Review of the ARES High Torque Slim AK AEG Motor

■BACKGROUND
 I have an AK104 AEG manufactured by E&L but the rifle had been left long time.  Recently, I found a nice motor which manufactured by ARES airsoft. So I purchased and tried that.
 Many Tokyo Marui and clone AEGs have more thicker grip to contain a motor than real models . Couple years ago, new slim motors and grips for M4s and AKs were released by ARES airsoft.
 I purchased The ARES High Torque Slim AK AEG Motor includes a dedicated grip(PG-M-002-BK).  As another option, ARES has a super high torque version but unfortunately, the super high torque version was not available at a store in near my home.

Fig.1 As an example: the slim motor on Redwolf airsoft

Fig. 2 The built-in ARES slim motor into the AK gearbox. The motor fixed by two screws (orange arrows)

■REVIEW OF THE ARES SLIM MOTOR
 I think that installation is easy for airsofters who can disassemble and assemble gearboxes. After detaching a grip, replacing  a old motor with the new slim motor which fixed by two screws (Fig.2). In Fig.2, The motor housing seems work as mechanical frame to support mechanical stress from gripping or gun handling. That concept is similar to motors for PTWs as shown Fig.3.  The PTW motor is fixed rigidly the motor base into the lower receiver by spring pins.

  However, the ARES slim motor unit has gap between the motor housing and the motor mount plate to adjust bevel gear position as Fig.4 . Construction of the mechanism is Fig.5(Left pic). The gap is made from screw between the motor base and the motor housing. The gap makes mechanical rattling not only the motor housing but also the axis and the bevel gear. I think that the mechanical rattling make wearing of the bevel gear, a bearing on the motor housing and the screw of the motor housing but that will be long time scale. it is not critical problem in usual condition use.

Fig.3 An example of the PTW motor

Fig. 4 Adjusting bevel gear position. This figure means bevel gear position is adjustable  only every 180deg 

Fig. 5 Mechanical structure of the ARES slim motor (Left pic) and incline mechanism of the motor housing (Right pic)

  Because, the dedicated grip should be main pillar to support mechanical strain but that achieved by suitable fitting to receiver. For appropriate fitting into the E&L AK104, some additional shaving down are needed as Fig. 6. Firstly, as the left picture of Fig. 6, I had expanded the notch which fit to a trigger guard. Secondly, as the right picture of Fig. 6, I had cut the convex shape to fit the receiver side notch. You can shave down the grip by files but I recommend using a micro grinder.

Fig. 6 the shaved down grip

 As another tip, inserting shims (I used M4 washers which are 0.8mm thickness as shown Fig. 7) between the end bell and the grip bring tight or not of the grip end screws very clearly.

Fig, 7 Shims on the end bell of the slim motor

 Amazingly the ARES slim motor and the grip make dramatic difference.  Dimension of the slim grip is similar to real AK grips. Exterior of the grip after replacement is Fig.8. The ARES AK grip is extremely thinner than a genuine SAW type grip as shown Fig.9.
 Unfortunately, there are no third party or different shape grips as far as I know. Perhaps, we can convert real AK grips for the ARES slim motor but it could be difficult process.

Fig. 8 The fitted slim grip on the AK104

Fig. 9 Comparison of the ARES grip and the genuine SAW type grip

 About performance of the ARES slim motor, I think that is average but I can not conclude about performance by specific values because I have no measurement instruments. I feel that the ARES slim motor has enough performance to drive around M100 springs. Perhaps, it is better idea that using super high torque version to drive M120 or more strong spring.

■CONCLUSION
 The slim motor is a nice choice for airsofters who don't like too thick grips of AEGs.  Also, It has enough performance for under 0.989J regulation in Japan. However, I guess the slim motor has lower mechanical strength than common type motor housing for V3 gearboxes. Perhaps, the structure of the slim motor makes relatively short mechanical lifetime.  In addition, currently there are no other shape grips for customising.
 Certainly, the ARES slim motor has some drawbacks but even considering about it, the ARES slim motor is best solution if you want realistic size grip for AK AEGs.