What is an EBB (Electric Blow-Back)?

What is an EBB (Electric Blow-Back)?

The Electric Blow-Back is loosely based on the concept of the AEG, but much weaker in power and aimed at the less experienced airsofter. The main differences are...

EBB (Electric Blow-Back)

AEG (Automatic Electric Gun)

6v Battery (4 x AA)	8.4v Ni-Cad / Ni-MH Battery Pack
Far below 1 Joule shot power	Around 1 Joule shot power
Moving slide, similar to GBBs	No moving slide
Slow rate of fire	Fast rate of fire
Ideal buyer: Newbie	Ideal buyer: Skirmisher, experienced airsofter.

What makes an EBB worth buying?

The Electric Blow-Back is a cheap way of getting in to airsoft for many people. EBBs are pistols with a motorised top-slide that moves back and forward as the BB is launched, in an effort to simulate the performance of real firearms. Unfortunately though, it does not succeed in doing this convincingly. The mechanical whirring of the gears, coupled with the clumsy lurching of the slide, reminds you every time you shoot it that this is a toy and nothing more.

They are cheap though, and that's their redeeming feature. They shoot BBs at a very low speed, so their target audience is younger shooters. Whether or not the laws in your locale permit younger shooters to own or use one of these is another matter. Your local airsoft, or shooting supplies retailer should be able to tell you the legal age limits for shooting activities in your country / state.

How does an EBB work?

Without going in to more detail than is necessary, the function of the EBB while shooting looks similar to that of the GBB from the outside. Inside however, the top-slide is being moved around by a set of gears powered by a small motor, even the trigger is just a switch that brings power to the electrical circuit.

The EBB is not field-strippable like the GBB and is not capable of the fast cyclic rate of the AEG. It is aimed at younger beginners and it fills that gap competently. Many would argue that they are a lot better than a lot of Springer pistols.

How good is it really?

Replica realism (look) :	Not good. The EBB mechanism and batteries take up a lot of room inside. This can make the replicas noticeably wider than the weapons they are trying to imitate. They are usually constructed of plastic and aimed at the lower end of the airsoft market, so there is not a lot of attention to detail.
Replica realism (feel) :	Average. They feel heavier than Springers, but the weight is all in the handle. The barrel on these models can be very light which can spoil the feel a little.
Replica realism (operation) :	Not Good. The EBB shoots at a low power - safe for younger users, not that inspiring for the enthusiast. The EBB's slide does not snap back and forth like the GBB - it lurches! While shooting, the EBB lets you know it is working hard by emitting the traditional symphony of gearbox and motor noises. All in all, not very convincing a replica in operation.
General build quality :	Low to Average. The EBB is aimed at a market where build quality is not a high priority. It is worth noting that a few better quality EBBs seem to be emerging at the moment. Whether or not they are an improvement over the traditional type of EBB that this rating is based on, remains to be seen, but I will update this section with more information as it becomes available.
Cost effective?	Average. These models take 4 AA batteries. For a good set this will cost around Ł3 in the UK and will last for several hundred shots easily. Shot for shot, this is about the same running cost you would expect for a small GBB pistol.
Upgradeable?	No. EBB pistols are not designed to be upgraded or enhanced.
Target shooting suitability :	Great fun for younger shooters, but more experienced users are not going to be trading in their AEGs any time soon.
Skirmish suitability :	Unsuitable for professionally organised airsoft skirmish events. Suitable only for back-garden skirmishing under the close supervision of experienced adults.
Target audience :	Younger shooters or beginners.