N/A First Gun: FX Dynamic vs Umarex Zelos

[fishgod]

Zelos is very inexpensive and punches a few weight classes above its weight

I’m sure the FX is an excellent rifle. The SPA /Snowpeaks are some real value and they perform !
I have 6 Snowpeak all are excellent , accurate and well made

Both seem to be great which is why I'm so torn between the two guns. Is there any meaningful difference between the M60B and Zelos? I'll be swapping air tanks so that's irrelevant, but the 2 inch longer barrel of the Zelos? Or possibly aftermarket/warranty support? I would be buying either gun from Wes at airgunarcheryfun if that makes any difference

 

[fishgod]

I've got good news for you, fishgod!

The M60B comes with a quick disconnect bottle adapter! Buy a second adapter from Wes and you can run 2 big bottles.

Just twist the low one off and twist the full one on! It's just that easy...

Also... if you want the same barrel as the Dynamic, just purchase the FX barrel kit from c88machining on ebay and buy the liner of your choice.

You don't have to compromise, you can have both in one gun.

I have 2 Zelos and 2 M60's, my fully kitted out Maverick sits in the rack....

The quick disconnect feature is something I didn't know, that is great as I could swap between 2 large bottles easily. I'm sure I can ask Wes, but do you know if the adapter is to an M18 thread? Those are much more common than the M16 that's built into the SnowPeak

Is there a noticable improvement in accuracy with the FX barrel? If it's too marginal to tell, it's not worth it to me. Especially as it's going to cost around $400Cad which almost makes it the same price as the FX

Seeing as you essentially own 4 SnowPeaks, have you had any reliability issues or have they just been worry free. I'd like to just be able to grab it and go without needing much troubleshooting everytime

 

[fishgod]

There is a learning curve to PCPs and you need a general level of competence to make the adjustments. The FX guns are great but there are a lot of adjustment points and it's easy to get lost and struggle to get the gun where you want it. Id suggest reading RSterns PDFs on PCPs. I think they're posted on Hard air's site.

Personally I'd go with the Snowpeak m60B . You can adjust the reg easily and the hammer spring as well. Its easy to reset and if you don't like how you set it up. I've got one in .22 and it likes H&N Barracudas and Zan .218 slugs.

That being said if you can find a used FX Impact I think you'd be happy with it as well.

I'm mechanically inclined and understand the basics but I'll be sure to give that a good read, thanks.

Opinions have been almost 50/50 between which gun to get. I'd love a used Impact but they seem to be pretty rare in Canada. And the used market sucks here

What size air tank is on your m60b? Do you know roughly how many shots per fill and what fps you're getting with the barracudas?

 

[fishgod]

No, he said "150+ shot count at a reasonable power"
With the M60B and a 2 reg setup (M60B is regulated) you could set up a 4500PSi bottle for pretty much whatever you wanted shot count wise and have some serious knock down power. I'm not sure if you can remove the M60b reg and just go single reg but dual regs will work for sure.

A M60b, big bottle, dual regs, decent scope (no moderator, he is in Canada) and you are still under $1,000. You could build up 2, .22 and .25, for around the same price a the Dynamic will cost you without any loss in accuracy or reliability.

-- Matt

A dual regulated bottle at 300bar would up my shot count a fair bit. I assume you were talking usd. With the bottle upgrade and scope I would estimate minimum $1200Cad (gun alone is 800). The FX is 1500 before any add ons

Would you say the SnowPeak is just as reliable? I read a post or two about someone being on their 3rd Zelos which had issues straight out of the box. But then several others who own many SnowPeaks/Umarexs without a single issue

 

[SpindleB]

I assume I'd need another adapter to attach to that one as the m60b uses an M16x1.5 thread I believe. I believe it will take up to a 0.7L bottle fine as is without needing to drop the bottle lower. Ideally the bottle wouldn't extend past the barrel of the gun, and I think I only have about 16 or so inches of room for the adapter+bottle
Someone else mentioned that it's capable of quick changing air bottles which is great, in which case I may have room to bring an extra 0.5L or 0.7L bottle and swap when it gets too low. Would help with weight

Not being an owner of an M60B, but I was under the impression the M60B (bottle) has a M18x1.5 interface and the Zelos (Tube) had the M16.
I could be wrong and I am quite sure that someone will be along quickly to point out my error.

-- Matt

 

[SpindleB]

A dual regulated bottle at 300bar would up my shot count a fair bit. I assume you were talking usd. With the bottle upgrade and scope I would estimate minimum $1200Cad (gun alone is 800). The FX is 1500 before any add ons

Would you say the SnowPeak is just as reliable? I read a post or two about someone being on their 3rd Zelos which had issues straight out of the box. But then several others who own many SnowPeaks/Umarexs without a single issue

I am sure there are issues, just like with every gun. But the majority of posts I've seen, by a large margin, with regard to either Zelos or M60B have been positive.

Personally, I am waiting on the Max 1, I was close to ordering an M60b but then Wes put up the pre-order for the Max 1 on Airgun Archery Fun and I dropped him some money. Now it is just a waiting game, delays, delays, delays...

 

[fishgod]

Not being an owner of an M60B, but I was under the impression the M60B (bottle) has a M18x1.5 interface and the Zelos (Tube) had the M16.
I could be wrong and I am quite sure that someone will be along quickly to point out my error

.I am sure there are issues, just like with every gun. But the majority of posts I've seen, by a large margin, with regard to either Zelos or M60B have been positive.

Personally, I am waiting on the Max 1, I was close to ordering an M60b but then Wes put up the pre-order for the Max 1 on Airgun Archery Fun and I dropped him some money. Now it is just a waiting game, delays, delays, delays...

Ah, I assumed the Zelos and m60b had the same tube/bottle fitting. Your explanation makes a lot more sense

I see the M60B isn't available for pre-order from Wes right now either. Not sure if I email him if he'd be even be able to add another one to his preorder shipment. I may have to wait until the next batch and who knows when that would be...

 

[SpindleB]

Ah, I assumed the Zelos and m60b had the same tube/bottle fitting. Your explanation makes a lot more sense

I see the M60B isn't available for pre-order from Wes right now either. Not sure if I email him if he'd be even be able to add another one to his preorder shipment. I may have to wait until the next batch and who knows when that would be...

Snowpeak M60B Airrifle

The Snowpeak M60 Bottle version is a very versatile air rifle that offers excellent accuracy and great performances for a soft price!

huma-air.com

Only the .177

 

[Firewalker]

The quick disconnect feature is something I didn't know, that is great as I could swap between 2 large bottles easily. I'm sure I can ask Wes, but do you know if the adapter is to an M18 thread? Those are much more common than the M16 that's built into the SnowPeak

Is there a noticable improvement in accuracy with the FX barrel? If it's too marginal to tell, it's not worth it to me. Especially as it's going to cost around $400Cad which almost makes it the same price as the FX

Seeing as you essentially own 4 SnowPeaks, have you had any reliability issues or have they just been worry free. I'd like to just be able to grab it and go without needing much troubleshooting everytime

YES!

M18 threads.

 

[Firewalker]

The quick disconnect feature is something I didn't know, that is great as I could swap between 2 large bottles easily. I'm sure I can ask Wes, but do you know if the adapter is to an M18 thread? Those are much more common than the M16 that's built into the SnowPeak

Is there a noticable improvement in accuracy with the FX barrel? If it's too marginal to tell, it's not worth it to me. Especially as it's going to cost around $400Cad which almost makes it the same price as the FX

Seeing as you essentially own 4 SnowPeaks, have you had any reliability issues or have they just been worry free. I'd like to just be able to grab it and go without needing much troubleshooting everytime

I've owned a load of SPA's, I've modded and sold hundreds of them.

The M60B is one of the few that is among the grab-n-shoot guns.

One thing to be aware of: The quick disconnect oring (tiny one but easy to replace) is too soft from the factory. I have some polyurethane ones on the way I'll be trying out.

 

[Rob_in_NC]

If this is you

This will likely be my only pcp, but I know people say that and then end up with 10 more eventually. Many people have responded and the have noted the FX is more difficult to set up and is actually more of a constant tinkering gun. I plan on tinkering to get it set up the way I like, and then just leaving it as a "set it and forget it" (apart from maintenance). I've heard the SnowPeak is actually fairly reliable which makes it a hard choice
If the FX is a significant improvement, I'm willing to spend the bit extra for the peace of mind

I'm going to respond to the 'FX more difficult to set up'. The out of the box tune on every FX gun I've owned has been just fine. Several guns, I've left at the factory tune and am perfectly happy and have used them for years without adjusting anything or having any sort of issues.

There are many in favor of the M60 here and I wont argue with them. I dont own one. I've owned quite a few SnowPeak guns and some I've not had to mess with at all and others I've had to constantly repair.

I will still stand by my recommendation that on the FX, but if this is your first PCP, barring any QC issues... you'll be thrilled with whichever you go with.
Good luck!

 

[fishgod]

I've owned a load of SPA's, I've modded and sold hundreds of them.

The M60B is one of the few that is among the grab-n-shoot guns.

One thing to be aware of: The quick disconnect oring (tiny one but easy to replace) is too soft from the factory. I have some polyurethane ones on the way I'll be trying out.

That is very good to know. I'm definitely leaning more towards the M60B right now. A bad oring is no big deal and I'm sure I can find some better suited ones easily.

 

[coastal drifter]

Planning on getting my first PCP gun and my choices are fairly limited living in Canada. Mostly longer range plinking (50-70m), the very occasional small game at close range

Having a tough time deciding what to get as I have some difficult requirements.

- .22 caliber
- External regulator
- Accurate
- LARGE air cylinder, 150+ shot count at a reasonable power (18ish grain pellet at 900fps) I've heard I will likely need about 900cc's of air minimum
- Prefer compact but I can work with a longer gun if it has the shot count
- Looks are fairly unimportant, but reliability is
- Magazine fed

Currently looking at 2 guns which are available to me in Canada at a reasonable price:

1. FX Dynamic VP 600: A second bottle is easy to attach under the barrel, would be able to hold 900+cc of air. Should be enough for 150+ shots. High end gun from a reputable company. Top tier accuracy, and a giant plenum. Have heard they are very efficient and waste no air per shot. Heard a few people complain about reliability with FX?

2. Umarex Zelos/SnowPeak M60: They're basically the same gun and I can purchase either here. I would plan to attach 2 bottles to the front with an adapter for around 900cc's of air.
Pros: cheaper and more compact than the FX
Cons: Chinese manufacturing & reliability issues, questionable warranty and support. Small plenum, I hear accuracy is very very good but not up to FX's level. Little bit wide with 2 bottles side by side

I'm open to other suggestions but the big thing is, I want it to all be one contained unit which has a very high shot count as I cannot bring a compressor or pump with me. So far I'm between those 2 guns. Any insight as to things I'm missing or the reliability of either gun would be appreciated. Am I better of just paying a bit more for the premium FX gun? A buy once cry once type of thing?

wildcat bt would fit your criteria

 

[fishgod]

If this is you

I'm going to respond to the 'FX more difficult to set up'. The out of the box tune on every FX gun I've owned has been just fine. Several guns, I've left at the factory tune and am perfectly happy and have used them for years without adjusting anything or having any sort of issues.

There are many in favor of the M60 here and I wont argue with them. I dont own one. I've owned quite a few SnowPeak guns and some I've not had to mess with at all and others I've had to constantly repair.

I will still stand by my recommendation that on the FX, but if this is your first PCP, barring any QC issues... you'll be thrilled with whichever you go with.
Good luck!

Thank you, I'm sure both would be great choices.

I'm in no rush to buy so I will wait to see some more feedback, plus the SPA is on backorder right now anyways. I do know the FX is the slightly better gun, but it may be more than I actually need. The main thing that bothers me with the FX is the length. I know there's the impact, but it's double the price of the dynamic and I'm not willing to drop that much right now. We'll see what others have to say

 

[blackdog899]

Can you get a ZELOS shipped from US ? You can get them for a pretty good discount if so .
Like below $450 .
Just for reference with the 250 cc tube I get 50 regulated shots with JSB 15.89s .
this is at 932 fps avg. extreme spread from 926 to 936.
Im choosing a bottle and fitting (regulator) now. I’d like to fill to 300bar and regulate to the gun,
I gotta find what the gun side threads are for sure.
Im fairly new and only have 2 rifles and 1 pistol but I’m impressed with the ZELOS

 

[fishgod]

Can you get a ZELOS shipped from US ? You can get them for a pretty good discount if so .
Like below $450 .
Just for reference with the 250 cc tube I get 50 regulated shots with JSB 15.89s .
this is at 932 fps avg. extreme spread from 926 to 936.
Im choosing a bottle and fitting (regulator) now. I’d like to fill to 300bar and regulate to the gun,
I gotta find what the gun side threads are for sure.
Im fairly new and only have 2 rifles and 1 pistol but I’m impressed with the ZELOS

I'd rather avoid getting it shipped from the US if I can help it. I've heard of too many people having serious issues with Canadian Customs as these are considered proper firearms. If I could easily ship things in from other countries I'd probably be considering a few different guns actually. I haven't looked much outside of Canada though for the aforementioned reason

 

[blackdog899]

I understand, can’t say anything else ( would be political) haaa!

 

[fishgod]

wildcat bt would fit your criteria

I would seriously consider that as well as the Maverick, however they are unavailable to me in Canada. I'd have to order from the States and question how customs will handle importing them. Plus import fees/duties on top of that. Otherwise I'd be very interested in them

If anyone has experience ordering from the States to Canada, I'd love to hear how it works. Either Airgun Depot, AofA, or AofU

 

[coastal drifter]

I would seriously consider that as well as the Maverick, however they are unavailable to me in Canada. I'd have to order from the states and question how customs will handle importing them. Plus import fees/duties on top of that. Otherwise I'd be very interested in them

If anyone has experience ordering from the states to Canada, I'd love to hear how it works. Either Airgun Depot, AofA, or AofU

Good luck whatever you wind up doing. God Bless Canadian trucker.

 

[SpindleB]

I would seriously consider that as well as the Maverick, however they are unavailable to me in Canada. I'd have to order from the States and question how customs will handle importing them. Plus import fees/duties on top of that. Otherwise I'd be very interested in them

If anyone has experience ordering from the States to Canada, I'd love to hear how it works. Either Airgun Depot, AofA, or AofU

I'd suggest contacting Wes of Airgun Archery Fun (@WesBob) here on AGN.

-- Matt