Here is the search I used.
There are low Fps and High FPS variants sure, and the cheapest one at $159 comes without the second mag.

More information on the differences would be helpful as I am tempted to go for theb$159 and plan upgrades but if it's better to just go with a higher priced version for a beginning gun then that would be helpful advice

https://www.airsoftmegastore.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=Needletail

 

Lancer Tactical doesn't make good products. Period. I'd check out the Specna Edge series over on evike. You realize you can buy mags and BBs separately, right?

 

Yup I know that. I am checking on why lancer has so many variations of this Arena centric CQB platform.

Price differences make me hesitant since it can be for a variety of reasons but most don't seem to be gearbox related as they are all their newer Proline gearboxes and the guns are metal where they should be and Polymer where they should be

 

That's odd. From all my research, since they rolled out their Gen 2 and Proline Series they have been going up in stock.

Question for you, when and what was the last Lancer Tactical weapon that you tried out? I ask because many people, myself included get dead set on something and forget that with time things can change

Many of the people who have used their newer things have gone over how they are vastly different than a few years ago as they have partnered with other manufacturers.

 

The Lancer guns I've dealt with are about a year to a year and a half old. Keep in mind that Lancer and Cyma are branches of the same parent company (Airsoft Wholesaler. Original name, I know.) With this in mind, Cyma AR-platform guns aren't very highly regarded. The following is just speculation on my part, but I have a feeling that these new guns with the spacegat-style furniture still have the internals of their lower-end AEGs. I have a feeling that, like APS guns, you're paying for the cool-looking externals and that's it.

 

That's good information.

I did as much research as I could on their new Proline series gearbox which is what the Needletail comes with. It's a full metal gearbox and I found a video of some guys taking the gearbox apart. It may be from a different gun but the gearbox is still the same from what I can tell.

They start on the gearbox about 2:50 in. Since I am new and could easily be taken for a ride maybe you could see what they are looking at and tell me if it's just a super cheap AEG gearbox. I ask because many of the people who have reviewed the platform have disagreed with your statement

 

Color me impressed. Quick change spring and full metal rack piston? Not bad. That being said, considering this gun, and the reputation of the brand behind it, compared to a Specna of the same price, I'd go for the specna. You get more features, including a Gate mosfet, as well as 2 different rated springs and 2 midcaps.

 

That a fair. This has a inline Mosfet from what I have found but I dont know the difference between gate and Inline and a 6.03mm barrel.

Yea this one comes with 2 midcaps for the but higher costs and frum what I have found Lancer has upped their game and taken heed to the criticism.

It might just be a matter of people giving them another go which could be the issue.

 

This is the details from the Lancer Tactical site on the Needletail

Spoiler

Lancer Electric Trigger Unit (ETU) and MOSFET with fire cutoff system to fully optimize performance, snappy trigger response, cyclic rate, accuracy.

- Reinforced redesigned metal version Gen-2 gearbox with ultra-smooth 8mm bearings, 18:1 steel gears, steel teeth polycarbonate piston, reduced heat spikes 16AWG wires, bearing spring guide, rotary Hop-up, 25,000 RPM neodymium magnet high-speed motor for consistent performance.

- Quick change spring design, accessible through buffer tube.

- Flat trigger and enlarged trigger guard design.

- Light weight durable aluminum free float licensed M-LOK rail system.

- Copper polished 6.03 mm tight bore barrel improves range and accuracy (200+ feet with 0.20g BB's).

- Comes with 2X 120 round mid-cap metal training magazines. Alpha stock holds additional magazine (short magazine in photo not included)

- Ergonomically designed polymer textured grip.

- Operable dust cover reveals a rotary style hop-up.

- Full length 20mm top rail for scopes, sights and magnifiers.

- Low resistance wiring prevents potential damage from the battery.

- Fires in full-auto and semi-auto, with a functional safety.

I like the Seneca but it seems bland and over used. Definitely loved by a large number of people for certain but I believe it was Airsoft Alphonse who said the entire point of airsoft was to look cool so... Semi fancy looking gun even with a company with a bad history, the fact I see people actually say they are improving and learning tells me that they are getting their stuff together.

Mind you I do tabletop games like 40k and stopped for the longest time until they switched their management up and fixed things so I do believe in giving a company a second chance.

Thinking on it, Lancer changed up their management as well before doing their new things... Hmmm