Tippmann A-5, flatline barrel, offset rail adapter, red dot sight, specops handgrip, car stock.
Recommended Upgrades:
Any stock for more stable shoting
Strengths:
Easy upgrades
Weaknesses:
More hype than substance.
Price.
Review:
I had the opportunity to hold this gun at my local store. It has a nice military look to it but no appreciable difference in feel over that of my A-5. As to being a lot lighter it didn't feel any different, in fact it felt a little bulky.
The owner of the store offered to weigh it and a stock a-5 and told me the X7 was in fact a little heavier. probably due to the extra cosmetics and the magazine. Either way if you are looking for a featherlight marker the X7 is not for you.
I would recommend this marker to folks looking for a tactical looking gun right out of the box. I like the idea of so many upgrades available but in practice with a little research, the Internet and a credit card any 98 or A-5 can look almost the same. This will make it easier however for a parent or wal-mart shopper to get their gear without much hassle.
Conclusion:
I find this marker a decent addition to the Tippmann line if only for the look cool factor which will definitely appeal to a lot of players. Unfortunately I like gear that improves the performance of my marker way more than simple cosmetics. If the technology was revolutionary, or the gun significantly different in operation than my trusty A-5 I would give it a higher rating.
Cool review. Agree with the sentiment, although as 5 is supposed to equal "average", your rating of 7 puts this way above average. Did you mean that? And for the price of an Ion and a 98 Custom?
For a marker that is not a great improvment on the A-5, do you think it justifies a $100 premium?
