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- New to Airsoft HPA? | HPA Airsoft 101 | Get into HPA Airsoft! -
New to HPA? / HPA 101
Welcome to Amped Airsoft!
So you’re new to HPA and want to know how to build your HPA setup and get into HPA? No worries, we’ve got ya covered. Here at Amped we carry only the best quality brands to ensure that you have the best possible experience and never have to worry about being outgunned on the field. Because one of our specialties is HPA conversions, we offer great prices on bundles that allow you to save by purchasing all of the necessary components at once.
>>HPA Air Rig Starter Kit + HPA Rifle
Step 1: Pick an HPA Engine
There are many HPA units available on the market, but the ones we carry at Amped Airsoft are those we are confident will offer superior performance. This is the base of any HPA airsoft rifle and the most important thing is to find one that will work with your current AEG.
Most M4’s use a Version 2 gearbox, most AK’s use a Version 3 gearbox. If you are using a different type of gun, be sure to clarify what version gearbox it utilizes and if you need a special nozzle.
Similarly, some AEG’s such as the Ares Amoeba need a special trigger board kit to work with certain HPA units.
Step 2: Choose an air tank
So once you have your engine sorted, you’re gonna need some high pressure air to run it right? So obviously the tank will take care of that duty. There are a couple of things to consider when purchasing a tank. First determine if your local fill station has the capability to fill to 3,000PSI or 4,500PSI. Aluminum tanks are cheaper, but are slightly heavier. They hold up to 3,000PSI. Alternatively, a carbon fiber tank will hold up to 4,500PSI, but some fill stations do not have the capability to fill this high, so it would be a waste to have a carbon fiber tank if not.
The other thing is size, typically measured in cubic inches. Long story short, a 42CI/3,000PSI tank holds less than an equivalent 4,500PSI tank. The large the “CI”, the larger the tanks capacity. The higher the PSI, the more air can be stored in that same volume of tank.
Step 3: Choose a regulator and line
Now to the last piece of the puzzle; the air regulator and line. It’s the job of your regulator, to lower the pressure of the air going into your HPA unit to a safe and useable level. For arguments sake, most HPA engines have a maximum operating pressure of around 120PSI.
To choose the right regulator, first determine if you are using an SLP or Standard (non-SLP) tank. SLP tanks will clearly indicate that on the head of the tank.
SLP tanks can be used with SLP regulators or normal regulators. However, an SLP regulator can ONLY be used with an SLP tank. Using a non-SLP tank on an SLP regulator will cause it to break. However, you can use an SLP tank on a normal regulator without any issues. It is the most cost effective to go with a SLP tank and SLP regulator.
Step 4: Pick batteries, lubricants, tournament locks etc.
You should now have all the basics to get you up and running. Make sure if your unit has an electronic fire control unit or FCU, that you have a battery to power it. You can alternatively get an adapter that can power it from a standard AEG battery. We do not encourage the use of 9v house hold batteries as they do not always provide the correct power needed.
You also might want to pick up some lubricant to keep your new HPA unit and air rig in tip-top shape.
Be sure to check local field requirements to see if you need any additional accessories such as a tournament lock or FCU tournament lock.
Step 5: Install and enjoy!
You should have everything you need to convert your AEG to an HPA rifle, as well as everything you need to maintenance it to keep it in service for years to come.
If you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, be sure to check out or pre-built HPA rifle packages that come out of the box, ready for play!
As always, if you need any help, or have any questions about HPA system, please feel free to reach out to our friendly sales staff at Sales@AmpedAirsoft.com
Thank you for supporting Amped Airsoft for all your Airsoft and HPA needs!