The gears in your gearbox are one of the most important components when it comes to customizing the performance of your airsoft gun. They affect both rate of fire (ROF) and power (FPS), so it's important to choose the right gears to suit your playstyle and gun type.
Types of gears
Gears for airsoft guns are available in different gear ratios, which affect the balance between firing rate and traction:
- Standard gear (18:1): Good balance between shot cadence and power. Ideal for most players and all-round setups.
- High-speed gear (16:1, 13:1): Reduces gear rotation time, increasing shot rate. Perfect for players who want fast bursts.
- High-torque gear (21:1, 32:1): Increases pulling power and makes it easier to pull heavier springs. Ideal for DMR or high FPS weapons.
How do you choose the right gear?
- Determine your playing style:
- High rate of fire: Choose high-speed gear if you play aggressively and need many shots per second.
- High FPS: Choose high-torque gear if you play as a sniper or DMR and prioritize power over speed.
- All-round: Standard gear works well if you want balanced performance.
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Consider your engine:
Gears and motors must work together. A high-speed motor works best with high-speed gears, while a high-torque motor is needed to drive high-torque gears efficiently. -
Spring force:
If you are using a heavy-duty spring (e.g. M120 or higher), you need high-torque gears to ensure stability and avoid unnecessary strain.
Advantages and disadvantages of different gears
- High-speed gear:
- Advantages: Faster rate of fire, ideal for close combat play.
- Disadvantages: Can increase wear on the gearbox and requires more power from the battery.
- High torque gear:
- Advantages: Stable performance at high FPS and powerful springs.
- Disadvantages: Slower rate of fire and often requires a more powerful motor.
- Standard gears:
- Advantages: Reliable and versatile.
- Cons: Limited to standard performance.
How-to: Replacing gears
- Disassemble the gearbox and remove the old gears.
- Clean the gearbox and lubricate with suitable grease.
- Install the new gears and adjust the shimming for optimal movement.
- Assemble the gearbox and test the performance.
Conclusion
The choice of gear depends on your playstyle, weapon type, and desired performance. High-speed gears are best for fast-paced games, while high-torque gears are ideal for powerful setups. Always consider how the gears work with the other parts of your weapon.
