AEG: All-Out Upgrading

All-out upgrading is for people who are seriously into airsoft.  It is not worth it to do this if you are just starting.  Also, remember that it is the player and not the replica that makes the "kills."  Too many newbs think if they dump $500 into a tricked out AEG, they'll be the best damn thing since Tokyo Marui.

When I think of upgrades, I think mechbox because that's just who I am.  I won't cover things like metal bodies and replacement stocks and grips etc.  The only non-mechbox things I've ever had the desire to replace are barrel parts(hop-up and inner barrel).

Basically, your looking at at least $150+shipping.  That will buy you a lower power Systema FTK(Full Tune-up Kit).  The FTK's come with varying components depending on the spring power and the replica model they are for.

Another mechbox option is the pre-built Systema ProGear mechboxes.  They run at least $200+shipping.  The nice thing is they are easier for people with minimal experience and they come with the Systema reinforced mechbox case.*

Once you feel you have your mechbox significantly overdone, there is the whole barrel thing.  A Systema brass tight bore barrel will run around $25+shipping where a KM TN tight bore barrel will run around $50+shipping.  I have not seen any bench tests for the two, but the general feeling is that the extra $25 is not worth it.  The TN's are rumored to need less cleaning because gunk stick less than in the brass barrels, but once again, no solid proof.

As for hop-up, I don't know much about that either.  The stock bucking has always worked good enough for me.

*From what I've read on the airsoftplayers.com forums, Systema reinforced mechboxes are marginally stronger than the TM ones and they are nicely fabricated(easy installation).  Classic Army reinforced mechboxes are sloppily fabricated, which makes installation a pain, but they are by far the beefiest.  ICS reinforced mechboxes are both sloppy and weak.  Keep in mind this is all hear-say!

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