The Differences between the New and the Original

EDIT: This article has been amended on August 6th, 2024.

As you might have heard or already seen we are actively releasing new products throughout summer. Some of these products come with familiar names like the ARP 9 2.0, ARP 556 2.0 and the SR M-LOK Series. With these popular models getting an upgrade internally and externally, we wanted to explain what’s the difference between the new model verses the original to help you decide which one is the best AEG for you.

ARP 9 vs ARP 9 2.0

The ARP 9 was a game changing close-quarter combat (CQB) AEG launched in 2016. The original ARP 9 was a huge hit when it was released and voted Best AEG by Popular Airsoft in 2018. Fast forward to 2022 we are looking to continue the success of the original ARP with the all-new ARP 2.0 (SKU: EGC-ARP-9V2-BNB-NCM).

This updated ARP 9 is equipped with a longer 7" full aluminum M-LOK rail and detachable handstop. The iconic polymer receiver keeps the overall weight down. The new GOS-V9 minimalist retractable PDW-style stock gives you more space to fit your battery to reduce the need for a battery extension unit. In addition, we have increased the standard magazine capacity from the standard 60-round magazine on the original ARP 9 to a new larger capacity of a 170-round magazine with the ARP 2.0.

Internally, a longer 168mm inner barrel is installed as compared to the original 128mm length of the ARP 9. The polymer rotary-up improves consistency when adjusting your hop-up unit. As for the brains, an improved electronic trigger unit (E.T.U.) and the newest Gen 4. MOSFET is installed for crisp trigger pulls and enhanced battery protection. The ARP 9 2.0 is now available. 

ARP 556 vs ARP 556 2.0

The ARP 9 isn't the only AEG getting an upgrade this Fall. The new ARP 556 2.0 (SKU: EGC-556-V02-BNB-NCM) will be making its debut in September with the ARP 9 2.0.

This updated ARP 556 is equipped with a full aluminum M-LOK rail and detachable handstop. The iconic polymer receiver keeps the overall weight down yet durable. The new GOS-V9 minimalist retractable PDW-style stock gives you more space to fit your battery and can be adjusted to one of 5 positions. An optional battery extension unit (sold separately) will be available to maximize for even more space. The included 300-round high-capacity GMAG is made out of high-strength nylon reinforced polymer construction and comes with rubber texturized finger grooves for increased handling while reloading.

Internally, a 6.08mm 168mm inner barrel is installed, 40mm longer than the original. The polymer rotary hop-up chamber improves the consistency and precision of adjustments. As for the brains, an improved electronic trigger unit (E.T.U.) and the newest Gen 4. MOSFET is installed for crisp trigger pulls and enhanced battery protection.

SR Series vs M-LOK SR Series

In 2016, we released the Combat Machine SR Series which changed the playing field for players. It was our first entry-level AEG series to be equipped with a performance-enhancing electronic trigger with a programmable 3-round burst. 

Time changes and so do our AEGs to keep being competitive on the battlefield. The all-new SR M-LOK Series will come in 3 different lengths. The SRS M-LOK 7" (EGC-16P-RSM-BNB-NCM), SRL M-LOK 9" (EGC-16P-RSM-BNB-NCM) and the SRXL M-LOK 12" (EGC-16P-XLM-BNB-NCM).

We've upgraded to a CNC-machined M-LOK rail for easier compatibility with all your M-LOK accessories. That's not all. We also updated the hardware on the SR M-LOK Series with our newest GOM V2 105 round magazine for better feeding, our GOS-V8 buttstock for increased battery space on our SRL and SRXL models, a new GOS-V9 PDW style stock for the SRS M-LOK, and our latest ergonomic Pistol Grip V1 for improved handling.

Internally, it's powered by the Ifrit 25K motor built with strong neodymium magnets. It's equipped with our latest MOSFET, electronic trigger unit (E.T.U.), and rotary hop-up for uncompromised performance.

[August 6th, 2024 EDIT] To comply with FPS limits throughout many fields in the US and to bring down overall costs for the SR M-LOK Series, the 25K Motor has been replaced with the 18K Motor. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

You can’t go wrong with any of the new models being released this month. Each offer a wide range of performance improvements for indoors and outdoors gameplay. It comes down to price and how much you want to spend on the latest version of the ARP 9, ARP 556 or SR M-LOK Series. All of these models will be available this month at your local dealer.