Misconception About Metal Gearbox vs. Plastic Gearbox

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Misconception About Metal Gearbox vs. Plastic Gearbox

One of the most common advice given to beginning airsoft players is to never buy a plastic gearbox gun. The reason is that metal gearbox is more durable and last longer. While that is true, given the cost of metal gearbox guns are $100 and up, while a plastic gearbox automatic electric gun (AEG) costs as little as $20 with all the accessories, a beginner airsoft player can go through at least 5 plastic low price electric guns (LPEG) to match the cost of an electric metal gearbox gun.

In fact, many beginner and seasoned airsoft players are given the impression that metal gearbox never breaks. They buy one thinking the gun can shoot forever. But the fact is that metal gearbox breaks through wear and tear as well. In fact metal gearbox frame breakage is a common problem, especially with the version 2 gearbox, which is in most of the popular airsoft rifles. With replacement metal gearbox ranging from $50 to $300, many non-techie airsoft players can actually have more worry-free shooting by going the LPEG route. Therefore, the durability of the metal gearbox gun is not the true reason to get one.

So then what is the real reason to get a metal gearbox gun? LPEG have a maximum shooting velocity of less than a 200 feet per second (FPS); quite a desirable trait for indoor play. But once you are on a big outside field, then BB pellets at that velocity simply doesn't travel fast enough to defy wind and to provide long distance. A metal gearbox rifle can usually shoot in the range of 300 to 400 FPS (the limit of most airsoft field) providing much further range than most plastic gearbox guns.

The plastic gearbox simply can't provide enough strength to handle the stronger spring needed for higher velocity. In this regard, the metal gearbox is more durable than the plastic gearbox; because it can handle stronger spring, longer. And, in turn, it provides you with a more competitive gun on an outdoor battlefield.

So, should you buy a plastic or a metal gearbox gun? If you are just going to practice target shooting in a small backyard or play close quarter battle (CQB) in a small indoor field, then plastic gearbox could be sufficient and, possibly, less costly. On the other hand, if your backyard is measured in acres or you play on a big outdoor battlefield, then a costly metal gearbox may be your only choice.

Jake
Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:36:27 +0400

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Title: Preventing Your M4 Gearbox from Breaking
Weblog: GearHack
Excerpt: After seeing first hand the M4 metal gearbox breaking itself while firing (no rounds) on the APS ASR106 Mini Patriot M4, I decided to look up metal gearbox breaking. It turns out that the gearbox cracking due to wear is a common failure on the V2 gearbox. Basically, if you are going to play with V2 . . .
Tracked: Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:54:37 +0400

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