spring upgrade stages and other guidelines.

[John Dela Vega]

To all my fellow brothers this might help. thanks---riopogz

This article removes most of the guesswork when you are upgrading your AEG. Provided some FPS baseline so that you'll know what to expect from a particular set-up. Also included some useful tips that would help you decide what to put inside your gearbox (mechbox) to improve durability and lifespan.

::::::SPRINGS: (Approximated Settled Spring FPS using .20gBB)

Stock Gun (brand new gun): 270-290 FPS (depends on Brand/Manufacturer)

Stage1 Upgrade: M100 / SP100 / PDI120% = 330-350 FPS

Stage 2 Upgrade: M120 / SP120 / PDI170% = 390-410 FPS [stable with .20gBB ]

Stage 3 Upgrade: M130 / SP130 / PDI190% / PDI210% = 440-460 FPS [ok with .20gBBmin but more stable with .23gBB]

Stage 4 Upgrade: M140 / SP140 / PDI240% = 470-490 FPS [ok with .23gBBmin but more stable .25gBB ]

Stage 5 Upgrade: M150 / SP150 / PDI270% = 510-530FPS [acceptable with .25gBB but would suggest .28gBB for better accuracy]

Stage 6 Upgrade: M160 / SP160 = 550-580 FPS [.30g/.36gBB accurate]

Stage 7 Upgrade: M170 / SP170 = 580-600+ FPS [.36g/.43gBB accurate]


::::Accuracy troubleshooting in terms of BB weight

1.BB hits everything but the target
Cause:BB too light for the FPS rating
2.BB drop without reaching expected range
Cause:BB too heavy for your guns power rating

:::::Gears
Gears have no effect whatsoever on your power rating, it only affects "Rate Of Fire" ROF
Common gear-to-spring set-ups
High Speed/ Fast Gears: Can handle from stock springs up to M100/SP100/PDI120% (Usual replacement for stock gears0
Torque Up Gears: Can handle M130/SP130/PDI190%-210% or lower spring ratings
Torque Up Gears or Super Torque Up Gears: Can handle M140/SP140/PDI240%
Ultra Torque Up Gears: Can handle M150/Sp150/PDI270%
Ultra Torque Up Gears and Infinite Torque Up Gears: Can handle M160/SP160 (Will need some for Version 2 Gearbox/Mechbox clearancing to fit)
Infinite Torque Up Gears: Can Handle M170/SP170 Springs (Will need some for Version 2 Gearbox/Mechbox clearancing to fit)

:::::Gear Set Life Spans and Durability
Stock Gears: They are low cost and provides good rate of fire. But are just casted from "weak" alloy so they are not as durable as steel gears. They can handle 130/SP130/PDI190%-210% springs but only on a limited time (depends on use) before wearing out (the Sector gears gives in first and will damage the piston body in the process).

Flat Gears (Torque Up and Super Torque Up): Cheaper than helical gears and a lot easier to shim but are a bit on the noisy side. Durable enough becaue they are made of steel (but manufacturer also plays a big part, have seen defective/weak batches).

Helical Gears (Torque Up and Super Torque Up): A bit expensive than the flat gear version and a bit tricky to shim, but would provide a smoother (sound) operation compared to their flat gear counterpart.

note: text taken from airsoftfaqs.com website