ARCTURUS CENTAUR B GEARBOX REVIEW
A follow up to the Arcturus Centaur B review video and here is the details of the gearbox parts which are subject to change. I will have more details listed below but first lets take a look at the parts currently available.
Related Blog: Arcturus Centaur B Airsoft Rifle Specification Sheet
The Arcturus Centaur B is based off the AK or V3 gearbox design but slightly different but can still be upgraded and maxed out so don’t worry. The hop up unit is a metal unit that is under a spring load to be pressed against the gearbox to ensure a proper air seal. The metal hop up unit also has the plastic “L” shaped plastic spacer to keep it in place as shown. The front of the gearbox does not have the small screw that locks into some hop up units but it has the lock plate and two screws to secure the front section, this seems to be a more secure route for the already solid Version 3 gearbox design.
The hop up unit will have the standard adjustment arm and can be replaced or upgraded if needed. The unit is locked into the magwell block as well to ensure a solid fit and tight air seal.
Taking off the pistol grip with an allen key the Arcturus Centaur B and its unique spring release can be seen. The spring loaded lever will push the anti reversal latch to release the spring tension and makes it perfect for keeping the gearbox in top shape over time. Also in the same picture the 8mm Steel Bearing of the Arcturus gearbox is present.
Taking the gearbox is going to be the standard process as you would do for an E&L or VFC AK model. Once the gearbox is removed from the steel body it can be inspected and opened if needed. Able to see the 8mm Bearing and Bushings. Why have both? The bearings help reduce the friction on the axles and can fail at 500 fps so that is why the Spur and Sector gear which take most of the spring load are using the solid steel bushings to make it last forever and no need to upgrade them in the future. The spring release button can now be fully seen. Simple and solid design that most likely will not fail over time and does not need to be removed or messed with during the gearbox upgrade and opening process. This makes it user friendly and out of the way!
Related Blog: Which AK is better the LCT or E&L?
Able to compare the leading AK brands and see how the Arcturus Centaur B is able to be in the top!
Wanting to install a new spring but don’t want to open the gearbox? The Arcturus Centaur B has a quick release spring guide so in about 4 minutes total a new spring can be installed, that is to take the gearbox out and then back together. This is faster than a traditional gearbox that a store charges you an hour of work.
The gears for the Arcturus Centaur B are standard and get the job done but should be changed by the company before the official release along with several other parts but these gears can last a long time out in the field. The Sector Delayer is a great touch to ensure proper feeding when using a lipo battery. The piston is using a full steel tooth rack with a polymer body. This is a solid setup and I do not see any weak points for a 400fps build and this will last a long time from what I am seeing.
Wondering about the piston and angle of engagement? Well the piston AoE looks great and is great out of the box and the second tooth has been removed so this along with the bearing and bushings the gearbox is ready for a lot of use and little to no maintenance, just make sure to use good bbs and check the motor height and you will be fine.
Air Pressure and Seal is very important otherwise the BBs will not go any distance. The Arcturus Centaur B is using a steel toothed piston with a ported piston head in a solid or full cylinder. Maximum air volume for the barrel and rifle to give it great range and performance. The air seal nozzle is standard and does not have an oring installed but still a super tight seal when doing the compression test. The tappet plate is a standard V3 or AK type part and is some what flexible.
Looking back at the spring release lever the Centaur B has a sturdy metal arm that the user presses on the and the other end is using plenty of surface area to engage the anti reversal latch to ensure it works and lasts over time. Taking the gearbox apart the lever does not have to be worked on or removed at all.
The trigger switch is not the standard Tokyo Marui design that will fail over time with a lipo battery but now it is using a large “micro switch” that can handle the voltage and use over the years. Better than the standard switch that even other high end rifles like VFC and KWA use currently.
That is the parts of the gearbox that was present in this early review.
///Updated Gearbox Info Will Be Posted Below The Video
Updates for the gearbox parts before release for the entire product line will be the following!
1. Bearing Spring guide, more durable and increasing FPS
2. CNC Aluminum nozzle with O-ring, more durable and more consistent FPS
3. Reinforced Polymer bearing piston head, increased durability and increased FPS and consistency.
