Empire AXE: Getting one?

Gigalisk · 11-16-2010, 10:35 AM

Has anyone got it yet, and if so, plz do a review! I'm curious to see how big of an improvement it is on the mini, which is told to be the EXACT same thing.

ophooligan · 11-16-2010, 12:34 PM

I shot one this last weekend and really liked it. I never liked how the mini felt when I held it. Just didn't work for me. This gun feels much better. I also didn't like the holo (sp) switch that they used to activate the firing cycle in the mini. It always felt cheap and sloppy to me. The new trigger feels more refined and now is actived with a switch. The cycle feels smoother. Might just be because the gun is a little larger. You will be suprised at how quiet they made this gun. The relay on/off really is one of the best parts of the gun, a needed and great addition. The programing has been inproved on the board. It now how a true PSP mode and can bet set to 12.5 insted of just 12 or 13bps. I'm sure there is more to play with on the settings, I just didn't get into them. I think the mini is a great gun, it's just not for me. The Axe on the other hand is. I'll be an owner.

isaaclim · 11-16-2010, 03:55 PM

I'm looking for a mid priced shooter and for me its between this gun and the dp fx. I've owned a mini before and I liked it a lot. The improvements on the axe justify the price premium for me. Its a real hard decision for me between the two markers. I'll have to reserve final judgement until I can shoot/hold both. But to be honest, I don't think the axe will be a hot seller since most people won't see the axe as a huge leap from the mini.

Gigalisk · 11-17-2010, 12:48 PM

IMO, i didnt think that Empire should have made the gun bigger...i always thought for everything that was improved, it was usually made better, faster, and more compact. Although i dont know how much more compact you can get with a MINI, i dont think making a larger version of the marker is a big improvement, unless you want the feel of the mini in something the size of a shocker.

I like the mini because its MINI. Now if they use the technology on a marker that doesnt look exactly like the mini, ya know, make a new marker, then it could be received much better!

TheBoss33 · 11-17-2010, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigalisk

IMO, i didnt think that Empire should have made the gun bigger...i always thought for everything that was improved, it was usually made better, faster, and more compact. Although i dont know how much more compact you can get with a MINI, i dont think making a larger version of the marker is a big improvement, unless you want the feel of the mini in something the size of a shocker.

I like the mini because its MINI. Now if they use the technology on a marker that doesnt look exactly like the mini, ya know, make a new marker, then it could be received much better!

Well if they continue to produce the Mini as the Mini and produce the Axe, I guess you are getting what you want.

P4R4D1GM · 11-17-2010, 02:08 PM

I'm eager to try one out. I've always liked the Min.

Gigalisk · 11-17-2010, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBoss33

Well if they continue to produce the Mini as the Mini and produce the Axe, I guess you are getting what you want.

I mean, if your gonna call it the mini, and then make a bigger version of it, then call it like the mini xl or something...or make it look different. Its like the Ion and the Ion XE...same name, little better feautures, but not too far a detachment from the original.

The name and the look are going to throw people off into thinking this is another mini or something; those who dont like the mini aren't gonna get a kick out of it.

I just hope to shoot one and see the difference; if its not that big a deal, i'll stick with my MINI.

I wonder how close the parts are in similarity? HRMMM....

ophooligan · 11-17-2010, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigalisk

I mean, if your gonna call it the mini, and then make a bigger version of it, then call it like the mini xl or something...or make it look different. Its like the Ion and the Ion XE...same name, little better feautures, but not too far a detachment from the original.

The name and the look are going to throw people off into thinking this is another mini or something; those who dont like the mini aren't gonna get a kick out of it.

I just hope to shoot one and see the difference; if its not that big a deal, i'll stick with my MINI.

I wonder how close the parts are in similarity? HRMMM....

They are not calling it the Mini. I don't see how people can confuse AXE and Mini.

dstanley753 · 11-18-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ophooligan

They are not calling it the Mini. I don't see how people can confuse AXE and Mini.

Correct...The Mini is the MINI and the AXE has Mini technology in it. However in its own rights it is a a different marker thus the different name.

stygshore · 11-18-2010, 05:59 PM

same noid, same main board, same detents, same poppet, same bolt, same feedneck, same barrel

New eye/microswitch board, new trigger, new reg, new foregrip/grip frame geometry, new grips, new Push Button Bolt removal, new bolt/poppet guide, new air transfer tube

I'm curious what modifications to the current Mini system would be needed to use the microswitch eye board and new trigger design currently in the AXE. I have small hands, so the tiny size of the Mini has never been an issue for me, but I have become not that big a fan of the hall effects magnet trigger - I tried it on my Emags and now the Mini... I still don't like it.

Styg

TheBoss33 · 11-18-2010, 06:30 PM

There is no way to make the new eye board fit in the Mini. Somebody could easily make a after market board with a switch.

stygshore · 11-18-2010, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBoss33

There is no way to make the new eye board fit in the Mini. Somebody could easily make a after market board with a switch.

ahhh because of the different dimensions the eye board couldnt e mounted and still fit the port from the foregrip... I see that now.

Hmmm wonder who will step up and micro the Mini? Is the Trigger interchangeable or is it slightly different do to grip frame geometry changes? ( aside form the tab for the trigger switch.)

Styg

TheBoss33 · 11-18-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stygshore

ahhh because of the different dimensions the eye board couldnt e mounted and still fit the port from the foregrip... I see that now.

Hmmm wonder who will step up and micro the Mini? Is the Trigger interchangeable or is it slightly different do to grip frame geometry changes? ( aside form the tab for the trigger switch.)

Styg

I can test fit the trigger in a Mini and let you know. The Invert bearing trigger for the Mini is very similar.

stygshore · 11-18-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBoss33

I can test fit the trigger in a Mini and let you know. The Invert bearing trigger for the Mini is very similar.

I put one of those bearing triggers in my Mini a couple months ago and I am very impressed with it. Just wish Empire would have put that trigger out in black or red to match my gun better

Styg

Gigalisk · 11-19-2010, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stygshore

same noid, same main board, same detents, same poppet, same bolt, same feedneck, same barrel

New eye/microswitch board, new trigger, new reg, new foregrip/grip frame geometry, new grips, new Push Button Bolt removal, new bolt/poppet guide, new air transfer tube

I'm curious what modifications to the current Mini system would be needed to use the microswitch eye board and new trigger design currently in the AXE. I have small hands, so the tiny size of the Mini has never been an issue for me, but I have become not that big a fan of the hall effects magnet trigger - I tried it on my Emags and now the Mini... I still don't like it.

Styg

DEFINITELY thanks for this...i was thinking the same thing about the board, cant go long to short.

OG Mooninite · 11-24-2010, 06:28 PM

in my opinion, dont buy it at all. The mini internals were horrible, and I had replace my solenoid and eye boards many times, and Kee just sucks at customer service. I sent them my mini and they sent it back worse than it was when it left my hands!

Go with the Etek 3 if you're looking for a gun in that price range. i mean, seriously, why buy a larger mini for a TON of money. Thats the worst part about it to me, they charge so damn much for mostly the same thing, and ythey dont even add a 2 piece barrel

TheBoss33 · 11-24-2010, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OG Mooninite

in my opinion, dont buy it at all. The mini internals were horrible, and I had replace my solenoid and eye boards many times, and Kee just sucks at customer service. I sent them my mini and they sent it back worse than it was when it left my hands!

Go with the Etek 3 if you're looking for a gun in that price range. i mean, seriously, why buy a larger mini for a TON of money. Thats the worst part about it to me, they charge so damn much for mostly the same thing, and ythey dont even add a 2 piece barrel

I can't tell if you have a legit complaint or are just a troll? I see you just bashing Mini, BT and KEE in general whenever and wherever you have a chance.

mclee45 · 11-24-2010, 10:31 PM

I for one cant wait to get one. I have big hands so the Mini doesnt fit comfortably in my hands. Fixing to sell it to get the Axe

**GP** · 11-25-2010, 01:20 AM

From what I have seen/shot so far the AXE is a great marker for $460.

We will have a few guys shooting these when we play UWL events this year.

The bolt system is very easy to take out and knowing that you can shoot 8 pods and a loader on a 4000 psi hot fill with a 70 cu in tank it also very nice.

I just wish we had more show up as I am sure we will be sold out Friday.

I would say if you have under $500 to spend on a marker this is one that you should really take a look at.

Ghost_079 · 11-25-2010, 08:29 AM

New transf tube?

Can we get some pics of that?

Also, 8 pods + hopper seems low after watching Boss efficiency video...

TheBoss33 · 11-25-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost_079

New transf tube?

Can we get some pics of that?

Also, 8 pods + hopper seems low after watching Boss efficiency video...

He did say 8 + on a hot fill only to 4000 psi. They also may have been using small paint and used the stock barrel.