Gearbox Guide
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| Introduction: |
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This guide is intended to give an overview of the currently available gearboxes and to show the differences and compatibilities between them. Here we are always trying to keep the guide always up to date, because especially in recent years, some fringe models came as airsoft models on the market, for which then in each case a special gearbox was developed, keyword Kriss Vector or but also the NGRS gearboxes from Tokyo Marui. The heart of any electrically powered airsoft (whether AEG, S-AEG or AEP) is the so-called gearbox, translated into German: the gear box.
There are different versions of gearboxes: the most common are the V2 and the V3 gearbox, followed by the V6. The number after the "V" (= version) is in no way a description of the development status or an indicator of quality. It describes the design of the gearbox and thus the model in which it fits.
For example, AK and G36 models exclusively use the V3 gearbox, whereas M4 models exclusively use the V2 version. But even here there are some differences, e.g. the G36 uses a different motor cage (explanation below) than AK models. In the following presentation, we have oriented ourselves with regard to the order of relevance in the airsoft market, which is why less or hardly represented versions can be found below |
| V2 Gearbox: |
The V2 gearbox is probably the most used and therefore most produced version worldwide, as it is used in every AR15 and MP5 model and their numerous variants. Therefore, there are not only a lot of spare parts but also tuning parts for this design. V2 gearbox parts are also compatible with other gearboxes such as the V6 or even the V7. With the V2 gearbox, the motor is not integrated into the housing, but is located in the grip of the weapon. Tuning measures, especially the correct shimming, are therefore a bit more complicated, since the grip has to be attached to test the gearbox. Also, the power cables for the motor also run in the grip, which requires additional caution, since you can squeeze them and as a result damage the insulation. Also, due to the shortness of the gearbox, the installation of stronger springs is only conditionally recommended, since they have a higher preload than in a V3 gearbox anyway, and are thus exposed to a higher "base load" <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/M4-1.jpg" alt="" /> Thus, the best-known breaking point of a V2 gearbox is found in the front area of the cylinder. This is where the gearbox shells usually tear if they have not been reinforced with extra material applied. Another feature of V2 gearboxes is that the power cables do not run past the so-called gearbox shell on the outside, but in cable channels in the gearbox. This makes cable management in the airsoft housing easier, but special care must be taken to ensure that the cables are well fixed in the gearbox and are not in the way of the gears in the gearbox. Typical nozzle lengths in V2 gearboxes are usually between 20.00-22.00mm, especially when it comes to an AR15 or MP5 model. But shorter variants and longer variants are also possible (e.g. MASADA). Due to the wider distribution of V2 gearbox types, most EFC systems are also designed and available for V2 (and V3). In the most standard case, V2 gearboxes have a normal switch unit, which closes a circuit when the trigger is pulled, resulting in firing. <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/M4-2.jpg" alt="" /> |
| V2.5 Gearbox for SR-25/M110 models: |
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In addition to the normal design of the V2 version, there is the extended form for SR25/M110 models. Here, the cylinder and piston are longer and a 19-tooth system is used as a gear set (19 teeth on the piston and on the sector gear).
The goal here is to be able to generate more air volume - required due to the barrel length in SR25/M110 models - in order to also generate a corresponding energy and range of the airsoft here <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/SR25-1.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/SR25-2.jpg" alt="" /> |
| V2 (ICS) Split Gearbox: |
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At this point, we must not forget the Split Gearbox, which was developed by the Taiwanese manufacturer ICS. This is basically a normal V2 gearbox, where the gearbox shell is divided into an upper and a lower shell and can be opened upwards.
In addition to the advantage that the weapon can be waited by this quickly and easily, it is not necessary to disassemble the whole Airsoft to make a corresponding change in performance, because you could replace the Upper Gearbox against another, in which then a weaker / stronger spring is installed <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/Split-1.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/Split-2.jpg" alt="" /> |
| V3 Gearbox: |
<img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/AK-1.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/AK-2.jpg" alt="" /> The gearbox in version 3 basically only differs from a version 2 in the attachment of the motor. In V3 gearboxes, the motor is bolted directly to the gearbox in a so-called motor cage. A corresponding grip is then either screwed directly to the motor cage, or the entire gearbox finds its place directly in a complete grip, as is the case with G36 or UMP models. An exception here is the MP5 K and the SIG 55x model series, since the motor is fixed here as with a V2 gearbox via the grip. The V3 gearbox is longer than the V2 and therefore has a decisive advantage: due to the longer design, the preload of the spring is lower, which is why V3 gearboxes usually cope better or longer with stronger springs and do not break as quickly. The internals of version 3 differ only in the tappet plate, the switch unit, the selector plate (different depending on the model) and the missing safety lever, which blocks or secures the trigger on the V2. Here, the safety is provided by a lever installed on the outside of the gearbox, which is controlled from the outside via the fire selector lever <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/UMP-1.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/UMP-2.jpg" alt="" /> |
| V6 Gearbox: |
The V6 gearbox is mostly compatible with spare and tuning parts from the V2 and V3 versions and is primarily found in the P90 and Thompson. Modified versions of the V6 can be found in the Tavor T21 and the F2000. The motor on a V6 is also housed in a separate bolt-on motor cage (on the P90 this goes away to the rear, on Thompson models this is bolted down, as on the AK or G36). Via the Gears, Cylinder, Piston- and Piston-Head, ARL and Nozzle these are all V2/V3 compatible. The motor used is a short-type on Thompson models and a long-type on P90s <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/P90-1.jpg" alt="" /> Incompatible parts include:
The switch unit is also different for both versions of the V6 gearbox: in both cases, it is screwed to the shell from the outside, but on the P90, the trigger is pulled via a linkage running to the gearbox, while on the Thompson, the trigger is installed directly in the switch unit housing. As of today (06/2022), only a few EFC systems are available for V6 gearboxes. With the release of the Begadi PD9 Sport as an upgrade version in January 2022, it joins the G&G PDW99 and the Krytac P90 as the only V6 models with a standard EFCS. As of today, a Thompson model with an EFCS does not exist <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/P90-2.jpg" alt="" /> |
| V7 Gearbox: |
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The V7 Gearbox was developed by Tokyo Marui specifically for the M14 rifle. In a modified version, the V7 version is also used in the AGM STEN Gun. The motor is mounted behind the gearbox to fit inside the rifle stock. It should be noted that there are different motor cages for each M14 model (SOCOM, EBR and the classic version). The electronics in the form of the switch unit/EFCS is mounted completely outside, as with the V6 version. Among other things, this has the advantage that you can easily adjust/shorten your trigger travel without having to screw the gearbox open and closed forever so that the trigger travel has the best individual setting. As of 06/2022, only the Begadi M14 Sport series and the G&G M14 with a V7-EFCS are available. As with V6, incompatible parts are the Cylinder-Head (here in the off-set, guide tube of the Nozzle moved down), the Cut Off Lever, Tappet Plate, Anti Reversal Latch, Spring Guide. Also the gear set is not compatible to normal V2/V3 sets, the gears in a V7 gearbox are smaller in diameter. Furthermore, the Nozzle is to be considered: here also a special Nozzle can be necessary: this is then at the side, which points to the Cylinder-Head, no round form, but is provided with a straight edge. This is to be checked depending on the manufacturer before an exchange <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/M14-1.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/M14-2.jpg" alt="" /> |
| AEP Gearbox: |
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Of course, the AEP gearboxes must not be missing. There are two categories: the pistol version (as known from the CYMA and Tokyo Marui AEPs) and the version for MPs such as the Vz.61 Scorpion, MP7 and the MAC10. The differences here are manifold and go from the design to the length of the motor axis, the design of the nozzle to the design of the switch unit (different for all MPs mentioned above). Meanwhile, the AEPs from CYMA are already delivered from the factory with a MOSFET and a mini-T connector, so that the use of a LiPo battery is already possible "out of the box". Furthermore, the latest version of the CYMA AEP gearbox is equipped with 6mm ball bearings and improved plastic parts (piston, cylinder head) - an important upgrade, because now also the AEP gearboxes enjoy great tuning popularity (e.g. stronger spring) <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/Gen5.jpg" alt="" /> |
| V1 Gearbox: |
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The V1 was the first ever gearbox and is used exclusively in replicas of the French FAMAS assault rifle. Spare parts are now extremely difficult to find, but to some extent the V1 is compatible with components of the V2 and V3 gearboxes. The design of the gearbox shell is relatively large, so it hardly fits into another case |
| V2.2 Gearbox: |
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For the HK417 and G28 models, VFC developed the V2.2 version and KWA also has an independent design with the V2.5. However, the design remains the only difference, the internals are compatible in all cases, with the exception of the trigger unit: here, both the V2.2 version of VFC (installed e.g. in the H&K G28) and the KWA V2.5 version (QRF model series) have a special switch unit. With the KWA V2.5 gearbox, only the GATE Titan is compatible as a retrofittable EFC system. The GATE Titan can be unscrewed if there are problems or in the event of necessary maintenance work. It is also conceivably easy to carry a second upper gearbox shell with a different spring strength (if no FSWS is available), so that one can react quickly to the regulations of the playing field (prescribed maximum energy on the respective playing field). Furthermore, all parts of a normal V2 gearbox are compatible, only the spring guide has a total of four thin locking pins in the case of an ICS split gearbox with quick spring change system (FSWS) and not two or four locking bars as usual. However, a small disadvantage can be found in the sound of weapons with split gearbox: due to the minimal play between the upper and lower gearbox, these models or the gears are very difficult to shim smoothly, compared to normal V2 gearboxes, and therefore always a little louder as far as the shooting noise is concerned |
| Marui NGRS Gearbox: |
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Finally, there are the NGRS gearboxes from Tokyo Marui. NGRS stands for Next-Generation Recoil-Shock and is designed to create a type of recoil or impact with each firing action to create a more shot-like feel.
These gearbox shells are shorter than those of a V2 and, in addition to a special switch unit, have the distinctive feature that the spring guide is not located directly in the gearbox, but in the stock tube of the weapon |
| V4 Gearbox: |
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The V4 gearbox is special in that the piston is reloaded after each shot, a system-dependent pre-cocking. On the one hand, this has the advantage of a faster firing sequence, but at the same time the disadvantage that the gearbox is loaded longer by the tensioned spring in the long term, so especially in storage, care should be taken to manually unload the system after the match day via the ARL. The Tokyo Marui PSG 1 is the only S-AEG in which this gearbox is used. Not compatible parts are the gears, spring, cylinder and cylinder head, piston, tappet plate and the ARL. The engine used here is a medium type, as in AUG models |
| V5 Gearbox: |
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The V5 gearbox is used exclusively in the Tokyo Marui UZI and has not been used in any other Airsoft since. Therefore, there are almost no spare parts or even tuning parts for this gearbox. Visually, the V5 resembles a V7 gearbox, it is also elongated. A special feature here is that the entire system is built up backwards, which means that the air/compression in the cylinder is not built up in the direction of the muzzle, but in the direction of the gears. The gears do not directly pull up the piston, as they are arranged separately from each other in the gearbox shell. The transmission takes place via a metal linkage in the upper area of the gearbox, similar to an EBB mechanism. Due to this lack of direct interaction, the piston also has no (steel) teeth, but serves purely as a compression component. Another special feature is that the inner barrel runs through the cylinder, on which the piston and piston head run. The hop-up unit, which is also installed in the gearbox, is also the cylinder head. Small air ducts are embedded in the unit and guide the air compressed in the cylinder to the nozzle. The Nozzle also has small air channels through which the air from the Cylinder is then directed to the BB via the HopUp Unit. The nozzle and the tappet plate also form a single component, so that the nozzle is also mounted in the V5 gearbox via the sector gear |
| V8 Gearbox: |
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The V8 Gearbox was specially developed by Tokyo Marui for the Japanese Type 89 assault rifle. It is basically a V2 Gearbox that makes it possible to fire bursts with a normal trigger unit in the form of a Switch Unit. The V8 special parts include: the complete trigger unit in the form of the Switch Unit, as well as the associated fire selection lever mechanism. This also includes the trigger, which is shorter here in the upper section (which pushes the switch trolley into the switch unit). The remaining parts are fully V2 compatible, so that a wide range of replacement and tuning parts can be found here as well |
| Other Gearbox Versions: |
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In addition to the versions mentioned above, there are a number of other gearboxes, but they often differ only in form. Internally, many of them use V2/V3 components, only the trigger units and the tappet plate are often special. Examples:
<img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/M249.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/SVU.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/TAR21.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.begadi.com/media/wysiwyg/CMS_guides/L85.jpg" alt="" /> |
| Conclusion / Conclusion: |
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You can't really give a proper conclusion on the subject of Gearbox. Each version is processed and equipped differently from manufacturer to manufacturer. One manufacturer keeps up with the times and improves, while another continues to build its gearboxes as they were 10 years ago. But what you should still consider when buying an electrically powered ASG: Do the internal components suit my playing style and application, or should I look around for something else? In case of malfunction or defect, can I do it myself, or is it inevitable to send it to our workshop? For example, someone who is on a pitch every weekend should look for a model with more robust components from the outset rather than the player who only visits a pitch once a month. Also, the availability of spare parts should not be disregarded, so that unnecessary storage of his favorite ASG due to lack of spare parts does not become the order of the day. Thus, in conclusion, it can be said that you should not buy indiscriminately, but inform yourself in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises and have long playing fun |
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