High-pressure air (HPA) airsoft guns are actually nothing new. During the early on years of what we now call " airsoft ", our airsoft guns were powered similarly to the HPA guns nosotros see today. Though today these guns can be somewhat of a controversial product among the airsoft customs, these relatively uncommon airsoft guns can provide a number of key advantages and unique drawbacks as well. To aid you empathize why airsoft players are then divided about HPA guns, we'll address the question of what is HPA airsoft and take a look at the diverse pros and cons associated with HPA airsoft guns.

What is an HPA Airsoft Gun?

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Unlike most gas-powered guns that characteristic internal gas cartridges or canisters, HPA airsoft guns are powered by an external canister of pressurized air much like well-nigh paintball guns. As we previously mentioned, in the by before the advent of the AEG, this was also how many airsoft guns were powered - using external tanks. These big, external canisters provide HPA guns quite a scrap more oomph than traditional gas-powered guns, allowing for faster rates of burn down and higher FPS. While this may seem to make HPA guns the articulate choice for anyone who wants to exist as competitive as possible on the airsoft field, in that location are a number of drawbacks to HPA guns that nosotros will get to later on. For now, simply sympathise that an HPA airsoft gun is a gun that is traditionally powered by an external canister of pressurized air equally opposed to an internal canister of C02 or dark-green gas, though, there are many brands pioneering technologies that can allow for HPA systems to be used in conjunction with Co2 cartridges or a tank that attaches directly onto your airsoft gun.

HPA vs AEG Guns: What's the Difference?

Automatic electric guns (AEGs) and HPA guns both piece of work by using pressurized air to accelerate BBs out of the gun. In an AEG, though, this pressurized air is created within the gun before each shot via a mechanical arrangement that is powered past batteries. Check out our weblog on the topic of AEGs equally we get more in-depth on the topic. In an HPA gun, pressurized air is stored in an external canister and delivered to the gun with each pull of the trigger rather than relying on a mechanical process to create pressurized air inside the gun itself. Still, in that location are examples of pneumatic systems that are fully mechanical, made for players that want a more than realistic trigger and firing feel just this all the same relies upon an external source for air pressure.

Pros and Cons of HPA Guns

Now that nosotros've addressed the question of what is HPA airsoft, let'south have a look at the various advantages and drawbacks that these unique airsoft guns provide. HPA guns are controversial largely due to the fact that the pros and cons of these guns are both so pronounced. The benefits of HPA guns make them an alluring selection for many airsoft players, but the drawbacks of these guns can be considered as well.

Advantages of HPA Guns

  • High FPS -The adaptability of HPA airsoft guns tin brand them the virtually powerful of all airsoft gun types, meaning that they tin deliver the highest possible FPS in the easiest way. This is done by controlling the air pressure level's PSI. The college the PSI (air pressure) the higher the FPS can be. High FPS means that your shots will be more accurate at longer ranges as each BB will be able to fly through the air with more energy behind them.
  • FPS Consistency - HPA airsoft guns also offer more consistent FPS between shots. This is achieved using either an electronic excursion board that actuates a valve, or in the case of the pneumatic systems, a pressurized valve that tin can be manually opened and shut with the pull of a trigger (as seen in fully mechanical HPA guns). This high degree consistency comes from the gun simply allowing the same volume of air into an expansion chamber that then pushes out the BB. The parts that open and close these valves are operated extremely precisely to achieve this type of performance with only a +/- i or two FPS. With other types of airsoft guns, FPS tin can sometimes vary more dramatically betwixt shots, leading to more inconsistent BB travel as they leave the barrel which ultimately leads to missed shots downrange.
  • Faster Rate of Burn -In addition to offering higher FPS, the increased ability that HPA guns provide also means that they are able to offer faster rates of full-machine burn. This can also be adapted using electroics also equally some brands facilitate this kind of rate of burn down adjustment without having to increment the overall power of your gun. Still, these systems are unremarkably slightly more pricey.
  • Adjustable FPS -If you've e'er wondered how to lower FPS , just know that an HPA gun makes this process relatively straightforward and elementary. As previoulsy stated, HPA guns offer adjustable FPS and while it may seem like being able to lower the FPS of your gun wouldn't exist much of a do good compared to increasing information technology, some airsoft fields have FPS limits in place and will require you to lower the FPS of your HPA gun before they permit you lot to use it. With many AEGs or even gas guns, the process necessary to achive this normally requires you to do some disassembly. With HPA guns, you commonly just need to only lower the PSI coming out of your air tank, and you lot are done. No disassembly required.
  • Simpler Internal Blueprint -Compared to AEGs, HPA airsoft guns don't have nearly as many moving parts. This makes HPA guns a little more reliable and less probable to malfunction. HPA guns revolve around their engines and equally long every bit yous have installed everthing correctly, you lot will accept to deal with little to nothing. For pnuematic guns, you might accept a few more valves and moving parts, but non nearlly as many as electrical airsoft guns or even gas airsoft guns!  Meaning, for these mechanical versions, yous can even use them confidently in the pelting or in wet conditions!
  • Quieter -The "racket" we become from airsoft guns are from their mechanisms working. For electric AEGs, thats the sound of the gears, piston, and cylinders moving to produce the necessary air pressure for the BB to be fired. For gas guns like GBBRs, the sound volition be from the bolt carrier group, trigger, and expansion of gases in the gun. In spite of the fact that HPA guns are the most powerful type of airsoft gun, they are also among the quietest. Every bit the only thing needed to propel the BB downrange is the necessary air pressure level that will build up in its expansion chamber before its later released, firing the BB. The audio produced will only be from the BB exiting the barrel and you can even use airsoft suppressors to further dampen this audio. This additional stealth can be especially beneficial if you lot are sniping and don't want to give away your position.

Drawbacks of HPA Guns

  • Weight -If y'all run a traditional HPA set up, which includes an external tank and line, the external canisters of pressurized air that attach to HPA guns are quite bulky and will increment the weight of the load y'all will need to carry on your person by a substantial corporeality. Though, there are different technologies from companies similar Wolverine Airsoft that offer a system that uses Co2 capsules, you will still need to comport around the extra weight of all the capsules for your utilize on the field. Some other work around is to use a gear up that allows you to directly spiral on a smaller tank to the back of your gun and use it as your buffer tube and stock. While this volition subtract your personal load, it will put actress weight on the gun itself.
  • Cost -On average, an HPA set up will be more expensive than buying others such every bit AEGs or GBBRs. This is due to the fact that many popular HPA systems require a doner gun earlier you can plow it into a dedicated HPA airsoft gun. Alternatively, Wolverine Airsoft has created the MTW or Modular Training Weapon that is an actual airsoft gun designed to exist an HPA gun. Withal, you will still need to purchase the necessary inerntal engines to make information technology work. These factors contribute to making HPA airsoft guns a good flake more expensive than other types of airsoft guns.
  • Safe - What FPS is good for airsoft? While loftier FPS certainly offers plenty of advantages, having a higher FPS also means that HPA airsoft guns can hurt more others . Due to this fact, many airsoft fields do not allow players to use HPA guns, and even many that practise may require you to lower the FPS of your gun beforehand. Using a gun that sends Bbs out at blistering speeds besides isn't likely to win you many friends on the opposing squad. On a much more serious annotation, many countries take very specific legal ability limites for airsoft guns. Violating these laws might even state yous and the seller of these HPA airsoft guns in serious legal troubles.
  • Aesthetics and Realism -One of the biggest draws of airsoft is the fact that the guns and gear look and then realistic, and many airsoft players enjoy the realism of the sport as much as the action that it offers. Having a gun that features a bulky air tank attached or an air line that runs out of it takes away a lot of this realism. By the same token, the fact that HPA airsoft guns are able to fire at much faster rates than even real total-auto weapons over again detracts from the realism of the sport.

Is HPA Worth It?

And so do the advantages of HPA guns make up for their drawbacks? Ultimately, the answer to this question comes downward to a matter of personal preference. At that place'due south no doubt that the higher FPS, faster charge per unit of fire, and improved reliability of HPA guns will give you an advantage in most airsoft engagements, particularly at longer ranges. However, this improved performance comes at the toll of a gun that is heavier, more expensive, and not equally realistic looking.

Peradventure the near important drawback of HPA guns to keep in mind, though, is the need to have the tanks filled with specialized equipment. With AEGs, y'all but need to recharge your batteries. With Gas guns, you merely demand to buy new light-green gas or Co2 capsules. Yet, with HPA, you demand an air compressor in club to fill your tanks. Chances of you having 1 of these at home is quite small, making you need to go to specialized stores or sites in lodge to refill your tank.

Secondly, oftentimes, they are seen every bit somewhat of a pariah among many airsoft players. Information technology'south easy to understand why people don't enjoy getting shot with a gun that shoots Bulletin board system at painfully high speeds. Fifty-fifty if yous aren't too concerned with how opposing players will feel about existence shot past your HPA gun, keep in heed that yous may not able to utilize your HPA gun at all on certain airsoft fields. On other fields, y'all may have to lower the gun's FPS, therefore eliminating the biggest advantages that it provides.

If the fields you go to allow HPA guns and y'all don't mind the actress weight and expense, there's no denying that HPA guns can be a lot of fun to use. For those who value accuracy, reliability, and power above all else, HPA guns are hard to beat.

Example of HPA Guns

At RedWold Airsoft, we offer a variety of high-quality HPA airsoft guns in addition to HPA conversion kits that will let you to convert your existing AEG or gas-powered airsoft gun into an HPA gun. If you lot've decided that an HPA airsoft burglarize, an HPA airsoft shotgun, or an HPA airsoft sniper is the right choice for you, be sure to check out these great HPA guns and conversion kits from our catalog:

ASG Scorpion EVO3 A1 SMG

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The ASG Scorpion EVO3 is already widely considered one of the best airsoft SMGs on the market. In its base of operations AEG grade, it gives yous almost PTW (Professional Preparation Weapon) levels of performance in a tight, affordable parcel. This example we have here is supercharged by Wolverine Airsoft and features their Inferno Gen. ii HPA engine. The gun comes standard with all its base features such equally semi-motorcar, full-motorcar, and a programmable burst. It as well combines all the aforementioned benefits of HPA into one gun, making it a great choice for players correct out of the box!

  • Prepare to go out of the Box
  • Works with Other ASG Scorpion EVO3 Accessories like Magazines
  • Programmable Flare-up Mode
  • Wolverine Airsoft Inferno Gen. 2 Engine Born
  • Short SMG Class Factor
  • Designed to Work Internally merely with Wolverine Airsoft

Wolverine Airsoft HPA Systems Wraith Co2 Stock for Regular M4 Series

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To many airsoft players curious almost HPA but not wanting to deal with a tank and line, the Wolverine Airsoft Wraith Co2 stock is the perfect compromise. This innovative product gives you all the benefits of HPA and transforms your M4'south buffer tube into a housing system for Co2 capsules to which in turn powers the HPA engine of your choice. This is the best compromise for players that want to give HPA a try while non wanting to sacrifice every bit much realism. Y'all would imagine this to be the best choice, however, its only drawback is y'all only go a limited amount of shots with Co2 and you volition need to carry extra capsules to swap out on the field, potentially during gameplay.

  • Provides the Most Realism
  • Piece of cake to Operate
  • Runs on Co2
  • Works with Standard Airsoft M4 Stocks
  • Just Designed for M4 Series
  • Express Amount of Shots before Needing to Change Capsules

Wolverine Airsoft Bolt Sniper Rifle HPA Conversion kit

Wolverine Airsoft BOLT Sniper Rifle HPA Conversion Kit with Tokyo Marui VSR-10 Cylinder
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This is probably the best matter you can do for your commodities activity sniper rifle. Designed to piece of work with the Tokyo Marui VSR-x, the Wolverine Airsoft Commodities sniper conversion kit instantly turns your VSR-ten into a long-range, pin-signal accurate precision burglarize the likes many accept not seen before. The biggest advantages you will see from this kit are the increased FPS offered using HPA and the consistency of the FPS output. Combined with the removal of whatever cylinder leap, the action you volition experience from this is like playing a video game. The extremely silent shooting of this gun will take hold of whatsoever opponent off guard and easily give yous the tactical advantage!

  • Increased FPS
  • Boosts FPS Consistency
  • Eliminates any Resistance in Pulling Back the Cylinder
  • Extremely Quiet Shooting
  • Requires a Doner VSR-ten
  • Needs Hop-Upward Upgrade for Maximum Performance