What is Hop Up in Airsoft?

For those unfamiliar, airsoft is a sport based on military simulations, and like its real-life counterpart, the maximum accuracy of the simulated firepower is the key to success. Hop Up is one of the most important components of high-quality airsoft guns, aiding their accuracy.

What Does Hop Up Mean?

Put simply, Hop Up refers to a device that applies backspin onto a 6mm or 8mm plastic BB pellet. By gathering spin, Hop Up increases the BB's stability in flight, improving accuracy and distance. As soon as the pellet leaves the barrel, the Hop Up comes into action.

How Does Hop Up Work?

The basics of the hop up system consists of three main components- the hop up itself, a bucking, and a hop up arm. The bucking is a rubbery material compression chamber that cradles the BB when it leaves the barrel. By pressing on the center of the BB, the Hop Up arm creates backspin, causing the BB to rotate as it leaves the barrel. That combination of air and spin increases range and accuracy.

Types of Hop Ups

There are two main types of Hop Up systems: adjustable and non-adjustable. Non-adjustable systems are popular for beginner airsoft guns. They generally cannot handle a large amount of backspin, causing inconsistent flight from shot to shot. Adjustable systems give users the flexibility of dialing in the exact setting required. Adjusting the hop up is a critical skill for any experienced airsoft player.

Barrel-mounted Hop Up

The most traditional type of Hop Up is barrel-mounted. It is bolted directly onto the barrel of the gun and consists of a single component. It works well for guns with large barrels since the force of the BB exiting the barrel helps create backspin.

Rotary Pistons

The second type of Hop Up is a rotary piston. It is mounted directly on the gearbox inside the gun and is composed of multiple components such as a wheel, o-ring, and a cam. It is much easier to adjust than the barrel-mounted type as all that is required is the turning of a dial or wheel.

Hop Up Upgrades

Those looking to upgrade their airsoft guns may consider the addition of a hop up system. High-end guns come with advanced hop up systems that can help improve accuracy and distance. Some hop up systems can even be adjusted externally, allowing players to adjust without having to take the gun apart.

Insights

Hop Up systems are one of the most important components for achieving accuracy and distance in airsoft, and are available in two types - adjustable and non-adjustable - depending on the level of the user. Experienced players may opt for upgrades that allow adjustable external hop up mechanisms, giving them more control over their guns.