Can Your Paintball Gun Swim?

Once of Smart Parts’ sales representatives posted on PBN the durability of their electro pneumatic paintball markers, specifically their SP-1 and Vibe. Both of these paintball guns retail for about $150 each. These two markers are considered entry or beginner level guns, competing with most Kingman Spyders and the notorious Tippmann 98 Custom. Smart Parts is really trying to win the beginner-level market. Why? Because the average paintballer only plays for about two years… no joke. Because of this, the volume of beginner players is much higher than experienced.

A few months ago I threw together a table comparing the new Smart Parts gun line. I suggest you take a look at it if you’re curious to see how the Vibe and SP-1 will match up against the others.

By reducing and refining the electro pneumatic systems that we have perfected in professional level paintball markers, our design team has radically raised the bar for performance, reliability and efficiency that is affordable to the first time player. While both new markers share the same internal structure and operating characteristics, each has its own unique flavor: the Vibe for the player moving fast on the speedball field, and the SP-1 for the scenario player in the woods. –Scott

Tippmann’s 2008 Gun Lineup


Tippmann

Tippmann recently sent out their 2008 product catalog to all of their dealers. I got mine today and must say that I’m impressed with their innovation. On top of their X7 and A-5, Tippmann is introducing 3 “new” markers into their 2008 product line: the 98 Custom Pro Platinum Series, 98 Custom Platinum Series, and Field Rental Marker. In reality they’re just modified 98 Customs. However, they each serve a purpose.

Tippmann 98 Custom (Platinum Series)
“For the beginner or seasoned pro, the new 98 Custom Platinum Series Marker line maintains the reliability and durability you have come to expect from Tippmann. And with the new split receiver design it is even easier to customize, maintain, and upgrade.”

Tippman 98 Custom Platinum Series

Tippmann 98 Custom Pro (Platinum Series)
The 98 Custom Pro comes with an 11-inch high-performance barrel for better accuracy, double trigger, and a drop forward. Comes with A.C.T (Anti-Chop Technology). A small bump up from the regular 98 Custom.

Tippmann 98 Custom Pro Platinum Series

Tippmann Field Rental Marker
Since the 98 Custom is already a standard field rental gun, Tippmann decided to create a Field Rental version of the 98 Custom specifically made to withstand consumer use. They added the ACT technology and put an extra durable acrylic finish to it. Basically it’s a 98 that you can beat the crap out of with little ball chops.

{democracy:10}

Proto SLG Drops in Price


Proto SLG Paintball Guns
Proto SLG Paintball Marker

The Proto SLG has recently dropped in price from $249.95 to $199.95. The good thing about this is that it increases its competition with the Smart Parts Ion, its biggest rival. I personally own the SLG (two of them actually), and they shoot with very little “kick” and with great overall accuracy. On top of this, Dye Precision (Proto’s parent company) designed the gun to use its air intake as efficiently as possible.

Q: What does the SLG stand for?
A: Super Light Gun.

The Proto SLG comes stock with Dye’s patented Hyper 3 regulator. Dye claims that their new Hyper3 gives its shooters a velocity consistency of +/- 3 fps (quite amazing). This will in turn give you even better air efficiency, and ultimately give you more shots per air fill.

So if you’re in the market for a new paintball gun at a relatively cheap price, or you’re just sick of your Ion, go with the Proto SLG. 🙂

Smart Parts Ion Takes a Price Cut – $164.95


Smart Parts Ion on sale

Xtremez is now offering the Smart Parts Ion for only $164.95, the lowest price on the web so far. If you’ve been on the moon the last few years, the Smart Parts Ion has been praised as one of the best low-end paintball guns on the market today. Its functionality and performance can be compared to the Tippmann 98 Custom.

Deals like these should be sprouting up all over the web these next few days for the holidays. Xtremez (and most other online paintball stores) is also offering guaranteed delivery by Christmas as long as your order is placed before the 14th to the 20th (depending on where you live). Keep in mind this 45% off the MSRP and wouldn’t be a bad gift to get for your family or friends (or yourself Twisted Smiley)

Tippmann X7 Goes On Sale


Tippmann X7 November Special

I was tipped off that Tippmann will be running a November promotion, placing all their Tippmann X7‘s 10-15% off regular price. If you’re in the market for an X7, now would be a great time buy one. One of Tippmann’s most successful and reliable paintball guns on the market, the X7 should perform well in any paintball game type (woodsball or speedball).

The promotion starts November 16th and runs through the rest of November. The promotion by Tippmann Sports usually trickles down to the online retail stores like Actionvillage, Xtremez, etc. So keep you’re eyes peeled the next few days at your favorite online store to catch the savings.

Kingman Offers Universal Mail-in Rebates $10-$20 Off

Are you planning on purchasing a Kingman Spyder anytime soon? You’re in luck if you are. Kingman Spyder has just opened up a universal Mail-in Rebate program which allows its customers from any dealer (i.e. Xtremez, ActionVillage, or even local stores) to mail in their receipt, UPC code, and coupon form and receive a rebate between $10 to $20.

Of course, there are restrictions. The rebate only applies to the following Kingman Spyder paintball guns:


$10 Rebate

  • Spyder VS2
  • Spyder MR2
  • Spyder Xtra Super Kit
  • Spyder Tactical Sniper Kit
  • Spyder MR1 Kit


$20 Rebate

  • Spyder VS3
  • Spyder MR3

The mail-in rebate program is only effective from October 1st, 2007 to January 15th, 2008 (just through Christmas).

This rebate program is a marketing attempt to sway customers like yourself to choose Kingman Spyder over their competitors (cough, Tippmann) just before Christmas (the business shopping season). Nice move Spyder – you smart. But hey, I’ll take a $10 or $20 rebate if it’s as easy as that.

You can read Spyder’s official instructions on how to claim your rebate here.

Eclipse “Aurora” SL74 Ego… Eh.

Eclipse Aurora SL74

Well, I usually get somewhat excited to see a new paintball gun on the market; not this time. Planet Eclipse released this “Special Edition” SL74 Ego recently. It’s basically a black SL74 with an Aurora kit installed on it. Aurora means: an atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands of light caused by charged solar particles following the earth’s magnetic lines of force (thank you Google). So they call it “Aurora” because of the wide spectrum of colors on the gun. Only 160 were manufactured. Oh wow, I must have one then if that’s the case.

I’m sure it shoots wonderfully. But is it worth $2,000 though? A smart consumer would say NO. However, if you’re a collector, and have access to 2 g’s (i.e. your mom’s credit card), then go for it.

Read More about Eclipse “Aurora” SL74 Ego… Eh.

Signatures Series Paintball Guns

I have yet to see why manufacturers sign ‘Signature Series’ deals with the “big shot” paintballers.

I’m talking guns like:

Redz Ego
‘Jeff Orr’ Autocockers
NXT Shockers

You hear names in the industry, but do you want to pay extra to have their name autographed on your gun? I suppose I can see why some people like to diversify from the crowd by have something different, but to me it’s just not worth the money. There are rarely any significant changes to the gun’s performances, so I’d rather shop for cheap paintball guns that perform just as well.

Spyder Takes the Lead in Preference

It seems we spoke too soon after our poll was launched showing what paintballer’s prefer between: Tippmann or Kingman Spyder paintball guns. Part of it is my fault for not waiting for more accurate results. There must of been a wave of Tippmann ballers browsing the site when I saw the poll.

With over 500 votes now, Spyder is taking the role as most preferred paintball gun with 50% of all votes. Tippmann leads behind with 40% of the vote. And ‘Others’ received 10%. Every vote was cast by a visitor like yourself, so no tampering was done.

The poll will continue to stay active for new voters JUST to make sure they’re accurate.

The Votes are In


Tippmann/Spyder Paintball Poll


Our previous paintball poll was created almost a week ago, and the results are already showing. Our hope was to find out from the paintball community, who really is the Man: Tippmann or Kingman?

With over 400 votes, I believe it’s safe to say that Tippmann is winning the race of “Most preferred Paintball Gun” on the market today. Tippmann is currently leading the poll with 46% of all votes. Kingman Spyder trails closely behind with 43% of total votes. About 10% of player’s preference leans towards ‘Others’, as in, neither Tippmann or Spyder is preferred.

An interesting poll, just as predicted. Both Tippmann and Kingman Spyder are highly recognized in the paintball industry. However, I think the slight advantage Tippmann customer’s have over Kingman’s Spyder is reliability. How often do you hear about Kingman Spyders breaking down over Tippmann’s? If it’s anything like my field, Tippmann dominates reliability. That’s what sets them apart.

Spyders are still good guns, don’t get me wrong. But we’re not looking for good here… we’re looking for the best. 🙂

The poll will continue to stay active, just so we can show even more accurate results in time.

Share your thoughts on the matter by leaving a comment!