The EyeForce is the “high end” of Viewloaders value loaders.  It is a true force feed hopper that uses eyes, holds a full 200, and is rated for 18 bps.

The neck is too long for almost EVERY feed-neck.  To avoid issues with it breaking, the first thing I recommend is to cut it down so that it doesn’t stick out so far.  That’s really the only major issue with the EyeForce design, but even that makes sense since it is in the value segment.

There is 3 screws to take this hopper apart.  It comes out in 2 pieces, the top piece you can actually throw in the dishwasher to clean, then wipe off the raceway in the second piece.  While not as easy to clean as the Rotor or Pinokio, this is still stupid easy to clean.

Uses 2 9v batteries, gets pretty good battery life.  Not as good as a Pinokio, but better than something like the HaloB, or the newer Halo Too.  As stated, holds a full 200 paintballs.  The body is very sturdy, will easily survive even very rough play.  Because of the eyes, is not constantly spinning like the lower end Viewloader Force.

Advantages:

• Cheap
• Good Capacity
  
• Easy to Clean

Disadvantages:

• Feedneck way too long
  
• Eyes can get clogged

Conclusion/Verdict:

Overall, probably the best value loader out.  Will keep up with just about any shooter, yet only costs $50 brand new.  Easy to clean, decent battery life.  While not tops in anything, also doesn’t come in last in any feature.  Still one of my favourite hoppers to rock.

By: Timothy L. Miller

Date:25/01/2010

Manufacturers Website: Viewloader

Price:$50

Rating: 4 Stars

Setup: N/A

Viewloader Eye Force Gallery

The Halo Too is Inverts first attempt to make a hopper.  Instead of starting from scratch like Dye did, they took a trusted design (Empire Reloader B) and built on that.  They improved the construction by using a much more durable material.  They used a board that is essentially identical to the Reloader B2 board, which offers the advantages of adjust-ability.  In order to fight in the more value oriented segment, they reduced the number of batteries from 6 to 4.  This reduces the maximum speed of the hopper, but it’s still plenty fast enough to keep up with modern tourneys.  And if you have a 6 AA pack from a Halo/Reloader or one of the battery packs, it’ll fit and go just as fast.

Size is identical to the HaloB/ReloaderB.  Although it weighs a bit more due to the material it’s made of, this is a very welcome change as the shells are MUCH more durable.  Halo/Reloader speed feeds fit on this, as do rip drives with the extended prop shaft.  I have never tried, but have read that the Magna clutch kit will also fit on the Halo Too without issue.

Advantages:

• Familiar Design
  
• Lots of after-market parts since it takes Halo parts
  
• No eyes to get clogged
  
• Light

Disadvantages:

• Capacity
• Heavy if you use the Pinokio Nose
  

Conclusion/Verdict:

While not a bad value at $70, the Viewload EyeForce is $20 cheaper, and holds ~20 more paintballs.  Is about the same speed, and easier to take apart to clean.  On the other end, the original Prophecy is now only $30 more expensive, faster on the same amount of batteries, gets better battery life, and holds ~50 more paintballs.  Kinda stuck in that “middle ground” where it’s good, but not good enough in any area.

By: Timothy L. Miller

Date:25/01/2010

Manufacturers Website: Invert

Price:$70

Rating: 4 Stars

Setup: N/A

Invert Halo Too Gallery

We would like to apologise for our absence from the paintball world for the last months! But fear not we are back again, bigger better and stronger than before! We still want your reviews and to make this the communities website!

So guys comment below, or tweet us with whats hot in your opinion at the moment! ? We are working on new stories and news as we speak but please give us a hand!

Many thanks and looking forward to our new start

UKPB

The first viewings and launch of the new line will be at Skirmish USA’s Invasion of Normandy July 18 and 19, so to all you lucky enough to go and have a look tell us what you think and have a good look!

The line will be available in 2 colours a Olive Drab and Brown, there are very few images at the moment, but rest assured as we find more information we will update you all!

We look forward to seeing these, and getting a hands on! Gallery Follows

PRESS RELEASE:
DYE Precision Incorporated Releases Latest Commercial Spot “AXIS PRO PATTERNS”.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

San Diego, California (June 12, 2009) – DYE Precision Incorporated today released their latest commercial spot “AXIS PRO PATTERNS” showcasing the latest update to their highly acclaimed Proto Axis Pro Goggle System.

The spot features the latest Proto Axis Pro Goggles in the Enigma and Hollywood patterns, giving them a stylish new look. The goggles will be available June 22nd, 2009.

For more information on the new Axis Pro Patterns featured on the spot, please visit: www.protopaintball.com

Direct link to “AXIS PRO PATTERNS”.
http://www.youtube.com/DYEPAINTBALLVIDEO

For more information contact:
DYE Precision, Inc.
10637 Scripps Summit Court
San Diego, California 92131
P. 858.536.5183
F. 858.536.5191

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

Well i just visited the Valken website and saw this, looks like a new paint to the already large line. This brings that total to 4 different paintballs. Look forward to hopefully seeing these in the UK? Maybe? Looks good Valken keep up the good work!

The new paintball is called Noxious;

Noxious is a competition grade, neon fill and shell, 2000 count box with various colors. It’s highly visible fill with outstanding accuracy make this the choice for competition level play. 100% PEG, safe for players and the environment.

Below is an image of the box;

Below is a copy of all the paintballs Valken are offering;

Zing is a commodity grade, 2000 count box with various colors. It’s consistent flight characteristics make this the preferred choice for field operators and stocking pro-shops. 100% PEG, safe for players and the environment. Easy clean up.

Breach is a recreation grade, 2000 count box with various colors. It’s consistent flight characteristics make this the preferred choice for field operators and stocking pro-shops. 100% PEG, safe for players and the environment. Easy clean up.

Noxious is a competition grade, neon fill and shell, 2000 count box with various colors. It’s highly visible fill with outstanding accuracy make this the choice for competition level play. 100% PEG, safe for players and the environment.

span style=”font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";”>Graffiti is a top-shelf, 2000 count box with various colors. It has extreme marking attributes with reliable break-on-target characteristics and superior accuracy that place this paint on the top shelf of any pro-shop. 100% PEG, safe for players and the environment.

Click for full size

I will keep you all updated as i know more!

Kyle

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

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