Regulator: Eclipse STAR In-Line, CP Long Bottom, AKA Sidewinder / 2-Liter, MacDev Gladiator, Evil Detonator, Dye Hyper2 In-Line Trigger: Ego Eclipse STAR, CP Ego Sling Blade, Critical Alter Ego Barrel: SITE Stiffi / Switch Kit, Smart Parts the Freak, Dye Ultralight / Titanium Boomstick, Evil Pipe Electronics: PlanetEclipse Maniac Board, Virtue Ego Board, Tadao M7 Ego Board ASA: Critical "Diet" Direct Mount, CP 2k5 On/Off w/ Purge, CP Direct Mount On/Off, Eclipse On/Off Mini Rail w/ Purge Feed Neck: Eclipse Ego C-Lever, CP Ego Twistlock w/ Collet Sleeve, Frame: Ego 2006 STAR Frame Cosmetics: Eclipse 2006 Ego CCU Upgrade Kit
**These upgrades are the specific products that I would recommend. I know that there are other brands that I did not list**
Strengths:
Weight, Accuracy, Speed, Efficient, Reliable, Electronics, Adjustability, Tech. Support
**See Below For Elaboration**
Weaknesses:
Loud, some people have Regulator problems
**See Below under Reliability**
Review:
Out of the Box:
PlanetEclipse is a company that pays attention to detail. The detail is even present in the case that the marker gets shipped in. The marker comes in a custom foam case that has a metal "Ego" engraved lid across the top. The foam has cut-outs for the Ego Marker Body, PlanetEclipse 14" .693 Shaft Solo Barrel , and a compartment for parts. The case comes with a barrel sock, parts kit, and a detailed manual. The manual is in color and it extremely detailed with all the functions of the marker, taking apart / reassembling the marker, and adjusting features (both mechanical and electrical).
The PlanetEclipse 2006 Ego:
The 2006 PlanetEclipse Ego is one of the best all around markers out on the paintball field. It is also one of the top markers over at Eclipse only surpassed by the Nexus, XSV, and SL66 Ego's. The Ego is a marker that has the perfect balance of style, performance, accuracy, reliability, and weight or lack there of.
Weight:
The Ego only weighs 966 grams (2.12 lbs) with the Eclipse On/Off and Ego Regulator attached. It weighs only 1,108 grams (2.44 lbs) with the 14" Shaft Solo Barrel attached. This makes it one of the lightest markers out there period. The Sup-Tol machining (milling) of the marker is phenomenal. PlanetEclipse milled the marker down to it "bare essentials" to achieve a low weight and to also achieve a fast rate of fire. The weight savings enables a player to break off the start to lay down a lane of paint faster than the opponents. It also decreases player fatigue in a game.
I just recently purchased a SITE 14" .693 Carbon Fiber Stiffi Barrel for the Ego. The Stiffi barrel is one of, if not, the lightest barrels on the market, weighing in at 53 grams. When attached to the Ego this package weighs in at only 1019 grams (2.24 lbs), EXTREMELY light.
Accuracy:
Very accurate marker. It takes one to two shots to line up the marker then is extremely easy to consistently hit a specific target. The LP mixed with the near non-existant blow back is what enables this. The Eclipse Shaft Solo barrel is one of the most consistent "stock" (if you can call it that) barrels that comes on a marker.
Speed:
The PlanetEclipse Ego is also one of the fastest markers on the market. It is very capable of firing the 15 bps that tournament (NPPL, PSP, NXL, Millennium Series, Etc.) allot markers to fire at on SEMI 2. SEMI 1 is the "uncapped" firing mode. The marker will fire at fast as the trigger can be pulled, limited to how fast the Loader can feed the balls. **Note This next setting is NOT practical, just for fun**
I was capable of achieving 45bps (no paint / air, just the solenoid).
To achieved this:
With a setting I found on PBNation(dot)com (do a search for E2 Speed Settings)
Adjusted the trigger to its most sensitive setting (the trigger would bounce just touching the marker),
Placed a Electric Tooth Brush on the trigger. The ultra-sonic vibrations enabled it to get up to 45bps on the ROF setting.
Efficient:
With a 68ci 4500psi tank you can get around 1,650 shots (Taken from PlanetEclipse(dot)com).
With a 45ci 4500psi tank I am able to obtain around 1,100 shots. My Ego is equipped with a AKA 2-Liter Plus Regulator so that could play into it.
Reliable:
The Ego is a very reliable marker 98% of the time. The Ego rarely chops a ball, one every couple thousand balls. I did however have a problem with my marker firing over 300fps at a tournament that I played at. I was unable to get it under 300fps, so I decided to take apart the regulator. I found that the seal was damaged. Since I installed the AKA 2-Liter Plus Regulator the Ego has been extremely reliable. If you have this problem just replace the Inline Regulator Piston from PlanetEclipse.
Electronics:
The Ego electronics are very easy to navigate through. If has a up, down, and select button located on the grip, that controls the LCD display. The buttons allow you to turn on/off any feature of the marker. It also has ROF and Training modes. If you are looking for more speed out of your Ego you might want to purchase a Tadao M7 Ego Board. This was allow you a faster ROF. **Do note that if a Tadao board is installed the LCD screen will be replaced with LED lights.**
There is a new board out for the Ego. It is from PlaentEclipse and is called the Maniac Board. This board has all the speed of a Tadao with the ease of the LCD display that comes in a stock Ego. It has 9 de-bounce levels, ramping, can achieve 25bps, unlimited ramping (limited to how fast the loader is), and has every tournament setting available. It is a very limited production upgrade. PlanetEclipse is only making 2000 of them. **The Maniac board is ONLY sold with the 2006 STAR frame.**
Adjustability:
With the settings that you can adjust with the Electronics combined with the settings of the trigger, the Ego can be dialed in to any players "style" of play. The trigger has 4-points (both electronic and magnetic) of adjustment to enable any player to "dial-in" the trigger.
Tech. Support
PlanetEclipse is one of the best companies for customer support. I had issues with my E2 board in my 2004 WGP Mini Orr-acle with saving features. I contacted PlanetEclipse and the immediately sent me a new board. I have also contacted them for some custom anodized parts and they were willing to work with me to get them done (haven't done it yet though). Every time that I have e-mailed their customer support they have contacted me within a days time.
Conclusion:
If you are serious into tournament paintball and are looking into upgrading to a "better" marker, then get a 2006 PlanetEclipse Ego. With a mixture of speed, weight (non-existant), accuracy, consistency, and great customer support, the Ego wins hands down. If you are one of the people that says the $1,125 price tag is a weakness then you are wrong. The Ego is worth ever dollar.
Rating:
10 out of 10
Last edited on Tuesday, February 13th, 2007 at 6:16 pm PST
impykid13
So you are saying that I have too much free time? Who is the person that is leaving irrelevant comments on reviews? I do believe that it is you. I do want you to know that this website is set up so that people leave detailed reviews about products that are out on the market. I really don't think that 4-5 lines is detailed.
pm7dude
I have personally shot both of those markers. They are both great markers. It is more about personal preference. The Ego is lighter and more gas efficient than the Shocker. However, the Shocker is quieter. Up to you on which marker you get, but if you want my preference than get the Ego.
Awesome review my friend. I love my gloss red with polished gold "nexus" parts. Seriously, you've done this gun justice. I did a ton of review before spending the big bucks on this marker. In my mind, you simply cannot go wrong with an ego *06 in this case*, you've nailed all those reasons spot on. If anything it is just awesome to see my baby on its stand under its own light. So, guys, if you are considering one of these, just get one ; ).
