So I Finally Tried E&L's AKs...

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  • Опубліковано 19 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 78

  • @GunGamersMedia
    @GunGamersMedia  4 місяці тому +21

    Before listing, we sent this video over to MOS Manufacture and they gave us some explanation and suggested fixes for a couple of the specific issues I brought up in this video:
    “The E&L detent for muzzle device are purposely make for US market to not retract all the way to prevent the orange tips being removed without tool. For other markets not having this law, the detents are able to retract all the way back like the real AK. The proper way to restore the detent function is to punch out the roll pins that retains the detent and modify the pin to allow for full travel. On some model it just needs to shorten the pin to proper length and on other models the clarence slot needs to be extended.
    In terms of the front sight canting to one side, it is an inherent issue with mass produced Aks. You are able to make some adjustment by loosening the outer barrel retaining set screws below the rear sight to a degree and retightening them.”

    • @botodin6979
      @botodin6979 4 місяці тому +5

      I wish they made that statement BEFORE half of all E&L owners messed up their AKs trying to fix this

  • @botodin6979
    @botodin6979 4 місяці тому +23

    Just some personal notes watching this video:
    Use oil to deal with rust. Don't spray paint the nice steel an ugly black color.
    Yeah, E&Ls tend to have issues with canted front sights. The front sight pin sucks because E&L never publicly offered a solution for this.
    Honestly, the M3 was very disappointing. I wished they used something like the Beryl, at least in the way its rail goes over the dust cover.
    Yes, the E&L essentials uses a ferrite "120 standard" motor.
    To remove the spring, all you have to do is: take off the motor grip, take off the selector switch, take off the dust cover and mock bolt assembly, and then take apart the magazine spacer assembly. You do NOT need to take apart the outer barrel assembly NOR the hop up chamber screw in order to change the spring, unlike CYMAs and LCTs.
    Arcturus magazines are really the best. E&L magazines aren't as bad as they used to be, but they A) won't function in older gen E&L AKs and B) they don't have extended followers. To make CYMA 74 mags fit, file a bit off of the front lip and maybe a TINY bit off the back. The same can be done to make the drum fit; once done, CYMA AK mags and drum can fit and feed into E&Ls.
    The issue with the selector I have found with the Perun v3 that I installed on an E&L gen2. I think it might just be mosfets being mosfets. What sucks is that they chose Aster instead of Perun hybrids, especially since the clicker v3 came out.
    Also, I'm not 100% sure, but E&L essentials AKs' mosfets don't seem to protect the trigger contacts when using an 11.1, meaning use it at your own risk. Again, I am not sure about this.
    E&L AKs, IMO, work so incredibly well because of their beautiful steel (and platinum wood but you gotta pay extra), easy disassembly, and price point. A platinum krink only costs $18 more than LCTs, to put that into perspective, and the essentials one costs about $150 LESS. Again, disassembly with E&L AKs is SUPER easy, and changing the gearbox spring is even easier.
    The notable flaws of E&L AKs that you didn't touch on in the video are: A) they tend to have subpar air seal, ESPECIALLY when compared to Arcturus; B) they have mediocre hop up chambers (better than LCT plastic but, come on, give us those lovely rotary ones from Arcturus); and C) the lack of diversity. E&L used to have AKMSUs, AIMRs, AIMSs, and other goodies. Now these are discontinued, and E&L says they're not bringing back their Romanian handguards. And I hope you're handy with a coping saw, caus that's the only way you can get an E&L AKM to take an East German style folding stock (LCT's can fit if you completely remove the rear stock tang). No more preinstalled ones. Heck, there aren't any E&L GBBR AKs DESPITE the fact that they showed them in a 2023 catalogue (Type 56 and AKM).
    E&L AKs are beautiful and sturdy, don't get me wrong. And I use one as the base for an RPK I built. But their true beauty shines in their easy spring changes and disassembly. And, especially with how much you and others seem to dislike the M3, not in their ability to make other AK models. Hopefully this changes and we get the Type 56 and SKS they hinted at 🙏, though personally I'm hoping for a Beryl or LMG. I know some people on the discord were hoping for E&L to make something like a PKM or RPD...

    • @velowelder6333
      @velowelder6333 4 місяці тому +1

      The mosfet will burn and stick to full auto on an 11.1 lipo, at least my essential 74N did, had to replace with a perun basic mosfet which boosted my rate of fire slightly.

    • @syrianballsman6421
      @syrianballsman6421 4 місяці тому

      spray paint is epic cope

    • @ivansucic9149
      @ivansucic9149 24 дні тому

      How did you managed to correct canted front sight?

  • @aandersson650
    @aandersson650 4 місяці тому +19

    they absolutely feel better than cyma aks

    • @botodin6979
      @botodin6979 4 місяці тому +6

      Yes, and they have steel barrels unlike CYMAs

    • @FalcoINC
      @FalcoINC 2 місяці тому +1

      What about E&L vs LCT?? How would you compare those two?

    • @botodin6979
      @botodin6979 2 місяці тому

      @@FalcoINC LCT is overpriced garbage

    • @BloPsy_Actual
      @BloPsy_Actual 2 місяці тому +2

      @@FalcoINC I still like E&L better. LCT uses some components that you can easily take off to change etc.
      On E&L everything is either riveted down, or press fitted (barrel assembly). They feel extremely sturdy, and they in fact are just that.

    • @FalcoINC
      @FalcoINC 2 місяці тому

      @@BloPsy_Actual Thanks. I've been looking at various AKs for my next purchase. I don't want to fool around with upgrading or swapping parts on this time. I just want something reliable out of the box that shoots well. I wish more brands would sell highly upgraded premium builds for AKs like you can find with some M4 platforms.

  • @nikolajovicic2791
    @nikolajovicic2791 4 місяці тому +7

    To be honest if you take all into consideration you cannot get better than E&L essential. For that price its best buy. I have an 74m essential and two LCT's. E&L is rock solid and reliable. My only advice would be to maybe increase the QC on the externals as you said. Good video

  • @Regularcheeze
    @Regularcheeze 4 місяці тому +7

    I have an E and L essential AKM. I have come to pretty much the same conclusions as you guys, great externals, small quirks but overall a great gun, would highly recommend.

  • @socialmarauder
    @socialmarauder 13 днів тому

    Ironically, a canted front sight block is VERY true to real steel

  • @MagnustheJust
    @MagnustheJust 3 місяці тому +3

    AK is love. AK is life. Embrace the AK. ✊😤

  • @WokeInTruth
    @WokeInTruth 3 місяці тому +2

    I just received the AK74u and I must say its quite nice. My only gripe is that the front iron sight appeared to be maybe crooked!? And the hopup was completely not engaged, which threw me off because im a new player. I was able to get it sorted with some tinkering. Out of the box mine came in right at 300fps. I can't wait to get to the field!

    • @Chris-hs8zd
      @Chris-hs8zd День тому

      E&l are very notorious for coming with crooked front sights lol

  • @Haddam-Sussein
    @Haddam-Sussein 12 днів тому

    For anyone interested in real-steel alike AK I will say you this. My first AK was a AKMS from E&L, essential line. Then I bought another AK-105 from Cyma. After that Cyma, I promised I won't buy again Cyma when I can get E&L instead. Now I have 4 AKs, 3 from E&L, one from Cyma, and another E&L AK-74U Platinum on it's way. I never shoot the Cyma, feels cheap in hands, plastic is flimsy, rattling folding stock, painted steel and pot meta on some externals. One thing that I like, is how well I can exchange parts on E&L, I can combine the receivers, stock and barrels in different ways, for when I'm bored.

  • @tronosneoauror
    @tronosneoauror 4 місяці тому +2

    Perun V3 does the same thing regarding the full-auto shooting the first time in semi, and also double shooting on semi from time to time.

  • @Ferrari255GTO
    @Ferrari255GTO 4 місяці тому

    I have tried MTB chain oil to preserve the steel as it's suposed to spread really thin and be resillient to friction and stuff, it could be a cheap and effective way to keep it looking nice

  • @NotLikethisComrade
    @NotLikethisComrade 14 днів тому

    I have two LCT AK's, an AK-74U and an AK-74N, an E&L AK-74U and a Cyma AK-74N and my favorite is LCT! The wood on LCT is much much better than the Essential series from E&L and I don't like the blued receiver on E&L, the finish is close to the China AK's and the LCT is close to the Soviet AK's. LCT remains my favorite, but E&L AK's are definitely not bad! They are on the same level as LCT

  • @fromtheblack3220
    @fromtheblack3220 4 місяці тому

    I appreciate this video; I haven’t been able to find much on the new E&Ls.

  • @HornetHobbyRC
    @HornetHobbyRC 3 місяці тому

    There’s a hidden allen bolt that you need to loosen in order it get that muzzle nub to fully retract. I have the AK74u

    • @BloPsy_Actual
      @BloPsy_Actual 2 місяці тому

      Where is it hidden? at the back of the front sight?
      EU versions do not have it, so I am just guessing

  • @82ismi
    @82ismi 4 місяці тому

    I have an E&L AK-105 Gen. 2 it seems, pre-upgraded by ML Diamond bucking and tensioner plus semi-only ASCU version (Germany). That gun is super nice to handle and shot. I mostly use CYMA Mags. Older ones fit without modifications, the newer ones had the front lips filed a little bit to fit, so no big deal. About the original E&L Mags: I dislike the weak springs and followers, replaced noth by CYMA ones. I also build a Frankenstein Mag from an E&L outer Mag and CYMA inner Mag - it works fine, good feeding, no wobble. The main thing about E&L is, you have to modify most accessories to fit it. Otherwise it is a very good gun.

  • @markusdee6136
    @markusdee6136 Місяць тому

    All of my airsoft AK (WE AK74, LCT LCKM, GHK AKM) all have their barrel a bit canted to the right. Even my father's Chinese AK Type56 has canted barrel also to the right so I thought it's just normal.

  • @redheadmetalhead247
    @redheadmetalhead247 4 місяці тому +3

    Canted front sight block just means they're even closer in spec to real AKs

  • @arteries223
    @arteries223 4 місяці тому +1

    I rattlecanned mine when i first got it and it still got super rusty. I never put in the effort to oil it or get the rust out, just keep repainting it every so often.

    • @Grilladsvamp57
      @Grilladsvamp57 3 місяці тому

      Use zink based primer. Zink will inhibit rust if it occurs.

  • @rjfischer2553
    @rjfischer2553 4 місяці тому +2

    You’re making me want an AK…

  • @darkshock42mlg05
    @darkshock42mlg05 4 місяці тому

    i store mine in a rifle sock with desiccant and it has clp on it. as a side note cyma is comming out with full steel ak's they are on Taiwan gun. they are part of the cyma platinum lineup so best internals ootb. also nwer cyma's have the neo magnet motor. older ones have a ferrite motor. as well but the wood is still probably balsa so expect some ugly Funiture on some..

  • @psoh52
    @psoh52 3 місяці тому

    Would love for a review of the new Cyma Platinum Steel AK's dropping soon! Thanks for the great video.

  • @TheMoleMan
    @TheMoleMan 4 місяці тому

    Something interesting to note about the essentials line is how they’ve improved the internals since release. I have one of the first batches of the AKM(purchased September 2021) and it has only 1 metal tooth on the piston and no mosfet. I don’t know exact dates but shortly after release they started using full metal tooth pistons. I believe in 2023 is when they started including basic mosfets in them. That same gun only costs $5 more today than when I bought mine. My only complaint is that the AKM STILL uses that Chinese Type 56 stock with a more downwards angle instead of the correct AKM stock. If I were to buy one again I would be very satisfied with getting a stronger motor and running the gun otherwise stock.

    • @max29pl
      @max29pl 4 місяці тому

      Upgrades are cool sure but those mosfets are such trash. Still better than nothing but anything higher than 7,4v lipo will burn it

    • @Haddam-Sussein
      @Haddam-Sussein 12 днів тому

      ​@@max29plI use 11.1v li-po in all my E&L AKs and I don't have any problems with the MOSFET.

  • @yaronscholtena6019
    @yaronscholtena6019 4 місяці тому +1

    I have a WE ak74 gbbr its so much better then any electric ak , i wouldn’t trade for anything

  • @shrillyy1604
    @shrillyy1604 4 місяці тому

    I have a gen2 e&l akm from 2018 or so and a newer ak105 from lct I bought in 2023. I’ll talk about what I think.
    E&l has a 1.5mm receiver in spec to Chinese aks. Lct uses a 1mm receiver spec from Russian aks. The steel on lct is slightly harder. Apparently lct rear sight block is milled where e&l is cast I can’t notice a difference. E&l gen2 have better wood than lct.
    E&l list of gripes
    Gas tube rattled a lot fixed with foam and electrical tape.
    Front sight is canted slightly to the right.
    Once a e&l is worn in it feels a little looser/smooth. Mag release spring get week. Selecter being from weaker steel than lct gets more floppy. No wobble on main components
    Pistol grip is flimsy and super slick. No texture slippy when wet. Probably accurate to real aks. Trigger guard is soft
    E&l does rust
    E&l pros
    Better gearbox/motor than lct
    Metal hop/mag spacer.
    Lower joule
    Better qc
    Finish even though rusts is cool.
    I think externally is decently better than lct
    Lct gripes
    All metal parts have sharp edges.
    Front sight is canted
    Rear sight block/reunion is also slightly canted. Barrel isn’t
    Front hand guard locker is super wobbly. Handguard isn’t
    Gearbox is visible silver (e&l is black and blends to receivers)
    My lct has a buffer tube and ar style stock. Wobble a lot. Fixed with electrical tape.
    Trigger gaurd had sharp edges. Sanded down.
    Lct pros
    More options externally.
    Doesn’t rust.
    Tighter when worn in. More mag compatibility.
    If I were to rebuy either gun I’d get e&l for any classic Ak. And lct for modern aks. E&l I think is better built internally and externally (atleast for my gen2) but lct is a larger company and has more options. But I would say I was disappointed when my lct came in after hearing how much better they are than e&l.
    For mags I’ve had some issues finding mags that work well for both. I use cyma 200rd Alfa mags. They work in both.
    For mounting optics. Side rail is a alright doesn’t hold zero for me. Dust covers rails suck. Rear sight blocks work but have issues also removes sight so no backup. I think the best is the gas tube rail that clamps onto barrel.

  • @Rook9696
    @Rook9696 4 місяці тому

    funny enough the canted sights was a pretty common thing on real steel AK's as well when kits were brought into the US

  • @Grilladsvamp57
    @Grilladsvamp57 3 місяці тому

    My E&L regular AK74 muzzle is solid and doesnt move. The sights are straight as well
    I bought a few black regular looking 5.45 Cyma mags and they feed and fit without modification.
    Maybe there is a difference for the European market. My AK74 was bought in 2019, not sure if its Essentials or gen 2.

  • @maxlamee5149
    @maxlamee5149 4 місяці тому

    I feel like because I have 2 cyma AKs already, if i get another one it'll be a cyma just because I know I can interchange my parts i already have

  • @leandropuerta5932
    @leandropuerta5932 2 місяці тому

    Man, can you review the S&T AKs? They look quite cool

  • @martypoge
    @martypoge Місяць тому

    Whats the furniture on the first ak? (The first ak with foregrip)

  • @ivansucic9149
    @ivansucic9149 24 дні тому

    I got myself e&l AKM Essential version and it had same problem out of the box front sight was tilted to the left i took it to the my tech guy and he barely managed to correct it so im little disapointed by quality control since e&l is one of the high end brands

  • @padziorrr661blabla7
    @padziorrr661blabla7 Місяць тому

    I see you use new type of muzzle break on ak74 where to buy this part i cant find it ...

  • @Butch2Therapie
    @Butch2Therapie 4 місяці тому

    might sound like a stupid question but how's the disassembly? is it somewhat realistic to the real steel (like LCTs) or is it more like cheap CYMAs which kinda have their own things using a lot of screws and everything (asking for compatibility with other manufacturers and/or real steel parts)

  • @mayham_7258
    @mayham_7258 2 місяці тому

    I’m thinking of getting into a Airsoft AK and I’m trying to decide between the CYMA Standard CM048 AK-74n or the E&L Essential AK-74n because there like 30$ difference Cyma of course being cheaper

  • @shrillyy1604
    @shrillyy1604 2 місяці тому

    I’d like too see a review of the lambda defense mk48. I know you’re a big fan of the g&p and I think the lambda might be perfect for you.

  • @DD-qw4fz
    @DD-qw4fz 4 місяці тому

    I have 2 E&Ls and saw dozens of others , never saw any issue with the muzzle brake retaining pin, including players coming from other European countries
    Edit
    ok now i saw the comment, yep seems this is purely a US import thing,

  • @SASAM302
    @SASAM302 4 місяці тому

    AK IS GOOD AK IS NICE WE LOVE AK reliable when needed
    AR IS OP AR IS PRO WE LOVE AR quality and fast fire rate

  • @Matias-dr3ys
    @Matias-dr3ys 4 місяці тому

    this is kinda off topic but what are your thoughts on the G&G RK-95? Because while its an alright gun afaik i think 400€ - 600€ for gun with aluminum body is way too much.

  • @tronosneoauror
    @tronosneoauror 4 місяці тому +8

    Price: CYMA > MOS > LCT
    Assembly for factory: CYMA > MOS > LCT
    Battery space (in matching models among brands): CYMA > MOS > LCT
    Internals: Arcturus (MOS) > E&L (MOS) > LCT > CYMA
    Externals (aesthetics): E&L > LCT > ARCTURUS > CYMA
    Compatibility for upgrades (int): CYMA > E&L > Arctururs > LCT
    Compatibility for upgrades (ext): CYMA > E&L > Arctururs > LCT
    Overall, CYMA is has the best money/value rate, and LCT is the most overrated from them all. In the end it is your choice.

    • @botodin6979
      @botodin6979 4 місяці тому +6

      The CYMA love is so overhyped. They are not NEARLY as good as people keep on saying.

    • @belliduradespicio8009
      @belliduradespicio8009 4 місяці тому

      what if i dont even play airsoft and just want the most realistic feeling gun to hang on my wall? Like i don't even care if it shoots

    • @briannoojin1710
      @briannoojin1710 17 днів тому

      You want E&L, they are the most realistic

    • @Haddam-Sussein
      @Haddam-Sussein 12 днів тому

      LCT is pure trash when compared to E&L. I have a Cyma AK-105, but I don't like how it feels, I prefer the 105 from E&L, Cyma is unused since I got 3 AK from E&L.

  • @brendenshore7073
    @brendenshore7073 4 місяці тому

    Honestly best 160 dollars I spend was on a CYMA Sport AKS74U

  • @TBudgetAngler
    @TBudgetAngler 4 місяці тому +21

    CYMA all the way

    • @yolomasta6940
      @yolomasta6940 4 місяці тому

      Sameee, I have a Cyma AK74 that looks like the one from MW2 and a Cyma Galil and I love them so much

    • @Haddam-Sussein
      @Haddam-Sussein 12 днів тому +2

      Cyma is lame compared to E&L. Comparing Cyma with E&L is like comparing NERF toy with an airsoft replica.

  • @KhadskinYTDPH
    @KhadskinYTDPH 4 місяці тому +1

    nice airsofts just like mine :D

  • @JS-qk4jp
    @JS-qk4jp 4 місяці тому

    My E+L broke after a few games. The entire gearbox exploded. Every. Single. Gear.

    • @douglassperlich6329
      @douglassperlich6329 4 місяці тому

      Yeah I've seen that happen a few times with little use on e&l so fat I haven't been impressed at all by e&l

    • @Haddam-Sussein
      @Haddam-Sussein 12 днів тому

      ​@@douglassperlich6329liar.

  • @Deathloec
    @Deathloec 4 місяці тому

    ak74m3 based

  • @wote2760
    @wote2760 4 місяці тому

    About time there were more reviews of the E&L e-platinum guns. there are like no indepth reviews at all
    BTW how are E&L aks on aftermarket compatiblity with real firearm furnature? I want to install the midwest industries mlok handguards on a E&L 105

    • @velowelder6333
      @velowelder6333 4 місяці тому +1

      E&l is the closest to real steel spec as far as I’ve seen or experienced, most if not all accessories I’ve tried will fit with little to no modifications, even some magpul stuff works well. Zenitco for sure.

    • @wote2760
      @wote2760 4 місяці тому

      @@velowelder6333 I know that the E&L is made to chinese ak spec, not russian spec. will that interfere with things?

    • @velowelder6333
      @velowelder6333 4 місяці тому +1

      @@wote2760 I’ve tried both and if anything just some minor filing is all I had to do.

  • @GruppaPennant
    @GruppaPennant 4 місяці тому

    oh yes

  • @chost-059
    @chost-059 4 місяці тому

    E&L has good externals especially for the price but the internals are horribly outdated like most AK's including LCT except arcturus
    if you want an AK that will give you the gameplay efficiency and good user experience arcturus is pretty much your best bet in the AK AEG market but arcturus and E&L are owned by the same guys and they refuse to make E&L's with the actual good arcturus internals, so you dont get classic AK's with the good internals, only modern AK's with arcturus internals. im guessing they dont want to take over each others market space which fucking sucks for us customers. i want an AK that isnt an ak12 that works out of the box and has good externals but that doesnt exist in the current market, the closest thing is the arcturus modernised AK74's. LCT is overhyped trash that should not be bought until they fix their shit and add basic features like rotary hop. CYMA is fine for performance but externals leave a lot to be desired, and my 74U taiwangun highspeed version had its hop up unit stop functioning within a year of use even after installing an aftermarket rotary hop up its still fucked.
    at this point in just waiting for the VFC GBBR AK's to release, the AEG market is so bad

    • @clockwork6966
      @clockwork6966 4 місяці тому +2

      not really out of date. they dont come with etu's or mosfets (at least the essential series) though they still have a very good semi auto (especially for an ak. work lovely on 7.4), the full auto is at a good rate of fire as well. the gearbox is well made, includes a quick change spring system (which is all you really need for a "up to date" rif) and is pretty standard when it comes to changing out parts.
      there is this scourge in airsoft where some people think all guns need to come with etus and mosfets when in reality for how most people are playing airsoft the simple system in these is more than adequate and of course there is less shit going on to go wrong.
      me personally i dont want something where the trigger doesnt have any kind of reset feeling which is unfortunately a thing alot of these new optical mosfets have, yes you can get parts for tactile feedback but thats not costing you more money.

    • @5cmpersec
      @5cmpersec 4 місяці тому +1

      Arcturus and E&L are not owned by the same company but rather distributed in the USA by the same company. The factories are quite far apart from each other.

    • @Haddam-Sussein
      @Haddam-Sussein 12 днів тому

      Then you didn't see the new E&L essential line, full steel piston teeth, MOSFET, metallic hop-up chamber, etc.