Elite Paintball Guns

The opinions about this gun differ from one end to the other. Contrary to all of the guns out there in the same situation this time it’s all because of the SP-8 looks. There’s no middle when it comes to that. People either like how the marker looks or they think it’s hideous. But that’s it - the differences in the opinions stop here, because when it comes to performance, reliability and durability no one can say a bad word for the SP-8. The gun is really something that deserves attention. It’s fast, it’s accurate and it’s strong. You can definitely rely on it. Even in extreme conditions it’s less likely for the gun to cause trouble. Rain, snow…it’s there for you, flawless all the time. Check out the features:
•    17 balls per second semi-auto rate of fire with 3 shot burst, full auto and our Rebound firing mode.
•    Break-beam Vision Anti-Chop System Reliable and durable, the eyes are mounted on a separate board for perfect alignment and not affected by paintball or body color. Just clean and replace in minutes.
•    Reliability The internal parts the SP-8 shares with the ION were engineered to stand up to the demands of professional players. It will outlast any electro-pneumatic tactical maker. Oh, wait there aren’t any others. The SP-8 is the first.
•    Improved Ball Detents Approximately 10 times the service life of current detents.
•    Great Efficiency Expect a reliable 1000-1400 shots from a 68ci, 4500psi bottle without any modifications.
•    Accuracy & Range The trademarks you expect from Smart Parts
•    Right-Handed Feed Tube Doesn’t get in the way of your in-line mounted scope or sight. [Elbow adapter is included.]
•    Tools 1/8″ Allen wrench is all you need for primary disassembly–and it’s included, along with trigger and velocity adjustment wrenches and a handy parts kit.
•    Impulse Threads Take advantage of the barrels you may already have.
It’s the perfect gun for you if you like scenario games, but as I said looks is its only flaw. Being military like the gun can feel bulky and many people find it uncomfortable. It’s also not one of the lightest guns, but it’s fairly light. Maneuverability can also be a problem with it. It also likes air a lot so keep that in mind (air is preferred before CO2). Again like with most of the guns a new feed neck won’t hurt you although the stock one is pretty good, too. Still I think the advantages are in favor of the SP-8 and if you like how it looks you don’t want to miss it out. The price is fairly good one – you can get the gun for $274.99 which is not at all that bad. Colors are also available – (the typical scenario ones) urban, desert, jungle and black. I personally find it good looking. But it’s all up to you.

The Vibe is another cheap gun from the Smart Parts newest editions. The marker has a 11 bps capacity and is definitely not the fastest or the most acurate gun out there, but it works great for most rec players. It’s also a great gun if you’re new to the sport. It’s really a nice one to start with and since it cheap you get to spend that extra money on paint and start practicing. The gun is very small and comfortable; it’s also one of the lightest and quietest out there. It looks beautiful and cleaning and maintaining it is an easy job. It uses the new Smart Parts design where the bolt is placed on the back and this is something you’ll find very comfortable and practical. Check out the Vibe’s features:
•    Hammer free design means that even beginning players can now afford a marker with tournament level performance, durability, and simple maintenance.
•    Protection provided by the Vibe’s all-new Max Flow R Vertical Regulator means that it is safe from the dangers of liquid CO2.
•    Weight (marker only): 1 lb. 11 oz.
•    Length (w/out barrel): 8.75 in.
•    Operating Pressure: 180psi
•    Gas Source: HPA or CO2
•    Anti-Chop System: Low force bolt
•    Trigger Pivot: Stainless steel pin
•    Ball Detent: Dual rubber style
•    Semi auto firing mode
•    Max Rate of fire: 11bps
•    Field legal mode lock
•    Runs on one 9 volt battery
•    Standard ASA included
•    One piece 10 inch Impulse/Ion Threaded barrel
•    Feedneck: Vertical clamping NXT Threads
•    Aluminum receiver/bolt
•    Glass fiber reinforced nylon grip frame/body
I’m not gonna stop with the advantages yet. Another thing you should know is that the gun is made to work flawlessly with CO2, Compressed air, or nitrogen, so you get to chose what suits you best. There’s one thing you should be careful with, though – when you get it, the marker will already be set up to accept CO2 so in order to change that to compressed air just open the grip remove the battery then put the battery back on while pressing down on the power button. The button will blink twice indicating it is set to HPA mode. If you are using compressed air and don’t do this the Vibe will eat though your gas. Not reading the manual and missing the “change” part is the main reason most people think the gun is an air  hog, the truth is, it is pretty air efficent once it is set correctly. The one thing you’ll want to change in that gun is the barrel, but that’s basically something you have to do with most guns, so it’s nothing that shocking. Other than that the gun is just great. Still there’s one greater thing – its price. You can get the Vibe for around $140. And I know I said that maybe dozens of times, but this time I really mean it – this is a deal you don’t wanna miss out. Probably many of you who’ve been into paintball for a longer time will find the Vibe more of a kid’s toy, but if you’re just starting or can’t afford an expensive gun get this one. You’ll be more than happy with it.

The SP1 is one quality tactical marker for a low price. The gun is very strongly built and you rely on it not breaking down from a minor hit. It’s also pretty light and quiet. If you like military style you’ll be happy with the body of this gun. It’s pretty comfortable and easy to use. It has the rear bolt design used in the latest Smart Parts guns and although it’s there to ease you on the maintenance I can’t say that the SP1 is that easy to clean (definitely easier than with the older bolt design, but still without the right tools which are not included you’re in trouble). Check out the features:
•     Mil-spec accessory rails at every angle and integrated mount points for a stock, the SP-1 is ready for a limitless variety of accessories.
•    Equipped with an integrated tactical flashlight mount right below the barrel, which accepts inexpensive focused beam flashlights at a fraction of the cost of expensive tactical flashlights.
•    Low pressure electropneumatic operation replaces the outdated spring and hammer designs that power competing tactical markers, and allows the SP-1 to deliver a fast , accurate and quiet hailstorm of paint.
•    Weight (marker only): 2 lbs. 6 oz.
•    Length (w/out barrel): 12.5 in.
•    Operating Pressure: 180psi
•    Gas Source: HPA or CO2
•    Anti-Chop System: Low force bolt
•    Trigger Pivot: Stainless steel pin
•    Ball Detent: Dual rubber style
•    Semi auto firing mode
•    Max Rate of fire: 11bps
•    Field legal mode lock
•    Runs on one 9 volt battery
•    Standard ASA included
•    One piece 10 inch Impulse Threaded barrel
•    Feedneck: Vertical clamping NXT Threads
•    Glass fiber reinforced nylon grip frame/body
Another problem you can come across to is that the marker uses a wide variety of hex head sizes making full disassembly a little difficult. Also I don’t think you’ll be happy with the feed neck as it is integrated and can not be upgraded. And speaking of upgrades you should know that for now there are not too many options for that. Also there’s a lack of replacement parts, but that’s soon to be changed, I hope. Mind that although the rumors ION boards, bolts, feed necks, triggers, etc. are not compatible and you cannot use them for spare parts or upgrades…same thing goes for the Tippmann stock guns – no compatibility. The gun comes at a really good price, though and although I piled you up with the SP1 disadvantages I don’t want you think that it’s gun not worthy. Actually my opinion is that it will make a great spare marker or a first gun. It costs only $149.99 and for that price I say it’s definitely worthy (even though it comes only in black).

The Smart Parts EOS is here as a replacement for the Epiphany and although it doesn’t differ that much it sure is a nice upgrade to it. The two guns are really very similar (I can add the Ion here, too as it also doesn’t differ that much), but there are some tiny things changed and upgraded that make shooting an EOS so much better than shooting an Epiphany (or Ion, in that matter). Sizes are very similar, but the EOS is a tad lighter and smaller. Also it’s much more reliable and definitely tougher than the Epiphany – the EOS can take hits and rough game much better than its predecessor. It’s easy to maintain and the biggest difference you’ll notice is the new bolt out back design (thank you Smart Parts). The new bolt design makes it so much easier to break your gun down and clean it…it will take you no more than 5 min to do it now compared to the 20 with the old design. Also they made the EOS quieter and although there were never many complains about kick with the Epiphany, the kick level is also reduced. Ok, check out the features before the rest of the review:
•    Unique rapid-charge, low volume fire chamber and volume control inserts makes the EOS deliver high-end tournament level performance, protected from distance-robbing shoot down even at the highest rates of fire
•    Vision anti chop technology combined with fast and simple single tool disassembly of the entire bolt and valve system gives the EOS the reliability and fast turn around time needed in the staging pits of today’s tournaments.
•    Weight (marker only): 2 lbs. 3 oz.
•    Length (w/out barrel): 8.4 in.
•    Operating Pressure: 280psi
•    Gas Source: HPA or CO2
•    Anti-Chop System: Break Beam Vision
•    Trigger Pivot: Conical Mounted Bearing
•    Ball Detent: Dual rubber style
•    Semi auto, rebound, 3 round burst, full auto
•    Field legal mode lock
•    Runs on one 9 volt battery
•    Smart Parts On/Off ASA
•    Includes Freak Jr. three piece 14 inch barrel
•    Feedneck: Vertical Q-Lock/NXT thread
•    Lightweight alloy grip frame/body
Remember the Epiphany downsides? Well you no longer have to worry about changing the feedneck – although it’s not the best one out there (it comes stock, after all) you’ll be very happy with it. Also, although the BPS level is somewhat the same the EOS is nowhere near the air hog the Epiphany is. There weren’t that many colors available when the gun hit the market, but now you get quite a choice: liquid carbon/platinum; liquid carbon/blue; liquid carbon/olive green; liquid carbon/red; black; black/blue; black/red; black/olive green; black/platinum. The price of the EOS is near the one of the Epiphany when it came out. On most places you can get it for $389.99 and although the Epiphany is now almost half the EOS price if you have the money you should not hesitate to get the EOS before the Epiphany. Even the upgrades are not that greater they definitely deserve the money you’re asked to pay.

If you’re sick reading about all those expensive guns that you just can’t afford, let me introduce to you the PM SLG. You‘re not the only one that can’t afford a high-end marker and paintball companies know that – and since they’re trying to indulge everybody Proto decided to hit the market with the SLG. You can’t really compare it to the $1000 guns, but I assure you the little thingy has some potential. It is indeed little and that’s the first thing you notice in the SLG. It’s also very light and comfortable for use. There is always room for improvement, but for the price it’s offered - $199.99 I say it’s the deal of the season. Check out its features:
•    No-Rise Pressure Feed-Neck
•    Single Piece Proto Barrel
•    Anti-chop Break Beam Eye System
•    Orbital Rotating Sear Reduces Wear
•    Compact Lightweight Body Weighing only 2lbs 2oz!
•    Stamped Metal Insert Logo
•    New Self-Closing Valve (SCV) 2-Piece Bolt
•    Multifunction Self-Lubricating Force Button
•    Super Low 145psi Operating Pressure
•    Adjustable Reinforced Polymer Trigger
•    Ergonomic 45-Grip Frame
•    New Hyper3 In-line Air Regulator
•    Proto Dual-Durometer Injection Sticky Grip
•    Program with Four Tournament Modes
•    Proto Bottom-Line with Dovetail

•    Proto Reccomends compressed air with this gun
Yes, there are some problems that you should know about, but don’t let them scare you away from the SLG…you won’t find anything better for that price. Starting with the detents – they tend to wear down quickly, the hosing is another thing – people complain that it gets loose a lot. You’ll definitely need a new feedneck as this is probably the worst stock one possible. Some irritating factors are the noise and the kick, but they’re certainly not as bad as some other cheap guns out there. So really don’t let those things scare you off. Even for a spare marker this is something you should consider. And it comes in variety of shade too – dust blue, dust red, dust black, dust olive green, dust cobalt. The choice is all yours.

If you own a PM7 and are looking for another gun, I say skip this review and go check some other brands. If you own a PM6, though and want to upgrade this is the gun you wanna get. I’ll explain. The PM8 is the newest Proto Matrix gun which is better than the PM7, but just too similar to be worth buying. It’s not the same with the PM6 though. The PM8 performs much, much better, looks much, much better and is even more reliable than it - it’s simply the best upgrade. Check out its features and see the differences:
•    Adjustable Locking Feed Neck
•    Matching 2-Piece Proto Barrel
•    Self-Cleaning Anti-Chop Break Beam Eye System
•    Compact and Lightweight Body Styling
•    Stamped Metal Insert Logo
•    Proven FUSE ™ Bolt System
•    More than 10% Lower Operating Pressure
•    Smaller LPR. Now with Vertical Adjustment
•    Adjustable Trigger Sensitivity and Rate of Fire
•    Ultralite™ Ergonomic 45-Grip Frame
•    New Hyper3™ In-line Air Regulator
•    Program Control with Four Tournament Modes
•    Proto On/Of Bottom-Line

If you don’t want me to compare it with the other Proto guns I can tell you that what you’re basically getting is a DM7, but smaller, with a Hyper 3 reg and fantastic design. No joking – the gun is that good. It looks amazing (it’ not too much different the PM7, but in my opinion it looks better). It also comes with the self-cleaning eye system, that you can find in the latest Dye guns…players just love it. But the best part still is its price – even though the DM7 is now cheaper than what it used to be the new PM8 still beats it. You can get it for $749.95, which is nothing but a great price for the quality and the performance you’ll get from this gun. The colors it comes in are: black, dust black to blue fade, dust clear, dust olive green and dust black to red fade. And if you wonder why aren’t there any negativities about it – I haven’t heard of any. Except maybe that it’s not available everywhere yet, but I’m sure that’s not a problem that’s gonna last for long.

This is a new version of the so popular Planet Eclipse Ego Etek and it sure deserves your attention. It’s smaller, lighter and performs better than its predecessors. The BPS capability is up and you know that’s always a plus. There are so many new things in it that you can’t really say it is the same gun. The only thing that’s still a constant is the price. The Etek2 08 is again half the price of the new 08 edition Planet Eclipse guns, just like the Ego Etek 06 was when the 06 versions were just out. Features:
•    24+ BPS capability
•    1700+ shot efficiency
•    New lighter body
•    New frame with improved ergonomics and sngtch Grip
•    New flatter blade trigger
•    New modular electronics
•    New interchangeable micro switch
•    New 2008 on/off/purge with t-rail mounting (over 1″ of lateral adjustment)
•    New 2008 inline regulator with aluminium piston and coil spring operation
•    New LPR assembly
•    New Shaft II two-piece barrel
•    User-definable settings for Ball-in-Place, Eyes Off ROF, Cap ROF (uncapped in Semi 1), Debounce, and firing modes
•    Uncapped Semi, Capped Semi as well as current CFOA, Millennium and PSP modes
•    Triple Tru-Color LED display
•    Micro-switch trigger operation
•    Five adjustable firing modes
•    Trigger-pull programming
•    Tourney lock
•    Deftek offset feed tube
•    Clamping feed
•    Nexus eye covers
•    Break beam eyes (BBSS)
•    Dual ball detents
•    Fully adjustable trigger
•    Pull-pin bolt release
•    Integrated valve and rammer housing
•    Full tool set
•    Spares pack
•    Eclipse gun oil
•    Physical dimensions Length: 543mm
•    Height: 223mm
•    Width: 29.4mm
•    Weight: 1.00Kg/2.2lb/35.5oz
The Etek2 costs $675 and if can’t afford the $1250 2008 edition guns, this is one good substitute. And it’s a Planet Eclipse so that’s worth something, right? You’ll really find the gun satisfying. The price is very good for a high-end marker and you should definitely consider it. You can find it in – black, ice blue, brown and gold and probably some more if you do a decent search. The divergence in the prices between the new Etek2 and the Ego Etek 06 right now is exactly 80 bucks. Think about it. Do the math and decide which one’s worth more.

The origin Ego 2008 is basically just the same like the Ego 08, but with some extras added. Even if you check the features you’ll find absolutely no differences between the guns. What’s different here is that Planet Eclipse added - 3 piece barrel kit and 2 additional barrel tips. It’s nice to have those things handy…they can significantly improve your paintball game, even if it’s only by giving you a choice of greater paintballs options. I know the features are the same, but check them out anyway:
•    Ultra-Lightweight Monoform Body
•    Deftek Offset Feed Tube
•    Flush-Fitting Eye Covers
•    Integrated Rammer Housing
•    Integrated FRM
•    Cure Bolt
•    Zick Rammer and Rammer Cap
•    Stepped Valve Chamber and Valve Guide
•    High-Flow Valve
•    Q-Block – New 1-Piece Dual QEV block
•    Light-weight Aluminium Regulator Pistons
•    Superior Coil Spring Regulator Design
•    Dual Trigger Sensing Board
•    Duel Instrument Grade Ball-Raced Trigger
•    Magnetic Trigger Return
•    Skinny-Fit Co-Moulded Rubber E-Star Grips
•    T-Slot Rail Mounting System
•    Major Tournament Preset Modes
•    Capped and Uncapped Semi and Ramping Modes
•    9 Debounce Modes
•    Direct-Acting Solenoid
•    Black-on-White Transflective LCD Display
•    Swivel In-Line Regulator
•    Lever Operated Clamping Feed
•    Shaft II 2-Piece 14” 0.693” Barrel
•    On/Off/Purge System
•    Lower Cyclic Mass
•    Less Kick
•    Quieter Shot
•    Improved Efficiency
•    Low Profile Break-Beam Eyes
•    New Clam-Shell packaging
•    Tool Tube Hex Key Set
•    Weighs 1.99lbs with barrel and Battery
•    3 Piece Barrel Back Kit: .685, .689, .693
•    2 Barrel Tips: 14″ and 16″
Even though I said that the gun has not changed, when you add those 14in or 16in barrel tips it just looks sleeker than ever…simply beautiful. The Ego Origin 2008 also comes in variety of colors (again much better looking if you ask me) – purple haze (my personal favorite), mist green, sand, ice blue, sun yellow and lava orange. Any of those colors id just magnifying and your gun won’t stay unnoticed on the field. You have to be willing to pay the price though – the Ego Origin 2008 is exactly $99.95 pricier than the Ego 08, costing $1349.95. I don’t think that’s such a huge problem if you’ve already decided to spend so much money on the Ego 08. It’s up to you though. I personally favour the Origin more.

Another quite surprising gun upgrade. I really believed that the Ego 07 was a perfect gun, yet Planet Eclipse managed to upgrade it. And believe it or not there’s a significant difference between the Ego 07 and the new Ego 2008 Origin. This one’s even lighter (I guess it really is possible), has absolutely no kick, is even more air efficient, more accurate and with even sleeker design. They even managed to raise the speed level. We just have to admit this time Planet Eclipse definitely outdid themselves. Check out the gun’s features:
• Ultra-Lightweight Monoform Body
• Deftek Offset Feed Tube
• Flush-Fitting Eye Covers
• Integrated Rammer Housing
• Integrated FRM
• Cure Bolt
• Zick Rammer and Rammer Cap
• Stepped Valve Chamber and Valve Guide
• High-Flow Valve
• Q-Block – New 1-Piece Dual QEV block
• Light-weight Aluminium Regulator Pistons
• Superior Coil Spring Regulator Design
• Dual Trigger Sensing Board
• Duel Instrument Grade Ball-Raced Trigger
• Magnetic Trigger Return
• Skinny-Fit Co-Moulded Rubber E-Star Grips
• T-Slot Rail Mounting System
• Major Tournament Preset Modes
• Capped and Uncapped Semi and Ramping Modes
• 9 Debounce Modes
• Direct-Acting Solenoid
• Black-on-White Transflective LCD Display
• Swivel In-Line Regulator
• Lever Operated Clamping Feed
• Shaft II 2-Piece 14” 0.693” Barrel
• On/Off/Purge System
• Lower Cyclic Mass
• Less Kick
• Quieter Shot
• Improved Efficiency
• Low Profile Break-Beam Eyes
• New Clam-Shell packaging
• Tool Tube Hex Key Set
• Weighs 1.99lbs with barrel and Battery
Just like the Dye DM8 the Ego 08 is holding a high price - $1250. It’s only natural for a high end marker, but still not too many people can afford it. I guess that’s good news for some as there aren’t gonna be too many people with the same gun out on the field. I really can’t add any flaws for this gun, because it’s getting even higher ratings than the Dye DM8. It’s near perfection, but I don’t want to play with that word too much, because I’m pretty sure the next Planet Eclipse gun version will be even better. The Ego 08 comes in variety of colors such as blue, olive with brown highlights, white, grey with green highlights, black with green highlights, black with white highlights. There are also a couple of limited editions - UK Flag and American Flag, but to get them you have to spend an additional $150 (total of $1400). No matter which color you decide to get you’ll be a lucky and happy person to have this gun. It won’t disappoint you.

If you thought that the Dye DM7 was the best gun out there and that whatever Dye do they won’t be able to upgrade it, this is the time to tell you that you thought wrong. The new Dye gun is out and it is inheriting the name – DM8. And, yes, they’ve found a way to upgrade it. This one looks even sleeker than its predecessor and of what we hear it even performs better. It has some new stuff added up and some upgraded that bring up the quality and performance levels. Believe it or not the gun is faster, lighter and even better looking than the DM7. It’s also more accurate and air efficient. As to the maintenance part – it’s more like a kid’s game. See for yourself…read the features:
•    Ultralight Barrel - Accuracy at its finest, the standard Ultralite 14 inch barrel.
•    ON/OFF - The DM8’s integrated on/off air supply allows you to de-gas your marker at any time. Also includes the Airport On/Off that is perfectly balanced for an easy twist.
•    HYPER3 - The new Hyper3 regulator is a smaller diameter with higher flow. This new design is more consistent and more precisely adjustable. The new Hyper3 also features an ergonomic Sticky Grip Sleeve providing a more comfortable, textured fore grip.
•    LOW PRESSURE - The low 145 psi operating pressure provides smooth operating performance with less shot bounce.
•    NO EYEPLATES - The DM8 features an all new internal patent-pending Eye Pipe anti-chop sensing system that is self cleaning, providing trouble free high rate of fire. Also, the ball detents have been upgraded to a new magnetic system that is softer on paint. This new design has allowed us to eliminate the need for eyeplates.
•    UL GRIP FRAME - The DM8 is the proud owner of the world’s lightest, most compact and comfortable 45 grip frame available. The patent pending hour-glass design allows for a sleeker profile, while heads-up display lights alert you to the status of your gun, without having to take your eyes off the game.
•    LEGAL SOFTWARE - PSP and NPPL tournament legal software.
•    ROLLER BEARING TRIGGER - Completely adjustable trigger design allows you to customize your trigger position and refraction point. Trigger roller bearing inserts give the trigger stability and a smooth swing return.
•    ULTRALITE - The weight of the DM8 has been reduced by 1.5 ounces.
•    ULTRALITE STICKY3 GRIP - Ultralite Sticky3 grip is standard and provides an anatomically correct fit to your hand. It is co-molded with a tacky rubber grip and hard plastic under-frame. The all new Hyper3 also features the same tacky rubber.
•    LED CONTROL - High intensity LED provides identification to program functions. The DM8 has an all new heads-up display light which alerts you to the status of your gun, while still being able to focus on the game.
•    METAL POWER BUTTONS - Our metal/rubber button pad features large buttons that can easily be used while wearing gloves. Stainless steel buttons are guaranteed not to fail.
•    IMPROVED FUSE BOLT - The improved removable one-piece Fuse bolt system operates at 145psi, has greater air flow and is more efficient. We have also improved the bumper system used in the Fuse bolt, offering greater reliability.
•    INTERNAL LPR - The modular internal LPR is even smaller and provides more efficient shot consistency and quality.
•    CAM LOCK FEED NECK - Low profile locking feed port with adjustable cam lock neck allows you to use your choice of hopper and secure it firmly to the DM8.
It takes a while to read them all, but it’s actually pretty cool find out what they’ve changed and upgraded. And if you have the cash to spend on it, this is the gun you wanna buy. You have to mind that new hyper3 regulator they’ve added up, though.  It may take some time to get used to, so do some practice at home just to be able to feel the gun, before going out paintballing. I haven’t heard of any other problems the gun is causing and I assume there aren’t many. It won’t be exaggerated to say that right now this is probably the best gun out there. There are also plenty of colors available – Dust Black, Dust Red, Dust Blue, Dust Black to Red Fade, Dust Black to Cobalt Fade, Dust Olive, Dust Clear and Dust Black to Blue Fade – all of them beautifully looking. But they do come at a price - $1399.95. Quite a sum, but definitely worthy. If you can’t afford it though the DM7 is a pretty good substitute. And now that the new DM8 version is out the DM7’s price has fallen to the more affordable $899.99. We’re gonna wait and see what Dye are gonna come up with next time. To top the DM8 is pretty challenging thing to do, so it’s gonna be interesting.