Smart Parts Ion XE: Access internals through rear.
DYE DM4 and Proto / Evil Minion 2007: Overcomplicated bolt system.
Marker Setup:
I'm a hardcore poor gun whore, lotsa markers and counting:
Orange County Bushwackers SL66
Sacramento XSV Ego 06
1 of 150 blue e-star camo Etek1
Bob Long Closer
DYE DM4 (dust black)
Proto Minion 2007
SP Ion (ShockTech body kit)
SP Ion XE
WDP Angel LED 1999
APS Angel A1
2 Invert MINI (gloss black, dust olive)
5 WGP Autocockers (Bob Long, 2 E-Cockers, pump Trilogy, E2)
6 AGD AutoMags
2 JT E-Excellerators
1 VL E-marker
1 Piranha/PCS USP pistol
1 Piranha EVO
Recommended Upgrades:
Trigger (Lots out there, recommend Custom Products)
Bolt (SP Firebolt or Tech T Level 7)
QEV (Quick Exhaust Valve, recommend SP 360)
Lever Clamping Feedneck (SP Q-Lock)
Barrel System (Total Freak Kit)
BOB (Bolt-Out-Back) Kit
Strengths:
Cheap
Light weight
Firepower
Weaknesses:
Public perception of Smart Parts
Review:
Smart Parts changed the face of paintball with the release of the Ion.
The Ion XE allows you to access the internals through the rear like the DYE Matrix series for easy maintenance.
However, the older Ion design does not have this easy access feature. As a result, there are many BOB (Bolt-Out-Back) and semi-BOB kits on the market.
I myself went with the ShockTech semi-BOB kit because the milling looks cool. However there are better kits out there in terms of access to the internals.
However, unline the DYE FUSE bolt, which is over-compliated and uses many o-rings, the Ion spool valve bolt system is simple, lighter and smaller.
As a result you get inexpensive light-weight firepower in an electro that is quiet and accurate.
These are highly under-rated paintball markers, you can find used upgraded Ion XE's for cheap. or do one up yourself the way you like!
Conclusion:
These are highly under-rated paintball markers, you can find used upgraded Ion's for cheap. or do one up yourself the way you like!
It gets an " 8 " rating because you can't get to the internals easily, and upgrades are required to really make it rock.
