SA-80

tomaswatkins

hey all i was wondering what would be the best SA-80 to buy? i was considering the Star SA-80A2 but im not sure also is it a version 2 gearbox they have as im not sure
thanks
Tomas

Rooky1

The gearbox in the Star version is just for that AEG, will not fit anything else.
As far as I remember it uses standard V2 parts.
The motor is the short type.

The gearbox shell on the Star version is made of a tough plastic.
The plastic gearbox puts some people off, but I found it to be no problem at all.
I used my Star SA80 for 2 years solid as my main AEG with no issues at all.

I always regretted selling it:(

defenderdude

I can only speak with hands-on experience for the G&G A2 version which is beautifully crafted and finished, but a pig in semi auto for jamming.
Most people I know that use it - just stick it in full auto and use finger control to achieve their "semi" (That sounds really wrong:eek:)

If you're not a semi auto nut, then you'll enjoy it. (The reason I sold mine):rolleyes:
The A2 was an improved version of G&G's A1 which tended to eat itself.

The G&G has electric blowback which is a nice gimmick (for about 20 minutes), but it's easily disabled / re-enabeled in less than a minute.
The range and accuracy on it is really very, very good.

I had the G&G SUSAT scope for the A2 - fantastic looking and great when not wearing goggles/facemask, but terrible eye relief when wearing anything.
Probably better with an ACOG anyway...

The ARMY L85 is a clone copy of G&G's first A1 version. It's a fraction of the price but suffers from the same issues due to the gearbox design. Finish and overall quality is reflected in the price.

STAR and ICS both make nice offerings - havent skirmished with either yet.
The earlier STAR versions have a Lexan gearbox (polycarbonate) which has been replaced with a metal one. The plastic gearbox wouldnt bother me to be honest.

Ehobby were selling the plastic gearbox versions for half the original price a short while ago - dont know if there's any left.

Heard mixed reports about the STAR/ARES version from very good to not so hot, (just like every other gun then...) but it's the one I'd like to get next.

The gearboxes in 'em all are unique - they are neither V2, V3 etc...
The G&G gearbox is similar in operation to the PSG-1.

Also, Arnies is a great resource for technical information and reviews.
Go to the review database and search for L85...
http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/reviewpost/

Hope this helps

tudenham10

I think Defenderdude summed it up nicely, I have the Star one and it's been pretty much perfect since I bought it. It can lock up in semi occasionally but it's never been a problem to deal with.

The only things I might add about the internals is there is a quick change spring option and the hop unit is secured to the front of the gearbox, which gives a really good airseal but can lead to some hopup creeping. Just make sure the adjustment wheel is well secured and that's that sorted!

The externals are sound too, the metal body can scratch quite easily but again that doesn't amount to much of a problem.

defenderdude

tudenham10 wrote: »

It can lock up in semi occasionally but it's never been a problem to deal with.

The only things I might add about the internals is there is a quick change spring option and the hop unit is secured to the front of the gearbox, which gives a really good airseal but can lead to some hopup creeping. Just make sure the adjustment wheel is well secured and that's that sorted!

The externals are sound too, the metal body can scratch quite easily but again that doesn't amount to much of a problem.

I'm interested in getting one myself and just wonder when it locks - is it a number of times per mag or every few mags? (or somewhere between?)
Is it a paint finish on the metal body?

tudenham10

Its every few mags, hard to put a number on it but as a best guess it'd be around 7 or 8 120 rd mids but even at that if you use the spring tension release during a game it does seem to prevent it from happening altogether.

As regards the body, yes it is painted and the finish is very good but it does scratch up (much like the way the keys used to scratch around the locks on car doors) quite easily. Having said that, it doesn't bother me at all, just adds to the "lived in" look.

Chuck the Buck

Hmmmm... never noticed that problem with yours Tudenham - mine (STAR version too) is a couple of weeks newer than Tud's and has never had any lockup (mostly use semi myself, giggity). The G&G as has been said above is world famous for it.

As for the scratching issue me thinks it may be more to with the HUGE flat surfaces, no stock tube or polymer/wood stock to cut down the surface and contact areas, vs the paint which seems to be hard enough wearing from what I can see.

Not sure where to get one new (maybe try wolf armory or some other UK retailers although I think there was one of the 'new' irish e-tailers with them in stock) since they're out of stock/discontinued on most or all of the HK shops (did I mention I got the last one on ehobby when they were on sale? Muhahahahaha!!!! )

If you're looking for a SUSAT then try the one on ebairsoft, got one myself and its great with eye relief is as good or better than an ACOG.

As has been said about the gearbox its more than strong enough, after all its designed to run 390fps stock, but if you have concerns you may be able to pick up a spare STAR plastic one or the ARES metal one cheap enough. As for unique parts the cylinder head, spring guide and maybe the tappet plate and air nozzle are unique from what I can gather from teh interwebz.

tomaswatkins

thanks all this helps a lot!