Zephyr Sports coverage of the Shot Show 2012 KWA USA Kriss Super V



Here she is, the pinnacle of KWA USA engineering, the Boss of sub-machine guns, the game changer, the  Kriss super V.

KWA USA KRISS SUPER V VECTOR at Las Vegas 2012 Shot Show

 

 

This beauty was originally built by Kriss TDI, a highly innovative company that partnered Magpul to create a sub-machine gun with highly unusual delayed recoil and an insane rate of fire for the .45 cal. KWA USA spent years re-engineering the design of the Kriss Vector to use 6mm BBs and retain the internals of the real steel version. Additionally, KWA put in it’s new gas rifle FV (Force Velocity) system in the Kriss, rather than their excellent NS2 system as with their other amazing gas guns. The Kriss V uses 4 pins for its field strip to separate the lower and upper receiver and drop out the bolt. The operation is identical to the real version with Semi, 2 round burst, and full auto select fire as well as the closed bolt firing. It will take its own dedicated magazines 24 or 50 rounds, and from what we have heard it will either come with a CQB bolt (350 fps, contradicting what KWA says on their website), or a field bolt in the 370 fps range with the opposite coming out some time in the future. A little birdy also told us that the KWA Kriss V may have 16mm negative threads (standard is 14mm negative) meaning it may not be compatible with most aftermarket flash hiders or mock silencers. The reason for the unusual threading is because the real Vector takes the .45 which means a wider barrel than the 9mm cal firearms. The little birdy went on to say that because the structure of this Kriss is so close to the real one, compatible flashlights will mount above the barrel or on the accessory rails (that bottom one is begging for a vertical grip). We got to try it out at the 2012 Shotshow in Las Vegas and it is incredible. Everything on that SMG is solid, tight, and feels extremely realistic. Its a gun you want to be behind when clearing rooms and kicking down doors, and the polymer body will take a hit as you dive for cover. After getting a chance to hold and operate one of the most highly anticipated airsoft guns in 2012, the wait until the KWA Kriss Vector’s release date in summer will be unbearable.

KWA USA KRISS Super V internals and bolt mechanism

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Zephyr Sports coverage of the Shot Show 2012 Elite Force Part 2



There are few firearms of such caliber to be chosen by the US Special Forces. Let alone by the infamous Delta Force whom worked with legendary arms manufacture Heckler and Koch. Or to be used by Dev Gru AKA SEAL Team 6 to take out Osama. The H&K 416 is one of these firearms, which was originally adapted by VFC for airsoft, and later by Umarex and Elite Force. Since that time the HK 416 has been a prized weapon by the airsoft community for its solid design and reputation. We’ve seen two models thus far for airsoft, the familiar airsoft HK 416, and the HK 416 C a small and deadly CQB AEG without that long buffer tube. The H&K 416 is a high performance low drag assault rifle on the airsoft battle field, and at the Las Vegas 2012 Shotshow we got to see the release of its big brother:

HK 416 and HK 417 by Elite Force

HK 416 and HK 417 by Elite Force

This Behemoth is meant to use the 7.62 by 51mm cartridge while maintaining all of the design upgrades the 416 family is so famous for. On the Airsoft side, this means a massive magazine, extended range and accuracy, and the signature free float RIS system for all your accessory goodies while handling and behaving just like any AR-15 variant.This new release is ready to rock the market and dominate the competition. If you’ve been looking for a hard hitting field gun for your Special Forces load-out, here she is.

Airsoft 416C and 417 licensed by Umarex at Shotshow 2012

The H&K 416 C and 417 at 2012 Shotshow by Elite Force

 

But if your taste is more, ranged per se, we found a rare sniper hiding in the corner.

Airsoft HK SL-8 by Elite Force Umarex at Shotshow 2012

Poor thing almost looks abused alone in the dark. This is a legit Airsoft H&K SL-8 AEG fully licensed by Umarex and Elite Force with the H&K Trades. Although we weren’t able to get a release date or a lot of info, we did grab a few nice tidbits. First off, it’s an AEG with the standard version 3 gearbox, and is compatible with G36 Hi-caps and drum magazines. Next the mock silencer is part of the package and will be included with the gun. The stock uses plates to adjust length of pull and the cheek weld. It also has a dedicated upper and lower receiver so sadly that stock isn’t going to be compatible with the rest of the G36 family. We’re looking forward to see more updates from Elite Force and Umarex USA on the development of this ultra rare HK SL-8. More eye candy below.

Airsoft HK SL-8 AEG by Umarex Elite Force at Las Vegas 2012 Shotshow

Protoype airsoft H&K SL-8 sniper AEG by Umarex USA and Elite Force at Las Vegas 2012 shotshow

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Zephyr Sports coverage of the Shot Show 2012 Elite Force



The Shot Show has come and gone but left us all salivating from the new Airsoft announcements, and eagerly awaiting those promised release dates. First up in our coverage list is Elite Force, a new brand that has been gaining traction in the airsoft world for their commitment to quality (even going so far as to have a 60 day manufactures warranty!) and solid performance. Many of the display models at the shot show booth we’ve already seen, and some you may already own such as the M4 CQB line and the M4 A1 line. New entries seen were the G36CV and G36KV made by Ares. A pair of awesome German assault rifles that are making waves with their quick change spring system and EBB bolt. Hot on their heels and newly announced was the authentic G36C variant. Similar to the C/KV line it uses the regular G36 style skeleton stock and lacks the included foregrip of its G36CV brother. Making up for the lack of accessories, this Elite Force AEG will be ready to use out of the box with the included battery and charger.

But you’ve already seen all this. No, what you are interested in is the new UMP from Elite Force:

Elite Force Ares UMP

This beautiful AEG is made and designed by Ares but has all the trades H&K fanboys could want. Ideal for CQB this SMG is light and deadly using ABS for the receiver (and not that cheap springer ABS either) to weigh in at roughly 4 lbs. Keeping with the close quarters theme the Elite Force UMP is firing in the sub 350 fps range (advertised at 345) with a .20 g. It runs a stick type battery through the upper cavity but does not have a lot of space (sorry 10.8v-ers) so your best off running stock battery size or tuning to get it lipo ready.

Having owned the G&G UMG I can say this is extremely similar. The method to swap out batteries, the pace for said batteries and a lot of the external details are the same. What is significantly different is that this AEG is going to be much easier to obtain, and those 400 rnd Hi-cap mags have a nice cut out at the bottom making them easier to wind. Sadly if you are one of the few owners that have the UMP specific silencer, the model displayed will not work with it, official confirmation and such will come when we get them in stock. Otherwise there’s always the usual features, adjustable hop up and rear sight, metal gears and gearbox, full and semi auto operation, folding stock with 2 sling attachment points and metal rails. Really nice metal rails begging for a foregrip or tac light. Another awesome gun from Elite Force and Ares we’re looking forward to trying this baby out. Stay tuned for more airsoft 2012 Shot Show articles!

Ares Elite Force UMP

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Review of Maddog’s Adaptable Barrel Mounted Laser



In any shooting sport getting the first shot can be the difference between victory and a face of paint or a mouthful of BBs. But that first shot only matters if it hits, and the longer it takes to line up your sights, or walk the balls to your target, the more time your opponent has to fight back. Maddog has the solution for rapid on target firing in the breakneck sports that is airsoft and paintball.

Maddog Sports Barel Mounted Laser

Maddog Sports Barrel Mounted Laser

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Maddog Sports Red Dot Barrel Mounted Laser is an extremely simple laser that mounts to anything cylindrical, and provides a point of reference so players don’t have to shoulder their weapon. The pressure switch keeps users from telegraphing their position and the rapid on / off lets players get a bearing on their target and keeps the victim from knowing they’re about to get hit.

Installation was very simple using a 1/8th Allen (A 4 for metric works just as well), and secured firmly to the Paintball gun’s barrel. A 4.5 metric can be used to remove the laser, or loosen if you need to shim it for accuracy. We found it was very easy to shoot from the hip or pick off targets quick using the laser as a reference and then lining up the barrel for more accurate shots. When installing we recommend adding a single layer of electrical tape to prevent scratches.

Mounted Maddog Laser

Maddog Laser mounted to a Paintball gun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The airsoft installation provided a variety of different points to install. While the outer barrel and gas tube for the AK-47 we used was small for the mount, it attached and held its place firmly. We tried a variety of configurations with ease since there was no need for the typical RIS or weaver rails and because of the mounting style different and unusual angles can be achieved allowing for all sorts of tactical options. We found the Maddog Laser to be a great training aid doing drills, the laser lets you check where the weapon is aimed and hones your skills transitioning from rest to a firing stance before sighting with a traditional scope or iron sights.

AK-47 with Maddog Laser mounted

Maddog mounted in a traditional fashion on a AK-47

Maddog laser mounted to AK-47

Maddog laser mounted un-traditionally

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’ve been thinking about adding a laser or just haven’t been getting the chance to line up your shots the Maddog Sports Red Dot Laser is the way to go. At the time of publishing the price was $19.95, a bargain compared to other lasers that require rails and other mounting options. Because every barrel and gun is different you may need to shim the laser to be on target, but it is easy and well worth the price on the field.

 

 

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Stance Socks – The Uncommon Thread. *Now At Zephyr Sports*



The Uncommon Thread

“STANCE unravels the spool of convention to create an original canvas worthy of the art it is paired with. A commune of creativity, STANCE is dedicated to the spirit of individuality. Celebrate bold expression with this free-thinking fabric as it becomes thread poetry in motion. Send a crystal clear mixed message that’s silently loud and quietly bold. Designed in California, worn everywhere.”

 

Stance is the epitome of that “punk rock” style. It silently screams “original!” Everything that Stance Inc. produces is for that stray dog persona, someone cut against the grain. Everything in our lives these days is about conformity and the pursuit of being “normal”… I don’t know about you, but I miss when life actually had flavor, when everyday was a new experience, a new adventure, back when life had a sense of humor. Well our friends over at Stance Inc. seem to agree with that sentiment. I was checking out their new line of socks with all of our Skateboard gear, and well haha I honestly can’t find the words to describe this awesome form of freedom. Stance socks are not only incredibly comfortable, they are flashy and bold! So jump on to Zephyr Sports, check out our Stance Clothing, and make a statement next time you are out at the skate park shredding it up.


YouTube Zephyr Sports

 

Check out these great styles and many more at www.zephyrsports.com

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Price DROP*** Dangerous Power’s E1 On Sale For The Holidays!!



All I Really Want  For the Holidays is a New Dangerous Power E1!!

 NOW STARTING AT THE LOW HOLIDAY PRICE OF $189.00!!

Here at Zephyr Sports, its that time of year… You know what I mean… New products are coming in and being added on to our websites. Pre-orders are coming in, and I even think I saw candy cane flavored coffee creamer in the break room. That’s it… The holiday season is officially here, and at Zephyr, that means great deals! Now even though we carry literally something for everyone, this deal is for YOU ! We just got permission from Dangerous Power to drop our prices on this awesome Electronic Paintball Marker and our Package Deals. So, for all of you seasoned paintball veterans out there, or for all the newbies to the sport… We want to bring to you the Dangerous Power E1. Not only is this marker small, sleek, and light weight… It also packs quite the punch – average velocity of 280FPS, operating at only 200PSI! Now, although this is not a tournament grade marker like it’s big brother the Dangerous Power G4, this marker still steals the show in the beginner market for electronic guns. I would recommend this marker as a great starter gun for a first time “paintballer”, or as a backup/loaner gun for the veterans that bring friends out when the play. Check out the specs on this great marker brought to you by our buddies over at Dangerous Power.

 

Dangerous Power E1

We also have these great starter packages available on zephyrsports.com

 

Dangerous Power E1 1 Star Paintball Gun Starter Package Green/Black

Dangerous Power E1 Paintball Gun Starter Pack Red/Black

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Basic Airsoft Upgrades



With a plethora of parts available for the Airsoft AEG it can be difficult to determine what parts work best together to achieve a desired goal. In this article we will share some of the basic knowledge required to upgrade airsoft AEGs. Listed below is a chart of part arrangements that are known to produce good performance. Please notes that the FPS and ROF are estimates based off of what the parts should perform at. The chart does not take into account the stress factors or seals on a gearbox.

Gear ratio/Spring:                                            Motor:                                                                  Performance:

Super high speed: 14-15               High/Max Speed motor                                                 ROF: 20+ rnds/s

-M80-                                                                                                                                                    FPS: ~260

High speed: 15-16                           Speed Motor                                                                     ROF: ~18 rnds/s

-M90                                                                                                                                                     FPS: ~295

Standard:17-19                                 Standard Motor                                                               ROF: ~15 rnds/s

-M100                                                                                                                                                   FPS: ~328

-M110                                                                                                                                                   FPS: ~361

Torque: 20-23                                    Torque motor                                                                    ROF: ~12 rnds/s

-M120                                                                                                                                                   FPS: ~394

-M130                                                                                                                                                   FPS: ~427

Double Torque: 23-25                    High Torque/Torque up/Ultra  motor                      ROF: ~10 rnds/s

-M140                                                                                                                                                   FPS: ~460

Triple Torque: 25-28                       High Torque/Torque up/Ultra  motor                      ROF: ~8  rnds/s

-M150                                                                                                                                                   FPS: ~493

Infinite Torque: 28-45                    High Torque/Torque up/Ultra  motor                      ROF: 8- rnds/s

-M150+                                                                                                                                                  FPS:  500+

Note: Springs are done in the ‘M’ system, FPS (feet per second) is calculated with .20g BBs. ROF (rate of fire or cycles per second) is ballpark-ed to rounds fired a second using an 8.4v battery. Gears are in a X:1 format to display the torque ratio.

The motor needed for each level of spring is determined by the spring. The higher the strength of the spring, the stronger the motor that is needed to pull the spring back. Some tension can be taken off the motor by increasing the gear ratio. This allows the motor to have more torque, at the cost of speed and allows the AEG to fire at a higher FPS. Conversely, if a high speed motor is paired with a gear set with a low ratio, the motor cannot pull back a high power spring but can achieve a high rate of fire with a weaker spring. Thus Airsoft AEGs will trade their rate of fire for a higher muzzle velocity, with the M100 spring, standard motor and standard ratio gears being the stock internals of most AEGs. Upgrading the battery of your AEG allows you to keep the same fps of the rifle, while increasing the ROF. By using a 9.6v battery rather than the standard 8.4v, the motor is able to draw more power and increase the cyclic rate by as much as +3 rnds/sec. This can be done to an AEG up to less than 12v which is the typical maximum rating for AEG motors. When upgrading the spring, you should choose which FPS or ROF you want to shoot for, then find the corresponding spring, gears, and sometimes even the motor that is need to achieve the desired effect.

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Critical Paintball Harness V2 True Ejection Stealth Pack – 4+5



Critical Paintball V2 True Ejection Stealth Pack – 4+5

The new V2 Stealth Pack from Critical Paintball is a complete departure from the run of the mill standard pod pack. The Stealth Pack’s unique stirrup retention system (with True Ejection) is radically different than the standard Velcro strap design employed by most other packs. The Stealth Pack allows for much faster pod removal, and a reduced player profile while removing pods, all without the noise of Velcro. These features are incorporated into a comfortable non-slip adjustable belt with Aero Mesh padding to increase breathability and comfort. The Stealth Pack paintball harness also features an exclusive pod ramp to prevent the pack from sliding down your back and the pods from snagging on your pants while you remove the pods. All of these unique and exclusive features add up to the most exceptional pack on the market.


Features:
* Reduced player profile when removing pods
* Super fast pod removal
* The first pack with true ejection
* Nearly silent pod removal (Unlike Velcro)
* Pod ramp prevents pods from catching on pants
* Padded aero-mesh backing with added non slip contact surfaces for extreme comfort
* Non slip adjustable belt (One size fits all)

Stealthy and Stylin Design from Critical Paintball

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New Entry Level Paintball Marker from Planet Eclipse – The Etha – Pre-Order @ Zephyr Paintball NOW!!



New Eclipse Marker available in December 2011!

Planet Eclipse Etha Paintball Gun

Planet Eclipse has long been known as a market leader in high-end paintball markers and accessories. Their aim has always been set high; to produce the very best paintball equipment possible. Unashamedly, their products to date have always been aimed at the higher-end of the paintball market. They are feature- laden, finished to the very highest standard and immaculately prepared and presented. Entry Level they are not.

We understand that not every player has the budget for markers at that level. New or recreational players within the sport may not see the benefit in such fully featured products, but why should those players be precluded from receiving exceptional value and quality? We believe that they shouldn’t be.

That was their philosophy when they set out to design their latest paintball marker. One that retains the core elements of all Planet Eclipse markers but comes wrapped in a more affordable package, allowing more players to enjoy the “Eclipse Ownership Experience” The challenge was on and we are proud to share with you, the… Planet Eclipse Etha Paintball Gun!!!

 

 

Planet Eclipse Etha Features:

Dimensions:

  • Weight – 930g/2.05lb Including 14.5″ Shaft4 Barrel, Battery, Feed Tube, POPS
  • Length – 539mm Including 14.5″ Shaft4 Barrel
  • Height – 212mm
  • Width – 33.5mm

 

Materials:

  • Body – 6061-T6 Aluminium
  • Barrel – 6061-T6 Aluminium
  • Frame – Glass Reinforced Nylon
  • Feed – Glass Reinforced Nylon
  • Eye Covers – Glass Reinforced Nylon

 

Electronics:

  • Interface – Single Push Button plus Tourney Lock
  • Display – 1 x Tri-Color LED Indicators
  • Solenoid voltage – 9Volts
  • Processor voltage – 5 Volts
  • Processor – 8-Bit 2MHz
  • Power Supply – 1 x 9V (PP3) Battery

 

Hardware:

  • ASA Mount – T-Slot mounted adjustable rail with Front Exit OOPS (On/Off Purge System)
  • Trigger Methods – Micro Switch
  • Trigger Mechanism – Leaf Spring
  • Trigger Pivot – Self Lubricating Sintered Brass Bushing
  • Barrel – 2-Piece Micro Honed Shaft4 14.5″ length 0.693″ Bore
  • Feed Tube – Lever Operated Clamping Feed

 

Pneumatics:

  • Operating Principle – In-Line Blow Forward Bolt
  • Solenoid Type – High Pressure Solenoid Valve
  • Drive Mechanism – Dual Force Pull Poppet
  • Bolt Mechanism – Rubber Tipped CS Bolt

 

Ergonomics:

  • Grip Type – Contoured Dual Density Grip
  • Grip Pitch – 156mm

 

Firmware:

  • Firing Modes – Semi and Ramping Capped and Uncapped
  • Debounce Modes – 10 Debounce Modes

Inside the Planet Eclipse Etha:

But what of the Etha itself? Well, internally the Etha is a radical departure from anything seen before in an Eclipse marker. For the first time we utilize a spring return bolt system in the firing mechanism, allowing us to simplify the pneumatic side of the marker and use a Pull Poppet spool to release air from the firing chamber.

The Etha bolt features dual-stage acceleration so that it picks up the paintball at a lower speed before accelerating further to push the ball fully into the barrel. The front of the bolt has a ramped rubber section. This extended rubber piece is both removable and replaceable and designed to flex freely in order to prevent clipping of the second ball in the stack as well as to be flexible on the face to cushion the paintball as its pushed toward the barrel. Both of these features work hand-in-hand with the Deftek Feed System and Break Beam Sensor System to keep any occurrences of barrel breaks to an absolute minimum.

The Pull Poppet that releases the air from the firing chamber is driven by a new, super-robust high pressure solenoid that is controlled by the fully adjustable PCB. The PCB controls the firing mode (semi-automatic and ramping), rate of fire, dwell and de-bounce through the multi-colour LED mounted in the rear of the frame. It is pre-programmed with modes compatible with all major tournament series meaning no upgrade needed wherever you play.

The frame, together with the lever operated clamping feed-tube, eye covers and the new OOPS knob are all manufactured from extremely resilient glass reinforced nylon. The Etek3 LT has proven to us just what this amazing composite is capable of: it is extremely strong, very tough, and more than capable of handling the abuse that even the roughest and toughest paintballer can throw at it. When it came time to specify the materials for Etha there was no question that this material would be at the top of our list for these parts.

Inside the frame there are sintered brass bushings for the trigger pin to pivot on and a captured, fully adjustable leaf spring similar to that found in the Ego11. These components combine with the externally adjustable trigger to produce a crisp, smooth trigger action with which to operate the micro switch. And for the first time in an Eclipse marker the trigger can be fully removed for maintenance or cleaning without having to separate the frame from the body – it makes cleaning up after a hit to the frame a breeze. To help keep paint and debris out of the inside of the frame, the grip panels are sunk into the frame around their perimeter, they also use a clever upper locating tab that means that each grip panel only requires one screw to fix it in place making access to the board and battery quick and easy.

On the bottom of the frame there is a brand new OOPS (On/Off Purge System) ASA with front exit porting and the same internals that are found in the POPS ASA. It actuates with the twist of a knob and fully vents the entire marker when turned off. It mounts to the frame via the robust T-Slot system.

The OOPS feeds through a macro-line and up to an SL3 regulator. The SL3 reg was first seen on the SLS and has since made its way onto the Geo2 and the Ego11 as well as the CSL where it has been very well received. With the ability to run HP, MP or LP compressed air tanks without adjustment it makes it a truly versatile regulator. And with its replaceable and reversible main seal it is robust, reliable and easy to service too. Like all other Eclipse markers, the Etha is designed to run solely on compressed air and not CO2.

The barrel also shares some similarities with those found on its bigger brothers. The Etha barrel is a 14.5 inch, two-piece, precision honed, 0.693 bore barrel that has a ‘Cocker’ thread into the gun body and uses the same threading as the Shaft4 barrel to join the front section to rear section. This means it has the longer control bore as well as being compatible with all other Shaft4 barrel accessories such as the Boost Kit and 16″ tip. With such a good standard barrel there should be no reason to run out and spend money on an aftermarket system.

And like all other Eclipse markers, the Etha comes delivered in a hard case, lined with shock absorbing foam and packed with everything you need to look after and maintain it: a full colour manual; a full set of hex keys; a tube of Eclipse Grease; a comprehensive marker and regulator spares kit; and a barrel safety device.

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The Truth About Airsoft Gun FPS



Hidden benefits of higher fps

High FPs, one of the choice builds amongst many airsoft players. Allowing for extended range and engagement distances, many seek out upgrades and airsoft guns that give them an edge in Airsoft combat scenarios through a higher muzzle velocity. Besides the obvious advantages a high FPS build gives players there are a variety of other benefits  to increasing one’s FPS, some obvious, some often over looked. In this article, Zephyr Airsoft seeks to expand the awareness regarding Airsoft guns with high velocities benefit from and include some of their weaknesses.

Penetration

A well-known aspect of airsoft AEGs to outdoor players is the penetration their guns have. It can mean the difference between safe cover, and dangerous concealment, between taking out a sniper, and falling prey to the bushes and foliage of outdoor environments. An Airsoft Gun’s penetration is the ability of the gun to shoot through obstructing obstacles such as leaves, branches, grass, and strike an enemy. A higher velocity imparts more energy toward the BB fired allowing the BB to turn cover, into concealment. It also allows greater penetration at longer ranges. Where one airsoft gun’s rounds may be deflected off of tall grass at 50 yards, a high FPS build will allow the rounds to punch through the tall grass at 50 yards.

Heavier BBs

Greater penetration can also be achieved through the use of heavier BBs. The use of a heavier BB allows the round to penetrate bushes, etc. through the use of a greater Mass and inertia. While using a higher grain of BB allows for a greater amount of joules, it also causes the round to drop faster, shortening the range that would be achieved with a lighter BB. Yet, the combination of high FPS and heavier BBs allow for a greater amount of accuracy, at a similar range to medium fps builds with a lighter grain BB. An increase of accuracy will make the best use of the range the Airsoft gun has. A player upgrading both the muzzle velocity and BB grams can gain a higher amount of accuracy and joules, making opposing players feel rounds through bushes and openings they once though were safe.

BB Diagram

 

Joules

Often experienced by Airsoft Sniper victims, are the effects of a high joule count. Frequently over looked, but closely tied with FPS is an Airsoft Gun’s impartment of joules to rounds.Joules are a measure of inertia or energy that a body will have. In this case the body is the airsoft BB and the Joules are a product of its Mass (the grams) and the Velocity (FPS) of the BB.

E=½ x M x V^2                             Energy = ½ x Mass x Velocity^2

Or:    Joules = 1/2 x (BB weight in Kilograms) x (FPS of the BB in meters)^2

Meters = Feet x 0.3048

Kilograms = Grams/1000

A greater amount of joules will make a player feel a hit at longer ranges, or through thick gear. This means that an Airsoft gun fired at a player at a low FPS may go unnoticed at extended ranges, while a higher FPS Airsoft gun will impart more energy to the target and will be more likely to be noticed. Joules can be increased with more FPS and the same BB, or a higher FPS reduced to the same FPS by a heavier BB.


Reaction Time

Rarely taken into consideration is the reaction time an opposing player has to dodge incoming fire. If there is enough distance between you and the target, the target can actually dodge incoming fire. There is however a specific distance based upon the muzzle velocity that a target cannot dodge or react to. While an exact distance requires a hefty chunk of calculus, a more manageable equation can be used to estimate the distance needed.

V=d/t                                    Velocity > Distance/Time

Or: Feet/second > distance in feet/time

If you input the average person’s reaction time of 200ms-300ms (.2-.3 seconds) you can find an approximated maximum range of where the average player will not be able to react to. This means that an Airsoft gun firing at 350fps has an effective no dodge range of less than 70 feet. It is under due to the deceleration of the BB as it moves through the Earth’s atmosphere. When this is applied to a higher FPS Airsoft gun of say 400fps the no dodge distance extends to almost 100 feet. The easiest way to find this effective kill range is to multiply your fps by .215 or .25. While most players will try to hit opponents well out of this distance, taking advantage of the extended range higher fps provides, the effective range or no react range should be taken advantage of to ensure hits.

Downfalls

While there are many benefits to high FPS setups, there are a few notable drawbacks. Joule, for instance, is a double edged sword. It increases the chance a BB will penetrate, and that players at longer distances will feel the round but also can be very painful at close range, limiting the usefulness of the weapon, or potentially being dangerous in addition to being unpleasant for other players.

A greater FPS also magnifies low quality ammo’s tendency to slice (drift left-right) and the hop up’s spin (up down drift) which can eliminate the gun’s long range advantage.

High FPS typically requires what is called a torque build or torque setup. The torque gears allow the motor to pull back the heavier spring required for high FPS, but sacrifice the rate of fire or ROF of the Airsoft Gun. ROF can be a critical difference when shooting moving targets or firing into areas that are slightly over the gun’s penetration. It also determines how effective ‘Spray and Pray’ tactics are.

Lastly, high FPS builds frequently require new parts and will shorten the life of an AEG. The stronger springs can easily cause a host of problems to occur over time. Often Torque builds require new pistons to replace shattered teeth, or even new gearbox shells from the force of impact. Additionally, Torque builds often experience lock back pistons, requiring resetting which can prove hazardous, in addition to taking players out of a game.

Summary

In the end a high FPS setup can give players and edge in Airsoft, and provides a variety of advantages over stock velocities. Provided that the pitfalls are addressed, increasing the fps of your Airsoft gun is more than worth it.

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