Seeking advice on first AEG

Chunks

Right, so i've been trawling this forum for the last few days and reading all the stickies and related sites, youtubes etc...

I'm pretty confident that i've got a lot of the facts about airsoft straight in my head.

I like what i've read so far so I think it's time to take the plunge and pick up an AEG so I can start skirmishing.

I've been looking at the Irish sites for airsoft sales and I found that Eirsoft.ie seems to offer the best range and prices.

My budget is €150 or less(aeg only, ammo and P&P costs will be budgeted for seperately) and i've found a few that fit the bill nicely. I'd rather get one that has a nice bit of weight to it (preferably mainly metal over plastic too).

Anyway, these are the ones I've been looking at:

http://www.eirsoft.ie/store/product_info.php?cPath=22_29&products_id=24
http://www.eirsoft.ie/store/product_info.php?cPath=22_29&products_id=155
http://www.eirsoft.ie/store/product_info.php?cPath=22_29&products_id=18
http://www.eirsoft.ie/store/product_info.php?cPath=22_43&products_id=98
http://www.eirsoft.ie/store/product_info.php?cPath=22_32&products_id=28
http://www.eirsoft.ie/store/product_info.php?cPath=22_32&products_id=113


I've read the reviews on each one, googled them and also watched the reviews on some that are on youtube. However, I'd like to get a local view on them also.... so has anyone got any of the above / used any of the above?
Which would you recommend?

All info welcome, it'll help me to get more info on the subject.

Thanks in advance.

sci-ops

Chunks, welcome to the world of Airsoft. Nice list by the way. I can't give you an opinion on everythign you listed, just a general one.

D-Boys are generally a pretty good AEG. Pro - are that they are pretty much metal all round. Con - you might need to open it up before you really start to use to make sure everything is geared properly and the nuts/bolts are all secure.

Another thing to bear in mind that is that the battery/charger which comes with them can be suspect. You will want to change these as soon as you can.

Another option you might consider is the CA M15a4 Sportsline Value pack - comes with battery and charger. I think it's about €160. I have one myself and can't fault it. The body is ABS, but it has a very good weight.

Hope you enjoy whatever you choose.

Chunks

sci-ops wrote: »

you might need to open it up before you really start to use to make sure everything is geared properly and the nuts/bolts are all secure.

I take it that they're pretty simple to open up and tighten if necessary?

sci-ops wrote: »

Another thing to bear in mind that is that the battery/charger which comes with them can be suspect. You will want to change these as soon as you can.

how much more would that set me back? Are there different sizes out there that I should be aware of?
If I get a more powerful battery will it inadvertantly increase the fps to over 328, thus making my AEG tecnically illegal?

sci-ops wrote: »

Another option you might consider is the CA M15a4 Sportsline Value pack - comes with battery and charger. I think it's about €160. I have one myself and can't fault it. The body is ABS, but it has a very good weight.

Have you a link handy?

thanks for all the info, i'll put it to use

sci-ops

1. I take it that they're pretty simple to open up and tighten if necessary?

You will get a good guide at mechbox.com

2. how much more would that set me back? Are there different sizes out there that I should be aware of?
If I get a more powerful battery will it inadvertantly increase the fps to over 328, thus making my AEG tecnically illegal?

Different battery sizes for different AEG's I'm afraid. You will know what size when youget your AEG. Best to ask one of the guys at eirsoft, MIA, Airsofteire, IAS for price on battery and charger, or look at their website's.
Batteries will not increase the power of your AEG. They increase the ROF and how long you can skirmish.

3. Link for the CA Sportsline http://www.mainirishairsoft.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=381

They also have the full stock version if your intereseted in that.

Chunks

Thanks for that Sci-Ops, very helpful.

MacAonghusa

Chunks, i'm in the same boat.
I just ordered a Jing Gong H&K G36C after reading tons of reviews on it.
I think you've done enough research, just make sure to read all reviews about each gun and the decision becomes easier.
If you buy from an Irish site you have the security of knowing these guys are local and should help you out if there are problems.

bullets

Out of all of the AEG's you linked to.
Id get the Jing Gong Steyr AUG A1

Optical sight built in, easy to break down/ strip.
Excellent build quality for such a cheap AEG.


The Army R85 is a lovely bit of kit but I am not convinced about the reliability
Mine sometimes does not fire when I squeeze the trigger and I have had other
issues with it.

The AGM M14 I have a wood effect one. very long very accurate but the wireing polarity is reveresed,
the Paintwork was only ok and I have a bubble in the paint work. The fire selector switch is crap!!!!!

I have two Dboys M4's they are grand but nothing special. Build it good on them although there
are a few wobbly parts.


~B

Alvin T. Grey

Bugger it all and go for a CA Sportsline.
The people who use them swear by them.
Around the same price too.

Chunks

bullets wrote: »

Out of all of the AEG's you linked to.
Id get the Jing Gong Steyr AUG A1

Optical sight built in, easy to break down/ strip.
Excellent build quality for such a cheap AEG.

I have two Dboys M4's they are grand but nothing special. Build it good on them although there
are a few wobbly parts.


~B

Alvin T. Grey wrote: »

Bugger it all and go for a CA Sportsline.
The people who use them swear by them.
Around the same price too.

Thanks for all the input guys. Right, I reckon it's between the M4, and the Steyr.

I'll do a bit more digging and see what results I come up with.

Also, with Eirsoft.... if they have a 0 under the 'quantity in stock' and I order one will I be waiting ages until it's imported?

cpb

Go with the CA Sportsline have mine since last December 4 skirmishes and about 10000 bb through it no issues at all. Good solid build to it, cant recommend it highly enough.

Stercus Accidit

Eirsoft are getting in a big order soon, with new stock also.

There are going to be some dboys/kalash aks coming in, and from what I hear they are very good, I'm getting one myself.

Masada

id have the sportline out of the list too but if you said you want something with weight then the sportline isnt that, its an ABS body and very light compared to most but its a better performer.if you want the weight you'd be better off with one of the dboys ones your first post, the s-sytem is prestty heavy, as is the CASv

Chunks

vtec wrote: »

id have the sportline out of the list too but if you said you want something with weight then the sportline isnt that, its an ABS body and very light compared to most but its a better performer.if you want the weight you'd be better off with one of the dboys ones your first post, the s-sytem is prestty heavy, as is the CASv

Yeah I was thinking that it's weight would be a bit light for me alright. I'd like to have something with a nice bit of balanced weight in my hands.

Masada

you wont be dissapointed with a sportline though, they have a really nice quality feel to them and they also have the trade marks, you wont get that on the dboys stuff.,

Chunks

vtec wrote: »

you wont be dissapointed with a sportline though, they have a really nice quality feel to them and they also have the trade marks, you wont get that on the dboys stuff.,

Hmmm, you make a good point...

Do you have one? What would be the pro's and con's of this AEG?

Masada

the cons are the wieght really, although you wont complain when you have to carry the thing around for the whole day, the pros, it has a tight bore barrel as standard and a high torque motor, also the fore grip is really big and can take loads of different types of batterys, with a 9.6 battery in it the ROF is brilliant compared to the dboys stuff and its noticibly better at range too, it has trade marks on it aswell.,

Chunks

Dammit Vtec! You've just turned my decision process on it's head!

I'll have to have another look at the sportline again so.

Masada

lol., its worth the money for the sportline, but dboys are still decent if you want a metal one.,

SpitfireIV

I got one of those military JG AUG's off Tony, have to say I'm pretty pleased with it, its VERY accurate out to 25/30m and relatively accurate beyond that. Strips down amost exacly as per the real deal, so real easy to pull the barrell assembly off for cleaning. Integrated 1.5 magnification sight, plus the real feel and weight of the current Irish DF Steyr...

....sur' ye couldnt go wrong

sci-ops

Agree with Vtec, altough I am yet to put a 9.6v into my baby.

Chunks wrote: »

Dammit Vtec! You've just turned my decision process on it's head!

You will find that happens alot!!!!!!

ambro25

Chunks wrote: »

Yeah I was thinking that it's weight would be a bit light for me alright. I'd like to have something with a nice bit of balanced weight in my hands.

A tiny bit of advice, take it or dump it "weight" isn't all that it's cracked up to be, for two main reasons:

(i) you will find a fair few ABS AEGs weigh nearly as much as their metal equivalent (at around 3 kgs, half a kilo either way makes little difference, especially if you 'trick it out' with scopes, bipods and whatnot)

(ii) if you skirmish regularly, you may find yourself grateful for picking ABS over metal - once you've factored in all the extra stuff you're going to hump around all day, some weight saving here and there is wise. Especially if you'll practice at HRTA and CQB's back on the menu there, whereby play may become somewhat more 'physical'.

That said, of course metal does provide better wear/solidity characteristics.

I (re)started with a DBoys M4 full metal, have had plenty of AEGs inbetween since, but I wouldn't go back to full metal again, no need whatsoever (unless for a sidearm, and only really for 'fancies', nothing else). That's just me

EDIT - dammit you lot type fast! Beaten to it by vtec

Chunks

vtec wrote: »

lol., its worth the money for the sportline, but dboys are still decent if you want a metal one.,

Yeah I just have a feeling that the DBoys and their metal would last longer? Am I wrong in saying that?

I also found this review on the sportline
http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/?filnavn=/reviews/ca_m15/cam15_review.htm

I'm inclined to go with it now unless the DBoy's have a similar review out there.

Might check youtube later and see if there's any video reviews on them.

Yeah, i'm still thinking about the steyr alright too. I'd say my top three choices at the moment are sportline or dboys at one and two(too close to call) followed by the Steyr.

MacAonghusa

I was going to go for a Steyr next but dammit they've just about persuaded me to consider the M15A4 which I wasn't going to consider at all before.

Masada

Hmm, the metal wont always last longer really, if it get a decent bang the metal will fracture where the ABS will flex., the sportline plastic is far bettter quality than that of the dboys though, theres no wobble in the sportline whereas the dboys ABS ones dont tend to be as solid., if it were me choosing i would go with the sportline as it wins on its performance alone, the only thing i dont reallt like about abs bodys is that they wear themselves shiney-ish but thats not the end of the world and i dunno if its like that on the sportline.,

Chunks

looking at the mainirishairsoft.com site I found these two AEG's

http://www.mainirishairsoft.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=217

and the value pack
http://www.mainirishairsoft.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=381


What's the difference between the two??

mcgovern

I got the Sportsline off eirsoft.ie and while I haven't skirmished with it yet, I am impressed.
Its my first AEG so I don't have anything else to compare it to, but to me if feels quite heavy, and very solid.

Witcher

Chunks wrote: »

looking at the mainirishairsoft.com site I found these two AEG's

http://www.mainirishairsoft.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=217

and the value pack
http://www.mainirishairsoft.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=381


What's the difference between the two??

the first one is the m15a4 full metal aeg and the second is the sportsline with

battery etc included.

i have a sportsline and as vtec said they're a great aeg and well worth the

money. i dont know if ill get another aeg the sportslines so good





:cool::cool::cool:

Masada

the more expencive one is metal and much higher quality.,
the sportline series that classic army have are designed to be good quality af lower end prices and the other one is high end stuff.,

Chunks

vtec wrote: »

the more expencive one is metal and much higher quality.,
the sportline series that classic army have are designed to be good quality af lower end prices and the other one is high end stuff.,

right, I see, so if I was to double my budget i'd be able to get the best of both worlds then...

Put it all on black!

Masada

yep., but if you double the budget then your options also expand., for the 300ish mark theres a hell of a lof of good AEGs out there.,

Chunks

vtec wrote: »

yep., but if you double the budget then your options also expand., for the 300ish mark theres a hell of a lof of good AEGs out there.,

Seriously man, you gotta stop doing that!

As soon as I make up my mind....

you better not be there when I propose to my bird in a few years!

Masada

Hahaahaa.,
I'll have ya marry her sister instead.,;)

gandalf

TBH I would recommend you pay a trip to HRTA or your nearest skirmish site first and check out what other people are using. You are more or less guaranteed that a Sportsline will be there along with most of the others mentioned here. Try out other peoples AEG's and see how they feel. On paper one may look like the dogs bollix but when you hold it you may not find it comfortable.

Anyway don't forget the AEG is just the start, you now need a pistol, camo, hat, boots, bb's, gas, another bdu in a different colour, a 2nd AEG, a support AEG, another gbb, webbing, helmet.....oh the list just goes on and on

Tommyboy71

I would have to say that the Sportline is a very good choice. I bought one cause my MP5 was a bit sick and I didn't want to miss the skirmishing.

The value for money is what I was going for. Nice weight, can be customised like the more expensive ones, good ROF and firing consistantly at 315 fps (which was nice). I have only been out with it twice but the battery that came with it lasted 1 and a half days of skirmishing. If you include the time spent zeroing it as well, thats fairly good. There have been about 4000 BB down through the barrell and the first and the last were on target.

zero19

Motosam wrote: »

Eirsoft are getting in a big order soon, with new stock also.

There are going to be some dboys/kalash aks coming in, and from what I hear they are very good, I'm getting one myself.

Hell yeah, AK all the way!

Chunks

gandalf wrote: »

TBH I would recommend you pay a trip to HRTA or your nearest skirmish site first and check out what other people are using. You are more or less guaranteed that a Sportsline will be there along with most of the others mentioned here. Try out other peoples AEG's and see how they feel. On paper one may look like the dogs bollix but when you hold it you may not find it comfortable.

good advice. I actually got onto HRTA and Paul mailed me back saying to ring him to chat. I'll give him a shout later in the week and have a chat with him. I'm not too far from HRTA so I might see some of you down there at some stage soon.

gandalf wrote: »

Anyway don't forget the AEG is just the start, you now need a pistol, camo, hat, boots, bb's, gas, another bdu in a different colour, a 2nd AEG, a support AEG, another gbb, webbing, helmet.....oh the list just goes on and on

You know me too well! If I go into a hobby i go full hog! I took up kayaking about 2 years ago and I pretty much have everything needed for snorkelling, fishing and wave surfing now! I'm in it to win it even if it's marbles! Gotta have the best!

Speaking of camo and other gear. What do some of you have along the lines of camo gear, webbing, hoslters etc...? Do you find it makes a huge difference etc...

Tommyboy71

To start out, you just need some form of camo (cheapy stuff will do fine), a way to carry your spare mags, head cover, gloves, face protection (fullface mask or shemag/scarf and goggles/glasses) and good boots. Pistols are rarely drawn but look the biz so a holster isn't really important.The rest is up to you.

Chunks

Tommyboy71 wrote: »

a way to carry your spare mags,

shite, I knew I forgot something. How many extra mags will I need? Or will a mad with a 300 round capacity get me through a game?

sci-ops

Chunks wrote: »

shite, I knew I forgot something. How many extra mags will I need? Or will a mad with a 300 round capacity get me through a game?

Only if your planning on staying on semi. I have 1 hi-cap and 2 midcaps (about 100rds). I generally have to refill the Hi-cap during a game. Of course, it all depends on what you are doing.

Spetzcong

Chunks wrote: »

shite, I knew I forgot something. How many extra mags will I need? Or will a mad with a 300 round capacity get me through a game?

I've found that the more mags I have the more shooting I do. When I first went skirmishing I had a single 600 round capacity AK mag and it used to do me for a game or two, as soon as I got more mags I found that i would use all of them up during a single game. I'd go with one or two extra mags to start off with. If they're high caps they'll do ya, even with just two mags it means you can bring a bottle of bbs and refil one mag when it runs out while still having a mag in your AEG incase you need to fire. As you get more into it, you'll probably splash out on some fancy webbing and extra mags and stuff, to start off with you're not going to be at a huge disadvantage if you only have one or two mags.

Chunks

Oooh, grenades, mine and claymores.....

Anyone used em or stepped on em?

Last question now, I promise!

Tommyboy71

Chunks wrote: »

shite, I knew I forgot something. How many extra mags will I need? Or will a mad with a 300 round capacity get me through a game?

I carry 3/4 mags depending on the AEG I bring. I am a firm believer in full-auto. But for the most part I only ever use 1 or two during a game. It will depend on what way you wanna go:

1) Use mid-caps and change mags during the games like the real thing
or
2) Use hi-caps and wind the mag when you get a break in contact

The choice is up to you.

c-90

not many people on here vowing for aug but i'll give you my word that you wont go wrong with it,
very accurate but still shorter than most aegs,
good weight witch is a good thing in my opinion,
buit in 1x5 scope,
surprisingly comfertable and well capable of performing alongside higher end aegs.

but theres no place to hang all yer cameras,lazers,nukes,bells,knifes,rambo,small army and other fashion accesories from:D, its just a no b.s. battle aeg that will do the job and well especialy for €150.................................. and its irish too

Masada

c-90 wrote: »

and its irish too

its not, our army just use it.,:p:D

as for mags, if you go for an M series AEG you can get the 450 round hicaps for them, then get a coupler from MIA and thats 900 rounds on the gun alone and then whatever else you can carry, i have 3 pockets on the front of my vest that hold 2 hicaps each so thats six mags on my front and another 3 pockets on the back that i fill with "emergency" ammo for team mates and stuff, you'll be grand with 2 hicaps and a bottle of BBs though, just that some of the games like defending the base and stuff eat through the ammo and its good t have plenty with ya ,.

Stercus Accidit

vtec wrote: »

its not, our army just use it.,:p:D

The Austrians needed butter, we needed guns....

Just a reminder, dboys m4's come with a snazzy 3 point sling, it might not seem like a big deal but its very usefull, the ca sportsline sling is alot weaker by comparison, and the hooks can break.

Sling for the win!

ambro25

Chunks wrote: »

Speaking of camo and other gear. What do some of you have along the lines of camo gear, webbing, hoslters etc...? Do you find it makes a huge difference etc...

As once famously put by our own liamo333 (or was that ye, NakedDex? ), it doesn't really matter as it only serves to blend in with the other players, not your surroundings

Cammo's useful only inasmuch as it might be a bit more wearing/waterproof than jeans
Webbing's useful if you have spare mags/BBs you want to carry about
Holster's useful if you a sidearm/secondary to carry about

Most essentials:
* eye protection (HRTA does full-face masks onsite, but I find them very uncomfortable and unwieldy)
* good boots
* thick gloves (BMX/motocross types, or full-on assaul types)
* spare change of socks/clothes for the end of the day

Anything after that is optional. Personally, I'm out of cammo at the moment and likely to remain so for another couple of weeks, so next Saturday I'll be in jeans. Doesn't bother me one bit :cool:

Tommyboy71

Motosam wrote: »

the ca sportsline sling is alot weaker by comparison, and the hooks can break.

I agree. Mine broke first day oout.

doubletap

vtec wrote: »

its not, our army just use it.,:p:D

quote]
our armys version of the styer has an ALO which to my knowledge was fitted at the insistance of the irish brass as they didn't want too much ammo wasted, the JG dosn't have an ALO or bayonet lug and the flash hider looks different but i can't be sure of that as i've only seen pictures of it.

from what i've read the JG styer is the way to go if you want in Irish loadout, you just can't wear Irish DPM's but the styer was in before the DPM's were issued so Green combats would do with either green PLCE webbing or 58 pattern webbing.

MacAonghusa

doubletap wrote: »

from what i've read the JG styer is the way to go if you want in Irish loadout,

or perhaps the CA Steyr as it has all the authentic markings etc

doubletap

apart from the serial number theres few markings on a styer

MacAonghusa

doubletap wrote: »

apart from the serial number theres few markings on a styer

markings on the barrel and bolt cover afaik. some ppl like the authentic look.