Airsoft gearbox bushings and bearings are used to support the rotating gears, reducing friction and maintaining proper alignment. Bushings provide a simple, durable, and reliable option for low-speed, high-load builds, while bearings offer superior smoothness and higher performance, making them ideal for high-speed builds but requiring more maintenance due to potential failure points.
Purpose
• Gear support: Both bushings and bearings are installed in the gearbox shell to support the shafts of the gears, keeping them properly aligned.
• Friction reduction: Their primary function is to reduce friction between the spinning gear shafts and the gearbox housing.
• Power transfer: They allow the gear set to transfer power from the motor to the piston assembly efficiently.
Benefits of bushings
• High durability: As solid pieces, they are generally more resistant to breaking or failing under stress.
• Reliability: They are a more reliable option for high-stress or high-load situations.
• Simplicity: They are simpler, require less maintenance, and can be a cost-effective upgrade from stock plastic bushings.
Benefits of bearings
• Reduced friction: Bearings have significantly lower friction, allowing gears to spin more freely and easily.
• Increased performance: This reduced resistance can lead to a higher rate of fire and better battery efficiency.
• Smoothness: They provide a much smoother operation due to the reduced "stick and slip" effect common with bushings.
Which one should you choose?
• Choose bushings for: Longevity, durability, and simplicity, especially for builds focused on high torque or high stress.
• Choose bearings for: Optimal performance, speed, and smoothness. They are the preferred choice for high-speed builds but are more prone to wear and potential failure over time.
