Best Beginner AEGs for ~$200?
 

Hey guys, looking at getting my first AEG and looking to see what gives the best bang for the buck at around $200 (willing to go up to around $250).

I am mostly interested in AKs but if there are far better deals in a different platform it will be considered as well.

Right now I'm looking at the G&G RK47 and the CYMA with all wood/metal. Is there a large difference in quality? I find it strange I can get them both around the same price but CYMA offers the nicer (I assume?) materials.

If you're going to go for an AK, take a pick between the full steel Dboys AK74s and the CYMA steel CM-048 series. Both of them have similiar prices and steel receivers. Where they differ is how much steel is used; most of the Dboys will be steel while on the CYMA only the receiver and one or two other parts are made of steel, everything else is zinc alloy. The CYMA will have rock solid internals while some modification may need to be done to the Dboys, possibly up to the point of buying a new gearbox.

CYMA's are generally decent workhorses especially their AK's which use a V3 gearbox and tend to last for a while, but I personally think the best bang for your buck is the King Arms M4 metal body version for like $249.

Keep in mind that besides AEG you would need mags, batteries, charger, half decent LBV/webbing to start with, good eye protection, foot wear etc etc. When it comes to guns or gear, don't cheap out. Buy once, buy good.

G&G is more user friendly IMO as they have a pretty good replacement parts service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQXJ0CUY1FM

The CYMA sounds better to me with the reliable internals, is a zinc-based exterior still fairly durable?

That king arms gun also looks really nice, and I have heard good things about their internals.

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys, I look forward to hearing more!

There is a CYMA MP5K-PDW in the for sale forum now, I would've love to pick that one up if I don't have a MP5 already.

Full metal, light weight - easy to use - cheap to replace parts with.

Cyma internals are ok but it also depends on your luck. Some older runs I've seen still shoot without any intervention into the mechbox, some crap out after 2-3 mags. Zinc alloy-pot metal receivers is something you should leave behind when there is access to steel/aluminum. Cold bluing them is a pain, they break easier, they feel different to touch etc. etc.

G&G is a good choice imo.

save up an extra $100 and you can get a top of the line LCT AK

+1 for this. I don't personally use AK's, but I've held, shot, and been shot by LCT's plenty.

If you would consider an AR based platform, I've got lots of good to say about the King Arms metal M4's. Good internal and externals. Great starter gun. They frequently go for 200$.

+1 AK-74M's are going for what $340 these days.

*Back in my day we paid $350 for CYMA potmetal guns, you yougin's have it easy these days*

Unfortunately I dont think I can justify spending 350 on a starter gun. While I am sure they are nice, I am just starting out and dont want to blow that kind of money.

Seriously thinking about that KA M4 and the CYMA Ak now... Will hopefully get to hold them in person and decide that way.

As far as ak's go, would you recommend the cyma or the rk from G&G? I gather the gg one is the same price as the cyma full metal because it has nicer internals?

Welcome to airsoft. Be prepared to spend $1000 before stepping on the field.

I would highly recommend the King Arms M4 as a starter AEG. Its a great starting platform, and you cannot beat the price.