Airsoft guns come in two main varieties – gas blowback (GBB) and automatic electric gun (AEG). Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so which one is better depends on your needs as an airsoft player.
Power Source
The biggest difference between GBB and AEG airsoft guns is how they are powered. GBB guns use compressed gas as their power source. This gas is usually stored in magazines or cartridges that you insert into the gun. Green gas, red gas, and CO2 are common gases used in airsoft. When you pull the trigger, the gas is released which propels the BB pellet forward.
AEG airsoft guns use electric motors and batteries as their power source. Inside the gun is a motor connected to a gearbox that pulls back a piston when triggered. The piston them slams forward propelling air through the barrel, which fires the BB. AEG guns need to be powered on and have charged batteries to work.
GBB Power Benefits
- Has recoil for realism
- Generally more powerful FPS
- No battery or wires needed
AEG Power Benefits
- Can shoot semi or full auto
- More consistent power and accuracy
- Higher ammo capacity
Rate of Fire
The power source also affects the rate of fire (ROF) between GBB and AEG airsoft guns. GBB guns are limited to semi-automatic fire only since each shot requires gas to be released. The rate of fire is determined by how fast you can pull the trigger. Skilled players can get up to 30 rounds per second with GBB pistols.
AEG rifles have mechanical full auto capability allowing for sustained bursts of BB fire. Adjustable motors and gear sets allow tuning the AEG rifle for different ROF. Entry level AEG guns shoot around 10 rounds per second while upgraded ones can reach over 30 RPS on full auto.
GBB Rate of Fire
- Semi-auto only
- ROF skill dependent up to 30 RPS
AEG Rate of Fire
- Capable of full auto
- ROF between 10 to 30+ RPS
Accuracy
Accuracy is an important performance factor for any airsoft gun. AEG guns tend to be more accurate overall compared to GBB pistols and rifles. This is due to the AEG’s consistent power source and hop-up unit. Battery power stays regular compared to gas pressure that decreases with each shot. The AEG gearbox mechanism also allows for fine tuning the hop-up bucking and nub for better spin on BBs.
GBB guns can achieve good accuracy, but require more tuning and higher quality barrels/hop-ups. The decreasing gas pressure affects consistency. Heavy BB weights of 0.30g or higher along with a tight bore inner barrel will improve the accuracy. Adjustable hop-ups help compensate for the changes in gas pressure.
GBB Accuracy
- Can be inconsistent due to gas pressure drop per shot
- Requires tuning and high quality parts for best accuracy
AEG Accuracy
- Very consistent with electrical power
- Easier to tune hop-up for optimum BB spin
Customization and Upgrades
One of the best aspects of airsoft guns is customizing and upgrading them. Both GBB and AEG platforms allow for a lot of aftermarket parts support. Typical upgrades for both include barrels, hop-up buckings, pistons, triggers, and gear sets. Cosmetic additions like rail systems, stocks, and sights are also very popular.
AEG rifles tend to have the most upgrade parts available. Their gearbox design allows swapping out gears, motors, pistons, and cylinders for increased performance. GBB upgrades focus more on inner barrels, hop-ups, and gas efficiency modifications. GBB gearboxes are much simpler than AEG.
GBB Customization
- Hop-up buckings and inner barrels
- Enhanced trigger sets
- Aesthetic upgrades like slides, frames, sights
AEG Customization
- Hop-up buckings and precision barrels
- Full gearbox components (gears, pistons, motors)
- Externals like stocks, rails, grips
Cost Considerations
In general GBB guns have a higher upfront cost than comparable AEG rifles. The material and tolerances required for gas blowback actions raises the base price. For example, a beginner M4 AEG rifle can cost $150 to $200 while a basic GBB M4 will run $250 to $300.
However, AEG guns require ongoing investments in batteries and chargers. Replacing gears or motors is also common after heavy use. These recurring costs help offset the higher initial price of GBB guns.
| Cost Factor | GBB | AEG |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | High $250 – $300 | Low $150 – $200 |
| Recurring Costs | Just gas | Batteries, chargers, gears |
| Magazine Cost | Mid $30 – $50 each | Low $15 – $25 each |
Weather Resistance
GBB and AEG guns perform differently in variable weather conditions. Gas blowback guns rely on consistent gas pressure and temperature to function properly. Colder weather can affect the gas pressure and cause FPS loss or failure to cycle. Heavy rain or snow can also impact GBB performance.
AEG airsoft guns are more resilient since electrical power is not effected by temperature or moisture. As long as the AEG internals are shielded from water, they will continue to shoot consistently even in wet weather. Heavy rain or snow will not cause malfunctions like a GBB gun.
GBB Weather Issues
- Colder weather reduces gas pressure
- Heavy rain or snow can prevent cycling
- Mud or dirt can clog gas blowback mechanism
AEG Weather Resistance
- Not affected by temperature changes
- Waterproofing protects internals from moisture
- Mud or dirt only impacts externals
Realism
Airsoft players looking for maximum realism will appreciate GBB guns. The gas blowback action causes a noticeable recoil kick when firing. Watching the slide or bolt shoot back with each trigger pull adds to the experience. The quick jolt helps practice control and followup shots similar to real firearms.
AEG guns have recoil too but it feels different than a GBB. Most of the realism comes from the cosmetic look and full auto capability. Soundwise, AEG motors produce a whine noise compared to the loud pop of GBB gas release. For authenticity, gas blowback action is hard to beat.
GBB Realism
- Satisfying blowback kick
- Loud discharge noise
- Mimics real firearm handling
AEG Realism
- Full auto shooting
- Very customizable externals
- Okay recoil feel
Maintenance
Proper cleaning and lubrication ensures the best performance from airsoft guns. Both GBB and AEG platforms require regular maintenance but of different components. GBB guns need o-rings, valves, and seals lubricated to prevent gas leaks. Inner barrels should be cleaned of debris along with hop-up buckings.
AEG maintenance focuses on gearbox shimming and Swiss cheesing gears for ideal mesh. Pistons, cylinders, and hop-up buckings also need inspected and relubed periodically. Brushes can clean outer barrels of dirt and BBs. Proper maintenance prevents jams and power loss.
GBB Maintenance
- Lubricate o-rings and seals
- Clean hop-up bucking and barrel
- Inspect magazines for leaks
AEG Maintenance
- Regrease gearbox
- Correct AOE and shimming
- Clean barrel and hop-up bucking
Magazine Capacity
Magazine capacity can determine how long you can play airsoft between reloads. GBB magazines hold less BBs than AEG magazines. Green gas GBB rifle magazines typically hold around 30 BBs maximum. CO2 allows for more capacity up to 50 BBs.
AEG midcap magazines hold between 80 to 140 BBs standard. High capacity AEG magazines can hold over 300 BBs for extended firing. Some drum magazines have capacities exceeding 500 BBs.
| Magazine Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| GBB Green Gas Magazine | 25 – 30 BBs |
| GBB CO2 Magazine | 40 – 50 BBs |
| AEG Midcap Magazine | 80 – 140 BBs |
| AEG Drum Magazine | 500+ BBs |
Cool Down Effect
Firing in rapid succession causes GBB guns to experience a “cool down” effect. This is when the gas cools due to rapid expansion and reduces the firearm’s cycling capability. The guns FPS and rate of fire will go down until the magazines or gun itself warms back up.
AEG airsoft guns do not have cool down issues. Their rate of fire and FPS will remain consistent despite prolonged firing. The only limiting factor is battery power, not temperature related performance loss.
GBB Cool Down
- Gas expansion cools magazines
- Causes temporary FPS and ROF loss
- Requires resting to warm back up
AEG Cool Down
- No cool down effect
- ROF and FPS unaffected by temperature
- Only limited by available battery power
Ammunition Concerns
The biggest drawback to GBB airsoft guns is the ongoing cost of gas and magazines. Each magazine requires filling with gas, usually a can of green gas costs $10 to $15 and contains enough for 6 to 8 fills. Extra magazines must be purchased since they can’t be refilled during games.
AEG guns just need a supply of inexpensive 6mm airsoft BBs. Midcap magazines can be reloaded on the field with speedloaders or BBs dumped directly in. This helps lower the long term ammunition costs compared to gas and magazines for GBB guns.
GBB Ammunition Cost
- Consistent gas purchases
- Spare magazines required
- Higher long term costs
AEG Ammunition Cost
- Just BBs needed
- Magazines can be refilled
- Very low long term costs
Conclusion
Deciding between GBB and AEG airsoft guns comes down to personal preferences. Both have pros and cons that suit different play styles. For realism and recoil simulation, gas blowback is hard to beat. The powerful kick and working action provides satisfying feedback with each shot.
AEG rifles work well for high intensity airsoft games where ammo capacity and ROF matter. The tuning potential and aftermarket parts selection of AEGs is also superior for customization. Electric guns handle unfavorable conditions better and require less maintenance when compared to GBBs.
Airsoft players looking for a balanced experience can own both GBB pistols and AEG rifles. This allows enjoying the realism of gas blowback sidearms with the performance benefits of AEG primary weapons. Consider your planned airsoft usage and priorities to decide which platform fits you best.
