Argh! The choices! What should I be looking at?

[Imperator]

I'm thinking of getting back into the game now, but my choices are so dizzying compared to the days of old, I have no idea where to begin.

I used to play back in the mid-'90s when Tippmans were only field guns and the AutoCocker vs. Automag was the big controversy. Paintball-oriented Internet forums didn't exist. Back then, I owned a Palmer Stroker and a CCI Phantom pump. I also played with an automag regularly.

Lately I've been reading up on markers, and I'm going out to play this weekend with my friend's WGP Cocker. I'll also have a chance to shoot an Angel, which my friend rants and raves about.

My budget is pretty open, but generally under $1000, and I know I can find a deal on a good used setup. For $1000 or less, I hope to purchase the marker AND the air setup, whatever the gun requires. Maintainence is somewhat of an issue; I can reoil a gun and clean it on my own time, but I can't afford field breaks and reliability issues. Shouldn't be too heavy and accuracy is a concern. I'd like a fast marker, but I'd be lucky to use more than a case a day (for now).

That said, I'm looking at the following markers:
-Angel
-E-mag/Micromag
-Intimidator
-Palmer Blazer

I've never used an electro or E-hybrid before, and I'm somewhat reluctant to jump on the bandwagon, unless electronics really make a huge difference. I know very little about what's out there and am unfamiliar with the different hybrids and specialized/custom markers. Please give me some feedback here and suggestions with your reasons. If I've overlooked anything else potentially , let me know!

Help!

[Kingman27]

Test them all and get what you like..In that price range I like E-Blade 'cockers ;)

[nerdcore]

i know you're not a new paintballer but the stickies in this forum have MUCH info on what's progressed in paintball. that may help you familiarize yourself with all these electronic markers that are everywhere these days.

the major difference with e-markers is the rate of fire possible is much higher. this, however, leads to the requirement of an electronic hopper, which can keep up with the high feed demand.

for an air source, most high end markers require hpa, so look into those. check the Air Systems forum stickies for more info on that, such as how it differs from co2.

[pEnNyWiSdOm225]

I posted this same thing in your other thread.....


it is a tad bit over $1000,$1034 actually:P

Angel Speed w/ lots of extra goodies including a free EvoII-$845

http://www.firstcallpaintball.com/detail.aspx?ID=854

Crossfire 68/4500 HPA tank-$189

http://www.firstcallpaintball.com/detail.aspx?ID=311


That is an Awesome deal from the folks at firstcallpaintball.com

[Imperator]

Thanks for the info. I'd like to save a bit of cash if possible, since I have to buy everything at once to get myself back into the game (jersey/BDU, mask, hopper, air system, paint, accessories). I've seen some great deals on used equipment in the forums as well as eBay, but there's a lot of good markers I might be overlooking. So many, in fact, I'd love to own several. Some that I've noticed:

AGD X-mag
Bob Long Intimidator
Cobra LCD Angel
Dye Matrix LCD
Angel A4

I'd love to own a good E-gun, a PPS Blazer and an A5 or Phantom. For now, I've got to settle on one marker, and I know nothing about E-guns. :(

[nerdcore]

read the reviews on those markers in the reviews section & check out the Bob Long, Angel, Dye & Airgun Designs forums to learn more about the markers you listed.

[xXblinkXegoXx]

that speed deal is so good its not even funny. i cant believe that. well anyway, i say you get an 03 shocker. light, fast and accurate, low matenence, and awsome looks.

[wanabe TOSA]

alright i would say spend 1000$ on every thing not just ur gun......start lookin at impulses ..... the basic ones are about 400$ and are extreemly nice guns....at the moment u will not need an angel or timmy......an it is very easy to upgrade your impulse to an angel or better

an impulse is the way to go, no question.

[jonbob]

I would say get an impulse with vision, or a bushmaster with PDS, then spend your money on upgrades or other gear you'll need. I really would only spend like 600-700 max on the gun itself then spend the rest on gear. I recommend the imp or bushmaster (I prefer the bushy for various reasons) because they will both give great performance, are light, easily maintainable, and are easily tourney-level.

I would also plan on spending 60-70 for a good mask, 70 for an evolution 2 loader, 200 for a good air system, and about 50 for pods/harness.

Obviously you can go cheaper on the mask, air system (if you shop around), and other stuff, but I'm just trying to give you an idea of what price range you should look at for guns (that is unless you buy your gear used).

[PMI_Guy]

I would have to say

Emag w/ Extras (such as this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3661354648&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting) , and then get a ULE Body later ) ~$500-$800
Decent barrel (2k2 All American, Ultralight) ~$100
Decent tank (Crossfire Preset, etc) ~150$


The Emag is basically the XMag only without the fancy milling, and no XVavle. The Emag Valve on it is the exact same as the XVavle, only made out of high quality Stainless Steel. Maintance is as simple as putting 2-5 drops of oil in the ASA every time you play. I've had the origional orings on mine for ~4 years, and ran C02 occasionally, too. The Emag has 3 modes, Electro (electro trigger pull), Hybrid (Electric pull, but trigger "bounces" back to ready position), and manual (Regular 'Mag trigger pull, with the reactivity) Increadably small, and maintence is simple. Drop by www.automags.org or the AGD Marker forum here at PBR.

Good Luck! :)