Marker Setup:

Barrel: MacDev Matchstik Barrel, MacDev Shift Barrels

Loader: Hyperdrived Vlocity, Pinokio

Tank: MacDev Legionnaire

Paint: WPN, MacDev, Splat Factory, Proto

Climate: Tropical climate, humid. Avg temp 28-35*C

Other notes:

− Hammer V2 installed, all other components stock.

− Reviewer’s marker purchased in December 2008.

− Marker comes with 14″ Matchstik barrel, barrel sock, ball Allen key set (Imperial), MacDev Militia lubricant, stickers.

− Semi-hard storage casing sufficient to protect marker against damage out of play (dropping, collisions, etc.)

− Marker threads are autococker threads

− All screws require Imperial measurement Allen keys

Main Review:

The Cyborg RX is the latest generation of MacDev’s Cyborg marker line, all poppet valves, released in late 2008 and intended for use through 2009/10, when a newer version will presumably be released.

The Cyborg, over the five/six months of testing it has been through, is performing admirably.

Consistency

The consistency, as one might expect, varies depending on the length of time after maintenance and quality of said maintenance. From one to two days after maintenance, the chronograph reading has been +-2 or 3 at the most. After about seven days (of 5 hours’ use each) without maintenance, the worst has been +-10 or so. The marker has been kept maintained weekly after this testing period, so the effects on consistency for periods greater than 7 or 8 days of use have not been tested.

Efficiency

Unfortunately your reviewer has yet to acquire the money required to conduct a proper efficiency test. However, on average a 3500-4000 hot fill has gotten me through 2-4 games with still about 2000-2800 left in the tank, depending on how much paint is shot and how many games go on. Bottom line, you’ll always run out of paint before you run out of gas, unless something’s wrong with your marker. (No guarantees here if you take 8+ pods out there, your reviewer only carries between 2-4 at any one time)

Maintenance/Marker Care

This is the most improved aspect of the Cyborg RX. Between the bolt sleeve and the dust filter on the Gladiator HPR, the amount of dirt and debris that enters the marker has been reduced considerably. Maintenance has also been made considerably easier, as almost all the internal components of the marker are arranged in a single drive train, and can be removed all at once in a single tube, besides the LPR, which can easily be removed from the front.

This is a huge improvement over the Cyborg 07, in which the whole marker had to be deconstructed to some extent in order to perform a full maintenance, which could take up to an hour, allowing for complications. With the Cyborg RX, the most extended maintenance/troubleshooting session your reviewer had to do was 45-55 minutes long, including resolving said trouble, lubricating all required internals, consulting the internet and manual, and looking for screws rolling off into dark places. The fastest (albeit not necessarily well done) full maintenance your reviewer has managed to achieve is somewhere in the region of 7 minutes and 25 seconds. Those with more patience or dexterity will probably be able to outdo this, although attempts to do so are not recommended, lest you snap an eye wire or something.

Also as quick note, the RX has not failed to work once yet over the period of testing (Apart from the time a certain someone forgot to turn on his ASA).

Customisability

The stock board is remarkably reminiscent of the Tadao Yakuza board for the older Cyborg models, and features a bright blue OLED display, as well as a BPS counter, an indicator to show the eye status (ball chambered, no ball chambered, error, off), a RoF cap indicator, battery power and tourney lock status.

The programming mode also contains a large amount of customisable settings, including:

− Mechanical Debounce

− Anti Bolt Stick

− Cycle Filter

− Ball Settle Delay

− Dwell [Recommended value 8-12]

− Eye Operation Method [Forced/Delay]

− Automatic Power Off Time [Off/5 – 60mins)

− Game Timer [On/Off] (Replaces BPS Counter)

− Display Brightness [1-5]

− Profile management, including loading and saving up to 3 settings profiles

− Debounce

− Cycle Rate [up to uncapped, but in reality has a 29.8 BPS cap]

− Cycle Modes [Capped & Uncapped Semi/PSP Ramp & 3Shot/NXL Ramp/Max & Min Ramp/Semi Auto/A few more I can't remember right now)

Feel

The Cyborg, although feels very good to play with, does not have that tight feel. This is because the Cyborg was designed with the HPR about one and a half inches forward from the gripframe, and therefore does not have the tight feel of other smaller markers, such as the Mini or G3. However, the grip is a huge improvement over the boxy Cyborg 07 grip.

The feel of the shot is solid with a negligible amount of kick, although your reviewer personally does wish it was a bit quieter, but this is achievable through proper tuning and breaking in. Once broken in, set the HPR to about 180 psi, and adjust velocity from the LPR, and there should be an increase in shot efficiency and quietness (Or so your reviewer is told).

The trigger is a flattened sabre trigger, uses a microswitch, and will be comfortable for those who like using this trigger style. For those preferring a sythe trigger, the Violent Series Droid trigger can be used with the RX, with a bit of sanding down.

Issues

Every marker has its issues, however. Firstly, there were some rough edges in the milling, most noticeable just under the LPR and around the eye cover sockets. These do not affect performance in anyway, and are merely aesthetic defects.

Be careful when removing the eye cover screws, as they strip extremely easily. To avoid this, use only the MacDev Allen keys that come with the marker to remove those screws, and use only the hex end to unscrew them. Do the same when replacing them, and be sure not to over tighten the screws. A little tighter than hand tight will be sufficient.

According to a friend, the hose running just next to the solenoid seems to have issues with leaking in warm weather, and changing it may be very troublesome (Mentioned something about unscrewing something while rotating the solenoid one way and the other). However, this has never occurred on my own Cyborg over my months of testing.

Also, the brass ram that was installed in the Cyborgs during their initial release had serious defects, destroying the bolt and ram. However, MacDev has already sent out updated V2 stainless steel rams for free to those who had the brass rams, and also presumably fitted their subsequent Cyborgs with the new SS rams, so this issue has already been resolved.

Not sure if this is an issue, but for some reason, a large amount of lubricant materialised next to the hose next to the solenoid, presumably through a hole for air leading into the drive train area. Did not cause any issues, and is easily cleaned with a Q-tip.

Some have also complained that the LPR cap wiggles around a bit, although I have found this to be useful in that when the marker is gassed up, the LPR cap is stiff, allowing me to tell if there is air in the marker. (I should probably note now that the MacDev ASA vents all the gas from the marker, although on occasion, it has not done so. This is being investigated, but rather strangely, it seems that the positioning of the macroline has something to do with it.).

Also note that sometimes dirt from the playing field does get stuck on the grip's rubber extrusions. Easily cleaned by removing the grip and washing under water and wiping out dirt with cloth or a tissue. Remember to dry it completely before refitting it to your marker.

Conclusion

As a user spending a large amount of money on this marker, you might find the flaws listed in the last section somewhat daunting. However, believe your reviewer when he says that the benefits provided by this marker definitely outweigh its shortcomings. Like any other marker, if you take good care of it, it will take good care of you.

[Show as slideshow]

Reviewer: Douglas Chung

Date of Review: May 17th, 2009

Name of item: MacDev Cyborg RX

Manufactures Website: http://www.macdev.net

Price: $1150 – $1350 USD, depending on taxes, markups, etc.

Review Product Setup: 2010 NT stock, UL barrel, Prophecy, 68/4500

The NT is Dyes latest marker. Marketed as being incredible efficiency from a spool valve, their marketing hype breaks down when you test it. This is an unbalanced spool valve, so you don’t have to worry about LPR. Everything runs off the same input pressure of ~130 psi. With the high efficiency bolt insert, it can get 1500 shots off a 68/4500. With the soft shot bolt insert that you will want to use to shoot tournament level paint out of this marker (and given the price, you should shoot tournament level paint), you’ll get 1300-1400 shots off a 68/4500. By comparison, the PM8/DM9/DM10/DM11 when tuned properly can get 1500-1600, Quests with the new RSF or 4B can get 1700-1900, Droids can get 1500-1600, Clones can get 1600-1800. Not nearly as efficient as Dye would like you to believe in their marketing.

The place the NT shines is weight. I have never shot a stock, mass produced marker that is lighter than this. Even the G3/G4 weighs about the same. I will give Dye huge cudos on that. This thing is LIGHT.

Like all spools, you’ll need to lube this often, and you need to lube it correctly. Underlubed and it’ll either leak or get FSDO and bolt stick, overlubed and you’ll get FSDO and bolt stick. Easy marker to pull apart, but boy are there a lot of orings, of a lot of different sizes. Mine (bought used) actually arrived with a leak, and so one of the first things I did was a full tear-down and oring replacement. ALL the orings are standard sizes. Dye goes with color coded orings to make it easier to identify, but they are all standard sizes and if you don’t feel like paying extra for the colored ones, you can use standard orings (I’m color blind so I used standard orings).

Shooting it, it shoots much like most spools. It has basically no kick, very smooth. The only way you can actually feel the kick is to shoot it back to back with something that has even less (DM, quest, Clone). The new UL board supports everything for current tournament rules, and is easily programmable (but you do have to watch blinking lights, no oled stock). The trigger is IMO the best UL trigger ever. A bit nicer design to it, closer to the Critical type trigger. Very little side to side slop.

For 2011, Dye has updated the design to improve on almost everything. The OP has been dropped to ~110 psi, bolt insert and spacers are simplified, and several known failure issues have been fixed (such as the rear spool bumper). If one has the money, these can all be moved over into the NT10 to upgrade. I am hoping to get some myself to see if it improves the NT significantly or not.

As it stands, the NT is a nice marker, but far too overpriced given it’s not as smooth or efficient as many markers cheaper than it.

Advantages:

• Lightweight

Disadvantages:

• Not as smooth as the DM series

• Not as efficient as a properly set up DM

• More expensive than a DM

• Even more involved maintenance than a DM

Conclusion/Verdict:

If you’ve just gotta have the newest, most hyped marker out there, this is the marker for you. If you prefer to have great value, this is one to pass. It offers absolutely nothing other than weight as an advantage to markers costing ½ it’s price, and is more complex internally than even the already complex DM series.

[Show as slideshow]

By Timothy L. Miller

Date of Review: 1/30/2011

Manufactures Website: http://shop.dyepaintball.com/

Price (RRP): MSRP $1449

Impulse Frequently Asked Questions

May 28, 2009
Smart Parts, Inc.
1-800-922-2247
www.SmartParts.com

What barrel thread pattern does the Impulse use?

The same thread pattern that was introduced with the Classic Impulse. Because this is now the thread pattern used on all Smart Parts markers, it is now simply referred to as Smart Parts threading.

How much does the Impulse weigh?Weight of the Impulse is approximately 2.1 pounds.

Can the Impulse be upgraded with a tapeworm mod?

The Tapeworm Mod was a popular upgrade for the Classic Impulse, however it is not necessary on the new Impulse because it already features dual-stage regulation.

If spool valves are so great, why make a poppet valve marker?

Some players like the feel of a spool valve marker, while some prefer a poppet. Regardless of their preference, all players are looking for performance – that’s where the Impulse delivers.

Does the release of the new Impulse mark the end of the Shocker product line?

No. In fact, this new product release proves that the Shocker SFT and Shocker NXT were not the end of the Impulse.

Why is the Impulse pressure balanced poppet valve a big deal?

Most poppet valves are pushed closed by the gas used to fire the marker. At the pressure ranges needed to obtain efficient operation (in terms of shots per tank fill) these valves must be struck fairly hard in order to knock them open and fire a paintball. The balanced valve in the Impulse also uses air-pressure to counter-act the pressure pushing it closed. It opens with little force, regardless of the pressure it is holding back. The balanced valve requires so little force to open that on prototype marker one of our engineers was actually able to fire the marker by pushing the valve open with his little finger. Since the valve takes less force to open, the Impulse is not shaken by the recoil of a hard hitting heavy hammer or ram.

Is the small part sticking out under the Impulse barrel a volume chamber?

No. The fire valve housing is an integral part of the pressure balanced poppet valve. The tail end of the valve is exposed to outside air through a passage in the center of the housing. The difference in pressure between the gas inside the valve, and the outside atmosphere is what provides the balancing force for the valve.

What is the advantage of dual-stage regulation?

The best pressure for firing a paintball and getting maximum air efficiency is not necessarily the best pressure to drive the firing piston which closes the bolt and opens the poppet valve. By regulating these gas supplies separately, each can be optimized for its own function. The Impulse uses approximately 50 psi to drive its firing piston. Compared to competing brand markers that drive pneumatic rams or hammers at 120 psi or more, this pressure reduction means that the Impulse bolt does not strike paint as hard, nor does it cause appreciable recoil or kick. This ultra-low force piston is only possible with the combination of the pressure balanced valve and dual-stage regulation.

Where are the Impulse’s regulators and how are they adjusted?

Both the primary and second-stage regulators for the Impulse are built into small rectangular cartridges housed inside the grip frame. They are adjusted using allen-wrenches through the Impulse control panel – a rubber panel on the back of the grip frame. The modular design of the regulators also makes them quite simple to remove, inspect and clean or repair.

If the regulators are in the grip frame, what is in the foregrip?

The Impulse foregrip is an over-sized expanded volume chamber for the pressure balanced poppet valve. It provides a buffering reservoir of gas immediately adjacent to the valve, to prevent velocity drop-off under rapid fire. The bottom of the foregrip also contains an integrated relief valve to protect the Impulse from over-pressurization in case of a compressed air system regulator failure.

Can an aftermarket regulator be screwed in place of the foregrip, bypassing the primary Impulse regulator?

No, the Impulse foregrip does not use an ASA connection to attach to the marker body. A customized adapter and additional modifications would be required to use a different regulator.

The Impulse has no hoses on the outside, but what about the inside?

The Impulse has no hoses on the inside either. Compressed air is routed through the regulators, grip frame and body via channels machined within the aluminum walls of those parts. A pair of stainless steel transfer linkages route gas from the grip frame into the body.

Why is the Impulse firing piston air buffered?

By restricting gas flow vented from the firing piston, an air pressure buffer is created, slowing the piston and bolt as they near the end of their stroke. By slowing these parts, rather than letting them slam to an abrupt halt on impact with the valve, recoil is further eliminated from the Impulse’s firing cycle.

What kind of HPA system should be used with the Impulse?

The Impulse will perform optimally with a compressed air system delivering between 600 and 900 psi. “Low-Output” compressed air systems outputting 400 psi, are not recommended, as they may not react fast enough to maintain consistent pressure under high rates of fire.

Will the Impulse run on CO2?

The Impulse was designed from day one to run on compressed air only. The integrated relief valve that protects the Impulse from HPA regulator failure also protects it from the pressure spikes related to CO2, so although the marker is not designed for CO2 use, it is protected from CO2 related pressure damage.

Why is an integrated relief valve important?

Increasingly, compressed air system some manufacturers (not Smart Parts) save money by neglecting to include output-pressure burst disks or relief valves in their products. If such an unprotected air system should develop an internal leak, it could deliver full tank pressure to a marker. The Impulse’s built-in relief valve protects the marker’s solenoid valve seals and other components that could otherwise be damaged by over-pressurization.

Does the Impulse use a spoopet valve?

No. The Impulse has a pressure balanced poppet valve. Internet rumors have suggested that Smart Parts was soon to release a marker with a valve that was a hybrid of spool and poppet valve designs. These rumors were not true. The Impulse is a poppet valve marker. Although it is not a spool valve, the new Impulse valve core does share a feature in common with the some Smart Parts spool valves designs – a tail. The tail end of the valve core is exposed to the outside air, the same as the pin end. This allows the gas pressure in the Impulse valve to press equally in both directions, resulting in a balanced valve that requires very little force to open.

Is the Impulse compatible with integrated air accessories for the Luxe from DLX Technology Group?

No. Although the Impulse bottom-line ASA and optional drop spacer rail work similar to those components on a Luxe, placement of their air ports is different, due to the requirements of the regulators placed within the grip.

Is the Impulse battery strong enough to get through a full weekend of paintball?

That really depends how much you shoot in a weekend. A fully charged Impulse battery will power the marker for approximately 100,000 shots under optimal conditions.

How long does it take the Impulse battery to charge?

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Charging time is affected by temperature, and battery discharge level.

What if there isn’t time to charge the battery?

A second Lithium Polymer battery is included with the Impulse, and the battery side of the grip frame features Smart Parts quick grip snaps. The grip can be opened almost instantly without tools, and the low battery exchanged for a full battery in a matter of seconds.

What countries will the Impulse charger work in?

The Impulse charger is designed for universal operation with 110 or 220 volt AC wall outlets in most countries of the world. Prong adapters may be required outside of the US, Canada or Mexico.

Does the Impulse have a “Cricket” board?

No, the Impulse uses trigger-based programming with multi-colored LED feedback through the power button on the rear of its grip frame.

Is the Impulse circuit board tournament legal?

Yes, the Impulse features firing modes specifically designed to comply with the rules of all the current leading tournament series, and can be upgraded by Smart Parts techs, in case of a rules change. Additional scenario and recreational modes such as multi-shot burst, and Billy Ball are also included. The Impulse features a tournament lock button on the circuit board, that prevents mode changes from being made on the field.

If the grip opens without tools for a battery change, can’t a player open it to access the tournament lock during a game?

No. The left side of the grip opens with quick-snap connectors for fast battery changes. The right side is secured with button-head screws that require an allen-wrench for removal. The field-lock button is on the right side of the Impulse circuit board, and can not be accessed without tools.

What type of ball detents does the Impulse use?

Rubber nubbin style detents. The detents are located behind the Vision eye covers.

Why does the Impulse have a two-piece body?

The two piece body allows the electronics of the Vision anti-chop system to remain completely internal without bolt-on wire/eye covers, and provides machining access for the internal gas passages used by the Impulse’s hose-free design. It also allows for some interesting parts color combination possibilities and unusual feature upgrades.

How difficult is it to access the Vision sensors for cleaning?

No tools are required. Each eye cover has a knurled latch. Pressing down on the latch releases the eye cover to swing open.

What prevents the eye covers from getting lost in a staging area?

The Impulse Vision eye covers are hinged to the marker frame. They are not removed during normal maintenance, instead they are opened.

Do the eye covers pop open from a paintball hit, or gas pressure when shooting?

No. Inside each eye cover, a small o-ring acts as a spring, securely holding the eye cover latch in the locked position.

How difficult is it to re-seat the Vision sensors in the body after cleaning?

It is not difficult at all, because it is automatic. Both the Vision emitter and detector sit in pockets within the eye cover, held in place by a pair of brackets. As the eye cover is opened, they swing out with it, exposing the optical surface for cleaning, and the Vision beam path in the body. When the Vision eye cover is closed, they are perfectly re-aligned to the body.

How complex is removal of the pressure balanced valve core?

No tools are required, the valve housing can be unscrewed by hand for removal of the vale spring and valve core. If the housing has been over-tightened, it may be removed with an allen-wrench.

How complex is removal of the body from the grip frame?

The rubber grip must be removed, the Vision system and solenoid valve unplugged from the circuit board, two grip frame screws removed, and the grip may be removed from the body. The gas transfer linkages unplug from the Impulse body, and plug back in automatically as the two parts are rejoined.

How complex is separation of the upper body from the lower body?

With the body off the grip frame, and the bolt lifted out, three screws are removed, and the two pieces separate easily.

How complex is removal of the bolt?

It is very simple, just lift up on the bolt pin and slide the bolt out the back of the body.

How complex is removal of the firing piston?

One allen wrench is needed to unscrew the rear cap from the Impulse. After the bolt has been removed, the firing piston is free to slide out the back.

Does the Impulse include a Q-Lock feedneck?

Yes, that is a standard feature.

How complex is removal of the Q-Lock?

One screw clamps the Q-Lock securely in place.

What is different between the Impulse barrel back and The Freak barrel back?

Functionally, the parts are the same. The Impulse barrel back features a different external design. Some of the first photographed and released Impulse markers were shown with The Freak barrel back.

Can parts of the Impulse be mixed-and matched with different color combinations like they were with the Classic Impulse?

Yes, the Impulse has a very modular design. Even the body is built with an upper and lower section.

Source PBNation

Update 2: Further images of the pre production samples of the blue and red impulse, see end of post.

Update 1: It has officially been launched here is the press release and images;

Press Release:

Impulse – The Beat Goes On

Smart Parts unveils the all new Impulse professional tournament marker at Bitburg Millennium Series event.

Loyalhanna, PA – May 28, 2009 – The Classic Impulse was one of the most popular electropneumatic paintball markers ever produced. It found its way into the winner’s circle in the hands of teams like the All Americans and Strange. Pros loved it for its performance and amateurs loved it for its price. Even though it has been out of production for several years, it remains a popular used marker due to its fast rate of fire, simple cleaning requirements and rock-solid reliability.

Now, the beat goes on. Paintball players at the 2009 MAXS European Masters paintball tournament in Bitburg, Germany were treated to the unveiling of the all new Smart Parts Impulse. Smaller, faster and smoother than its legendary predecessor, the Impulse is built to exceed the needs of today’s professional tournament paintball player.

“The Classic Impulse was a phenomenally successful marker and players have been asking us to bring it back for some time,” said Smart Parts Vice President, Adam Gardner, “but we weren’t going to do it until we could do it right. That all came down to perfecting a new valve and dual-regulation system that gives us the speed and gas efficiency players expect from a poppet valve marker, combined with the smooth kick-free shooting that we deliver in our best spool valve paintguns.”

True to its heritage, the Impulse is a stacked tube marker, but this isn’t just a modification of the Classic, it is an all new marker with a more compact design, and numerous new features including:

• Pressure balanced poppet valve allowing 1700 to 1800 shots from a 4500 psi 68ci system
• Dual regulation allowing extremely low bolt force and eliminating kick
• Air buffered firing piston shoots smoother with less vibration
• Ultra-compact in-grip regulators reduce forward weight for improved balance
• Hose-free design eliminating common leak points
• Rechargeable lithium polymer battery powering the Impulse through approximately 100,000 shots per charge
• Hinged Vision eye covers open without tools for cleaning and aren’t easily lost because they stay attached to the marker
• Volume chamber fore-grip eliminates shoot-down
• Modular body design allowing for fast repairs and mix-and-match color styling
• Freak compatible barrel system accepts bore inserts for changing paint sizes
• Trigger based programming with modes for all major leagues and scenario use
• Q-Lock feedneck quickly clamps and adjusts to all high performance hoppers

“The keys to the new Impulse design are its valve and regulators.” says Hans Semelsberger, Smart Parts’ Director of Technical Sales. “Most poppet valves are pushed closed by the air inside, so when the pressure is right for good efficiency, you have to hit them pretty hard to knock them open, and that shakes the gun, throwing off your aim. Our pressure balanced valve lets the air pressure push forward and backwards on the valve core at the same time. Those forces cancel each other out and the valve opens easily regardless of the pressure inside. It’s so soft, I can push it open with my little finger. Because the valve opens so easily, we are able to use two-stage regulation to drive the firing piston with very low pressure gas. That makes the Impulse gentle on paint, and lets it shoot without kick.”

The all new Impulse will be shown at the PSP Chicago Open in Bolingbrook Illinois, June 24th-28th, 2009, and will be available soon at Authorized Smart Parts dealers everywhere.

Smart Parts, Inc., is a leading developer and manufacturer of equipment and accessories for the sport of paintball. Smart Parts, Vision, Freak Jr., The Freak and Impulse are registered trademarks of Smart Parts, Inc.

Impulse Flier (Click for full size)

Blue Impulse (Click for full size)

Impulse Read (Click for full size)

Well its official and we look forward to hearing about and seeing this! You heard it here first!

==========

Well, we have been hearing a lot of hype and excitement over the new Impulse, a continuation of the previous extremely successful Impulse. What is said to be a cross between an ego and a luxe. There is a huge anticipation to this marker and some hype relatively unheard of in the paintball world. With Smart Parts keeping twitter updates and the launch at 12 tonight, many people will patiently be waiting and getting extremely excited. As we hear news of this we will update so keep your eyes peeled tonight and tomorrow for all impulse news!

Rumoured to have the LPR (Low Pressure Regulator) and HPR (High Pressure Regulator) all in the grip, Macro or Macroless? There has been one official 3d Render of the grip contained below. And some very simple outline images often seen at product releases. All images are below.

Many people have made wild guesses to what might be coming but we are reserving judgment and will wait to see what happens.

We expect that this is going to be an extremely interesting marker and look forward to seeing it. So keep your eyes peeled here and we will update as soon as there is any news or updates.

Pre Production Samples

Smarts Parts Impulse First Images, Pre Production 1

Smarts Parts Impulse First Images, Pre Production 2

Smarts Parts Impulse First Images, Pre Production 3

MacDev is an Australian based manufacturer of paintball equipment that started making aircraft parts. The Droid is a spool-valve marker released by MacDev in 2007. It is the first spool-valve marker developed by MacDev. The Droid is easily capable of reaching 25 bps, if not more, and can shoot 1600-1700 paintballs on a 68/4500 cold fill. It weighs in at 1kg with the stock barrel. The drive train within was a completely new design, which allowed it to have very good efficiency for a spool-valve marker.

The Droid is not a very loud marker in the sense that it is not aggressively milled. In comparison to markers such as the Ego and Geo, the Droid did not have much hype or popularity to begin with. However, it did manage to attract customers with its significant price difference and surprisingly good performance.

With the Droid comes the Gladiator regulator, which is similar to the CP regulator. It is a well designed regulator and ensures shot consistency, giving the Droid virtually ball-on-ball accuracy. When run in, the marker shoots +/- 2 fps on the chronograph.

The stock barrel that comes with the Droid is the MacDev Matchstik 14″ barrel and .689 bore. This barrel is excellent and maintains accuracy with each shot. There is no need to get a new barrel or barrel kit (unless you are dealing with very large or very small paint, whereby the Shift barrel kit is a good way to go.).

There is no kick with each shot, making the marker very easy to control when shooting ropes of paint. It is amazingly quiet as well, as each shot sounds like a muffled cough. Compared to markers like the Geo, DM8 and Shocker, this marker performs very well.

However, I do have a few qualms with it. The first being that the eye wires and solenoid wires tend to get tangled and makes it very difficult to do regular maintenance and cleaning on the marker if paint gets between the grip frame and the body tube. The second is that there are a very large number of O-rings for the drive train, which also impedes progress when performing full maintenance. Apart from this, I do not have any issues with the Droid and would be willing to recommend it to anyone.

Advantages:

• Efficient for a spool-valve marker
• Quiet
• No Kick
• Light
  

Disadvantages:

• Too many wires
• Too many O-Rings

Conclusion/Verdict:

The marker is definitely cheaper than most high-end markers, performs just as well (if not better) and hasn’t failed on me to date. It is very good value for money and will definitely impress you. Like other high ends, if it is regularly maintained, it will perform like a dream.

Forum Discussion

By: Aswan Yap

Date:16/08/2009

Manufacturers Website: Macdev

Price:£560-£600  Now much cheaper

Rating:

Setup: Droid (stock), Viewloader VLocity Jr. w/ Hyperdrive, Guerrilla Air 68/4500 Myth Tank, Shift barrel kit.

Macdev Droid Gallery

[Show as slideshow]

Sources: Some images from pbnation copyright to original owners

There will be 15 limited edition DM9′s and 4 of each PM8, the DM9 features are as follows;
- Titanium .690 Barrel Back
- Custom milled body with 2 toned anodizing.
- Machined Mikko signature on side
- Ironmen trigger
- Mikko USB OLED TADAO board and Mikko grip panels
- Billy Wing (Ironmen edition) Bolt

Said to be priced at $1650

The PM8 features are as follows;

- Dye UL Barrel
- Dye clamping feed neck
- DYE Hyper3 regulator
- 4 Colours (Silver, Blue, Yellow/gold and Black)
- Tadao Mikko OLED board and grips

thanks all! Kyle

Sources ; CS Paintball and This is Paintball CA

The last marker in the real Matrix line for Proto, most people would say this marker made it that there was no reason to step up to the DM8 (and many, myself included, believe that’s why there isn’t a PM9).

Actually slightly lighter than the DM8, the PM8 had a completely new design of bolt. This design actually was carried over in favor of the DM8 design to create the DM9 (with evolutionary changes). These come with the UL frame and board stock, which was many peoples first upgrade on previous Proto Matrices. They also had the LPR changed from a horizontal layout like all previous DM’s and PM’s to a vertical layout…giving it it’s signature “hole” at the front. This is one of the styling things that either makes most people LOVE the design of the PM8, or hate it. I personally love it.

Evolutionary changes made these the most efficient matrix ever released when they were still made. They’ve been surpassed by the DM9, but are still quite decent efficiency when broken in and properly tuned, capable of getting 1600+ shots, and easily getting 1400+ shots off a 68/4500.

The Proto 2-piece barrel is actually just a smaller bore, differently milled version of the Dye UL barrel. As such, it shoots AMAZINGLY well, and there is absolutey NO need for a new barrel. If you want a better selection of bores, get a couple UL backs, the threading is identical, and the Proto tip will fit on them no issues. Shooting it, it shoots like just about any other Matrix. It’s VERY smooth, with basically no kick. I am not a fan of the stock UL trigger, but with the Critical Raze on the UL, I find no other marker more pleasant to shoot.

The one thing most people fault these for is the fact that they still use ribbon eyes, that have an unfortunate stigmata of being fragile. I’ve never actually had ribbon eyes fail on me personally, and have multiple markers (including multiple Protos) that use them. As long as they aren’t abused, they don’t have issues. However, for those that really hate ribbon eyes, there is a wire-eye conversion out that uses EXTREMELY thin wired eyes to put in for the PM8.

Maintenance is not as difficult as it was with earlier models, but it’s still quite complex when compared to simpler spools such as the Quest and G3. There are quite a few orings to lube, and you have to make sure to lube them sparingly or you’ll get bolt stick. Also, like all spools, you’ll need to lube rather frequently. Every few cases is recommended. Another trate it shares with other spool valves is that you may have to turn your LPR up in the cold to compensate for the thickening of the lube, which will cause you to be able to feel some minor kick.

Advantages:

• Very smooth shooting
• Inexpensive for a higher level marker
• Self-cleaning eyes
• UL frame stock

Disadvantages:

• Ribbon Eyes (not a problem IMO, but some people dislike them)
• No longer made

Conclusion/Verdict:

One fantastic marker as long as you are willing to do regular maintenance, and don’t tear your markers apart every day just to play with everything. Shoots smooth as any marker ever made, gets quite decent efficiency, and can be had
under $400 now used.

Forum Discussion

By: Timothy L. Miller

Date:05/08/2009

Manufacturers Website: Proto Paintball

Price:$600  Now much cheaper

Rating:

Setup: PM8 w/ critical trigger, Crossfire 70/4500 stubby, stock proto 2-piece barrel, Vlocity w/ Gangstar chip

Proto Matrix 8 (PM8) Gallery

[Show as slideshow]

The Quest is one of the more underrated markers. Many people have never even heard of them, much less used them. They initially had very poor quality control, and issues plagued the markers for quite some time after being initially released.
FEP did, however, before they went to a “inactive” state manage to work out all the bugs. They are a very simple balanced spool valve. Unlike many spools, they do not have an abundance of orings. There are only 9 orings internally that need to be lubed, making it one of the easiest to maintain spools available. They are also extremely efficient for a spool, being capable of over 1500 shots off a 68/4500 stock, and over 1600 with a Goldmember bolt.

Like most spools, they shoot extremely smooth, but are very finiky if over-lubed. There are a plethora of boards available, as FEP used multiple different stock boards during the few years these markers were produced. Most of the boards, however, are either capable of being programmed to be legal in all current leagues, or can be flashed to become legal in current tournament rules. FEP is currently in a state of flux, as the original group is completely gone, and a new management (only 1 holdover from the original FEP) is trying to find the cash to bring them back.

This makes these markers a very good bargain when bought used. However, you must be willing to learn how to fix it yourself, as there is no FEP currently to send it to for repairs

The trigger is very similar to the critical design, and is considered by many to be one of the best stock triggers in the paintball industry. The wiring harness on the board, however, is considered just the opposite. It’s known for being very delicate, and you must be gentle with it to avoid breaking.
These aren’t the lightest markers, weighing in at 2 ¼ pounds, but don’t feel like it weighs that much. The only real thing that these markers lack stock is that they have an ordinary ASA, and not an on/off. If buying used, it’s a VERY common site to see these markers with CP on/offs as the only upgrade.

Advantages:

• Efficiency
• Inexpensive
• Easy maintenance for a spool valve
• Great trigger stock

Disadvantages:

• FEP isn’t actually around, so no one to send to for repairs
• WAS board is known for it’s tendency to self-destruct if you get one that has that board
• Wiring harness is very fragiile

Conclusion/Verdict:

If you’re willing to learn everything about the marker you shoot so you can maintain it and fix issues yourself, then the Quest provides an amazing value. Very fast, smooth, and needs very few upgrades to compete with modern $1400 markers.

Forum Discussion

By: Timothy L. Miller

Date:21-03-09

Manufacturers Website: N/A

Price:$1100.00 New $250-$400 Used

Rating:

Setup: Quest w/ CP on/off and rail, Goldmember bolt, toolless snatch pin, DXS Pulse, Guerilla Air 68/4500 w/ Myth, CP 2 piece

First Endeavor Paintball Quest Gallery

[Show as slideshow]

Released in 2007 as a slight step up from the now-discontinued Marq7, the Rapper is identical internally to the Marq6 (later revision) and Marq7 that preceeded it, only the milling and weight being different.
The Rapper is, like all Marqs, a revolutionary inline poppet valve. It is not, as many think, a spool valve, but is still a ram-driven poppet that has been engineered to be a single tube marker.

It weighs in stock as just a bit over 2 lbs. This makes it the 2nd lightest of all Marqs next to the Closers. While not rivaling ultra lightweights like the G3 or Egos, it is not uncomfortable in any way. The biggest knock on the ergonomics of the Rapper is that it is the only Marq to have a piece of milling sticking out the front of it below the barrel, which if you hold your hand high, can be quite uncomfortable.

These are one of the smoother poppet valves available. One of the reasons that many people confuse these with spools is that they are very nearly as smooth as a spool valve when shooting. The pillow bolt helps to ensure that you get no rollback, and helps give it a much softer shot than many comparable markers, too. It does, however, give up the efficiency that most poppets are renowned for to achieve this level of smoothness. However, Bob Long has addressed this, and there is now the Proficiency kit available, which will bring the Marq series up to 1700-1900 shots off a 68/4500 (Closer EXP has this stock).

Most people find the stock trigger to be very comfortable, and there is little side to side slop in it. The stock Frenzy board is compatible with all current tournament rules, and if you get an outdated version of the software that does not have it, Bob Long will reflash the board to the latest version for no charge other than shipping.

Another highly touted upgrade to the Marq series is the 4C eye system. Although of no use if you use ramping, when used in Semi-auto it has been shown that it can allow for faster rates of fire.

Maintenance is much more involved than many poppets, being much more similar to a spool in terms of what’s required. Like always, Bob Long recommends Dow55 for all non-moving orings.

The feedneck is EXTREMELY low profile, but is a love it or hate it design. It is too small for some feednecks, and doesn’t allow for enough adjustablity to fit all feednecks. I personally am of the “hate it” group. I vastly prefer a traditional clamping neck.

Advantages:

• Small & Light
• Kick similar to a spool
• Attractive

Disadvantages:

• Stock efficiency
• Maintenance is much more involved than most poppets
• Possibly uncomfortable due to lip of metal below barrel

Conclusion/Verdict:

If you don’t mind the extra maintenance, but enjoy the smoother shot like a spool valve would deliver, this is a great marker. With the proficiency kit, can achieve the levels of efficiency that poppets are famous for, while still giving a nearly spool-like shot.

Forum Discussion

By: Timothy L. Miller

Date:21-03-09

Manufacturers Website: Bob Long Direct

Price:$699.00

Rating:

Setup: Marq Rapper, Dye Rotor, Guerrilla Air 68/4500 stubby (w/ Myth). Stock BL Assassin barrel.

Bob Long Marq Rapper Gallery

[Show as slideshow]

WDP really set the bench mark when they unleashed the Angel 1, offering greater accuracy, smaller size and increased reliability over its predecessors; the A4-based A4 Fly and A4. So lets face it, they were only going to excel themselves when it came to releasing a Fly version. So here it is, the A1 Fly, the stripped down, leaner, meaner and altogether lighter version of its big brother.

One of the main hallmarks of the Angels previous ‘Fly’ versions were their light weight, hence the name Fly. The A1 Fly is no different. Now A1 platform was already a light marker, but regardless Angel’s engineers aggressively attacked any excess weight on the marker, shaving off weight anywhere they could. The final result is an aggressive milling design, intended to shred off any excess fat. Those little boffins didn’t just stop at the frame though, attacking the marker’s internals as well, with a brand new hammer design to complement the A1 Fly’s Magno-Valve, which uses repelling magnets to allow for lower operating pressures, decreased dwell times and increased efficiency, as well as almost completely eliminating any remaining kick.

Straight out of the box, the first thing you noticed is the rough texture of the grips and the panels on the regulator. Referred to this as ‘fly paper’, Angel’s intention is to enhance the users grip on the marker no mater what’s covering your grubby little mitts.

Another new addition is the feed neck, featuring a shorter, stronger lever to clamp the feedneck down on a hopper as the previous A1 lever had a tendency to bend. The feed neck itself is altogether a sleeker, lighter part. But what really sets the Fly apart from the original A1 is it trigger system. In the Fly, the trigger sits on a precision-ground shaft with bearings at either end of it. The trigger is secured to the shaft using a set screw. The trigger is fully adjustable for front stop, back stop, magnetic return and activation point. As a result the trigger is beautifully balanced, silky smooth and has no lateral movement what so ever.

In the box you will also find 3 barrel backs – .691, .693, and .695 bore sizes. The front of the two piece barrel being made by Sly Equipment out of Carbon Fiber.

Also setting the Fly apart from the crowd is the aforementioned Magno-valve, which uses repelling magnets to locate and return the valve stem during the firing cycle. In the A1 model, the valve was located and returned by a spring, which was thought too take long to afford precise opening and closing of the valve, which then would lead to effected air efficiency. With the all new Magno-Valve (which is backwards compatible with the A1) the repelling magnets control the valve, which allows for shorter dwell times, more consistency, and efficiency equal or beyond that of other high end markers.

Advantages:

• Fast as sin
• Accurate
• Great air efficiency
• Gorgeous
• Great after sale support

Disadvantages:

• Expensive

Conclusion/Verdict:

Epic. Truly epic. Combined with the fantastic Dye Rotor, its truly a blistering piece of kit.

Forum Discussion

By: Jay (Altair)

Date:16-03-09

Manufacturers Website: Angel Paintball

Price:£795.00-£950.00

Rating:

Setup: Angel A1 Fly Gothic (Limited Edition), Dye Rotor, Pure Energy 68cu HPA

Have Your Say Rate this Marker

Angel 1 Fly Gallery

[Show as slideshow]