EDGE II VER.2 GEARBOX W/MICRO FET
APS launches the new EDGE II, its new version 2 gearbox with Micro Fet. To avoid confusion, really it’s Edge II because it was Edge I before, which was just called “Edge”, and both are version 2 because it’s the type of gearbox that goes in an M4.
It is clear that progress has been made from the previous gearbox, which already signified a leap forward in technology in the inner features offered by APS, taking its AEGs to a level of competitiveness that is just as good as the major manufacturers in the sector at this time. And it’s fully compatible with the standard Tokyo Marui models, a Japanese brand of reference in the sector.
MOSFET
This new gearbox comes with a mosfet that improves the overall performance of the AEG. The IC chip of this Micro FET is imported and has undergone the demanding stress tests required by APS with 11.1v batteries (one 45C LiPo battery, one M140 spring and one High Torque motor). On top of that, the wiring is silver, as is usually the case with this brand. It also comes with an add-on fuse to make it safer and a T-Dean finish, although in the box we can also find the T-Dean to Tamiya adaptor.
Trigger
The firing system follows a conventional model like the TM and no electronic trigger is assembled. However, an improvement is seen in the materials and assembly, and more specifically in the trigger switch, which gives rise to an increase in its sensitivity and therefore the response speed of the replica.
Quick change spring
This gearbox has a quick change spring system which will come in handy for us to maintain the replica without the need to get our head around opening and closing it, as a 7 mm Allen key will be enough (well, it’s not the standard 6 mm, but it works in the same way). What’s more, APS uses a four-flap system in the spring guide instead of the classic two flaps in order to make it safer and more durable.
Piston
It comes with a piston with full metal teeth made of steel, which increases the durability of the whole replica. The piston head is metal and comes with an O-ring that generates a tight air seal in each shot. Internally it comes with bearings in order to, along with those of the spring guide, achieve optimum performance of the spring in high rates of fire.
Cylinder
The cylinder is ventilated and made of stainless steel. The surface of the inside of the cylinder is extremely smooth in order for the O-ring of the piston head to slide better, giving rise to decreased wearing away and greater maintenance of this part.
Cylinder head
The cylinder head is made of aluminium and has a double O-ring. By using metal, APS tries to stabilize speed while the O-rings improve the seal and overall performance of the replica’s firing system. What’s more, inside it has an oversized rubber to soften the hitting of the two metal heads, therefore also increasing its durability.
Nozzle
And in the pneumatic set of this gearbox, we can see that the nozzle is also metal. The manufacturer emphasizes that this makes it heavier and more hard-wearing than the plastic one, meaning it is better protected against rubbing. However, at the same time, it may end up reducing the replica’s ROF since it is heavier. Having said that, we don’t think this slight difference in the overall weight has too much of an influence, and instead we would highlight the tight seal generated by its inner O-ring.
Gears
The gearbox comes with 8 mm bearings on which we can assemble all kinds of gears and even different ratios such as 18: 1 / 16: 1 / 13: 1, without the set being affected.
Spring guide
The spring guide is in two parts: the tube is made of polymer and the metal head is coated in gold. It has bearings to make it easier for the spring to twist, particularly in high rates of fire or when continuously firing automatically.
Blowback
The outer box containing the inner parts has the typical grooves of the blowback system assembled by this brand. They are used by the side pieces of the plate to move back and forward and so that, with the movement of the piston in each shot, it moves, meaning we can feel the bolt of the firearm opening and closing. However, the plate that we have doesn’t have any side pieces as they have been filed down, so any possible blowback is cancelled out.
Bolt catch
The boltcatch system is manual. Once you fire the charging handle backwards, you must activate the boltcatch release the other way round (instead of pressing it, you must pull it) and this will ensure that the plate is held back. Once you press the release button, it will go back to its usual position.
