ICS w/ Modify Modular Gearset Or Other Rifles?

[marker]

So I'm looking to get into Airsoft because there seems to be a large community of players in my area. I used to play lots of speedball, but I got bored of that and am wanting to move to a game were tactics are involved, as the paintball big games seem to be every-man-for-himself. Even at 500 man games, there are simply no tactics being practiced. It's like I'm stuck in CSS paying out the rear to play.

Anyways, I've been looking rather deeply into what CQC rifle to buy. I've narrowed my search down to four rifles, but my concern is about the 'Modify Modular Gearset'. I want to know if any of the Modular Gearsets will fit into the ICS Full Metal SIG 552 So I don't have to worry about shimming, or in reality, do a bad shim job and mess up my gears! Then there is the part about the modular gearset helping reduce gear friction which raises battery life cycles.

I really like the look of the ICS 552. The video of the ICS 552 accuracy testing by Reddragonairsoft is impressive shooting at 150ft with an aluminum barrel. Which I will replace with brass barrel because of aluminiums ability to deform in different temperatures.

I really like the ICS 552, but is it worth getting? I read that ICS is proprietary and will not use many of the aftermarket parts due to design! I've read that the desgin of the gearbox is like no other gearbox made, but will take aftermarket 'gearsets'. So I want to know in figuring my purchase, will the 'Modify Modular Gearset' fit into the ICS 552 Gearbox?

My other question is; what is the designation of the ICS 552 gearbox? One video said it was close to the G3 gearbox layout, but not the same. I'm having a problem finding specifications on the ICS 552 gearbox internals. Could anyone help me with that? The retailers don't seem to be that up on posting internal specifications.

I have found that I can fit the Modular Gearset in three of the rifles listed below. But I am unsure if the Modular Gearset can fit into the ICS 552 gearbox.

Here are the rifles I'm interested in-

ICS Full Metal SIG 552 Commando Airsoft AEG

SRC Gen. II FULL METAL Airsoft M4 TCC RAS Full Metal Gearbox AEG

G&G Airsoft GR16 R4 Commando "SCV" Ultra High-Performance Full Metal Gearbox AEG

CUSTOM G&G Airsoft BLOWBACK GR15 Raider Ultra High-Performance Full Metal Gearbox AEG

Please help with any advice on my rifle choices, or any info you might have on the ICS 552 and/or the Modular Gearsets.

Thanks for reading,
Marker

[Pancake]

So I'm looking to get into Airsoft because there seems to be a large community of players in my area. I used to play lots of speedball, but I got bored of that and am wanting to move to a game were tactics are involved, as the paintball big games seem to be every-man-for-himself. Even at 500 man games, there are simply no tactics being practiced. It's like I'm stuck in CSS paying out the rear to play.

Anyways, I've been looking rather deeply into what CQC rifle to buy. I've narrowed my search down to four rifles, but my concern is about the 'Modify Modular Gearset'. I want to know if any of the Modular Gearsets will fit into the ICS Full Metal SIG 552 So I don't have to worry about shimming, or in reality, do a bad shim job and mess up my gears! Then there is the part about the modular gearset helping reduce gear friction which raises battery life cycles.

I really like the look of the ICS 552. The video of the ICS 552 accuracy testing by Reddragonairsoft is impressive shooting at 150ft with an aluminum barrel. Which I will replace with brass barrel because of aluminiums ability to deform in different temperatures.

I really like the ICS 552, but is it worth getting? I read that ICS is proprietary and will not use many of the aftermarket parts due to design! I've read that the desgin of the gearbox is like no other gearbox made, but will take aftermarket 'gearsets'. So I want to know in figuring my purchase, will the 'Modify Modular Gearset' fit into the ICS 552 Gearbox?

My other question is; what is the designation of the ICS 552 gearbox? One video said it was close to the G3 gearbox layout, but not the same. I'm having a problem finding specifications on the ICS 552 gearbox internals. Could anyone help me with that? The retailers don't seem to be that up on posting internal specifications.

I have found that I can fit the Modular Gearset in three of the rifles listed below. But I am unsure if the Modular Gearset can fit into the ICS 552 gearbox.

Here are the rifles I'm interested in-

ICS Full Metal SIG 552 Commando Airsoft AEG

SRC Gen. II FULL METAL Airsoft M4 TCC RAS Full Metal Gearbox AEG

G&G Airsoft GR16 R4 Commando "SCV" Ultra High-Performance Full Metal Gearbox AEG

CUSTOM G&G Airsoft BLOWBACK GR15 Raider Ultra High-Performance Full Metal Gearbox AEG

Please help with any advice on my rifle choices, or any info you might have on the ICS 552 and/or the Modular Gearsets.

Thanks for reading,
Marker

The gears should fit into the SIG 552, just so you know its a version 3 gearbox. By the way, don't listen to RedDragonAirsoft, that guy is crazy.

And go for a steel barrel

[marker]

He be crazy, you can see it in his eyes... LOL

On the serious note though, I've found that Reddragonairsoft seems to have a bit more information on pieces that I've found A.GI and Airsoft Megastore have been missing from their reviews and specification listings. RDA was the only reviewer that even came close to mentioning what gearset/gearbox and hop-up the ICS 552 has! The only other specification I could find was at A.GI was; an icon with gears in it with the #3 on one of the gears.. I assumed that meant v3 gears, but the specification listing on A.GI stated nothing about gearbox version.

Otherwise, the 'Modify Modular Gearset v3' will fit into the 'ICS 552 v3' gearbox?

All the teardown videos I keep finding are of the JG SIG 552. Does the JG SIG 552 run the same gearbox and/or hop-up version?

Hey, thanks for the quick reply!

[league 4]

Don't order from red dragon airsoft, period. Ever. Completely ignore that site from now on... Trust me.

There's nothing special in the ICS SIG gearboxes so it should be fine but I highly suggest just getting RiotSC gears if you're already spending that much... Shimming isn't hard, and even if it's a little off you won't really do much.

[marker]

His Youtube review and breakdown videos are one thing I'll use, but a look at the RDA website and you can tell the seller is not ready to be in business, or at least not business "I" can trust!

I think the guys name who runs RDA is Matt and lives near me in Tigard. I know I've seen him at Splatt-Action-PB in the past!

Airsoft Outlet NW is right up the road from me, but when I asked them about the Taiwanese Company called 'Modify' the agent did not know what aftermarket parts maker I was speaking of. That to me says "not on the edge of the tech curve" and would not be reliable for me as tech experts, to which I would not let them work on my piece... Which I have yet to own. So as a machinist and half-assed engineer, I believe I can be as good as any licensed shop tech(ego)!

I have spent the last few months researching Airsoft rifle tech to see which weapon I would get. Based on upgrade options and quality assurance I narrowed my choices to a few manufacturers(G&G, ICS & SRC), one retailer for buying aftermarket parts and one distributor for the big buys(buying $$$ airsoft). When it comes time to buying my rifle, I'll be buying from a distributor and not a retailer. Cause I can save 40% to 60% and still get a good seller warranty.

Before I get the modular gearset I'll shim the gears of whatever I get, but it just seems like a better idea to run a modular gearset?

I called A.GI today and asked questions about the 'Modify Modular Gearset' and the ICS 552-

Me: What is the version of the gearbox in the ICS 552?
A.GI: The gearbox for the 'ICS SIG 552' is a version-3(7mm) gearbox.

Me: Will the 'Modify Modular Gear Set (Top Gear/high torque) v2/v3(7mm)' run in the ICS SIG 552 v3 gearbox?
A.GI: Yes, it(Modify Modular Gear Set) "should" run in that gearbox. The 552 Version-3 gearbox runs a M120 spring, so you should use the (Top gear) Modular Gearset.

Me: Do you know of any other magazines that will work with the ICS 552?
A.GI: No, you can only use the ICS 55x Mid-cap or High-cap magazines.
Me: What about drums, are there any drums you know of that can be modified to fit, or that just work with the ICS 552?
A.GI: No. None that I know of!

Me: Has the 'Modify modular Gearset' been discontinued? I've noticed your website has been out of most all models for almost two weeks?
A.GI: No, we are currently waiting for a shipment of those parts!

DO I have to buy a specific barrel that will work with the ICS 552. It's an aluminum barrel, so I want to replace that with brass or SS. Got any leads on that fellow readers?

Thanks for the replies, can't wait to read more;
Mark-

[league 4]

IIRC they're G36c length so 247mm. You don't need a specific type. What led you to have those as your top 3 choices? I stay away from ICS unless it's one of their M4's for cheap so I can gut it and replace most of the internals. The only ICS parts I feel confident running are their gears and motor, unless they added in ball bearing metal spring guides recently... SRC has alright HK416's but thats about it, and G&G makes good M14's and AK47's but with their AR's I just think there is better for the same price, I take it you have a thing for stuff made in Taiwan? Do you actually have a reason to put in the modify gears? Unless the stock ICS set breaks, there really isn't a need. The price of the gears just do not outweigh the benefits (which IMO, there really aren't any).

[marker]

IIRC they're G36c length so 247mm. You don't need a specific type.

-I want a Stainless Steel barrel! A Matrix should be fine.

What led you to have those as your top 3 choices?

-Quality assurance, upgrade options, warranty, looks.

I stay away from ICS unless it's one of their M4's for cheap so I can gut it and replace most of the internals.

-Seems that the ICS SIG 552 is the second best SIG 552 on the market. The other 552 runs about $150 more and has a version-2 gearbox, has bad Quality Assurance and is a TM.

The only ICS parts I feel confident running are their gears and motor. unless they added in ball bearing metal spring guides recently...

-What is the problem with the baring spring guide?

--Version-3 Gearbox, v3 steal gears, M120 spring, Poly-piston and piston-head, baring spring guide. And what A.GI calls "the best stock hop-up in a sub-$300 rifle.

SRC has alright HK416's but thats about it, and G&G makes good M14's and AK47's but with their AR's I just think there is better for the same price,

-I would most likely get the G&G before the SRC.

I take it you have a thing for stuff made in Taiwan?

-No, these are in my price range. That is all!

Do you actually have a reason to put in the modify gears? Unless the stock ICS set breaks, there really isn't a need.

-Modify Modular Gearsets have shown to give your battery up to 35% more usage. Shimming might do the same, don't know without testing. I like how the Modular Geaset is one package, making it easier to maintain and teardown. Plus, I would like to run test between shimmed and Modular gears. And, my taxes will help buy it.

The price of the gears just do not outweigh the benefits (which IMO, there really aren't any).

-You've installed and tested the differences in the ROF and battery drain between the shimmed and Modular gearsets?

If you know some good rifles in the sub-$300 range, send me some links. I just might consider buying something different. However, I really want something most people are not going to have out in the field/shoot-house. Then I'm going to test all kinds of tech in it!

Thanks for the reply, keep'm coming!

[chilicon]

Hell, for around $300 you should go for something like this:
http://www.airsoftextreme.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=364_71&products_id=4138

I would say it's one of the best for the price. Awesome externals and internals, already has an RAS and a crane stock, comes with a 7.2v battery (which, actually, yields around 18 rps), comes with a replica aimpoint, foregrip, and ras covers. You can get all that for around $300.

Actually, you know, on second thought, don't get it. I wouldn't want someone with the same gun as me. D:

::EDIT:: Actually, this is an awesome deal here: http://shop.ehobbyasia.com/gandp-sr-16-m5-stoner-rifle.html
But it's out of stock, and I don't know if they'll have the same deal when they get more. :/

[-Shifty-]

READ THE STICKIES!!!!
http://airsoftpacific.com/viewtopic.php?t=101

[ScaredShooter]

If this helps, I would put in my word for the ICS 552. My pal got it on hot sale from GI for only $180. (Not trying to make you feel bad.) Great gun though, and with the stock folded it's a stick-in-pocket length.

[Jewish Ninja]

The ICS SIGs are great guns. I personally love mine and a teammate can say the same for his. They don't use a V3 though, its a V2. As for the gearset, I wouldn't change them. The stock gears and shim job is great. I would add a tightbore since it'll perform much better with it. It will probably need a spring change if you plan on using it for cqc since they come shooting ~400.

Don't buy a gun because you want to be different and stand out. The only way you'll be able to do that is by building it yourself. No matter how uncommon it is, someone will still have one. Buy whatever visually tickles your pickle.

[marker]

@hellkills

Hell, for around $300 you should go for something like this: G&P-CQB/R

That $70 more then buying the ICS-552... And, the FPS is lower, the gears are version-2, many people complain that the charge handle likes to break and I can't find any information on warranty for the G&P-CQB/R. Then I read the A.E warranty section.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may contact us within SEVEN (7) days of receipt of your order for a Return Authorization.

By the time I got the rifle, the 7 day period would have passed. I can get that weapon for $50 less in A.Megastore and get a 30 day return policy if I don't like the rifle. 60 day warranty on Manf. defects and shipping damage.

While trying to write this my friend came over to take me gear shopping. I'll answer more post when I get back...

Until then, thanks for the replies and information!

[chilicon]

Hey, I'm not trying to make you buy the rifle, I just gave you a suggestion... And where do you live? Mine came in like 3 days. I also have not had any trouble with anything so far. *knocks on wood*

[league 4]

No offense, but you've really been going the wrong way with your assumptions on internals and what's good and what isn't. The material of a tightbore doesn't matter NEAR as much as the quality. I'd rather have a brass EDGI tightbore over the matrix anyday, I have one of the matrix ones in my SR16, got pretty decent results, and same story with my Masada. After trying a madbull in the Masada, I've been getting very noticeably better results, and the Prometheus in my XM110 is even better, and the lonex in my DD M4 is even better than the Prometheus. 90% of guns are fully upgradeable. Unless it's an extremely uncommon gun, it'll have an aftermarket part for just about everything in the gearbox. TM SIG's don't have V2 gearboxes, and neither do ICS ones... Jewish Ninja, where did you hear that from? Here's a picture of the gearbox:



Clearly a V3... That was a 551 reviewed though. Do you have the 552 or something? Maybe they're different, I don't know. TM has the best quality control on the market, and have been known to last for hundreds of thousands of rounds stock. Also, never take ASGI's advice for what's good. I would say all retailers, but I know that AONW has good techs that know what they're talking about (or at least commiehunter does, maybe you got someone that wasn't really a store tech when you called?), because:

Version-3 Gearbox, v3 steal gears, M120 spring, Poly-piston and piston-head, baring spring guide. And what A.GI calls "the best stock hop-up in a sub-$300 rifle.

Having a V3 gearbox doesn't really matter, it is just what certain types of guns have. There is no such thing as V3 specific gears, V2/V3 and most other guns use the exact same types of gears. Even the low end of guns like JG have steel gearsets, and polycarb pistons and piston heads aren't above any standards. Some, like VFC and deepfire for example even have metal piston heads. The hopup isn't really anything to consider either, it's roughly the same as a G3 or G36 hopup IIRC, and as long as it holds its setting and pushes the nub down far enough, it's going to be about as good as anything else that does the same. That gearset won't make your battery last 35% longer... It doesn't do anything but make it so you don't have to shim the gears. If the gun had a perfect shim job, it'd be as smooth as the modify gears. You're just buying into what ASGI says... An honest mistake for someone new, but most of the stuff they say, you can't believe. I know people that have been told by the ASGI tech staff that a 50rps+ gun is impossible, when it definitely isn't. If you do get the ICS, I'd suggest upgrading the cylinder parts before the gears.

[Jewish Ninja]

I have the ICS 551. I didn't see a motor cage so I assumed it was a V2. Gearboxes aren't my strong point