Ballistics verification and comparison of G-HOP (Miyagawa Rubber, Maple Leaf)

As of the time of writing, the COVID-19 situation has calmed down a bit, and I was able to check the trajectory of the airsoft guns I've been customizing.

This time, I'll summarize my findings, focusing on the trajectory of the G-HOP modified hop-up bucking I created last time, and comparing it to the trajectories of various hop-up buckings I use.

Comparison of the protrusion shapes of various hop packings (MAPLE LEAF, Miyagawa Long-Hook Middle, G-HOP Kai)

Although a direct comparison is difficult due to the different models and chambers, I will compare them for reference. The inner barrel hop-up window has been processed in the same way for all of them.

1. Packing: MAPLE LEAF FOR AEG, Hardness: 60; Push rubber: MAPLE LEAF Ω cushion rubber  

Model: Kriss Vector (flow rate tuned)

At maximum hop

2,Packing: Miyagawa Rubber Long-type Medium Hardness: 60 Push rubber: MAXX Chamber included long-type　

Model: VFC MK18 MOD1 (High-Cycle Specification)

At maximum hop

3,Packing: Miyagawa Rubber, Long-type, Medium, Hardness: 60; Push rubber: Miyagawa Rubber accessory　

Model: LCT AK74 (Petit High Cycle)

At maximum hop

4,Packing: Miyagawa Rubber Slick Packing + G-HOP Modified; Push Rubber: Miyagawa Rubber Push Rubber Set　

Model: MAGPUL PTS MASADA (High Cycle)

At maximum hop

From here on, we will update the comparison models as more customization options become available.

G-HOP Kai ballistics verification

I put it to the test at Tarf Battle Field in Tochigi Prefecture in early May 2021.

First, we'll check the muzzle velocity with the MAGPUL PTS MASADA, which is equipped with a modified G-HOP system.

First, the battery used is a Fujikura 2-cell (7.4V) 2000mAh battery with a C-rate of probably 30c, fully charged to 78.4V.

The ammunition used was Marui Bio 0.2g BBs.

The BBs traveled at around 92.5 m/s, but even with hop-up set to zero, the hop-up was so extreme that it was unusable. So, unexpectedly, I decided to use Gallop 0.25g BBs.

The trajectory was as follows until the hop-up packing settled in. It was set up for ultra-long range. 0.25g BBs, Hop-up level 0

It allows for considerable distance, but it appears to sink lower than the target until about 40m before rising again, peaking around 55m, and then just falling.

You can aim at distances of up to about 55 meters.

However, because the hop-up was set quite strongly, resulting in this trajectory, it was difficult to hit targets in firefights at distances of 20-35m as the shots landed below the intended target.

Also, when aiming at distant targets (around 50m) through gaps like windows or holes, it's possible to hit them, but if there are obstacles in front, the bullets hit the obstacles before they can rise and fall, so they sometimes miss the enemy, making it difficult to use.

After firing around 1000 rounds, it settled in and achieved the ideal trajectory. (With a slight hop-up adjustment and 0.25g BBs)

The trajectory of this ball was quite fast, rising low until about 40m, then it started to rise more strongly from around 45m, reaching its peak just before 50m, and then the trajectory started to drop.

With a scope, I think sniping at distances of 55m or more is probably possible. Up to about 45m, you can aim quite accurately with a red dot sight.

The MASADA, which is homemade and difficult to position precisely, has been a great success with almost no lateral movement.

However, the drawbacks are that it's completely useless with 0.2g BBs, making it a gun exclusively for 0.25-0.28g BBs, and it takes about 1000 shots for the trajectory to stabilize.

Basically, it doesn't seem like it would be useful in indoor or close-quarters combat.

With this technology and know-how, it seems possible to customize even models for which aftermarket hop-up packing is not available.

Recently, I've been getting requests for aftermarket gaskets for many models, as they aren't readily available, so I'll be adopting them more and more.

Ballistic comparison (Maple Leaf, Miyagawa Rubber, G-HOP)

From here, we will compare the ballistic images in the order of the packing introductions.

It's difficult to make a direct comparison because location, temperature, customization, settings, and ammunition weight all differ, but I'll try to compare them based on general impressions.

1. Packing: MAPLE LEAF FOR AEG, Hardness: 60; Push rubber: MAPLE LEAF Ω cushion rubber; Model: Kriss Vector (flow rate tuned)

Location: Turf (TBF) Temperature: Approx. 20℃ 0.2g Bio-BBs

Using 0.25g BBs seems to give you excellent range. The trajectory of the BBs is particularly impressive.

Furthermore, since it has been customized to have a decent airflow rate, the initial velocity doesn't drop as much even when the hop-up is applied, so there's a possibility that the range has increased.

Even though it's an SMG, I ended up using a sniping style.

Maple Leaf Omega Action Rubber
It works quite well when combined with face hop.

Maple Leaf Hop Packing Macaron Hardness 50 for Electric Airsoft Guns
It seems they've evolved even further recently. The macarons I'm introducing are the 2018 version.

2. Packing: Miyagawa Rubber Long-Range Medium Hardness 60; Push Rubber: MAXX Chamber Included Long-Range; Model: VFC MK18 MOD1 (High-Cycle Specification)

Location: Yanex Temperature: Around 17℃ 0.2g BBs

Compared to the others, it had the shortest range, but the feeling of the bullet's low trajectory was the best.

Furthermore, despite achieving a decent distance, it doesn't seem to gain much upward momentum from the hop-up, and appears to fly relatively straight to its peak.

かなり気に入りました。

Using 0.25g BBs would likely increase the range even further with this trajectory.

However, be careful when assembling, as even a slight tilt of the packing can easily cause the trajectory to twist or curve.

It pairs exceptionally well with the notoriously expensive Maxx HOP chamber.

・Miyagawa Rubber's Long-Handle Middle Hop Packing, Hardness 60
When you're in a bind, turn to Miyagawa-san.
I'm assuming this is a genuine Tokyo Marui long-range hop-up bucking. While the protrusion tends to grab attention, the intricate details of the mouthpiece and other parts are truly impressive.

3. Packing: Miyagawa Rubber Long-type Medium Hardness: 60 Push rubber: Miyagawa Rubber Accessories Model: LCT AK74 (Petit High Cycle)

Location: Yanex Temperature: Around 17℃ 0.2g BBs

The trajectory is almost identical to that of the MK18, which is excellent.

The LCT's genuine hop-up chamber and Miyagawa Rubber's gasket work very well together, although assembly is difficult, and it feels quite good.

・Miyagawa Rubber's Long-Handle Middle Hop Packing, Hardness 60
When you're in a bind, turn to Miyagawa-san.
I'm assuming this is a genuine Tokyo Marui long-range hop-up bucking. While the protrusion tends to grab attention, the intricate details of the mouthpiece and other parts are truly impressive.

4. Packing: Miyagawa Rubber Slick Packing G-HOP Modified Push Rubber: Miyagawa Rubber Push Rubber Set Model: MAGPUL PTS MASADA (High Cycle)

Location: Turf Temperature: Around 20℃ 0.25g BBs

Miyagawa Rubber Hop Packing, Flat Type, 3-pack, Nitrile Rubber, Hardness 60
This is used as a material for G-HOP. If you're using up to 0.25g, a hardness of 50 is recommended.

Miyagawa Rubber Push Rubber + DIY Kit
I'll use it as material for rubber buckings.

The above is a comparison of the images.

I will add any other gaskets I use in the future as they become available.

Summary

Overall, we achieved good trajectories, including with the G-HOP Kai, which was the main focus of this test.

I've seen calculations for airsoft gun trajectories, and it seems that with a variable hop-up system under the 1J regulation, if assembled carefully, the trajectory is low up to 40m, then starts to rise from 45m, peaks at 50m, and drops off at a little over 60m.

The trajectories of the customized models are all close to the theoretical ideal, so I think it's pretty much a success.

However, each customization option has its own unique trajectory, so it would be more enjoyable to choose one that takes advantage of those characteristics.

The Vector and G-HOP Kai, which seem to have a lot of hop-up rotation, are difficult to handle because the trajectory rises quite a bit at medium range due to the hop-up rotation, but if you adjust the amount of hop-up, they are perfect for short, long, and even very long range.

On the other hand, Miyagawa's packing flies well, but it doesn't go as far as the other two. However, the overall trajectory seems to have less upward change due to hop-up, so I think it's quite interesting for short to medium range plus a little longer distances.

I have a feeling that if you set up Miyagawa-san's long-casting series lures to match the current speed, they could achieve comparable casting distances to others.

Regarding Maple Leaf, the compatibility between the hop packing and the chamber has a significant impact; if they are compatible, the performance is quite good, but if they are not compatible, the performance is not very good.

Furthermore, the Maple Leaf packing has a slightly thicker outer diameter, a unique mouth shape, and distinctive protrusions, so if you plan to use it, you'll need to check its compatibility with the hop-up chamber and nozzle (especially the nozzle and the mouth of the packing).

Furthermore, I believe their Omega Cushion Rubber (pressure rubber) is essential.

In the future, it might be interesting to decide which packing to use for each airsoft character.

However, going forward, I plan to increase the use of Miyagawa's gaskets (long-type, medium-length, nitrile rubber, hardness 60) due to their availability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

I plan to use the original G-HOP modification only when there are special gaskets or when it doesn't work well with Mr. Miyagawa.

Please feel free to use this as a reference if you find it helpful.