[ILLusion]

Each excels in certain areas, so not one is "better" than the other, except when you look at specific characteristics.

In general, the lighter the weight, the less felt blowback you will have, as well as reduced muzzle flip and ability to maintain control of the weapon. This all can be considered a good thing or a bad thing. Sometimes I prefer to go with a heavier weight to achieve a greater sense of "realism" due to felt blowback... so it is build specific, and in that regard, I will choose an OEM Marui blowback unit (the heaviest available) over any aftermarket one for some builds.

Other benefits of lighter weight blowback units include:

- Faster slide cycling speed
- Reduced gas consumption

The ILLusion Kinetics Super Light Weight Blowback Unit (same OEM as Airsoft Surgeon) sits in the middle, and is generally a good compromise between the ultra light Nine Ball Featherweight BBU and the heavier Marui BBU. Keep in mind, the IK/AS BBU has an integrated piston assembly that uses a proprietary mount and will not allow you to use your own piston head on it if you are picky about that. I haven't had any problems with that piston head though.

To put in to perspective the weight difference between the Nine Ball Featherweight BBU and the Marui BBU, I have a fully built slide assembly here, that has:

- ILLusion Kinetics 4.3" ported aluminum slide
- ILLusion Kinetics aluminum cocking handle
- Nine Ball Featherweight BBU
- Action Power Up Cylinder Bulb
- Shooters Design POM Cylinder Set

... and that entire assembly weighs LESS than the Marui BBU alone!



What have you heard about the Nine Ball BBU? I realize there are concerns over the fact it is plastic, but I've put several hundred rounds through a couple builds that use it so far, and the Featherweight BBU doesn't even show a scratch.