What Airsoft brand is the best?

I want to get an AEG but i don't want to spend 600$ on a tokyo mariu or a clic army. I looked at the Jing Jong but and i want to get one but they don't come in clear plastic so i am thinking i will just have to go to the states buy one and drive it back to Canada. I was wondering if you guys had any brands i should avoid or look at. My friend got a Aftermath M4 witch wasn't bad but i think he got ripped off. Need to know before i order one online and it gets seized by customs.