When we released the Emperor, we never thought there would be a demand for something longer. Then the AEA Zeus came to market, and the Great Kami was born. I have spent a lot of time behind the Zeus, including a 2021 deer hunt with the .72 caliber and a 2022 Pork Slam hunt with Mr. Hollow Point using the .58, and it is a rifle that produces an enormous amount of air at the muzzle. In this Field Notes post I want to explain how the Great Kami is built for that, and how to choose the right thread and insert for your Zeus.
The DonnyFL Great Kami, 2 inches by 14.25 inches, built for the AEA Zeus.
Quick Summary
- The moderator: Great Kami, 2 x 14.25 inches, 1.2 lbs, thicker baffles than the Emperor, 6061 T6.
- Threads: M23x1 for the .72 cal Zeus, M18x1 for .45 to .58 cal.
- Zeus .58: the S73A Great Kami with M20x1 insert and the S73B .58 M20x1 thread insert.
- Other big bores: the Great Kami M18x1 Endcap.
- Barrel band: highly recommended on the .72 to eliminate barrel droop.
Why the Zeus Needed Its Own Moderator
The Zeus delivers a very large volume of air with every shot, and a moderator on a rifle like that has two jobs. It needs enough internal volume to slow that air down, and it needs to hold up to constant powerful air blasts over time. The DonnyFL Great Kami addresses both with a 2 x 14.25 inch body and thicker baffles than the Emperor, yet it is only 2 ounces heavier.
It is made from 6061 T6 aluminum and black anodized for durability, and it weighs just 1.2 pounds, which matters on a rifle that you may carry into a stand or a blind.
The Great Kami uses thicker baffles than the Emperor to stand up to Zeus level air.
Choosing the Right Thread and Insert
.72 caliber Zeus
For the .72 caliber Zeus, the Great Kami is threaded M23x1 specifically for the AEA Zeus. If your Zeus barrel sits behind the air tube, the AEA Zeus 2 inch Barrel Extender extends it two inches so you can screw on a moderator. The A97 is made of hardened steel with M23x1 threads.
.58 caliber Zeus
For the .58 caliber Zeus, choose the Great Kami .72/.58 with M20x1 Thread Insert (Zeus .58), S73A. If you already own a Great Kami and want to set it up for a .58 Zeus, the Zeus/Kami Thread Insert .58 M20x1, S73B is the separate insert.
.45 to .58 caliber big bores
For other big bores from .45 to .58 caliber, the Great Kami is threaded M18x1, and the Great Kami M18x1 Endcap is available if you need to swap the rear cap.
Shop the Great Kami for Zeus .58
The Barrel Band Recommendation
For the .72 caliber Zeus, it is highly recommended to pair the Great Kami with a barrel band from Black Arts Design to eliminate barrel droop. A 14.25 inch moderator adds real weight at the end of the barrel, and supporting the barrel keeps the point of impact consistent and protects your precision. This is one step I would not skip on a .72.
Great Kami Setup Checklist
Confirm your Zeus caliber, .72 or .58.
Choose M23x1 for the .72, or the S73A or S73B insert for the .58.
Add the A97 extender if your barrel sits behind the air tube.
Fit a barrel band on the .72 to eliminate barrel droop.
Re-zero with your hunting slug before the season.
Hunting With the Zeus
The Zeus is a serious hunting rifle, and we have written about big bore moderators in the field before in our Emperor deer season field testing post. With the Great Kami, the same principles apply. Build the rifle well before the season, confirm your zero with the exact slug you will hunt with, and make sure the rifle carries and balances the way you want it to in the stand.
The Great Kami weighs 1.2 pounds, which keeps a Zeus manageable in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DonnyFL Great Kami?
The Great Kami is a 2 x 14.25 inch big bore airgun moderator designed for the AEA Zeus, with thicker baffles than the Emperor and a weight of 1.2 pounds.
What thread does the Great Kami use for the .72 Zeus?
For the .72 caliber Zeus, the Great Kami is threaded M23x1 specifically for the AEA Zeus.
Which Great Kami do I need for a .58 Zeus?
Choose the S73A Great Kami with the M20x1 thread insert, or add the S73B .58 M20x1 insert to a Great Kami you already own.
Can the Great Kami be used on other big bores?
Yes, for .45 to .58 caliber it is threaded M18x1, and the M163 M18x1 endcap is available separately.
Do I need a barrel band with the Great Kami?
For the .72 caliber Zeus it is highly recommended to use a barrel band from Black Arts Design to eliminate barrel droop.
Final Thoughts
The Zeus is one of the most powerful airguns you can buy, and it deserves a moderator built for it. Choose the right thread or insert for your caliber, support the barrel on the .72, and the Great Kami will make that rifle far more pleasant to shoot and hunt with.
