Stock version, pretty much the same thing, but with different upgrades. I used one with an Ugly Stick barrel, which is pretty accurate for the price (I even have a review on it). And a Ricochet Apache loader (Also have a review on it) it always keeps up with the Ion. It also had a Dye Armageddon drop forward, which makes a big difference in balancing everything out.
Marker Setup:
Tippmann 98 Custom with J&J Edge Barrel Kit, Response Trigger, Cyclone Feeder, Double Trigger, Clear Dye Sticky Grips, Rocket Cock II, Dead On Rear Velocity Adjuster, Skull Drop Forward, Lapco Raised Sight Rail and Dead On X-Core Expansion Chamber.
Recommended Upgrades:
QEV, drop forward, more Freak Inserts, electric hopper (Nothing too fancy, remember it is capped at 17 BPS).
Strengths:
Extra upgrades over the stock version, light, cheap.
Weaknesses:
Too many caps on the firing modes, wobbly trigger.
Review:
Note: This article is for those who would like to know what the Ion Pro has to offer versus the stock version of the Ion. For those who are interested in the performance of the Ion all together, try checking out articles of the Ion here on www.pbreview.com since there is plenty of them!
Although it says above that I have a different set up with a 98 Custom, I actually own a variety of paintball guns. The 98 Custom is my favorite of them all, however, the Ion has soon become one of its near equals. For those of you out there who disagree, and dislike Tippmanns because you are speedballers who are biased toward electric pneumatics, than thats just too bad. Remember, I probably own more guns than you, and have at least used the ones that I dont. I think I am one who may select a favorite out there, (Even if its deemed as a "newbie" gun) after having tried pretty much all of them thank you very much.
Anyways, on to the Ion Pro. Wow, what a great marker! When you think about how many features it has, its amazing how Smart Parts figured out how to make it so cheaply, and not have to sacrifice quality. First of all let me say that its a myth that this gun is made from plastic. It is actually metal. Only the shell is made from composite. And this can be replaced for something made out of metal if you so choose. Remember that this gun is made for those who dont want to dish out a load of cash on a high-end gun. So the need for a cheap, yet good quality material is necessary. But like I said, for those of you who think that they would have spent the extra cash on a metal body, hey, by all means, buy an after market one for $100 or more. I have actually seen some very nice ones with impressive milling and shiny anodizing if thats your thing.
Its awesome that they included a Freak barrel with this gun. Buy more inserts for it and create your own kit. The back, Jr. tip and .693 insert is already included with this gun. This makes the Ion very accurate. And because it is on low pressure, at around 200-300 psi I believe, the shots sound very quiet. Like a low pitched "thud" noise. But to reach its full potential, get more inserts. With the right sized paint, I was able to hit ball over ball at a target about 50 feet away. Which may not be that far away of a distance, but when I mean ball over ball, I mean that in the literal sense. So far I have yet to chop a ball. And I have shot around 2-3 cases of 2000 paintballs so far.
The next most useful upgrade would have to be the feed neck. For those who use hoppers that dont fit, or stay on tight, you know what I mean. This is important, because I have seen many a hoppers that come flying off in the middle of a game, and that sucks. Just as sucky is when you need to sand that feed neck down when the hopper doesnt fit. With this feed neck, all you do is give it a twist, and it clamps. Very simple, and does not require sanding of the hoppers neck. Usually clamping feed necks for the Ion that are sold separately are at around $30-$40. The stock version comes with a regular feed neck that requires you to match inner o-rings with the size of your hopper. This is not as useful as the clamping or twisting feed neck however.
Apart from the differently colored grips, the two upgrades that are so-so in usefulness would have to be the "drop forward" and the on/off asa. The "drop forward" that comes with the Ion Pro is too small to be of much use. I would advise you to sell it and use the money to help you buy a better one. One that actually drops forward! The one from the Ion Pro barely drops anything forward, it only goes about half an inch down and forward, and seems like its made mostly for looks. I would have preferred a built in QEV, which is far more useful. The on/off asa is really not that necessary. The Ions regulator keeps the gas in even after you have screwed off the tank. The gas will stay in the gun for at least an hour or two. Giving you plenty of time to fill the tank, or place a new one. Making the on/off feature only useful if you want to save a small amount of gas in the gun, after you have taken the tank off.
Well thats about it, the last upgrade I did not write too much about would be the grips. But we wont get into that, grips are grips, and there is not much difference between that, and the ones on the original Ion. Both seem almost equally comfortable, and is there mostly for looks on the Ion Pro. Just for reference, performance of the gun itself is exactly the same as the stock Ion. You are basically buying an already upgraded Ion when it comes to the Ion Pro. This gun comes in several different color configurations, including Red, Blue and Silver all mixed with Black. There could be more, but if there isnt, it is possible that there will be soon enough.
Conclusion:
Definitely recommended, if you have the cash, and your trying to figure out if you should get the stock version, or the Pro, get the Pro. It comes with a lot more upgrades than the stock version, and its still cheap. Only about an extra $50-$60. They are useful upgrades that if you had bought them separately, it would have costed you a little bit more.
Rating:
9 out of 10
Last edited on Monday, October 10th, 2005 at 10:48 pm PST
Yes it does. The triggers on both guns are the same. Remember that the Ion Pro is just an upgraded version of the stock Ion. However, I would suggest to get a new trigger for either Ion, because the trigger is known to be mediocre for a high-end gun. I would suggest purchasing a Custom Products trigger, because of their high quality.
im gonna order one very, very soon, mb in a few hours of thinkin, but does it come with all the stock parts that were replaced? such as the stock barrel, feed neck, grip, etc. yeah.... im gonna get a silver one and replace the body kit with a green one.
Um, that is not true, it does come with a STOCK reg, a STOCK feed neck, a STOCK body, a STOCK trigger, and a STOCK frame. The only parts that are not stock is the Max-Flo, and the Barrel. Medieval Man, good review, but check the facts before you comment, please.
midguy, you're mistaken with the Ion 3000 (I believe is what it's called). The Ion 3000 comes with the Max-Flo reg and a Freak barrel with the front, back, and insert. It also comes with a steel 47/3000 nitro tank. The Ion Pro comes with the mini-drop, on/off, Freak back with inert and tip, Twister Locking feedneck, and the Smart Parts grip stock. The stock parts are not included with it, the upgrades on it already are considered stock for it.
good review, but I'd still get the stock ion.I'm not fond of the specific "upgrades" they included on the pro.I think I'd go with diff. name brands-at least for the barrel,as I don't like "circus colors" for the barrels.-Would this need a kit,or just a barrel? Its not like its critical to have a kit like an Autococker,right? You are right they should have included Qev's with the pro. Does anyone offer un-capped boards for these yet?
quote:Originally posted by midguy Um, that is not true, it does come with a STOCK reg, a STOCK feed neck, a STOCK body, a STOCK trigger, and a STOCK frame. The only parts that are not stock is the Max-Flo, and the Barrel. Medieval Man, good review, but check the facts before you comment, please.
Hey just wondering did you realize that the max flo is a reg??? research before you talk and people wont waste there time complaining about this
i'd stick with a stock ion because I like to upgrade guns (i have a lot of them upgraded). You put your personality into your upgrades. I personally dont like to have a gun (upgeaded allready for you) that look likes 1000 other people's guns im not into that i'd rather spend the extra money and make it look like my gun not his or his or his i want it to look like mine.
i found a site that sells the ion pro for $299.99. if you want to know the site email me, and if i think you are worthy, i will tell you. if you aren't worthy, i will tell you anyways.
cuz i'm cool like that
Last edited on Thursday, February 9th, 2006 at 1:28 pm PST
