AEG, Gas or Spring Gun for Airsoft?

When choosing an Airsoft gun, beginners often face the challenge of not knowing which system to pick. To make this decision easier, I’ve listed the pros and cons of each system briefly and concisely.

(S-)AEG

+ Consistent energy output
+ Energy output unaffected by temperature
+ Durable and inexpensive magazines
+ Low maintenance and easy to care for
+/- No realistic reloading (insert magazine and go)
– Gear jams (can happen)
– Batteries (can cause issues in cold weather)

GBB (Gas Blow Back)

+ No gear jams possible
+/- Reloading similar to the real thing
+/- Recoil (“realistic” feel, still a lot less than the original)
– Inconsistent energy output
– Energy output affected by temperature
– Requires more maintenance and care
– Fragile and expensive magazines (better don’t drop them)

NBB (Non Blow Back)

+ No gear jams possible
+ Low maintenance and easy to care for
+/- No realistic reloading (depending on the model)
– Inconsistent energy output
– Energy output affected by temperature
– Fragile and expensive magazines

Spring Powered

+ Consistent energy output
+ Energy output unaffected by temperature
+ Always ready, since there is no gas or battery needed
+ Low maintenance and easy to care for
– Slow rate of fire (manual cocking)
– Mechanics comparable to a bolt action at best