For some time now we can see that Lonex is gradually introducing AEG replicas, equipped with the BAW recoil simulation system, onto the market. These replicas are to become an alternative to the as powered replicas, famous for their realistic operation, but infamous for their high failure rates. Are you curious about Lonex design with a recoil simulation system ? Check how it fared in our tests!

The first impression after talking the replica out of the box is very good. The packaging is simple and black, without unnecessary graphics or photos. The replica is heavy, balanced slightly differently than most "AEGs" due to the recoil simulation system found in the buttstock. The replica is available in two versions: short and long. Both look very well put together. The receiver has no noticeable play nor does to make squeaking sounds.

The receiver of the replica is a modified AR-15 design. The short version has a plastic receiver, and in the long, a metal one. In both cases, we deal with a double-sided steel magazine release latch and bolt catch. The manufacturer decided to abandon the traditional, rounded shapes for sharper ones, giving the replica a more modern, aggressive look. Interestingly, the metal version does not have a dummy forward assist.

Both replicas have a front grip made in the KeyMod system. They differ from each other in the design and materials used in making them.

The short version has the front made of plastic. It has a rather specific design: the RIS rails overlap the upper receiver's top rails, which improves the stability of the front. It is fixed with two hexagon socket screws at the bottom. Unfortunately, the thread glue was not used here, which causes the screws to unscrew by themselves, so I recommend applying some thread glue yourself before the front is left in our hands with the replica lying on the ground.

In the long version, the front is made of metal and is attached with two screws. The same as in the plastic version, only in this case these screws are secured with thread glue, making them more secure.

The polymer lightweight buttstock, with a modern design, is the a cross between the MFT minimal stock by Battlelink and Magpul's PTS ACS. It is conveniently operated, has detachable cheek pads, in which, optionally, we can fit the battery and, also optionally, a MOSFET under the stock's butplate.

Flip-up "iron" sights are made of polymer and have a nice rough texture, can be detached and have a fully adjustable lock of the unfolded position.

The outer barrel in both cases is made of ZnAl. Interestingly, unlike metal version, the plastic one was equipped with an imitation of a low profile gas block along with a gas pipe. In our unit, the block's fixing screws was loosed by vibrations sustained by the replica. Therefore I suggest fixing it with a thread glue. The muzzle break is a standard, left-threaded, slotted flash suppressor. It is very light, and probably made from ZnAl.

The pistol grip is made of polymer. It is very comfortable, inspired by the design of the MOE type pistol grip and has ergonomic hand recesses with a rough, non-slip texture.

The metal replica is equipped with a STANAG type steel Hi-cap magazine holding 360 BBs, which looks very robust. It is winded with a string hidden at the bottom under a flap. The mechanism works very quickly and effectively. It is slightly longer than a typical airsoft AR-15 magazine. We can shoot almost all the BBs out on one wind up. On the bottom of the magazine there is an engraving with a logo and manufacturer's markings. In the short version, we get a Hi-cap magazine made of plastic, also winded with a string hidden at the bottom under a flap.

Disassembly of the replica

The replica was built based on the known TM system.After removing the front pin, we pull off the upper receiver, but to do this, we have to help ourselves by pulling the charging handle.The rear pin need to be unscrewed.I think that this is a good solution, taking into account version copies without a blow-back system, in which the pin used to slide out while shooting in full-auto mode.After splitting the replica into two, we gain access to the hop-up chamber and the barrel.

The hop-up chamber is very tight, it has a ring-shaped adjustment knob (similar to the one found in G36 replicas), which allows for precise adjustment of the pressure on the hop-up bucking. The bucking itself is standard, black and of medium hardness. During the first game it needed some time to warm up, but later worked properly, shooting well from the very first shot. The manufacturer used a traditional, round, rubber spacer in the replica. Despite the fact that the spacer window seems to be tight, we were able to mount the H type spacer without any modifications.

The short replica is equipped with a standard inner barrel with a length of 285 mm, and a long one with a 350 mm brass barrel, beveled at the exiting end.

The recoil simulation system is located in the stock guide, and comprises of a plunger, a return spring, a dummy bumper and head which transfers the energy from the piston. In addition, we get a working electric blow-back mechanism (EBB) that moves the dummy bolt. The video below shows how the mechanism works:

To get into the gearbox completely, we have to disassemble the blow-back system in the buttstock and remove the stock guide. The manufacturer allocated space for wiring under the rail used for adjusting the buttstock length.

The gearbox is made of metal. It is a reinforced V2 type by Lonex with a port for operating the EBB system. Allen screws have been used for holding it together. Unfortunately, the screw closest to the motor was so strongly tightened/stuck that we had to use the drill to unscrew it. This problem applies to both reviewed replicas and also to my own private one. To avoid destroying the screw, I suggest heating it with a separator or a lighter before trying to unscrew it. Why is this happening? It is difficult to find an answer to this question. I am surprised by the fact that the replica has other, very sensitive screws that can unscrew by themselves and were not secured in any way at all.

The interior of the gearbox looks fantastic. Exceptional air tightness of the pneumatic system is ensured by an aluminum piston head, a type "2" light cylinder, an aluminum, sealed cylinder head and a 21.3 mm long polymer nozzle. The blue polymer tappet plate looks quite robust. The polymer piston, has 13 narrowed steel teeth.

The gears are marked with Lonex logo and are covered in a relatively large amount of grease. The manufacturer decided to use helical gears, which translates into a very good working and greater durability of the mechanism. The sector gear has an additional metal, round delayer of the tappet plate, which is slowly becoming a standard part of stock gears and result in a reduction of the wear of the plate and better feeding of BBs at high rates of fire.

The motor is unusual in its design: it does not resemble a long or short type motor. Its magnets are quite weak, but enough to work with the stock replica. If we want to improve its performance, we can easily replace it with a long-type motor.

The wiring has PVC insulation and is stiff. It is finished with a typical Mini Tamiya plug and fulfills its task well.

Shooting

Shooting from the Lonex replica with the BAW system gives an incredible satisfaction. The kickback is strong enough and makes a very pleasant impression. For obvious reasons, the replica is loud, which gives a psychological advantage on the battlefield. Both replicas generate 440-450 fps, which is a velocity sufficient for effective medium to long distance fights. The air tightness of the system and good alignment results in very good accuracy. In the plastic version I noticed loosening of the charging handle caused by shocks. It does not negatively impact the use of the replica but can be irritating, the same as the mounting screws lessening by themselves. I suggest using some thread glue. It is worth adding that in both replicas, you can easily disassemble the recoil imitation system and performance will remain at the same level.

Summary

I admit that it is difficult for me to evaluate this replica unequivocally. Both versions are very comfortable to use, look great and shoot well too. The recoil imitation system works great and provides a lot of pleasure when shooting. However, the replicas have several drawbacks that can not be overlooked. The problem of unsecured screws, their self-unscrewing from shocks or the lack of a dummy gas block is surprising, considering the probable aim of the manufacturer, who wanted to create the most faithful replica of a weapon with realistic recoil and moving bolt. Both replicas have their cons, but the pleasure of shooting them makes them worth your attention and serious consideration as to weather purchase them or not.