don’t just sell guns. We build kits that actually make sense at this budget. No overpriced scopes. No pointless accessories. Just what you need to get started without the faff.

🔧 Our UX ICONIX Kit Includes:

• ICONIX PCP Rifle (.177 or .22)

• Fill Probe & Mag + Single-Shot Tray

• K3 Neo Silencer

• Gun Bag

• Scope or Red Dot – Scope options range from a red dot for tin can mayhem to proper glass for learning long-range. Don’t worry, we’ll help you pick.

• Optional Stirrup Pump (yep, we thought of that)

👉 Base Kit starts at £295👉

Add a pump and you're still under £400 – below the budget we used in our original buying guide.

🛒 Buy the Kit Here

Is It the Most Innovative Airgun of the Year?

In terms of tech? Not really. But in terms of what it represents? Absolutely.

A sub-£200 PCP that doesn’t suck? That’s a game-changer. This is how we get new shooters through the door—especially juniors who’ve been stuck choosing between plastic-fantastic Nerf blasters or rattly springers from the '80s. This is how we break the stereotype of airgunning being a retirement hobby. This is how the sport moves forward.

Should the ICONIX win Airgun of the Year at the Great British Shooting Awards? Hell yes.

Will it? Probably not.

Let’s be honest—those awards haven’t really meant much to the average shooter in a long time. They feel less like a celebration of innovation and more like a networking event with trophies. Too often, the spotlight goes to whatever brand name is due a pat on the back.

But the ICONIX deserves its moment. Unlike most previous winners, it’s doing something that actually matters: making PCP shooting affordable, fun, and accessible.

Final Thoughts – A Gateway Gun (The Daily Mail will love this title)

The ICONIX isn’t about perfection. It’s about possibility. It’s not here to impress purists – it’s here to get new shooters behind the scope.

So if you’re looking to:

• Start airgunning for the first time

• Set up a junior or teen with a real PCP

• Get something light, affordable, and fun

…then the UX ICONIX might just be your new best mate.

And if that upsets a few dinosaurs? Let them grumble. We’ll be too busy shooting cans in the sun with our kids.

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