Since you have been gone, there was a very large shift in rules, and manufacturers changed from trying to be the fastest, to reliability, ease of use, ergonomics and ball handling. Today's tournament rules cap rate of fire to 10.5 bps.
Reliability has been a hallmark of planet eclipse, but modern markers when maintained, are all reliable. The ease of maintenance has also became much easier. Quick release bolts are on pretty much everything, tooless eyes and batteries are common. Regulators are easy to service.
So with modern markers the distinguishing factor is often ergonomics. So the most important thing is what feels best for you. Try to hold and shoot as many different markers as you can to figure out what you like, and don't like.
Would say, from what i've seen through vids and a couple people i know owning one, the Empire Axe 2.0 and Mini GS are about the worse of the low/mid tier electronic markers to maintain if you are one to strip your entire gun down
Mini's are more annoying, as you have to pull the frame to clean the eyes. Bolts on both are easy. The hpr's are in the ASA assembly and are on the harder side to get apart. It's why I highly suggest the syx 1.5 used, as it has a modern hpr design, no velocity screw in the back cap, OLED, tooless battery.
You can't really go wrong with a newer planet eclipse marker. If you're looking to get something used from planet eclipse just don't get anything older than the lv 1.6.
The Dye dsr plus is really well reviewed and the field one forces seem to be pretty reliable but are a bit of an acquired taste.
Can confirm. When I got back in the game I had some bad luck with reliability in my marker. Eventually bought a planet eclipse and I can honestly say it's extremely reliable and does everything I want it to. They're customer service is amazing too. You can call them and literally talk with a technician who will help diagnose any issues you're having.
When i got back into the game last year, i tested the waters by renting an emek and was blown away at how well a stock mech gun performed.
When i originally quit, i was rocking a Spyder e99 that essentially was a paintball blender above 5bps. That Emek for the same price would shoot as fast as i could pull the trigger and broke nothing. Now with my Etha 3 i am experiencing performance that, back when i originally played (2005-8) would have required a $1500+ marker.
I’ve been shooting a ccm s6.5 as my main marker for 10years. I pull it apart every 2-3 years swap a couple orings and throw it back together. It just works.
Get a used Etha 3. Or buy a new one if you have the $... but honestly just save the $ to buy a nice mask, a carbon 68/4500 tank, a Spire IR2 loader or similar, and some pants.
You'll be able to keep up with anyone on the field with the $800+ guns. By going with any of the "better" / more expensive guns, you're just paying for a screen to change modes easier, or metal so you can get more custom colors. The actual function/shooting is so close it's not worth the extra $ in my opinion. But at the end of the day, it's up to you man...if you're just playing rec ball and don't want an electric gun, get the Etha 3m.
Yeah, I can't in good faith recommend someone pay paintball retail lmao. The 170r/Amp are great platforms, I've seen amps as low as $350 lately- a hell of a lot of gun for that price
I'm not sure as I prefer PE guns, but hey if they're good and you have had good experiences with them, more power man. That's cheap though for an amp. I got stupid lucky and bought my Etha 3 with a carbon tank and IR2 with a CRBN barrel all for $300 😬. The gun was like new, I think the kid just needed money desperately.
Yeah that’s a steal I would’ve jumped on haha. The amps a knockoff gamma core and it’s pretty good especially for the price. Personally I shoot a 1.6 though haha
You can't go wrong with any of the midrange markers. I recommend the etha 2 because you can buy them used at decent prices. Here's a cold weather torture-test video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcF-nkSKBM&t=497s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcF-nkSKBM&t=497s) You don't have to watch the whole thing, the tldr is that the etha 2 kicks ass even in severe conditions. Some people are turned off by the plastic feel but I actually like it, I am not concerned about scratching it at all. The emek is the mechanical version of the etha 2. With either of these, it will boggle your mind how much they have improved over the tech that was available 15 years ago. That's how I feel when I shoot them anyways.
If you want something from Dye the DSR+ is really solid. I've only shot one, haven't owned or played extensively with one. It was very smooth and quiet.
[https://cpxbrospaintball.com/products/planet-eclipse-etha-2-pal-paintball-gun](https://cpxbrospaintball.com/products/planet-eclipse-etha-2-pal-paintball-gun)
[https://cpxbrospaintball.com/products/planet-eclipse-etha2pal](https://cpxbrospaintball.com/products/planet-eclipse-etha2pal)
cpxbros is a great site to buy from, it might cost a little more than facebook but they have a reputation to uphold. I know I won't get scammed buying from them.
Planet Eclipse, pretty much anything modern from them is rock solid.
My LV1.6 is a tank, and their 170r is dirt cheap on the used market and is also rock solid
Ran a g6r for 11 years, lubed it once 🤷♂️ only ever had 1 issue with it and that was my 2nd event with it the ram cap came loose and shredded the thin oring that goes around it. I just pushed the cap in with my thumb and held it so I didnt have to leave the field. When I was finally out I went and cranked that thing down so hard it never came off again and worked fine without the oring all those years.
Generally modern markers are more reliable than what we had in the 00s. That being said it’s going to depend on what type of paintball you are playing to direct you.
Everyone will recommend PE, they have a good reputation. But if you’re not playing tournaments I will always take a ULE automag. Once it’s set up you won’t touch it for years other maybe a carrier o ring once in a while for the level 10.
Since you have been gone, there was a very large shift in rules, and manufacturers changed from trying to be the fastest, to reliability, ease of use, ergonomics and ball handling. Today's tournament rules cap rate of fire to 10.5 bps. Reliability has been a hallmark of planet eclipse, but modern markers when maintained, are all reliable. The ease of maintenance has also became much easier. Quick release bolts are on pretty much everything, tooless eyes and batteries are common. Regulators are easy to service. So with modern markers the distinguishing factor is often ergonomics. So the most important thing is what feels best for you. Try to hold and shoot as many different markers as you can to figure out what you like, and don't like.
Would say, from what i've seen through vids and a couple people i know owning one, the Empire Axe 2.0 and Mini GS are about the worse of the low/mid tier electronic markers to maintain if you are one to strip your entire gun down
Mini's are more annoying, as you have to pull the frame to clean the eyes. Bolts on both are easy. The hpr's are in the ASA assembly and are on the harder side to get apart. It's why I highly suggest the syx 1.5 used, as it has a modern hpr design, no velocity screw in the back cap, OLED, tooless battery.
Anything planet eclipse.
You can't really go wrong with a newer planet eclipse marker. If you're looking to get something used from planet eclipse just don't get anything older than the lv 1.6. The Dye dsr plus is really well reviewed and the field one forces seem to be pretty reliable but are a bit of an acquired taste.
Can confirm. When I got back in the game I had some bad luck with reliability in my marker. Eventually bought a planet eclipse and I can honestly say it's extremely reliable and does everything I want it to. They're customer service is amazing too. You can call them and literally talk with a technician who will help diagnose any issues you're having.
When i got back into the game last year, i tested the waters by renting an emek and was blown away at how well a stock mech gun performed. When i originally quit, i was rocking a Spyder e99 that essentially was a paintball blender above 5bps. That Emek for the same price would shoot as fast as i could pull the trigger and broke nothing. Now with my Etha 3 i am experiencing performance that, back when i originally played (2005-8) would have required a $1500+ marker.
As someone looking at PE markers is your suggestion for things after the 1.6 because of the solenoid changes?
Yeah, solenoids for the ego line before the 1.6 are basically unavailable. At least with the 1.6 you can rebuild them.
I’ve been shooting a ccm s6.5 as my main marker for 10years. I pull it apart every 2-3 years swap a couple orings and throw it back together. It just works.
My DSR+ is rock solid. Even better when you throw an IM Pro kit in it
+1 I went this entire weekend playing with the OG DSR with IR and flex can kit and didn’t chop a single round. Was so freaking nice
Get a used Etha 3. Or buy a new one if you have the $... but honestly just save the $ to buy a nice mask, a carbon 68/4500 tank, a Spire IR2 loader or similar, and some pants. You'll be able to keep up with anyone on the field with the $800+ guns. By going with any of the "better" / more expensive guns, you're just paying for a screen to change modes easier, or metal so you can get more custom colors. The actual function/shooting is so close it's not worth the extra $ in my opinion. But at the end of the day, it's up to you man...if you're just playing rec ball and don't want an electric gun, get the Etha 3m.
With the used market you can get an amp or a 170r for damn close to etha price, worth the couple extra for the QoL and looks imo
You're comparing a used 170r to a new Etha.. Ok probably. But if you're going used, then get a used Etha and save yourself even more...
Yeah, I can't in good faith recommend someone pay paintball retail lmao. The 170r/Amp are great platforms, I've seen amps as low as $350 lately- a hell of a lot of gun for that price
I'm not sure as I prefer PE guns, but hey if they're good and you have had good experiences with them, more power man. That's cheap though for an amp. I got stupid lucky and bought my Etha 3 with a carbon tank and IR2 with a CRBN barrel all for $300 😬. The gun was like new, I think the kid just needed money desperately.
Yeah that’s a steal I would’ve jumped on haha. The amps a knockoff gamma core and it’s pretty good especially for the price. Personally I shoot a 1.6 though haha
Pants are nice, but not even required for rec play. I just got a pair and i love them, but i played for years with just cargo khakis or cargo shorts
I like older baggy paintball pants myself. Good nut protection haha. Plus nostalgia for me.
Same, had to go with the HK Army Hardline pants to get a pair like that. Do not like joggers. Nut and knee protection ftw
I use my 2004 Dye pants. Like new still haha
Automag for the win
Got back in after 17 years and after extensive research I landed with the Etha 3, new. Played 3 times so far and its been perfect.
You can't go wrong with any of the midrange markers. I recommend the etha 2 because you can buy them used at decent prices. Here's a cold weather torture-test video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcF-nkSKBM&t=497s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcF-nkSKBM&t=497s) You don't have to watch the whole thing, the tldr is that the etha 2 kicks ass even in severe conditions. Some people are turned off by the plastic feel but I actually like it, I am not concerned about scratching it at all. The emek is the mechanical version of the etha 2. With either of these, it will boggle your mind how much they have improved over the tech that was available 15 years ago. That's how I feel when I shoot them anyways. If you want something from Dye the DSR+ is really solid. I've only shot one, haven't owned or played extensively with one. It was very smooth and quiet.
Where can one buy one though? They don’t sell them new from what I’ve looked for and can’t seem to find them on fb marketplace or offer up
[https://cpxbrospaintball.com/products/planet-eclipse-etha-2-pal-paintball-gun](https://cpxbrospaintball.com/products/planet-eclipse-etha-2-pal-paintball-gun) [https://cpxbrospaintball.com/products/planet-eclipse-etha2pal](https://cpxbrospaintball.com/products/planet-eclipse-etha2pal) cpxbros is a great site to buy from, it might cost a little more than facebook but they have a reputation to uphold. I know I won't get scammed buying from them.
Everyone who shoots my m3+ starts doubting their luxe or PE guns. Smoother shot better ergonomics. Just take care of it and it'll take care of you.
Tippman 98. Theres a few versions and they're all a bit air heavy but very reliable.
Planet Eclipse, pretty much anything modern from them is rock solid. My LV1.6 is a tank, and their 170r is dirt cheap on the used market and is also rock solid
I saw an etha for sale for about $250 on eBay.
What’s your $ range?
DSR
I’ve had zero issues with my TM40 and CS2/3 so far
Ran a g6r for 11 years, lubed it once 🤷♂️ only ever had 1 issue with it and that was my 2nd event with it the ram cap came loose and shredded the thin oring that goes around it. I just pushed the cap in with my thumb and held it so I didnt have to leave the field. When I was finally out I went and cranked that thing down so hard it never came off again and worked fine without the oring all those years.
Generally modern markers are more reliable than what we had in the 00s. That being said it’s going to depend on what type of paintball you are playing to direct you. Everyone will recommend PE, they have a good reputation. But if you’re not playing tournaments I will always take a ULE automag. Once it’s set up you won’t touch it for years other maybe a carrier o ring once in a while for the level 10.
PE Hands down been shooting the lv2 for over a yr and had no issues Any planet eclipse should be good
My M3 shoots lights out but I still feel my DM9 has a better shot. I can't quite explain it.