I can’t really call the Aura a great marker, but it’s a good one and since it’s so affordable I think it deserves some attention. The marker costs about $170 and you know you can’t expect much of such a cheap gun. The Aura is surprisingly good though. It’s relatively small, pretty light and very efficient. It’s also pretty durable and can take a fair amount of beating. It makes a great beginner’s marker until you’re ready to move to something better. It sure needs some upgrades though, like new barrel and maybe new grips, but that’s about it. For that price I think the gun really deserves some attention. Check out the features:

Features:

* Low pressure valve system that allows the Aura to operate at 150 psi
* Low force spring is easy on paintballs and allows the use of more fragile paint
* Lower mass internals resulting in reduced recoil
* Self lubricating delrin bolt with quick release pin for easy removal. Unique design prevents the paintball from rolling back into the bolt
* Sealed breach prevents gas from escaping into the feed tube
* Break beam ball sensor is located low in the breach to ensure the paintball has dropped completely into the breach before firing
* Dual spring loaded ball detents
* Integrated adjustable pressure regulator with built in swivel mounting
* Low profile clamping feed neck that accomodates all loaders
* Handle frame is equipped with a universal mounting system that allows you to connect dovetail and 3/4 inch pitch bottomlines or drop forwards
* On/Off bottom line with purging feature for easy tank removal
* 12 inch ported barrel – Cocker threads
* High pressure macroline hose
* Operates on CO2, Nitrogen, or compressed air
* Adjustable trigger with magnetic return
* Made from high grade 6061 aluminum
* Comes with all hex keys needed to repair the Aura, and a spare parts kit
* Firing modes: Semi up to 25 bps, 3 shot burst at 10 bps, full auto at 10bps. Two ramping modes. NPPL and PSP firing modes with tournament lock switch
* Adjustable rate of fire
* Convenient display of mode, eye function, and alarms through LED panel on the rear of the grip frame
* Weight: 2.4 lbs.

As I said you can’t expect it to be the great – mind that the Aura is somewhat loud, it also has a pretty weird trigger and produces a minor kick. There’s no on/off button and to turn it off you’ll have to completely take the battery out. Also there are not too many upgrades available. And maybe the biggest thing that I should warn you about is for the asa. When you unscrew the asa, be careful not turn it too far out or it will shred the oring from the blast of air (no spare o-rings are coming with the gun). Still everyone would agree that for $170 those things can be ignored. If you’re just getting into the paintball game this is a good gun to start with.

Shockers have always been known as solid guns and this one’s no difference. The only difference I find with the other Shockers is its looks. And I don’t mean the body’s different or something, I’m talking about the engravings. Its custom made by Modify’d and it really is a piece of art. Other than that the gun is just the same – a good one – it’s small, fast, very durable, pretty accurate even with the stock barrel, efficient and most importantly reliable. Here’s the info provided:

“The field proven performance of the Shocker NXT, with its minimal weight, compact size, sizzling rate of fire and simple maintenance has accompanied some of the world’s best professional paintball teams to the winner’s podium.

Features

Custom laser engraving by Modify’d”

It’s not a cheap marker and everyone knows that, what shocked me though is the difference in the price depending on the place that sells it. The gun’s price varies from $580 to $900, which is a huge difference. I have no idea what’s causing that, but I guess you should be careful where you’re getting your markers from. Make sure to check out as many options as possible. As to the marker itself it sure deserves getting.

The Droid is MACDev new project after the quite successful (in my opinion) Cyborg. The Droid is newer of course and better but overall not that much different that the Cyborg. It’s a tad thinner, but you probably won’t even notice it. It feels great though with some very comfortable grips. It’s beautifully made and has a nice, clean and smooth milling. It’s light, very fast and extremely effective. Overall a great, reliable gun that I’m sure you’ll like very much. Check out the info that comes with it:

“Droid.
Project D is a new gun designed and manufactured by MacDev, we have named it Droid. This new gun is not a Cyborg, and it is not intended to replace the Cyborg. The Cyborg and Droid will both be available, and the Cyborg has a very bright future, with a new model set for release in 2008.

The Droid will be set in the high end bracket, with a retail price of over $US1,000, it will be an alternative option to players who want to have a high quality and high performance single tube paintball marker.

The details.

The Droid is designed to breathe new life into the single tube gun market. MacDev designers have made some very interesting innovations that are designed to increase the reliability and efficiency which is always lacking in conventional spool designs. These innovations have led to significant reliability and efficiency advantages, and patents will be granted for them soon.

The Droid features lightweight construction, extensive 3D surface milling and a small, comfortable playing profile.”

The only complaint about this gun is that it chops paint from time to time, something weird for a high end marker. This has its explanation of course, and an easy solution in that matter. If your Droid is chopping paint, simply check your loader to see if you can lower its force settings so that it doesn’t put too much tension on the stack. This should fix things right away. As to the price it’s about $1000 which in my opinion is perfectly deserved. The Droid is a good marker and if you like what you’ve read and can afford it you should absolutely go for it.

Yet another pretty expensive marker – the Traitor Shocker 2007. It’s overall a pretty good gun, but nothing too special if you ask me. I personally wouldn’t pay $1300 for it. The difference between this one and the 06 model isn’t really that big. Some modifications and that’s all. Yes the marker’s fast, it looks nice and is easy to maintain, but aren’t they all these days. For me the biggest downside is the Traitor shocker’s weight. It’s pretty heavy and if you’re like me and like light guns you should definitely look for something else. Also the thing can be a real gas hog if it’s not set right so make sure you have that covered before you go on the field. And again the trigger isn’t the best one I’ve tried. If you like it – good for you, I personally think it needs changing. Here’s the provided info:

“The second edition of the Traitor Series Shocker remains true to the legacy left behind by the original.

Features:

New for 2007 break beam eye technology
Low pressure operation
HE Bolt standard
Standard Hybrid threaded barrel port
Redesigned stronger feedneck threads
Dual ball detents
Integrated dovetail for bottomline attachment
Multipoint adjustable trigger
Updated inline HPR regulator
Lightweight compact design
Electropneumatic operation powered by a single 9v battery”

Sp once again – I don’t think the marker deserves the price tag it’s given. For that kind of money you can get something far better. look around – it’s not like you don’t have plenty of choice.

The Traitor Mummy has a price tag that puts it in-between the most expensive markers out there and just because of that I expected so much more from it. Of course it has its advantages – it’s very fast, light, nicely balanced, looks great and is pretty efficient, but still those don’t make it any more exclusive than the other markers out there. If you’re gonna invest so much money into a marker you expect it to be flawless. The Traitor Mummy isn’t. Even the 4 Eyes don’t make it better but quite the opposite. Go through the provided info and we’ll move on:

“New from Bob Long and Hybrid Technology is the Hybrid Mummy. The Mummy is a Bob Long gun based off the Marq6/Onyx design with a lot of Hybrid’s tweaks to squeeze every ounce of performance out of this gun.

Features:
New Bob Long Design Completely Different than the Intimidator designs.
New Streamlined Inline Popped Design (completely different than a Shocker Design)
Custom Hybrid HedLok Clamp
Custom Hybrid Milling
Custom Hybrid Trigger
Custom Hybrid Push Button On/Off
Custom Hyrid ergonomic grip frame.
Custom Hybrid HE Bolt
Super Lightweight: 2.1 lbs
4 Eyes Yes thats right 4 eyes (2 Pair) INSTALLED
Can Work with 1 set of eyes or both sets of eyes
26+ BPS with 4 Eyes On.
Swivel top regulator
1400 Shots Per 68/4500 Estimated
Custom 2007 Hybrid Skull Grips White
O-ring and LP Hose Parts Kit Included.
Bottomline Kit Installed.
Includes
O-ring Kit
White and Black Macro line
Quick Start Instructions”

There are several things that I can point out as disappointment.  First of the trigger isn’t that great. It feels a bit uncomfortable and in my opinion you’ll want to change it right away. The eyes are the other problem. The eye cover screws are very small and you’ll need a tiny wrench in order to take them out and clean them. It’s a pain and takes quite some time. On top of that be warned that crappy paint can cause breaks. I know some won’t agree with me and will think I overreact, but no matter how small those flaws are, for $1400 they shouldn’t even be there. If you’re about to spend that much money you deserve a better gun. Go for anything else, but this one.

The new DM9 is here and of course it’s better than its predecessors. Although it looks the same as DM8 it’s actually a little bit smaller. It has a new trigger (you can adjust it in many ways), new ball detents and new board. It’s also a little bit better when it comes to air efficiency and has absolutely no kick. I know it’s not much change, but considering how great the DM8 is I think that’s plenty. So here’s my personal opinion – if you’re on the market for a new gun and you have the money to spend definitely go for the DM9 before the previous versions. Still if you own a DM8, DM7 or heck even the DM6 don’t bother upgrading. The + money you’ll spend are just not worthy. Here are the details:

“INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW DM9

With a host of new features, updates, and refinements, it continues the tradition of being one of the lightest, smallest, fastest and certainly the most accurate of paintball markers in the world.

Features:

•    The lightest DM Yet
•    Redesigned Smaller Body
•    New One Piece Eye Covers (Patent Pending)
•    DYE Ultralite Barrel As Standard
•    Hyper3 Reg
•    Low Operating Pressure, reducing Kick and Choppin
•    Internal Eye Sensor, No Eye Plates Needed
•    Hour glass UL Frame with Reach Trigger
•    Six New colors
•    Improved one-piece Fuse bolt
•    No Eye plates
•    New durable and super-flexible detents
•    Miniature modular internal LPR
•    Fully adjustable reach trigger
•    PSP, NPPL, Millennium, and NXL tournament legal software
•    Weighing in at 1lb-15oz the DM9 is 3oz lighter then it’s predecessor the DM8
•    New 3D body styling
•    Ergonomic Ultralight .45 grip frame
•    Ultralite Sticky3 grip
•    Two piece Dye 14″ Ultralite barrel
•    No rise lever lock clamping feedneck
•    Cast aluminum inset dye logo
•    Hyper3 reg
•    Super low operating pressure
•    On/off ASA

Of course there won’t be a negative paragraph here – the gun is near perfect. I just wonder what they’ll come up with next…it’s a challenge topping this gun.  And if the price of near $1350 doesn’t scare you go for it without any hesitation. There’s no way you’ll regret that decision.

So if you really want the best of the best when it comes to paintball markers and you have the money to spend on it – get the Luxe. It just doesn’t get any better than that, trust me. I won’t even bother pointing out the advantages of this marker over the other ones on the market. It just outclasses them all…in everything…it even talks to you, for crying out loud (it has a voice menu, for those who think I’m going crazy). Do I need to say more? Anyway, here’s the featured info (quite a piece if you ask me) so get through it and we’ll move on:

“New design and distribution philosophy to bring forth technological advancements in professional level paintball marker.

March 29, 2008 DLX Technology is proud to announce the tournament debut of the Luxe professional tournament paintball marker at the 2008 NPPL Super-7 World Series tournament in Huntington Beach, California, March 28-30, 2008. Some of the best professional paintball players in the world will gain an edge with the ultimate luxury paintball marker.

“We knew making a product that would take things to the next level required a whole new approach” said DLX Technology director Darryl Trent. “This allows us to redefine everything involved with the marker from concept and design to how it is built, how it arrives in the customer’s hands, and even how the player is taken care of afterwards. We began this journey over two years ago, and I am excited to see the results in action.”

Under the leadership of the DLX Technology group, the combined efforts of designers, pneumatic, mechanical, manufacturing and software engineers, multimedia developers, linguistic specialists, professional paintball players and leading paintball field and store operators have culminated in the development of the ultimate luxury paintball marker – a synchronization of style, raw performance and unparalleled customer support.

Design of the Luxe started with a clean slate by championship winning pro players from the NXL and NPPL defining their needs, especially those that were not met by today’s markers. Speed, consistency, accuracy, gentle handling of brittle paint and a compact form factor were given, but the missing elements were not so obvious – speed of maintenance and ease of configuration. In today’s paintball tournaments every second in the staging area between points or best 2 out of 3 matches is critical, and that is where current paintball technology has fallen short – until now.

The valve and air handling systems of the Luxe eliminate common failure points and provide for full cleaning and lubrication of the bolt, valve, ball detents and anti-chop components in seconds, without tools. “It really is unbelievable,” said Rocky Knuth, a professional player and owner of the Seattle Naughty Dogs, who has had the opportunity to rigorously test Luxe prototypes for several months. “I can have the entire bolt and valve assembly out of the Luxe as fast as I can pop open a can of soda.”

Luxe innovations go well beyond the physical. The Luxe has been endowed with new means of communication. Although it has all of the programming flexibility serious tournament paintball players have come to expect, it has done away with the complexity. Memorization of beep and blink codes or carrying a manual to decipher them is unnecessary.

Features are not the only aspect to set the Luxe apart. From the ground up, its high-performance alloy parts are machined in the United States, by American workers using the most advanced manufacturing processes available, a rarity in today’s paintball industry. The Luxe does not roll off of an assembly line. Instead each is hand built, tested and adjusted one at a time at DLX Technology by a Certified Luxe Technician, who is also an experienced professional paintball player with the background to know by feel when a marker is in top form.

Much like a luxury car, the Luxe is not a mail-order product. Luxe markers will be available only through Luxe Certified Dealers who have the staff and training to provide a top-quality customer experience and post-sale technical support.

Developed as a focused high-end design and manufacturing group owned by paintball industry leader Smart Parts, Inc., DLX Technology is dedicated to melding cutting edge technology with solid tournament performance to build the ultimate luxury paintball marker.

There’s no need of a “disadvantages” section this time (this really is a flawless marker). So let me just once again point out that you can’t make a better choice than this one. Not for now anyway. The price – $1500 – is the only setback (for many), but even that can be a good thing. If you have that kind of money to spend on a marker – do it on this one. There’s just nothing else out there deserving a price tag like that more than the Luxe.

Here comes the next Dangerous Power “must definitely consider” marker. I know I’m making it harder on you with those “all good and no disadvantages” reviews, but I just can’t call the white black. The Threshold is yet another great marker with its sexy looks and amazing performance. Not to mention at an incredible price for the quality you’re getting. The thing costs about $550, but can easily cost over $1000 and I would still say it deserves them. It’s small, light and easy to maneuver. It’s fast, accurate, consistent, and very reliable and has little to no kick. It also comes in a package with everything you need: macroline, RAPS on/off, barrel-bag, o-rings, and even a small allen wrench set. The trigger is also great. It was something I pointed out as a downside for the G3, but here it has a very responsive, snappy feel and I’m sure you’ll like it. So before the few downsides check out the featured info:

“The Dangerous Power Threshold was never meant to be released to the public. Our engineers and design team had a bit of a clash when it came to the aesthetics of the new marker. Leaning towards clean lines, where function is hailed above form, the chief engineers of the project commented that the milling was too wild, and far too excessive. Cost was another prohibitive factor. 20 tools utilizing the latest 3D software, running 24 hours per day to produce only 7 bodies!”

“Weighing in at just 35.2oz (2.2lbs), which includes the full two piece barrel, feed neck, ASA, and battery, the Threshold consists of only 2 parts and 6 easily accessible O-rings in the entire operation. Based off of a dump valve system and a custom, in-house designed 3-way solenoid, the Threshold boasts excellent efficiency numbers.”

The biggest downside for me is the dip-switches. I find them very irritating. And if you’re one of the people who switch modes often, you’ll feel the same way. Another thing is the grips – they’re not the most comfortable and my advice is to get some new ones. And that’s about it. Let me once again mention the price – $550. So if you’re lucky enough to find a Threshold available (they’re pretty limited) I say don’t hesitate a moment and go for it right away.

I was a bit skeptical when I saw the $300 price tag on the DP G3 marker so I won’t judge, if you felt the same, but let me tell you – this thing does a great job out there on the field. I won’t claim it’s the best marker out there, but you sure won’t regret if you’ve decided to buy it. The Dangerous Power have a reputation of making great products and with the G3 they once again stood up for it. The marker impresses not only with its looks, size and weight, but also with its performance. It’s amazingly fast, reliable, efficient, accurate and pretty much everything you’ll expect from a marker. Another thing worth mentioning is its ease of maintenance – seriously, this is probably the simplest marker I’ve ever seen when it comes to cleaning. All you have to do is remove one screw and the back cap to gain access to the bolt, which has a total of only 4 o-rings. The fewer the better, right. So before we go on here’s the given info about it if you’re interested:

“The new 2008 Dangerous Power G3 paintball marker weighing in at only 1.86lbs (fully equipped with the patented clamping feedneck, barrel and patented flip lever ASA) DP’s latest creation may be the world’s smallest and lightest paintball marker in existence!!!
Derived from the highly successful and limited production Threshold painball marker, the G3 benefiting from having only six o-rings in it’s entire operation based upon two precision crafted parts by turning one screw; the user can access the entire bolt assembly for easy maintenance and service. The new G3 utilizes a .45 grip frame for easy customization and comes standard with Dangerour Power’s highly acclaimed flip lever ASA (RAPS) and ultra low rise clamping feedneck.

G3 (black, blue, red)
weight: 1.86 lbs
length: 19.5 inches
height: 7.84 inches
operation pressure: 180psi
firing modes:
NPPL/SEMI AUTO, PSP, MILLENIUM AND NXL MODES”

So you’re thinking – ok, we got to the good part where the illusion comes to an end, because no $300 marker can be perfect, right? Well, I already told you it isn’t, it’s pretty close though. I mean, for this price range the few upgrades the marker needs shouldn’t even count as downsides. So first of you may want to change is the reg. The thing’s really inconsistent which can be pretty irritating. The other thing is the trigger. Some people like it, but there are much better ones out there. In the end there are the grips – they’re not the most comfortable and can get slippery when wet, so just get another ones. And that’s it. But seriously – for $300…who cares. Get the G3 without any hesitation if it already caught your eye. You just won’t regret it.

The first thing you’ll notice with the Dangerous Power F8 Fusion is its perfect milling. Not one mill mark, scratch or dimple. It’s absolutely flawless down to the smallest detail. It’s a beautiful gun and I don’t think anyone will dare to disagree with that. The marker is sleek, small and very well designed. It’s also extremely light but of what I hear very durable. It performs just as well as it looks. It’s fast, quiet, consistent, air efficient and accurate. I don’t think you’ll be able to find anything wrong with it. Check out the given specifications:

* Weighs 1.89 lbs.
* Length-19 inches and only 7 inches tall
* 200 psi operating pressure
* Same great efficiency as the Fusion
* No more LPR
* Comes with RAPS on/off
* Lower profile, patented xtreme grip feedneck
* Redesigned bolt
* Redesigned HPR
* Redesigned solenoid for reliability and adjustability

So can it really be flawless? Obviously it can. I honestly can’t find anything worth mentioning as a downside. I can recommend an upgrade if you insist – the stock barrel (a pretty good one btw) is .690 and if you don’t like that bore size you may switch to something else. And that’s it. Everything else is just great and if you decide to change it it’s only gonna be because of personal preferences. As to the price – I was somewhat surprised to see a $450 price tag on it. Why? Because the F8 Fusion can easily compete with some of the most expensive guns out there. Don’t hesitate too much on getting it. It’s definitely worthy.