AK74 CYMA 031 ($175). Is that a fair price?
 

I managed to locate someone offering a CYMA 031 AK74 (new in box I believe) for the price of $175 cdn. I've read reviews and it seems while CYMA is mostly garbage, this model is a fairly good low end AEG.

The price seems a little inflated though.

I haven't been aged verified yet so I don't know how to compare it to a used AEG that are often sold here.

I'm asking is it worth the price?

(I cannot afford a 200+ AEG right now)

Cheers

If you cant afford a good gun, dont by a cheap one instead. Really, just dont.

And you still need to be age-verified to purchase anything like that legally. Did you contact the local age-verifyers yet?

From what I've heard the new CYMA guns are pretty good for the price, but I haven't used one yet. Best bet would be to find someone who's used both them and the higher end AEGs and get an opinion from them.

Greylocks: I'm not asking if it's not a cheap gun. I'm asking if it's worth the $175.

Kalnaren: I've read that too, that's why I'm asking here if anyone has owned one. For 2/5 the price of a TM I'm wondering if this is actually a good deal on a low performance AEG or overpriced pacific mall garbage.

Edit: (this isn't from pacific mall, I've heard about the horror stories from there)

Considering I'd likely do using it for indoor play anyway the lower FPS doesn't bother me too much.

I don't think they're low FPS. The CYMA 027 shoots at 300+, I think the 031 is like 270+... I wouldn't use those indoors.

For an in Canada price -- that is an awesome price. Snatch it up, seriously.
If it is in US, don't get it. It will get seized. In Canada, get it.

It's just like getting a TM, except it's a AK74M and the internals aren't quite as good. Just put some metal bushings in and you should be good to go for a while

EDIT (Shameless sales plug)

If you can't find any cheap bushings (metal) that is something that will need to be upgraded on this gun, otherwise you will likely have gear damage (according to reviews), I've got a new set of SystemA bushings.

PM me if you're interested ($10 shipped - Pay by Paypal or EMT)

Nada

http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/revie.../cat/16/page/1

Yeah, I'd say it's worth $175CDN. Remember that Canadian airsoft prices are much less competitive than American prices across the board, regardless of brand.

Wall-hanger/prop: Great deal, go for it
Use in airsoft game: Maybe... after upgrading, it'll probably fuck up every other game or so

I'll be clear; no.

As for what you want to do with an airsoft; no.

Just like the gun, right? :)

I really want to write an FAQ for this. I understand you're inquiring about value, but I think this applies.

You - Get - What - You - Pay - For

If by 'beginner gun' you mean something you can purchase for a cheap price and that might perform adequately: Then Yes.
If by 'beginner gun' you mean something that is reliable (won't break every few weeks), and durable (can't be shot through like the old CYMA shot guns), and low maintenance (so you don't have to pull it apart to fix it), and competitive (something that will give you a decent feel for the game): Then No.

It's been a long time since I've been a beginner. And I understand your impatience and the lure of inexpensive 'not too bad' equipment. But I always figured I'd rather purchase something that will last and that I can rely on instead of something as a quick fix. You're either out 150 bucks every time your CYMA gun breaks, or you save a few hundred more and get something you know is a solid product.

Can't stop you from buying them of course, but just like buying from the States.. Don't come complaining to us if it doesn't work after two weeks. The warnings were there. "We told you so."

Hmm... Well, lets see. We know there are low end, cheap LPEGs. We know there are high end, expensive AEGs. Does it not make sense that there is something in the middle? I mean is it ALL black and white? Evil and good? Or can there maybe, possible, be a medium in there too? Maybe a grey area (because we all know airsoft is about the grey area) where middle-level guns actually exists?

Going by all those comments about clear guns, has people actually read that review link I posted?

I spend a fair bit of time over at Arnies, and the opinion on the recent Cymas are quite favourable. Anyone who knows anything about airsoft understands that these aren't equal to TM, or in the case of the 031, CA. However, they've come a long way from being LPEGs. Would I buy a Cyma 031 as my first gun? Probably not. Would I buy it as a project gun or loaner? Definately. I could gut and replace all the suspect internals and have a close approximate of the CA SLR for a fraction of the price.

My next gun wont be a CYMA, thats for sure. But the way I see it, I can get this gun now, last a few months and when I'm not as broke and get a nice TM G36. If I turns out I don't like it, or airsoft at all. I can give this AK74 to my film friend who could make good use of it even if the thing didn't have a gearbox in it.

This is not from the States. Local classifieds. I'll definitely inspect it condition very well before making the final decision.

i would say save up....i bought a cheap m4 b4...SRC.....it was ok...but died so much...money pit if you ask me

Maybe because those of us who have seen these guns are far from convinced to even look at the new ones?

Maybe because when the original poster says he cant afford a gun over $200... then $175 makes not much sense? Maybe because he probably forgot about the other things he needs to make this gun work, maintain it, and get it repaired (which is not free) that will send that price far over $200 anyway?

Maybe because you are new too and cant wait? Or perhaps, like all new under-age players you suddenly have the miracle cure for all?

Tell you what; you can get yourself age-verified, then access the Classifieds section. With a bit of time, you can buy a used gun in excellent shape, with accessories, for under $400. That is an excellent deal, and the odds of getting crap are very low.

Maybe what I posted had absolutly nothing to do with that? Maybe you ignored what was written in order to take a shot like you do on many occaisons?

Maybe you're wrong. Oh wait, it's completly impossible that the all mighty knowing Greylocks would EVER be wrong about anything.

You mean the classifieds section I can access without logging in? And thus, access without being age verified?

Stop trolling in this thread please.

Greylocks: I can see what you are saying, but you are also acting like a jerk.

I'm asking is for someone who has actually owned or used a CYMA AK74 031 and if they would say $175 is a fair price for it.

Id personally go for it, if I didnt pickup an ICS AK recently. IMO its well worth the money in Canada.

Its been up there for sale for a while too, first 200, than 185, now 175... perhaps wait, and than offer 150?

Cheers,
Alex

if it's all you can get, go for it. not everybody is rolling around in moneybags, i remember when i first started out, all i could afford was my GBB going up against the big boys with their AEGs. sure i got slaughtered every game, but the 3-4 kills I got that day made it worth it.

you can buy a better gun when you're making money, like we all do. no one can buy the best when they're poor. Hell my first real AEG i bought after working 3 months in a factory! only now have i got a complete kit and all neccessities for airsoft, and that set me back several grand.

ignore all the trollies for the time being and get what you feel you can get at the moment. there's always the future to get a better gun.

For $175, it's not too bad.

I'd get one to keep around as a loaner.

Look around red-alliance.net people reviewed Cyma guns there. I'd grab it if thing is metal and use body/barrel etc. for a project.

i read the 2 reviews there are bad parts like in every gun some more then others but if your going to use it indoor for the most part i don't see the harm i you have to replace some parts a month or 2 after you buy it so be it no gun is prefect. i say go for it keep it till you can get your TM then keep it still and use it to get your money back as a loner.

Dude I have been in your shoes, I know you are dieing to get in the game. You need to understand that these guys are actualy tring to help you out. You're going to find that this AEG is not going to compete on many fields includeing indoor ones. I honestly feel like you'll be throwing good money at bad. I have purchased many AEG's and GBB's some good some great and alot crappy. I was always frustrated with the crappy ones. I'd be at a game and get halfway maybe 3/4 thru a game and if I was real unlucky, right at the start of a game the gun would have troubles.

I've had few problems with TM! the other cheaper models I've owned have been a head ache and no way to get my return in game play or resale.

Seriously man save yer beans!

$175 is a steal - they go for between $50-100 more BNIB. Don't forget to add another $100 for parts - you'll need a TM AK hopup and new inner barrel right off, and likely new wiring and other assorted internals that can be replaced with stock/used TM internals (piston, tappet plate, bushings, piston, nozzle).

In the end you'll have a gun that's about as good as a brand-new TM for under $350....and that's a good thing.

All Cyma AEGs from 027 onwards are all on par with TM AEGs, except the internals are not as durable, but small price to pay for a fraction of the cost. and u cld always bring in a better geear box and internals without any problems too.

Honestly I recommend going to a game, renting or borrowing a gun first so you can try out airsoft. Then come back to this question and decide what kind of investment you want to make towards your AEG or if you even want to at all.

+1

In some countries where TM, CA, ICS etc. are expensive. China made airsoft is an alternative for those who cannot afford. From what I read from other forums Cyma is cross compatible with TM parts and not only that their quality is improving. Peace!

A CM 028 (Cyma AK-47) costs $300 new at AASurplus. Plus tax and shipping. This one is half the total, and a newer model. It comes with a hicap a battery and a charger. IMO, thats enough for a basic AEG loadout as a start, perhaps one more hicap or a couple locaps, MAYBE a better battery, but get it first and see how it is overall before you start making plans to accessories.

Get it, and post a review.

Cheers,
Alex

Maybe you dont like my answers, but when a Site Administrator gives advice you should pay attention to it.

You said you'd check out the gun. How will you know if it's fine when you have no experience with them at all? Will the owner take it apart and show you the mechbox components? If he does, will you know what you are looking at?

If you really insist on going for this deal, get it checked by a local player with experience.

Remember you will need a decent battery charger, batteries, ammo, spare mags, safety equipment.

Read about where you can use these things legally too.

You are still better off waiting to get age-verified and gathering your money for a good gun. That way, even if you dont like it, you can turn around to sell it and not lose much cash.

OMG why has this site become a noob magnet!

Hahahahahahaha
http://www.forumspile.com/LOL-Lollerskates.gif

+1
http://www.forumspile.com/Belittle-Like_a_noob.jpg
There is a middle. Your low end is -$400, mid is $500 to $700, high end is $800 to $2,500.

HA HA HA HA HA.

Cool, thanks for actually replying to what was posted!

Another question. Most AEGs seem to retail in the 500-700 range. Does this mean that most AEGs are actually middle-grade? I just ask because in my experiance (and I should say, non-airsoft experiance before Greylocks has a fit), just because something costs more doesn't necessarily mean it's higher end.

From what I can tell of airsoft guns, a lot of the ones up over $1k still have similar internals to the "middle" guns. For example, wwiiguns.com has an MG-42 for something like $1,200 US that uses the same internals as a TM M-16. I know most of the cost probably comes from having a gun that looks like pure sweetness, but is the actual quality of the higher priced equipment any better than the middle priced stuff?

The high cost of the MG42 is because its a super rare gun. Very few are made and the quality is beyond awesome. You'll notice that for many guns over $1,000, however, I wasn't referring to a collectors item like the MG42, but more along the lines of a Systema PTW, the undisputed best airsoft gun in the world and they have been known to sell for over $2,500.

Thats if your buying new. You take a look around the guns in the gallery, and they start off as $500 guns, but if it says "fully upgraded" you could be adding another $300 or more in value, and a few hundred more if your going to change things on the body. A high end airsoft gun could have been a $500 AEG, but with an easy $500 or more added to it.

Systema PTW with real optics, real MRE kit...this is one of my personal fav guns out there. I think the guy said its worth over $4,500 USD
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/7679/ptw223vs.jpg

The quality of a gun like the MG42 is best described if you think about cars.

You can buy a golf cart, or a Lada, or another cheap ass car to get around town. Or you can buy a decent entry level and dependable car (most anything Japanese), or you can go for luxury/exotics.

Yes, cost means quality of material used and expertise of the manufacturer.

When I see comments from people here who have tons of experience with AEGs all say the same thing; buyer beware and you get what you pay for... I tend to believe them first.

When comments like $200+ is too much money but I want to spend $175 on a gun with a bad reputation instead of waiting come up, it makes sense to rethink what the heck you want to get out of this or learn to budget.

I would not go buy a Cyma just to prove a point, it would be checked by someone else I'd trust before cash got spent.

Companies who are in business and are serious about their products never have to compare themselves to others, or say they are as good as others.

You have a quality product, or you dont.

Cyma is, by all accounts I saw, starting to get into the barely acceptable level as compared to good quality brands. But they are far from what Marui, ICS and CA are producing.

Greylocks and Droc:

Thanks for the answers both.

<200 right now. When I'm not struggling to pay off many things like food, school, medical bills and other "life things" I might be able to afford to put down the required 500 dollars on a TM AEG, but since I have heard only positive things about this gun and nothing but negative attitude from use greylocks; ;) it makes it really hard to take what you are saying.

(note: I also heard nothing but NEGATIVE things about all CYMA products before CM028 as being the worse items in all airsoft, so it is confusing)

I know a lot of shit head 15 year olds come in here and ask stupid and dangerous questions, and it is important to be unfriendly and hard on them. I have spent time researching this, what to look for in the AEG (the quality of the wiring, whether the gearbox has been oiled, (CYMA either uses extremely thick amounts of grease or zero) the battery connector, make sure it has a brace barrel, listen for a grinding noise, etc I know not to use cheap BBs that will come with it as they are imperfect and are not lubricated so will break apart in the barrel and damage it. I posted this on Airsoft Canada because I value the opinion of people experienced in the sport and about the value of AEGs. Greylocks you obviously have experience, but you are also an Xenophobe. So I'm not too keen on your experience at giving sound advice to newbies.

---

I have proper shooting glass which should be okay for just plinking. I intend to get proper fully enclosed ballistic glasses after my next paycheque but until then I'll likely lend the thing to my girlfriend to use in her basement (She's an RSO with the CIC so she's less likely to take out and eye then I am, Too bad she can't take it on the range with her cadets though.)

I still have all the BDU from my cadet days so all I really need besides the glasses is webbing, some real-caps and a lot of BBs and to take the ATQ1 so I am 100% confirmed to be safe.

One thing I AM worried about is getting a gun case with lock. I'm not quiet sure what kind what size would fit an AK74 (960mm according to guns.ru!).

Thanks for all the help.

Cheers.

Just remember that you can't wear ballistics glasses to all events. Those at paintball fields almost always require paintball goggles.

I've looking into getting a set paintball that has the removal able face mask.

Then again both my local Airsoft fields(?) being that Thursday Splatters event (paintball goggles only) and TTAC3 (full face strongly recommended) I think getting just a straight paintball mask first is more reasonable and just get the x800 or similar later.

I'm not the guy I was referring to when I said a Site Admin with tons of experience gave you advice. You ignored him too.

Have fun.

PS, for me to be a xenophobe, you'd have to be a foreigner and I'd have to pick on you for that reason alone. I'm picking on you because you refuse to use logic and common sense, and you contradict yourself.

Resisting urge to mega comment and add to the shit and garbage tossing already going on in this thread...

In my opinion, dont you think it would be smarter to take that 200, or 175 whatever you have now, and put it in a drawer... save it man! Then like you said in a month or two, after you have some more cash flow, after you have visited fields and players and games, so you have some more knowledge, get yourself a gun that you will be happy with. I am not you, but I will say with confidence, you will not be happy with that 175 Cyma...

All the guys one here that said SURE, Buy it! thats a great price, are reffering to if you have the 175 just to toss away on a play/plink gun just to mess around with, since you have made it clear that you dont, Save your money!

Have you noticed that pretty much all the guys who promote Cyma are either; not age-verified yet, underage (15-16), or extremely new?

There's a clue in there someplace.

DING!


Just wanted to see my sig! Looked like a dying thread anyways!

I remember seeing a video of a cyma exploding on youtube

I've actually been here longer than you, Hazard. :D

All the guys who promote Cyma also happen to be the ones who actually go out and read the reviews instead of basing it purely on early model Cymas. Wouldn't be too surprised if the same guys all have Arnies accounts... Maybe they brainwash people over there with their "chips" and tea times. :rolleyes:

Once upon a time, CA was known for its terrible QC and what not. I wasn't here for that, but I do remember when CA actually started to produce ever more reliable AEGs, a lot of the people who only knew the old CA were off handedly dismissive. Nothing wrong with experience, but there are always new experiences coming in, gotta balance the two. Cyma is improving, that's the most important part here. We ultimately all have our own criteria on acceptable pricing and quality, and philosophy on what one should enter the sport with. But let's not slam doors in people's faces for asking thought-provoking questions. Becase those damn Chinese ;) airsoft companies are cloning TM and CA like mad, and they are getting better at it at a pretty alarming speed.

banghead

another +1

Also check out filairsoft.com and look for "low end aeg" section on upgrades and reviews. I read a thread where a Cyma AK47 series had a spring, metal bushing, air nozzle, spring guide etc. upgrade shooting at 450fps.

While I'm not convinced new CYMA guns are crap, wouldn't that amount of upgrades kindof break it? I didn't think they were THAT upgradable. And btw how much did those upgrades cost?

The AK74 is a clone of the CA SLR, there are chinese aftermarket metal bodies for it. Check it out at GunnerAirsoft.com even if you have a broker don't waste your time inquiring, the owner ignores all Canadians lol

They are upgradable but not recommended as a starter gun. For the upgrades according to what I read. They swap the parts from used or brand new. I am not sure how much but close to HK price.

About one year ago I was getting ready to start airsoft. Suddenly all went to hell and I lost the people who were supposed to help me start out. Since back then I was a student, I did not have much funds available to me so I started doing pretty much what most new people do: look for a loophole or some sort of weakness in the system where I could play airsoft at all cost which by then meant by the cheapest possible way.

When one of those moment comes into my life, I sit and wait a week. If after a week nothing has changed then I proceed. So a year back, I sat and waited a week and realized that buying a cheap aeg was something more or less like a second choice. I prioritized getting a TM aeg but knew it impossible so I was opting for a cheap chinese aeg. That is when I realized that I might as well wait and get my first choice.

I've waited a year and a year later here I am, much more aware of the airsoft community as well as its people and its equipment.

I am days away from receiving my first AEG, I already own a GBB, have the equipment with me or coming in the mail and in two weeks I am receiving my other AEG. I am getting exactly what I've wanted a year ago and am not wasting my money on cheap alternatives.

I am not saying CYMA is crap since I've never used one. I am simply stating that if I were you, I would sit tight and wait because the sport will not go away but eventually the money will flow in and that's right about when you can buy your first choice and not risk regretting the cheap alternative.

It took me some time but I came to realize that airsoft cannot be enjoyed if you don't intend to invest in it. No matter what you might think, the airsoft sport is not a cheap sport. It has been proven countless many times, it will cost you from 800$ to 1200$cdn to start playing airsoft if you have nothing.

Airsoft is all about realism and realism is mostly achieved throughout your equipment. In reality, an AK doesn't fail. Will the CYMA fail? Most possibly. Would I invest 175$ into it? Definately not. Would I invest 150$ in it? Probably but I wouldn't field it in fear of breaking it (same goes to that Systema PTW; that's a show gun not a field gun). If you are willing to play airsoft as it is meant to be then I suggest you wait a little while up until you can buy something of a better quality.

If you only want that CYMA for garage plinking and to hang it on to your wall then go ahead. A 175$ AK-47 replica on a wall is a nice bargain plus you have the bonus of using it sporadically in your garage and once you really want to get into the sport, let it hang on the wall as a nice decoration and buy yourself a TM.

As to the CYMA brand in itself; sure it will eventually get better. They are copying designs that work with cheaper stuff. Eventually they will find a good compromise and come out with a nice AEG of that I am certain. I would not stay away from a CYMA, I would buy it if I had a TM AEG already; with a reliable AEG and enough money, if the CYMA breaks down it won't matter much for that small amount of money won't make any wave and I can still play with my TM. But for my first airsoft gun? No. I would not go for that.

Once you're age verified, as many people above me mentionned, you can get a nice used AEG for 400$ and it sometimes even come with a couple more mags as well as the battery for that very price. That CYMA is 175$ so lets say 200$. You wait 3 months and earn carefully your money and there's 400$ right there.

Good luck :)

I remember trying a TM Ak47 at the TTAC3 airsoft convention in the fall and this thing is a huge metal beast in comparison. It shoots fantastic, the gears sound like they are running smoothly (I guess I got a greased one) all the parts are rock solid, The whole forward barrel and gas assembly is solid metal, the upper and bolt cover are metal and the synthetic stock is rock solid. The barrel is brass. Though the hop-up seems overly effective. I haven't really tried it on a range so I don't know how accurate it is.

I wouldn't normally have risked spending money of something so so, but all the research I've done from reviews is that it is worth the risk

Picture:

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/6087/catgun9pn.jpg

Just kidding. Real picture coming soon.

Dude, finger off the trigger. Basic firearms safety, you know?

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/2...ykblock4vn.jpg

The magazine is very flimsy though. I wouldn't trust the battery either.

I'll open it up and inspect the wiring this weekend as well maybe the gearbox.

I see it this way, it's either a great deal on a mid range gun, or is a fixer upper. I like tinkering anyway.

(edit: PS, thats not me)

Cool, I'd be interesting in seeing what the internals are like.

I promised the person pictured that we could get to play with it stock first (she doesn't trust me)

PS: I really need to get age verified.

edit: It also appears that my cat loves chewing on the flash suppressor. which is strange because it is metal. He might just be jealous that the new rifle is getting all his attention.

Then you scroll down the forums, find a rep in your area, buy them a coffee at Tim Hortons, and you get verrified! Your in the GTA, there are a whole whack of reps here, go visit a game even.