What is HPA?
If you need a referesher or if you’re newer to the scene: HPA stands for High Pressure Air. It’s a system that uses an external tank of compressed air that powers your airsoft replica, instead of relying on springs or gas. The advantage? You get laser-like consistency in FPS, and you can tweak velocity on the fly with your regulator. Each pull of the trigger releases a burst of air, pushing the BB out the barrel and automatically loads another shot. That means fewer moving mechanical parts, smoother operation, and a ton of tunability.
The Phoenix engine uses this same principle — but Backdraft Innovations goal was to make it as affordable as possible. Because of that, you won’t find as many boutique options or ultra-precise tweaks as some of the premium brands, but it hits a sweet spot of performance vs. cost.
What does the Phoenix bring to the table?
- Adjustable Solenoid & Fine Tuning: One standout feature is the solenoid is adjustable. That means you can tweak how much air pressure gets channeled to the nozzle. Players use this feature for helping handle tougher magazine springs (like in PTS EPM-1s) without jamming the hopup unit. (To my knowledge, it’s one of the few engines out there that lets you adjust that directly.)
- Drop-In Compatabiltiy & Options: It’s built to work in standard V2 or V3 gearbox setups. The Phoenix supports ~20 different nozzles, so you can match it to M4s, AKs, and various replica styles. Its FCU (Fire Control Unit) is modular, letting you customize selector positions and wiring to fit your setup.
- On-the-fly Adjsutments: Want to shift from semi to full auto during a match or tweak your settings mid‑game? The Phoenix FCu supports adjustments without disassembling your build and the new FCU allows you to confirm those adjustments without second guessing.
PROS to Phoenix HPA
CONS to Phoenix HPA
Performance & consistency: Less “spring/gearbox issues,” more predictable shots.
Simpler internals: Fewer mechanical parts = fewer points of failure.
Flexibility: You can tune your setup for indoor/outdoor play without swapping out springs or nozzles.
Durability: With fewer shock loads on gears, the rest of your rifle can last longer.
Price for features: It offers many benefits from high-end HPA systems at a lower cost.
Steep startup cost: You need a tank, regulator, lines, fittings — it adds up rather quickly.
More maintenance: You’ll need to keep your air system clean, check seals, etc.
External gear: You’ll always depend on an air source whether its on your back, in a pouch, or on the rifle.
Bias at fields: Some players or sites may frown on HPA users (its unfair, but a real issue).
Less granular tuning: Compared to boutique engines, you’ll sacrifice some ultra-fine control.
This engine also gives you options for adding a custom IGL (Integrated Grip Line) for custom flair and coloration. Stand out even more on the airsoft field!
Backdraft has come up with a solution where that Set Screw changes air pressure to the solenoid, where you can give more or less pressure, depending on what you have for magazines. The only downside to this system is that you are going to need to disassemble the rifle and gearbox to get to that took. The only way that you may be able to work around this is if you utilize a MAC Airsoft HPA gearbox that would allow you to remove the upper receiver (depending on the rifle) and use an allen tool to adjust that nozzle pressure.
If you have a Version 1 or BETA model you can purchase the solenoid upgrade kit from Backdraft, this means that you can get the full benefit and performance of the new version without having to purcahse a brand new engine.
The FCU is the little electrical board that is attached to the wiring harness of HPA setups and acts like the brains of the entire system. There was a little issue with getting the programming just right on the Version 1 of the Phoenix and players being confused how to make adjustments to the FCU. Its a little easier when there is an FCU that you can pull out and make adjustments to the entire system.
The Dwell setting controls the amount of air that goes through the engine and goes behind the BB. The Delay is the amount of time between shots in full auto (also known as the ROF but this is backwards) so the lower value is the faster rate of fire and a higher value is a slower rate of fire.
Mod 1 and Mod 2 is your selector position fire modes; Mod 1 is going to be your Full Auto position and the Mod 2 is your Semi Auto position if you are using a standard AR. Going over the values; 1 is Semi Auto, 2 is Full Auto, 3 is 2 round burst, 4 in binary, and 5 is 3 round burst.
Overall I personally think a due upgrade compared to other HPA engines on the market that are using buttons or toggles, especially since competitors are switching FCU's to a bluetooth connection option.
