Originally Posted by MaciekA (Post 1543577)

To clarify, is the hop-up the only proprietary part that can't be replaced by something TM compatible?

Originally Posted by Eeyore (Post 1542233)

I just received my PTS today. So a quick comparison between the A&K and PTS versions.

The PTS version is lighter than the A&K and has a thinner pistol grip. Also the charging handle is in a more forward position. I personally think the A&K version has nicer trades as well as a nicer finish. Internally there is no comparison, the PTS blows the A&K away. But as the A&K has a 100% TM compatible gearbox and inner barrel it can easily be made a true competitor. The A&K's only true weak point is its proprietary hop up unit which is made of brittle clear plastic. And if it breaks you are pretty well fucked. A&K released a metal nozzle and hop up parts but you still need to use some of the stock parts and the machining is very poor making the metal hop up useless.

Originally Posted by Cobalt Caliber (Post 1543638)

Are not the hop up on the A&K, G&P, PTS, and Cybergun all the same? I thought they where all part of the Barrel?

Originally Posted by bizkilter (Post 1543654)

I found a metal hop-up kit for the A&K, that seems to be the only real issue on that one. Tappet plate, gears and a few other things on the PTS have issues apparently. I found a fairly critical review lastnight. I'll post it later when I get to my comp.

Originally Posted by Scouser (Post 1543593)

a&k you can pick up a metal hop up chamber and air nozzle on ebay, there is a store there that custom makes them

on my team we have 4 of the A&K masadas and one pts one now. The a&k are blowing the pts one away mainly because we put proper upgrades in them right away. The gears stripped on the pts one already, but luckily our guy was able to get it fixed.

I dunno, just seemed a better idea to get the A&K ones and put the money saved into upgrades. Thats just my opinion though.

Originally Posted by SuperHog (Post 1543760)

Since you have seen both A&K and PTS side by side, does the A&K have a good external fit and finish compared to the PTS?

Originally Posted by SuperHog (Post 1543833)

If I get the PTS ACR, can the ARES mech box come out and another brand more TM compatible drop into its place?

or .... can all the proprietary parts in the ARES mech box be swapped out for TM compatible parts?

Originally Posted by Deadpool (Post 1543836)

Proprietary means that they have a certain fit that isn't reproduced in a TM, therefore it cannot be replaced by anything other then (usually) a factory part.

Originally Posted by Cobalt Caliber (Post 1543795)

PTS fit and finish is better, but the A&K's isn't bad by any stretch thats for sure.