Brands comparaison for m4s

[Doombringer]

I know that this is obvious for a lot of people here but for a first gun, I'm not sure if I should either get an ICS or a G&G. Some G&G are cheaper than an ICS and some are more expensive. Is there is big difference between the 2 brands or they basically come down to the same thing ? I know that a Pro from ICS is their 2-part gearbox but other than that, I have no idea.

And before someone mentions it, I'm meeting in 2-3 days with my local rep to get age-verified, so within a few weeks (processing times) I should be able to get access to the classified

[etd]

assuming you are getting the clear lower receiver version my answer applies. If not ignore it as I have no experience with the non CND versions. (which for G&G will not effect internals)

ICS guns are alot more newbie friendly when it comes to upgrading due to their split gearbox design. Most come at 300 fps out of the box. The one downside to having a split gearbox design is that not to many upgraded options are availiable in terms of mechbox shells. This means they charge you more for as its a spec product to ICS. Rpm normally is around 1000+. ICS also tends to stick with good wiring and internals just like G&G so there isn't much difference there.

The G&G versions tend to have alot more built in features out of the box. Example 14mm threaded barrels (for silencer attachments etc) and fire around 360 fps. They price rangers basically vary but how much metal you find in the guns. Also since they do not use the split gearbox design you will find it ALOT cheaper to upgrade in terms of re-inforced gearboxes etc. Stock G&Gs with a 8.4 battery normally get a 900+ rpm rating.

Basically I'd say this. If you plan on upgrading your AR to 400 fps either way you still have to spend money. So go with what you like. They are so similar it really doesn't matter. Now if you are happy at 360 fps save your money and go with a G&G.

[SurplusIG]

It also depends on if you are planning on keeping the gun as it looks or if you want to modify its external aesthetics.

Making sure you get a proper warranty is also very important, you do not get that with used guns.

The tinted receivers are darker on the ICS than the G&G. The ICS dark receivers are much more solid and do not break as easily.

ICS has more guns to choose from including their own models like the CXP concept and other modified models.

Feel free to come and feel them out at our store: www.SurplusIG.com

Merci,

[viraL]

It depends. If you are buying the Cansoft version, get a G&G. Their polycarbonate lowers are just a tad bit stronger than ICS's. If you are getting access to the classifieds why not consider Classic Army. Like G&G, their standard V2 mechbox will be a little bit cheaper to upgrade (it's not a HUGE difference, I own an ICS and it's not that bad..). They come with some of the most rock solid internals and stellar looking externals this side of the 600 dollar zone. Full metal G&G's come around a little bit less, but are out there. They're similar in price, but most people will tell you to go for the CA. If you manage to find a full metal ICS (there are a couple around, less common then even a G&G fullmetal) they are OK, just make sure you get the one with the Black body. The grey body are version 1 and upgrade 1 (ics version, still split v2 mechbox) both come with a crappy switch, nylon bushings, a shotty safety and the infamous Turbo 2000. The V2 ICS M4's have a better switch, copper bushings, an improved strength safety and the Turbo 3000 (which is actually a GREAT motor.)

I personally have an ICS and am a bit impartial to them, although mines been PLAGUED with problems. I still prefer them, they're nice. But stay away from the cansoft ones, they have a tendency to break.

Hope this helps!

EDIT: I have no experience with the dark tinted ICS lowers vlad is selling. I've only heard of the clear ones breaking (007 and mach1 sold them)

[etd]

Okay now I have to speak up. This bothers me... First off 007 isn't selling ICS tinted lowers. Mach1 has the same tinted lowers as Vlad aswell. They don't have a tendency to break.. my buddy dropped his on his cement step and all it did was scratch the plastic. Can't say that for the G&G tinted as I've never seen one damaged however I have literally seen a G&G clear lower chip while putting in a mag at a slightly wrong angle. Either way if you take care of the lower receiver you won't have any problems.

Originally Posted by viraL

EDIT: I have no experience with the dark tinted ICS lowers vlad is selling. I've only heard of the clear ones breaking (007 and mach1 sold them)

[Doombringer]

So, if I am not planning on frequent spring upgrades/changes, I should just go with a Clear G&G, as they are similar in quality but cheaper than ICS ? I don't really mind having to take it apart to change the spring, as long as it's not everyday.

[etd]

Honestly its up to you. As long as you don't intend to take an ics over 400 fps, bringing up the need for a reinforced mechbox I'd personally go with ICS if you want something like the CXP concept or the SIR M variant which G&G is lacking right now. If you want a standard M you can swing either way.The pricing structure of both brands is so similiar to go from one to the other its like $20~30.

[KND]

Originally Posted by Doombringer

So, if I am not planning on frequent spring upgrades/changes, I should just go with a Clear G&G, as they are similar in quality but cheaper than ICS ? I don't really mind having to take it apart to change the spring, as long as it's not everyday.

You will not happy once you broke one and looking for gun doc to fix for you.

G&G are ok gun but compare to ICS , it's still behind ICS far away.

KND

[dpvu]

Originally Posted by Doombringer

So, if I am not planning on frequent spring upgrades/changes, I should just go with a Clear G&G, as they are similar in quality but cheaper than ICS ? I don't really mind having to take it apart to change the spring, as long as it's not everyday.

If you're going to change springs a lot, pick an ICS. The split mechbox means a spring change takes one screwdriver and 5 minutes. With a standard V2 mechbox (as found in the G&G) you have to completely remove and disassemble the ENTIRE mechbox every single time. That also requires removal of the grip, motor, mag catch and stock/buffer tube every time. Even if you don't change springs a lot, most of the things prone to failure in a V2 are in the top half (piston, tappet plate, mechbox itself). Properly shimmed and maintained gears rarely fail and that's all the bottom half really is (plus switch assembly).

[m102404]

Forget swapping the spring even in an ICS...just contact Shinobii and buy an second complete upper. Keep one for indoor (300-330ish) and drop a spring into the other for outdoor (380-sub400).

Then swapping back and forth between indoor and outdoor games takes about 30seconds...and if your upper fails at an outdoor game, you've at least got a backup to finish out the day.

If I had to choose between a clear/tinted G&G and a clear/tinted ICS...I'd choose an ICS, hands down.

I can build/tune pretty much anything I want...but with all the repairs and stuff, I hardly get to work on my own stuff. Being able to slap in an indoor upper and shoot a CQB game friday night...then slap an outdoor upper in for a field game the next day...that'd be awesome.

And for durability...the tough (but brittle) polycarbonate that G&G's receivers are made of...that sucks for a lower receiver. The plastic of the ICS is different...it'll flex where the G&G receiver will break.

Just my $0.02

Tys

[Doombringer]

So, ICS are WAYYY better than G&Gs for like 50$ more ?

I guess I'll go for an ICS then, they are not that expensive. But do I need it to be upgraded for it to be decent ? (300 fps stock is low, isn't it?) compared to the G&G ? The internals are not as solid as the 1-piece gearbox of the G&G ?

Sorry, I just want to make sure before making a purchase.

[KND]

I chrono my ICS M4 bloody brand new out of the box and it shot 320 fps. It's just prefect for indoor game.

The internal of ICS is good right out of box and with 320 fps, you don't need to upgrade anything. Just keep it stock until it break.

KND

[etd]

normally feild games are capped at 400 for AEGs (outdoors) and 350 for indoors. Honestly 300 fps isn't low for indoors, its standard where as 350 is high for indoors. It will cost you $110 to get a 400 fps upper ICS gearbox (plus tax) and this would give you the best of both worlds.

[Doombringer]

Instead of creating a new thread for my question, I'll just post it here.

I met my age verifier 2 days ago and got verified, it's just not updated yet. I was wondering if I would be better just getting a JG/Echo 1 instead ?

And I dont really care if the lower receiver is clear (tinted at least), I'd just like to get the better build quality.

[KND]

We already told you man. you paid for what it worst.

Like you said that since you don't care about clear body they why just don't simply get clear ICS M4.

KND