M120 spring + 11.1 20C LiPo + 15k rounds = ...

[Jester316]

So, now that I need a new gearbox, anyone have any experience with the Element complete replacement? Element P/N: EX178


PS: When people say don't dry fire your replica, this is why....

[Merchant]

Out of curiosity, what brand is that shell that you broke?

[PanzerFaust]

dayum! ever considered the STS?

[Jester316]

Merchant: It's a Dboys stock shell and parts. The only upgraded parts in it were the Madbull M120 spring (which is longer than the gearbox), and a bearing spring guide.

Panzer: Never even heard of that... but I'll look into it.

[league 4]

STS isn't worth it.. I don't even keep mine in my gun. The only people I know with element gearbox shells can't even get them to close due to horrible tolerances.

[Jester316]

League4, are those pre built shells, or shells they've put components into? I've heard that building it yourself is hit and miss, but the prebuilt ones aren't bad.

[Nec]

STS isn't worth it.. I don't even keep mine in my gun. The only people I know with element gearbox shells can't even get them to close due to horrible tolerances.

league, I remember you trading Hollen a STS and then he traded back because it didn't fit in his VFC 416. exactly why do you know?

I bought two element 9mm version 3 gearboxs. I installed one in my VFC AK74su and the other I sold simply because they are such a pain in the a$$ to put together.

[league 4]

The 416 upper was shaped differently. It's hard to explain without showing it to you, but I can next game we're at if you want me to. But Jester, they were the shells that didn't include any internals. The ones with internals already in them I'd assume would work decently because they are QC checked and have a surprisingly long factory warranty... But they do only have M90 springs.

[Minerva]

Eh I think I saw someone selling a Prowin CNC'd gearbox on ASM. Supposed to be indestructible

[Riddick]

dry firing your weapon causes no harm. A bb being present or not does not releave stress on the gearbox front end. It does not act as a cushion.

Jester, your cracked gear box is not uncommon which is why you see manufacturers like KWA have reinforced front ends on their shells.

but given the cyclic rate of a lipo. i could see it wear quicker by the quicker repetitions on the front end versus a slower battery.

[Russkie]

All Version 2 Gearboxs will crack right there eventually, 11.1 or not. It's just a flaw in the design.

As for Element, they are really hit or miss. I use plenty of Element parts in my gun, but a few had to have some serious modification in order to fit due to bad tolerances. I'd give their gearbox shells a shot since they are good, but you just may end up with the unlucky lemon that will give you nightmares installing it.

[Transition]

8 year old TM stock gear box, blew the entire front off....yeah 8 years shit happens

[Switchback]

Jester, I used to upgrade guns for noobs (and owned a few for private games), so I know what will take full auto with an M140 for a while. Systema shells work fairly well, but the element has a warranty and seems pretty tough.

This part of the shell always fails. If the shell is the problem, this is it! Why doesn't a company make something that can hold up to stress better? Maybe cabling wrapped at tension through the upper shell to keep the pressure equalized?

Just an idea.

[league 4]

dry firing your weapon causes no harm. A bb being present or not does not releave stress on the gearbox front end. It does not act as a cushion.

This. I've never understood why so many people think dry firing is so bad...

[Bulldog]

I wouldn't say it happens to all of them, before I sold my hk21 I had put around 160k through it on the 8mm box and the internals still looked great.