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Airsoft
Fishing
Air Gun
EMG Daniel Defense Licensed DD5 Airsoft AEG Rifle w/ CYMA Platinum Gearbox & Kestrel V2 MOSFET (Model: SBR)
6 Customer Reviews
by Vince M. on 09/27/2025
"Build quality is great out of the box. Full ambidextrous mag release, bolt catch, and selector switch is a plus. The motor grip is a great angle and is significantly less chunky than the other EMG DD counterpart items. Same with the stock.
Internals are much better out of the box than previous iterations. Compression parts are standard cyma platinum with a nozzle that actually has a o ring. No leaking air seal and consistent shots with the right settings in the kestrel etu. All bearings in the gearbox and the shimming was surprisingly excellent from the factory. Shims they use have more of a hexagon outside.
Out of the box Im shooting around 390 fps.
Kestrel ETU is a much needed improvement over the zues mosfet. Offers precocking, binary, and burst. Precocking is extremely consistent and piston always resets in the right place; However, there is no way todisengage precocking over than firing full auto.
Solid purchase of an SBR. Out of the box I have no complaints with the stock assembly. All parts work extremely well out of the box and you'll likely need to change little to get marginal improvements on performance. recommended highly!
Internals are much better out of the box than previous iterations. Compression parts are standard cyma platinum with a nozzle that actually has a o ring. No leaking air seal and consistent shots with the right settings in the kestrel etu. All bearings in the gearbox and the shimming was surprisingly excellent from the factory. Shims they use have more of a hexagon outside.
Out of the box Im shooting around 390 fps.
Kestrel ETU is a much needed improvement over the zues mosfet. Offers precocking, binary, and burst. Precocking is extremely consistent and piston always resets in the right place; However, there is no way todisengage precocking over than firing full auto.
Solid purchase of an SBR. Out of the box I have no complaints with the stock assembly. All parts work extremely well out of the box and you'll likely need to change little to get marginal improvements on performance. recommended highly!
by Clinton R. on 09/04/2025
"I've built more AEGs than I can count and this short barrel 7.62 SBR is really unique. It has a new type of finish that's different from other black CYMA platinums. It's not the typical shiny paint, but it's a more matte finish with fine texture; seems more industrial. A welcome change! The selector is also much stiffer and feels very similar(if not better) than a VFC which is a big improvement. It double cycles on 11.1V, so use a 7.4 if keeping the oem etu, but my plan is to throw all the internals in the garbage and rebuild it brushless. This is an excellent product from Cyma and a even better platform to upgrade. They seem to sell out fast! Get one!
by Chris U. on 11/30/2025
"Updated Review
I wanted to update my previous review regarding the motor and MOSFET issues I mentioned earlier. After taking a closer look, it turns out the problem was only with the motor. The MOSFET is functioning perfectly fine — the motor lead had slipped off during initial testing, and because the MOSFET made no sound, I assumed it had failed. That said, the stock motor was dead on arrival, but after swapping in a spare motor I already had, the replica now works perfectly. That was my mistake for not being thorough and jumping to conclusions too quickly.
I also want to note that the hop-up adjustment wheel is extremely stiff, and the direction to adjust for more hop is opposite of what you’d normally expect. You turn up for more hop not down. I originally adjusted it the wrong direction, which resulted in noticeably lower joule output. Now that it’s set correctly, the replica is shooting closer to 1.5 joules, which is much better than my first impression.
As for the flash hider, my original complaint still stands. I did have to drill the pin out to be able to remove the stock steel flashhider, and there was a roll pin shoved in a spot where a proper grub screw should have been. I did also notice glue was used to the stock flashhider on. Unfortunately, that part is now ruined because of the way it was installed. I would have much rather have had a basic birdcage orange tip being installed and leaving the stock steel flashhider off to the side than what was done.
More good:
Now that the replica is actually shooting, I’m seeing very solid range and consistent shots for a stock setup. The gearbox sounds healthy, and the piston head makes a clean, quiet slap against the cylinder head — exactly what you want to hear in a well-sealed stock system. The externals continue to be outstanding and are one of this replica’s strongest points. The included mid cap magazine feeds very well and I already ordered 5 more.
Overall it’s not nearly as bad as I made it out to be in my previous review. With the motor issue sorted out, it’s performing well, and for anyone planning to HPA this platform, most of the internal concerns won’t matter anyway. I want to give it 5 stars but the motor being DOA and flashhider situation is just unfortunate.
Other than all that "its a solid bit of kit!"
I wanted to update my previous review regarding the motor and MOSFET issues I mentioned earlier. After taking a closer look, it turns out the problem was only with the motor. The MOSFET is functioning perfectly fine — the motor lead had slipped off during initial testing, and because the MOSFET made no sound, I assumed it had failed. That said, the stock motor was dead on arrival, but after swapping in a spare motor I already had, the replica now works perfectly. That was my mistake for not being thorough and jumping to conclusions too quickly.
I also want to note that the hop-up adjustment wheel is extremely stiff, and the direction to adjust for more hop is opposite of what you’d normally expect. You turn up for more hop not down. I originally adjusted it the wrong direction, which resulted in noticeably lower joule output. Now that it’s set correctly, the replica is shooting closer to 1.5 joules, which is much better than my first impression.
As for the flash hider, my original complaint still stands. I did have to drill the pin out to be able to remove the stock steel flashhider, and there was a roll pin shoved in a spot where a proper grub screw should have been. I did also notice glue was used to the stock flashhider on. Unfortunately, that part is now ruined because of the way it was installed. I would have much rather have had a basic birdcage orange tip being installed and leaving the stock steel flashhider off to the side than what was done.
More good:
Now that the replica is actually shooting, I’m seeing very solid range and consistent shots for a stock setup. The gearbox sounds healthy, and the piston head makes a clean, quiet slap against the cylinder head — exactly what you want to hear in a well-sealed stock system. The externals continue to be outstanding and are one of this replica’s strongest points. The included mid cap magazine feeds very well and I already ordered 5 more.
Overall it’s not nearly as bad as I made it out to be in my previous review. With the motor issue sorted out, it’s performing well, and for anyone planning to HPA this platform, most of the internal concerns won’t matter anyway. I want to give it 5 stars but the motor being DOA and flashhider situation is just unfortunate.
Other than all that "its a solid bit of kit!"
by Vince M. on 10/26/2025
"This is an update to my previous review posted 9/27/25
I love the receiver itself; However after some inspection I discovered my rifle is a lemon or this is a poorly machined rifle. Unexpected from CYMA itself. Heres the context:
After servicing the rifle top make sure internals were in good shape upon putting back together the rifle it would not fire, I assumed it was a tappet timing issue and after remedying it the problem ended up being the hopup unit itself. So taking apart the rifle introduced a Tolerance Stack that made the gearbox sit as a slight angle when the upper was put together. So the cyma hopup unit was not usable in this unit anymore. I will have to replace it with another aftermarket hopup unit. Extremely disappointing.
Heres the good:
The compression out of the box is spectacular. No leaks in the system and the nozzle has an o ring.
Gear set was shimmed out the box near perfect. The shims themselves are not as rounded as standard though. Gears sit on bearings that are set great.
Stock assembly is less chonky than the ICS version of this DD stock. Has the same battery room and is much easier to access.
Stock magazine fits and feeds great. It will fit PTS magazines, but they won't drop freely_
CONS BUYER BEWARE:
The kestrel ETU is HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO DAMAGE when putting the selector plate. If you install this incorrectly you will BREAK the tabs on the mosfet itself and the unit will be unusable. Its supposed to only go on direction.
Tolerance issue introduced on disassembly. This is not normal. My serial is a EMG00026. The rifle may have been working great on a factory fit, but this tolerance issue is unacceptable in a high end rifle.
Motor grip is poor quality. Its held by tension on one side and the screw threads on plastic. This WILL fail if you disassemble many times. There should be some kind of metal threading inside to compensate this.
Things to clarify:
Mag release is NOT ambidextrous .
3 of 5 strars from my previous review. This is still a good rifle if EMG/CYMA addresses this tolerance.
I love the receiver itself; However after some inspection I discovered my rifle is a lemon or this is a poorly machined rifle. Unexpected from CYMA itself. Heres the context:
After servicing the rifle top make sure internals were in good shape upon putting back together the rifle it would not fire, I assumed it was a tappet timing issue and after remedying it the problem ended up being the hopup unit itself. So taking apart the rifle introduced a Tolerance Stack that made the gearbox sit as a slight angle when the upper was put together. So the cyma hopup unit was not usable in this unit anymore. I will have to replace it with another aftermarket hopup unit. Extremely disappointing.
Heres the good:
The compression out of the box is spectacular. No leaks in the system and the nozzle has an o ring.
Gear set was shimmed out the box near perfect. The shims themselves are not as rounded as standard though. Gears sit on bearings that are set great.
Stock assembly is less chonky than the ICS version of this DD stock. Has the same battery room and is much easier to access.
Stock magazine fits and feeds great. It will fit PTS magazines, but they won't drop freely_
CONS BUYER BEWARE:
The kestrel ETU is HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO DAMAGE when putting the selector plate. If you install this incorrectly you will BREAK the tabs on the mosfet itself and the unit will be unusable. Its supposed to only go on direction.
Tolerance issue introduced on disassembly. This is not normal. My serial is a EMG00026. The rifle may have been working great on a factory fit, but this tolerance issue is unacceptable in a high end rifle.
Motor grip is poor quality. Its held by tension on one side and the screw threads on plastic. This WILL fail if you disassemble many times. There should be some kind of metal threading inside to compensate this.
Things to clarify:
Mag release is NOT ambidextrous .
3 of 5 strars from my previous review. This is still a good rifle if EMG/CYMA addresses this tolerance.
by Vince M. on 10/25/2025
"This is an update to my previous review posted 9/27/25
I love the receiver itself; However after some inspection I discovered my rifle is a lemon or this is a poorly machined rifle. Unexpected from CYMA itself. Heres the context:
After servicing the rifle top make sure internals were in good shape upon putting back together the rifle it would not fire, I assumed it was a tappet timing issue and after remedying it the problem ended up being the hopup unit itself. So taking apart the rifle introduced a Tolerance Stack that made the gearbox sit as a slight angle when the upper was put together. So the cyma hopup unit was not usable in this unit anymore. I will have to replace it with another aftermarket hopup unit. Extremely disappointing.
Heres the good:
The compression out of the box is spectacular. No leaks in the system and the nozzle has an o ring.
Gear set was shimmed out the box near perfect. The shims themselves are not as rounded as standard though. Gears sit on bearings that are set great.
Stock assembly is less chonky than the ICS version of this DD stock. Has the same battery room and is much easier to access.
Stock magazine fits and feeds great. It will fit PTS magazines, but they won't drop freely_
CONS BUYER BEWARE:
The kestrel ETU is HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO DAMAGE when putting the selector plate. If you install this incorrectly you will BREAK the tabs on the mosfet itself and the unit will be unusable. Its supposed to only go on direction.
Tolerance issue introduced on disassembly. This is not normal. My serial is a EMG00026. The rifle may have been working great on a factory fit, but this tolerance issue is unacceptable in a high end rifle.
Motor grip is poor quality. Its held by tension on one side and the screw threads on plastic. This WILL fail if you disassemble many times. There should be some kind of metal threading inside to compensate this.
Things to clarify:
Mag release is NOT ambidextrous .
3 of 5 strars from my previous review. This is still a good rifle if EMG/CYMA addresses this tolerance.
I love the receiver itself; However after some inspection I discovered my rifle is a lemon or this is a poorly machined rifle. Unexpected from CYMA itself. Heres the context:
After servicing the rifle top make sure internals were in good shape upon putting back together the rifle it would not fire, I assumed it was a tappet timing issue and after remedying it the problem ended up being the hopup unit itself. So taking apart the rifle introduced a Tolerance Stack that made the gearbox sit as a slight angle when the upper was put together. So the cyma hopup unit was not usable in this unit anymore. I will have to replace it with another aftermarket hopup unit. Extremely disappointing.
Heres the good:
The compression out of the box is spectacular. No leaks in the system and the nozzle has an o ring.
Gear set was shimmed out the box near perfect. The shims themselves are not as rounded as standard though. Gears sit on bearings that are set great.
Stock assembly is less chonky than the ICS version of this DD stock. Has the same battery room and is much easier to access.
Stock magazine fits and feeds great. It will fit PTS magazines, but they won't drop freely_
CONS BUYER BEWARE:
The kestrel ETU is HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO DAMAGE when putting the selector plate. If you install this incorrectly you will BREAK the tabs on the mosfet itself and the unit will be unusable. Its supposed to only go on direction.
Tolerance issue introduced on disassembly. This is not normal. My serial is a EMG00026. The rifle may have been working great on a factory fit, but this tolerance issue is unacceptable in a high end rifle.
Motor grip is poor quality. Its held by tension on one side and the screw threads on plastic. This WILL fail if you disassemble many times. There should be some kind of metal threading inside to compensate this.
Things to clarify:
Mag release is NOT ambidextrous .
3 of 5 strars from my previous review. This is still a good rifle if EMG/CYMA addresses this tolerance.
by Chris U. on 11/29/2025
"Overall, I do like the DD5 V3, but for the price point, I expected it to function properly right out of the box.
Below is my full breakdown after spending time with the replica.
The Good
The externals are exceptional. The rifle feels high-quality in the hands and surprisingly light for its size. The ambidextrous selector switches are solid with zero wobble—far better than what you typically see on many ambi setups. The bolt catch/latch also feels solid and is ambi. The exterior finish is durable with a satisfying texture, and the trademarks and engravings are clean, sharp, and visually appealing.
One standout feature for me is the included 180rd mid-cap magazine. It’s extremely well built, feeds reliably during the time the replica was functioning, and the trades on the magazine are well thought out. The mock bullets inside are a unique and very cool touch that adds to the realism and overall presentation of the rifle.
When the gun did function, it shot straight with respectable range for a stock setup. The gearbox sounded well-shimmed and healthy on an 11.1v, though a bit sluggish on a 7.4v—still acceptable. The mag release not being ambi isn’t a dealbreaker for me. Overall, the externals and included magazine are fantastic and clearly where this replica shines.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the internals told a different story. Straight out of the box, the rifle had severe functionality issues. On semi-auto, it would fire a short burst, beep three times, and then stop cycling entirely—only giving error beeps when the trigger was pulled. A factory MOSFET reset didn’t resolve the issue; it continued burst firing on semi and then beeping when trigger was pulled.
Digging deeper, I removed the motor plate and immediately noticed a cheap metal screw biting into plastic threads—a disappointing choice for a pistol grip. I pulled out the motor to inspect it and found it was very scratchy sounding and didnt feel right went i would soing the pinion gear to test the magnet strength. After swapping in one of my spare Neo high torque motors, the rifle started working again.
Outside testing showed it firing around 0.88–0.90 joules with .30g BBs and no hop. Once I applied hop for a flat flight path, it increased to about 1.2 joules with surprisingly decent performance for a stock gun.
Then the rifle stopped shooting again.
At that point, it became clear the MOSFET was likely failing, so I plan to replace it with a Gate Titan I already have on hand.
The flash hider was another frustration. A roll pin had been inserted where the grub screw normally goes, making the stock steel flash hider nearly impossible to remove without drilling it out. Additionally, another hole had been drilled through the tip for the flashhider to secure an orange tip to the end of the flashhider; permanently damaging the original flash hider despite how well-made it is.
Final Thoughts
This replica is eventually becoming an HPA build for me, so these internal issues won’t matter long-term. I did plan on using as is for awhile before converting it to HPA but might just scrap the internals fully sadly. At $399.99 for an EMG Platinum series rifle, experiencing two major failures within the first hour and the flashhider situation is simply unacceptable. CYMA needs to improve QC, and Evike should be testing these units more thoroughly before sending them out. I know its still under warranty but it will probably be replaced with a new same Kestrel mosfet and i would just rather do the work myself and replace it with something better like a Gate Titan.
My recommendation: wait until it goes on sale—or be prepared for potential disappointment. The rifle has excellent potential thanks to its stellar externals, but out of the box, my experience fell far short of what the price suggests.
Below is my full breakdown after spending time with the replica.
The Good
The externals are exceptional. The rifle feels high-quality in the hands and surprisingly light for its size. The ambidextrous selector switches are solid with zero wobble—far better than what you typically see on many ambi setups. The bolt catch/latch also feels solid and is ambi. The exterior finish is durable with a satisfying texture, and the trademarks and engravings are clean, sharp, and visually appealing.
One standout feature for me is the included 180rd mid-cap magazine. It’s extremely well built, feeds reliably during the time the replica was functioning, and the trades on the magazine are well thought out. The mock bullets inside are a unique and very cool touch that adds to the realism and overall presentation of the rifle.
When the gun did function, it shot straight with respectable range for a stock setup. The gearbox sounded well-shimmed and healthy on an 11.1v, though a bit sluggish on a 7.4v—still acceptable. The mag release not being ambi isn’t a dealbreaker for me. Overall, the externals and included magazine are fantastic and clearly where this replica shines.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the internals told a different story. Straight out of the box, the rifle had severe functionality issues. On semi-auto, it would fire a short burst, beep three times, and then stop cycling entirely—only giving error beeps when the trigger was pulled. A factory MOSFET reset didn’t resolve the issue; it continued burst firing on semi and then beeping when trigger was pulled.
Digging deeper, I removed the motor plate and immediately noticed a cheap metal screw biting into plastic threads—a disappointing choice for a pistol grip. I pulled out the motor to inspect it and found it was very scratchy sounding and didnt feel right went i would soing the pinion gear to test the magnet strength. After swapping in one of my spare Neo high torque motors, the rifle started working again.
Outside testing showed it firing around 0.88–0.90 joules with .30g BBs and no hop. Once I applied hop for a flat flight path, it increased to about 1.2 joules with surprisingly decent performance for a stock gun.
Then the rifle stopped shooting again.
At that point, it became clear the MOSFET was likely failing, so I plan to replace it with a Gate Titan I already have on hand.
The flash hider was another frustration. A roll pin had been inserted where the grub screw normally goes, making the stock steel flash hider nearly impossible to remove without drilling it out. Additionally, another hole had been drilled through the tip for the flashhider to secure an orange tip to the end of the flashhider; permanently damaging the original flash hider despite how well-made it is.
Final Thoughts
This replica is eventually becoming an HPA build for me, so these internal issues won’t matter long-term. I did plan on using as is for awhile before converting it to HPA but might just scrap the internals fully sadly. At $399.99 for an EMG Platinum series rifle, experiencing two major failures within the first hour and the flashhider situation is simply unacceptable. CYMA needs to improve QC, and Evike should be testing these units more thoroughly before sending them out. I know its still under warranty but it will probably be replaced with a new same Kestrel mosfet and i would just rather do the work myself and replace it with something better like a Gate Titan.
My recommendation: wait until it goes on sale—or be prepared for potential disappointment. The rifle has excellent potential thanks to its stellar externals, but out of the box, my experience fell far short of what the price suggests.