The Maple Leaf MR. 2021 Silicone hop-up rubber series is an updated version of the MR series, which has proven excellent in tests! In the Silicone series, the material has been changed to a silicone-based compound, improving hop-up performance in varying temperatures. These Silicone hop-up rubbers stand out especially in cool or cold conditions, as silicone retains its elasticity even in low temperatures.
What is MR hop?
The name Maple Leaf MR, or “Maximum Range,” refers to its special feature: maximum range. The MR hop-up rubber combines the easy installation of a traditional hop-up rubber with the performance of an R-hop patch. Instead of the usual nub, it has an R-hop style contact patch that completely fills the barrel window, creating a long and even contact surface for the BB. This extended contact surface imparts strong spin with a gentler effect compared to a standard nub. The gentler, more consistent spin allows the use of heavier BBs, improving both accuracy and range.
The MR hop-up rubber also incorporates innovations from Maple Leaf’s earlier versions. The front section is textured like the Super Macaron, ensuring a tight seal against the barrel and hop-up unit. The lips of the MR rubber are slightly longer, similar to the Super Macaron. These longer, thicker lips provide better air seal. Note! Due to the longer lips, correct nozzle length is especially important to maintain reliable feeding.
Standard round nubs do not work optimally with Maple Leaf’s new hop-up rubbers featuring an extended contact patch, as a point-shaped nub bends the contact area into a curve. This prevents full benefit from the MR hop’s long contact surface and may cause the rubber to deform in unintended ways. We recommend using the Maple Leaf curved nub or curved adjustment arm for best performance. For GBB pistols, use the Maple Leaf I-Key nub.
Hop-up rubber degree rating (hardness)
The degree rating indicates the softness of the rubber. The lower the number, the softer the rubber. Different hardness levels perform differently depending on the power of the replica. In other words, the degree rating serves as a guideline for selecting the right rubber based on the replica’s power. As a rule of thumb: the more powerful the replica, the harder the hop-up rubber should be. The table below shows the Taiwanese manufacturer’s own recommendations for different power levels.
| Hardness and color |
Recommended power range |
| 50 – green |
Under 110 m/s (1.2 J) |
| 60 – yellow |
90-120 m/s (0.8-1.5 J) |
| 70 – blue |
110-140 m/s (1.2-2 J) |
| 80 – red |
140+ m/s (over 1.8 J) |
| 85 – black |
140+ m/s (over 1.8 J) |
