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I’d consider G&G and Arcturus both to be excellent “beginner, budget” brands for their relatively low cost high performance rifles. Both companies are multitalented, however, and offer a series of more expensive premium rifles as well. While they both offer a wide range of products that cater to different budgets, they approach each step of the price-point ladder with varying degrees of success. Let’s take a closer look!
G&G:
Since the dawn of airsoft’s rise to popularity, G&G has long been the standard for budget excellence. Their legendary Combat Machine series rifles have offered newer players generous performance and reliability for a sub $200 price point since the early 2000s. To this day, the basic combat machine system has received little updates in its design and still remains as a competitive option.
The CM16 Combat machine is a fine primary. Though as more and more companies develop entry-level models with more quality of life features, the good ol’ CM16 begins to feel its age more and more. When it comes to G&G, if you leap just $80-$100 more on the price point, the difference in technology becomes night and day. This companies midrange rifles settled around the $250-$350 price point are genuinely some of the best performing platforms in the entirety of airsoft. A notable example is the ARP9 3.0, which features impressive range and accuracy for its small stature and a trigger response that will have you competing head on with even $800+ HPA setups.
At the top end of G&Gs lineup, you’ll find their full metal options and unique specialty weapons. G&G has always asked for a bit more than other companies when it comes to a full metal build construction, mostly due to the fact that they use a high quality lightweight metal that feels anything but cheap. These premium rifles typically come equipped with all the same internal excellence found in G&Gs midrange options!
Arcturus:
More and more do I find myself recommending Arcturus to newer players. At the entry level price range, Arcturus offers more technology and quality of life features than any other brand, and their Sword series in particular stands out as one of the hobbies' best bang for your buck beginner rifles. I recommend this rifle even to seasoned players that just want another high performance AR in their arsenal!
Arcturus has a fascinating midrange lineup filled with ARs and AKs sprinkled with their fancy electronics and innovative mechanical designs. I will admit that many of their features are most alluring to the more tech-savvy of airsoft players, as the Arcturus platforms seem to be designed with frequent disassembly and maintenance in mind. If you’re curious about internal mechanisms and modifying your rifle, I couldn’t recommend some of Arcturus’s midrange models more!
At the peak of what Arcturus has to offer, a wide selection of highly upgraded modernized AK rifles takes the stage. Their FE and PE internals are what I would consider “maxxed out” right from the factory. If you’ve got the coin and aren’t looking to compromise on any feature of your AK, Arcturus is the way for you.
Beginner Friendliness
For newcomers to airsoft, ease of use and reliability are crucial. Both G&G and Arcturus cater to beginners in different ways.
G&G:
The G&G Combat Machine series is renowned for its beginner-friendly nature. The CM16 Raider, for instance, is lightweight, easy to handle, and extremely reliable. Its simple design and robust build make it an ideal choice for new players who may not be familiar with the intricacies of airsoft maintenance. Additionally, G&G guns are known for their out-of-the-box performance, reducing the need for immediate upgrades. Simple and streamlined, G&G will ensure that your next day at the field will be headache free!
Arcturus:
Arcturus rifles, while packed with advanced features, are also designed with beginners in mind. Their budget models, like the Sword, offer ease of use with features like an electronic trigger MOSFET and a quick-change spring system, making maintenance and consistent trigger feel simpler for new players. However, the slightly more complex features might require a bit of a learning curve compared to G&G's straightforward designs. If you’re willing to get a bit more familiar with the intricacies of how an electric airsoft rifle functions, the Arcturus series may have a better payoff than G&G’s simple designs.
Performance
Performance is where both brands truly shine, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Neither of these brands will cut you short when it’s game time!
G&G:
G&G rifles, particularly the Combat Machine series, are celebrated for their reliability and consistent performance. The CM16 Raider, for example, comes with the G&G Green hop-up bucking, which provides excellent range and accuracy right out of the box. The newer models, like the ARP9, come with advanced features such as the Electronic Trigger Unit (ETU) and a high-torque motor, ensuring quick trigger response and improved firing rates. G&G’s emphasis on performance ensures that even their budget models can hold their own on the field.
Arcturus:
Arcturus rifles are designed for high performance, featuring modern enhancements that cater to more competitive players. Their budget M4 includes a 24k RPM Neodymium motor and a MOSFET, ensuring quick trigger response and high rate of fire. The Arcturus C.A.T. series takes it further with a split gearbox design for easy maintenance and a tunable sector gear for pre-cocking, providing an edge in semi-automatic firing speed. The PE and FE series, with their high-speed gearbox and advanced MOSFET, pushes the boundaries of out-of-the-box performance in airsoft.
Durability
Durability is an important factor for players who aren’t looking to treat their rifle like a delicate flower. In outdoor fields especially, rough handling, heat, and the elements can test a rifle's mettle.
G&G:
G&G's use of high-quality polymer and metal in critical areas ensures their rifles can take a beating. The Combat Machine series, while primarily polymer, has long been praised for its time tested resilience. I’ve seen players pick up a Combat Machine as their first rifle, then move on to higher end systems down the line just to find that five years later their old Combat Machine is the only gun they have that still works. G&G’s design philosophy when it comes to durability is to create a system like a piece of true “sporting equipment,” built with the expectation it’s going to be tossed around.
Arcturus:
Arcturus rifles are above average in their build construction. Their budget polymer stands out as some of the nicer feeling on the market, and their full metal line is much the same. Do note that Arcturus rifles are notably more complex that G&G rifles and may have more parts susceptible to breaking down.
Upgradability
For enthusiasts who enjoy customizing and upgrading their rifles, both G&G and Arcturus present potential.
G&G:
G&G rifles are historically known for their compatibility with aftermarket parts, following the standard Tokyo Marui design in just about all of their AEGs. This makes upgrading internal components like the hop-up, barrel, and gearbox relatively straightforward. The Combat Machine series, while excellent out of the box, can be significantly enhanced with various aftermarket parts, allowing players to tune their rifle’s performance as needed.
Arcturus:
Arcturus rifles also offer excellent upgradability, with many of their models featuring advanced internal components that are easy to replace or enhance. The split gearbox design in the C.A.T. series, for example, simplifies the process of upgrading or maintaining the compression system. The tunable sector gear and other modular features make it easy for players to customize their rifles trigger/cycle feel for optimal performance.
Summary
Both G&G and Arcturus bring unique strengths to the airsoft market, catering to different types of players with their innovative designs and reliable performance.
Cost: G&G offers time tested reliable, budget-friendly options like the Combat Machine series, while Arcturus provides high-performance features at competitive prices. I would give Arcturus the slight edge in value for their most budget entry level rifle, while G&G inches out a tad more performance in the midrange. Both their premium lines are excellent for the price!
Beginner Friendliness: G&G's straightforward and reliable designs make them ideal for beginners, whereas Arcturus offers more advanced features that, while beneficial, might require a learning curve.
Performance: Both brands excel, with G&G focusing on reliable performance and Arcturus pushing the envelope with modern enhancements.
Durability: Both brands ensure their rifles are built to last, with G&G sticking mechanical simplicity and Arcturus incorporating more robust materials.
Upgradability: Both brands offer significant potential for customization, with G&G being compatible with a wide range of aftermarket parts and Arcturus providing advanced, easy-to-mod internal designs.
In the end, the choice between G&G and Arcturus comes down to personal preference and what specific features or qualities a player values most. Whether you prioritize ease of use, advanced features, or upgradability, both brands are an epic choice for your next airsoft rifle!