I've been away but I'm back and need a new marker

MikeyLikesCarbonFibe · 06-30-2012, 10:26 AM

I was into paintball a few years back but for job and life reasons had to stop and sell off most of my stuff. I'm looking to get back into pbing but I need a new marker.
Here is the some info on my old one:
Spyder VS2 w/ Tadao Board, J&J 14" Barrel and CP Trigger.

I know the Spyder is entry level which is why I did a lot of the upgrades to it. I'm looking to get a good mid grade marker now.
I would like to spend anywhere from $350 to $500 and at most if it's really worth it $600 for just the marker. Any suggestions? I would prefer something that is ready to go that I won't have to go a lot of upgrades to. I can deal with putting on new barrel but I don't want to get into changing the board and trigger like I did on my VS2.

Thanks for the help!!!

Team Misfit · 06-30-2012, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyLikesCarbonFibe

I was into paintball a few years back but for job and life reasons had to stop and sell off most of my stuff. I'm looking to get back into pbing but I need a new marker.
Here is the some info on my old one:
Spyder VS2 w/ Tadao Board, J&J 14" Barrel and CP Trigger.

I know the Spyder is entry level which is why I did a lot of the upgrades to it. I'm looking to get a good mid grade marker now.
I would like to spend anywhere from $350 to $500 and at most if it's really worth it $600 for just the marker. Any suggestions? I would prefer something that is ready to go that I won't have to go a lot of upgrades to. I can deal with putting on new barrel but I don't want to get into changing the board and trigger like I did on my VS2.

Thanks for the help!!!

Not a bad gun.get a etek 3-4 best guns around that range I have a 2 and it's great!

No upgrades needed ready to go out the box!

**Pump Scout** · 06-30-2012, 11:30 AM

Empire Axe is a lot of bang for the buck. Eteks are solid. There's also the lightly used market that gets you into a whole range of very outstanding markers. Something in the Intimidator family will feel very similar to your Spyder but give you vastly better performance, and the G6R can be had used in the $600-ish range if you look hard.

zachpnnc · 06-30-2012, 12:00 PM

eteks and axe's are both solid choices if you cant get an etek 4 i would get an axe both are great out of the box with the axe being a little cheaper

MikeyLikesCarbonFibe · 06-30-2012, 12:08 PM

Thanks for all the help, is there a major difference as far as performance goes with the LT and AM? I know the AM is a better build but does it improve the performance?

Can I get a Carbon Fiber barrel for the etek?

Team Misfit · 06-30-2012, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyLikesCarbonFibe

Thanks for all the help, would this be a good package?
http://www.zephyrpaintball.com/produ...oo-Loader.html

That's perfect!

Except your etek will be composite parts since its the LT

If you can find a Etek 4 AM that's better but not needed

**Pump Scout** · 06-30-2012, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyLikesCarbonFibe

Can I get a Carbon Fiber barrel for the etek?

Yes. Any Cocker threaded barrel will work on an Etek.

Snowbone · 06-30-2012, 01:33 PM

Etek's are great guns but if you aren't a fan of a double tube design or a poppet valve gun i would try to find something like a used Geo 2. They are great guns not quite as efficient as the etek or axe but shoot smooth and are really reliable.

MikeyLikesCarbonFibe · 06-30-2012, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowbone

Etek's are great guns but if you aren't a fan of a double tube design or a poppet valve gun i would try to find something like a used Geo 2. They are great guns not quite as efficient as the etek or axe but shoot smooth and are really reliable.

Whats the advantage/disadvantage of the double barrel vs a single barrel? I had a single barrel on my VS2. If I get the Etek could this single barrel work with it http://www.zephyrpaintball.com/produ...--14-Inch.html

Mocking Da Bird · 06-30-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyLikesCarbonFibe

Whats the advantage/disadvantage of the double barrel vs a single barrel? I had a single barrel on my VS2. If I get the Etek could this single barrel work with it http://www.zephyrpaintball.com/produ...--14-Inch.html

Some 2 piece barrels have better bore control than one piece. Also, you have a bigger variety of bore sizes, if you buy a barrel kit.

Team Misfit · 06-30-2012, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyLikesCarbonFibe

Thanks for all the help, is there a major difference as far as performance goes with the LT and AM? I know the AM is a better build but does it improve the performance?

Can I get a Carbon Fiber barrel for the etek?

There's really no difference , the LT is composite and AM is metal ... No difference performance wise.stock barrel is a good barrel

MikeyLikesCarbonFibe · 06-30-2012, 06:33 PM

Yeah I'm sure the stock barrel is great but I like Carbon Fiber

BigDogTim · 06-30-2012, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyLikesCarbonFibe

Yeah I'm sure the stock barrel is great but I like Carbon Fiber

Realized that from your handle

MikeyLikesCarbonFibe · 06-30-2012, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDogTim

Realized that from your handle

LOL anyone make an all Carbon Fiber marker???

sign me up for that one when it comes out

Team Misfit · 06-30-2012, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyLikesCarbonFibe

LOL anyone make an all Carbon Fiber marker???

sign me up for that one when it comes out

What about it do you like?

Snowbone · 06-30-2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyLikesCarbonFibe

Whats the advantage/disadvantage of the double barrel vs a single barrel? I had a single barrel on my VS2. If I get the Etek could this single barrel work with it http://www.zephyrpaintball.com/produ...--14-Inch.html

I wasn't talking about the barrels although the two-piece barrels do have better bore control for better accuracy. What i was talking about was the difference in the double tube versus single tube design such as the difference between a spool valve and a poppit valve. If you go to http://www.zdspb.com/tech/misc/animations.html you can look at some animations to help you understand the working difference in the marker. Double tube guns are traditionally poppet valve guns are a little heavier but are also more efficient than the single tube spool valve guns. If you do a little search you can find more information as well on spool valve vs. poppet valve guns.

MikeyLikesCarbonFibe · 07-01-2012, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowbone

I wasn't talking about the barrels although the two-piece barrels do have better bore control for better accuracy. What i was talking about was the difference in the double tube versus single tube design such as the difference between a spool valve and a poppit valve. If you go to http://www.zdspb.com/tech/misc/animations.html you can look at some animations to help you understand the working difference in the marker. Double tube guns are traditionally poppet valve guns are a little heavier but are also more efficient than the single tube spool valve guns. If you do a little search you can find more information as well on spool valve vs. poppet valve guns.

Thanks for the info, I'll check out that link!

BigDogTim · 07-01-2012, 08:22 AM

I'll post my comparison between a spool and a poppet. These are characteristic of what you will find on the majority of spools and poppets in your price range.

ETEK3/4 (POPPET)
1. More efficient
2. More reliable
3. Less maintenance required
4. More kick
5. MUCH louder
6. VERY "unsmooth" shot.

Reflex Rail (SPOOL)
1. Much smoother shot
2. Much Quieter
3. Very little barrel rise, IF ANY
4. Requires more maintenance
5. Still very reliable
6. Less efficient

**Pump Scout** · 07-01-2012, 08:49 AM

To add to that, an inline poppet (ie, Marq platform or Axe/Mini) will fall in the middle of those two. You don't get great efficiency, but better than your average spool. You do get the smoothness of the shot, as well as the quietness of the spool, but there's less maintenance.

MikeyLikesCarbonFibe · 07-01-2012, 08:53 AM

Once again thank you all for your help ... Right now I'm trying to decided between these two

Bob Long Ripper 3
Specs:
-1 of 148 ripper 3 bodies ever produced
-Lightest of all of the gen 4 timmies produced
-Bob Long Vice pillow bolt
-Bob Long frenzy board
-Bob Long newest gen front block and LPR
-Bob Long 360 reg
-S-class trigger
-Bob Long cam drive on/off ASA
-Contract killer grips
-Bob Long 2 piece 14" barrel

Planet Eclipse Etek 3 AM
Specs:
-All Metal Planet Eclipse Etek 3
-Emortal Board upgrade kit (retails for $175), LCD OLED display
-Zick 2 kit
-TechT pooty milled hush bolt (black delrin)
-Original board and button cover included
-Planet Eclipse OOPs on/off ASA
-Planet Eclipse 2 piece 14" barrel

**Pump Scout** · 07-01-2012, 09:01 AM

The Ripper will hold value better than the Etek will. The only catch is that the Gen4 poppet was a little quirky. I didn't have troubles with mine, but some people did. Between the two of those, I'd go with the Ripper myself, if for no other reason than I'm a real sucker for milled, uncommon body guns.