In the airsoft world, AEG means Automatic electric gun. The other airsoft guns use manual pull-back springs or gas for firing bullets, However, the battery-powered guns use electricity for the firing. The rechargeable batteries make AEG guns cheaper than gas-powered guns, but they provide less of a real shooting experience as they lack backlash.
What is an Electric Airsoft Gun (AEG)?
AEG, or an Airsoft electric gun, is a type of airsoft that works on an electric motor. The term “AEG” separates the electrically powered guns from the other gas and spring-powered guns. Among the airsoft guns, the AEGs are the most common type, popular for being easy to use, dependable, and amazing field performance.
Types of Airsoft Guns
There are three main types of airsoft guns: spring, gas, and electric (AEG). All types of guns have their benefits and features. The gas-powered gun has a real-like backlash effect and the spring-powered one is simple and has no power source, However AEG stands out due to its popularity among players. They have convenience, power, and performance, making them the right choice for many airsoft games.
How Does an AEG Gun Work?
The NiMh or LiPo batteries power the AEG guns, making them affordable compared to gas-powered guns. The piston is powered by a battery that propels the BB by a hop-up via the inner barrel. The rate of fire is affected by battery voltage (7.4/11.1V). So, use an 11.1V if you want to shoot lasers as well.
To understand how different parts inside affect one another, we have to understand how they work. There are three types of energy in action after pulling the trigger. They are mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical.
The battery provides electrical energy through an electrical circuit that goes into the motor. Mechanical energy deals with the motion and position of the object and is responsible for moving motor parts inside gearboxes like gears and pistons.
What is pneumatic energy? This energy defines the pressurized air that pushes out the BB. A piston is fired through a cylinder to push the air out of the nozzle and to blast out a BB. There is a mechanical system inside modern airsoft guns that has three gears and a motor that transfers electrical energy into mechanical energy. This simple process starts by pulling the trigger and it contacts close, completing the electric circuit from battery to motor. After absorbing enough energy, the motor starts spinning and engages the first gear (bevel). The anti-reversal latch blocks the bevel gear so it does not reverse. The bevel engages then with the second gear (spur) and the third gear (sector) after that.
Features and Functions of AEGs
The AEG has many unique features and functions that improve the experience of airsoft gaming. You can expect some of the important features from an AEG:
- Continuous Fire: AEGs can fire constantly till the trigger is pulled, unlike spring-powered guns. This feature is called automatic fire and is a big benefit in many airsoft games.
- Electric Blow-Back (EBB) System: Some AEGs have an EBB system that copies the backlash effect of a real gun. This adds an effect of realness to the game.
- Adjustable Hop-Up System: The range and accuracy of the BBs are improved as the hop-up system adds a backspin to them. There are adjustable hop-up systems on many AEGs that allow you to adjust your shots based on your specific needs.
What Type of Battery Does an AEG Use
Airsoft batteries come in many different shapes, sizes, and voltages. The gun’s make and model will decide the battery you will need. You shall make the right decision about which one is right for you when you have an understanding of different airsoft batteries.
Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries
The most common airsoft battery is the NiCad battery. These batteries are cheaper than other types of batteries. They have a high discharge rate and provide power to your gun for a long time. The NiCad batteries come with some disadvantages. They are not powerful like other batteries, and you have to search for other options if you want maximum power for your airsoft gun. NiCad batteries also need regular maintenance like charging and discharge cycles to work properly.
Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries
NiMH batteries are like Nicad batteries. They are cheap with a high discharge rate. Their maintenance level is lower than NiCad batteries. The NiMH batteries are also more powerful than their NiCad counterparts. Therefore, they are often preferred for airsoft guns that need a lot of power, like sniper rifles.
Lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries
The LiPo batteries are a good choice for airsoft guns as they are smaller than other batteries. They may not break or leak as they are tougher than other types of batteries. The LiPo batteries can provide a good boost to your airsoft gun in power as they have a higher voltage than the other batteries. LiPo batteries can cost more than other batteries, so it is important to compare the prices before buying them. The LiPo batteries are a good choice for airsoft guns as they are smaller than other batteries. They may not break or leak as they are tougher than other types of batteries. The LiPo batteries can provide a good boost to your airsoft gun in power as they have a higher voltage than the other batteries. LiPo batteries can cost more than other batteries, so it is important to compare the prices before buying them.
Alkaline
Alkaline is the OG of batteries. They cannot be seen these days as they are not able to take the energy consumption from an AEG and cannot provide a high firing rate. They can last for years before losing a silver charge if they are stored at room temperature (70F), or in cold conditions. They are cheaper than NiMh or LiPo. They cannot be recharged many times and also cannot take the high voltage that AEG needs because of the chemical property.
What Are the Typical Types of Electric Airsoft Guns
The AEG generally comes in rifles such as M4 carbines. However, they also come in different forms right from pistols, submachine guns, sniper rifles, machine guns, shotguns, and not just rifles.
- Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 EBB
- Ares X Amoeba M4 Extended AEG Airsoft Rifle, Dark Earth
- VFC H&K MP7 SMG AEG Airsoft Rifle, Black
- A&K MK46 M249 Saw Light Machine Airsoft Rifle, Black
- G&G PDW15 AR M4 AEG Full Metal Airsoft Rifle
- Tokyo Marui AA-12 SLEDGEHAMMER Auto-Assault Automatic Shotgun AEG, Black
Why Choose an AEG?
There are many benefits to selecting an AEG. Here are some of the reasons that you must think why choosing an AEG for your next airsoft game:
- Versatility: For many airsoft games, AEGs are suitable, right from close-range fights to long-range battles.
- Ease of Use: AEGs are perfect for beginners as they are easy to use. They do not need much physical effort like the spring-powered guns.
- All-Weather Performance: Gas-powered guns can be affected by cold temperatures but AEGs can perform in all weather conditions.
- Customization: AEGs can be customized easily as you can modify and upgrade different parts of the gun to improve its appearance and performance.
Are AEG Guns Better Than Gas and CO2 guns?
Airsoft guns are classified mainly by their power sources: Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs), gas-powered guns, and CO2-powered guns. Every gun has unique features that match different preferences and gameplay styles.
AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns)
A rechargeable battery powers the internal motor of the AEG gun that compresses and releases a piston, shooting the BB through the barrel. They are the most common type of airsoft gun because of their dependability and usefulness.
Pros:
- Performs well in all weather conditions
- Rechargeable batteries cost less to operate than gas or CO2
- Simple functions and less frequent cleaning make maintenance easy
- Easy to customize and upgrade to improve performance
Cons
- Expensive due to high initial cost
- Battery depends on charging and can exhaust while playing
- Heavy and bulky build can make it heavier than other types
Gas-Powered Guns
Compressed gas powers these guns and shoots the BBs. They are popular for their realism and the blowback feature that copies the backlash of the real gun.
Pros:
- Real-like functions such as backfire improve the shooting experience
- Higher rate of fire often provides high firepower
- Quick and easy to reload and swap magazines while playing
Cons
- Weather sensitivity reduces performance in cold weather
- High cleaning and lubrication needs make maintenance higher
- High operating cost due to constant gas refill expense
High operating cost due to constant gas refill expense
These guns are similar to gas-powered guns, but CO2 cartridges are used in place of reusable gas containers. They are popular because of their usefulness in cold climates.
Pros
- Powerful shots generally offer higher power output
- Dependable and performs well in lower temperatures than traditional gas
- CO2 cartridges are easy to find and replace as available easily
Cons
- Buying CO2 cartridges includes operational cost
- Maintenance needs CO2 can be tough on gun internals
- The real-like backlash of gas guns is absent due to no blowback
Every airsoft gun has a unique feature, and choosing between them depends on the preference and specific needs of the player, which includes gameplay conditions and the expected level of realism.
Conclusion
AEGs are recognized in the airsoft community because of their dependable performance, easy-to-use, and large modification options. AEG can be a perfect choice for a beginner finding their way into airsoft or an expert searching for trusted primary weapons. The future of AEG appears promising as technology improves and concepts are added to electric guns, continuing to play an important role in the development of airsoft sports. Airsoft Station has a large selection that is fit for all levels and budgets. It makes sure you get what you want for those searching for a large range of AEGs and other accessories for their next airsoft adventure.