Title says it all, looking for something different. Thanks for the help

For me it is the best upper I own. It is my AR pistol (12.5 inch barrel in 5.56 on pistol lower), my AR Range Rifle (16 inch 5.56) and my Deer Hunting Rifle (16 inch 300Blackout). After getting my ARAK-21 I sold all my other AR uppers but one (a DI middy 16). Runs smooth with all ammo Ive put thru it. On the 5.56 barrels the recoil is very soft (almost 22LR like). So much less work to clean then a DI upper (like most piston ARs). Both Left and right eject work well on the Ambi-upper. Over all a great upper. The few bitches I have heard are the weight. It is a bit more heavy then a basic AR upper for sure, but nothing anyone larger then a 90lb girl could not handle. It also gets hot at the gasblock after a few hundred rounds in a row (mag dumps). With an AFG and a few Rail covers I did not notice the heat much after that. The last thing for some is the money. The basic one barrel set up is $1200 (went with 3 barrels myself coming closer to the 2K mark). For me it was worth every penny. It is a great fully Ambi system that works for me. Considering getting the 7.62x39 kit for it also. I threw a folding stock set up (Law Tactical Gen3) on one of my lowers, because you can fire it when folded. There are other AR piston uppers out there that are very good and high quality, but for what I wanted the ARAK fits. As far as what ive got on paper (targets), about a 2 MOA average at 200 yards (for the two 16 inch barrels).

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Pre Law Tactical Folding Stock install shot

Thank you for the info! What is the twist rate and are they chrome lined? I have looked at their site but very little tech info. Thank you! I getting very excited about this build!

The ones I got are not CL. And all 3 have a 1in8 right twist.

Thank you for replying, I'm thinking very hard about this one!

The problem I have with the platform is it is expensive, heavy, and not free floated. I can build a MUCH lighter piston AR for the same price. Customized with better interchangeable parts and half the weight. Also the upper and rail are slightly raised.

I get that. A lot of people think its to heavy. For me its not that bad, but Im in decent shape. I guess if you don't have much upper body strength it would be a problem (perhaps go to the gym). For me a standard piston AR is a bit silly using the buffer and buffer spring. Why have a piston if it still needs a buffer running in the tube? The .6 inch higher rail is not so bad, I just sit a tiny bit higher on the buttstock (also not a big deal for me). Another option is get slightly lower optics\sights, there are plenty out there. I run Troy Back-up Irons (folding standard height) and an EOTECH 512 on mine (that scope is on a different rifle now). It is not free-floated, you got me there. But on the flip side, I can go from 300AAC to 5.56 in a minute without needing a second upper. For me it came down to the ARAK or the Rock River piston uppers. Both can have folding stock and fire while folded. I just wanted to have more options with my piston upper and the Rock River was a "one caliber for one upper" set-up. My ARAK upper works for 2 rifles and a pistol. My lefty friends like the left-hand eject also. I guess it just comes down to what you want out of your piston. One last thing, this was the best 300 Blackout piston I could find on the market. Not that the other are bad, just didn't seem to want to work for what I wanted. I guess just go over the pros vs cons and decide what is best for you. I have no regrets as far as my ARAK 21 upper goes other then the fact that I do not have 2 of them.

It's funny when people say to go to the gym over the Internet when they haven't met me or seen me.

I weight lift 5 days a week with strength and endurance training and am a Certified Personal Trainer & Strength/Conditioning Specialist with National Academy of Sports Medicine.  Im also a veteran. I prefer light rifles after I built my first 4lbs 13.8 oz piston AR (14.5 pin/weld). My prior piston build was a 16' 8lbs AR. I'm left handed, but only fire right handed rifles as right handed parts are abundant. As long as there's a brass deflector you won't see me complain.

I love the Arak21 platform, but if I can build a custom, better and lighter rifle for the same price then I will. Once they fix the current issues with the 2nd gen I'll totally be for it.

What are the issues you are speaking of?

I don't think there are issues with the 2nd gen. Yeah they are heavier and they do heat up, but with panels and or gloves your fine. With the ambi window design now you just rotate the bolt and you can eject either way.

I already mentioned. They're heavier (much heavier), handguards are not interchangeable and not free floated, and handguard/upper is slightly raised compared to the standard in the platform which could throw off cheek welds for veteran shooters. Check out this video review from Vuurwapen https://youtu.be/rho8WFXP8k0

Everything else is great. It's a cool platform nonetheless.

OK I need to apologize to Ahrion. I am sorry for offending you. Most people who I have come across who had a hard time with the ARAK weight have been somewhat out of shape. It is more heavy than a Standard AR set-up.