Inner Barrel and Hop-Up Bucking
In speedsoft, you need to be able to trust in your hi-capa's capabilities at a distance. This is where the inner barrel and hop-up bucking come into play, defining the gun's accuracy and range.
A high-quality stainless steel or brass inner barrel, combined with a performance-driven hop-up bucking, extends the effective reach of your Hi-Capa, ensuring that your shots remain precise. Consistent shots with just the right hop will not only lend accuracy to your aim but instill the confidence knowing you can hit your opponent.
Another great option is the Maple Leaf Crazy Jet assembly. This upgrade includes both the inner barrel and hop-up unit, and it's designed for a 5.1 Hi-Capa. However, you can also use it in a 4.3 model by adding a thread adapter. This is a great option because many people use thread adapters for tracer units, which are becoming more popular in competitions. By using this assembly, you can enjoy the range and performance of a 5.1 with a shorter length like a 4.3.
Hammer Assembly and Trigger Components
Speed isn't everything; precision and reliability are equally crucial in the competitive world. The trigger and hammer assembly play pivotal roles in the Hi-Capa's firing sequence, influencing trigger response and cycle rate.
Upgrading to a CowCow Trident sear spring and a CowCow hammer power regulator, paired with a precision-engineered aftermarket trigger, provides a consistent and smooth trigger pull that's essential for maintaining accuracy. The addition of a trigger with an adjustment screw allows for fine-tuning to meet your precise shooting preferences, giving you the edge in those tight encounters.
Note: If you are upgrading one you should also do the other because they take the most wear
Slide and Outer Barrel
A metal slide is not just about looks—it's about handling the increased stress that comes with faster cycling rates and stiffer recoil springs. Furthermore, if you've upgraded your Hi-Capa with other performance parts, your stock plastic slide might not be able to withstand the increased pressure.
When you upgrade the slide, you should also upgrade the outer barrel with the same brand (to avoid any fitment issues)
Blowback Housing
An upgraded blowback housing can help ensure efficient gas flow. It helps regulate the amount of gas used for each shot, optimizing gas efficiency. This is especially important for speedsoft players who need rapid follow-up shots without wasting excess gas.
Additionally, an aftermarket blowback housing made from lightweight aluminum or steel enhances durability. It reduces flex during cycling, leading to smoother and more consistent performance.
Recoil Spring and Guide Rod
The recoil spring and guide rod work in unison to harness and plan the slide's movement during the firing cycle. Managing the slide's kick is a critical aspect for recoil control and rapid follow-up shots
When selecting your upgrades, a lightweight 120% or 140% AIP recoil spring is the ideal choice, with its stiffer composition.
This upgrade significantly reduces slide travel time, allowing for swifter aim recovery and, ultimately, a faster shot cadence. The guide rod should be sturdy enough to handle the increased spring tension without sacrificing performance, and aftermarket aluminum or steel options are great choices.
Nozzle and Nozzle Return Spring
Ensuring that your Hi-Capa feeds smoothly is essential. Nozzles and nozzle return springs are often overlooked but can significantly impact your airsoft gun's reliability.
The nozzle controls gas flow from the magazine to the BB. So look for a lightweight aluminum or enhanced polymer nozzle to improve gas efficiency and overall performance.
By replacing the stock spring with a 140% AIP nozzle spring, you'll witness a considerable enhancement in BB feeding, ramping up the efficacy of every shot you send downrange. This increased tension on the nozzle can mean the difference between a flawless operation and the annoyance of misfeeds and nozzle lockouts.
Short Stroke Kit
The cycle rate of your Hi-Capa dictates performance metrics like follow-up shot speed and general snappy-ness. A short stroke kit is an invaluable addition to the speed build, as it decreases the slide travel distance, leading to a quicker and snappier response.
For the ultimate speed build, a favorite amongst the community is the CowCow or LA Capa short-stroke kit, complemented by a 4.3 guide plug. These additions offer a seemingly instantaneous cycle rate boost, providing essential benefits in fast-paced gameplay.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your Hi-Capa for competitive speedsoft can seem overwhelming but by focusing on these key upgrades, you can build an epic speed build. Take the time to understand each upgrade and how it affects your Hi-Capa's performance.
Test your replica after each modification, and don't be afraid to fine-tune along the way. With the help of this guide, we hope you'll be able to create the ultimate Hi-Capa for your needs.
