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pbReview.com / Empire Magna-Drive / Empire Magna-Drive / Empire Magna-Drive
Empire Magna-Drive Reviews
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Number of Reviews: |
13 |
Average Rating: |
9.5 / 10 |
Manufacturer Website: |
Click here |
Suggested Retail Price: |
$150 |
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MAGANA DRIVE LOADER SYSTEM
The Empire® Magna-Drive™ feed system is the next step in the progression of speed and performance. It features a patent pending new magnetic-clutch drive system and patented technology for a patent pending unique wireless RF (radio frequency) system. The Magna-Drive™ system is the most highly advanced and customizable feed system on the planet. You can determine your feed rate, adjust the tension, set the torque, dial in the sensitivity, and even synch your loader with your marker for unparalleled results. The Magna-Drive™ also introduces a bold new profile for improved weight distribution and reduced exposure while playing your bunker, plus easy access battery pack and magnetic lid. The best players demand the best equipment and the Empire® Magna-Drive™ is the answer. |
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Product Availability |  |
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| The Empire Magna-Drive is newer, so it should be commonly available, both new and used. Check out the Places to Buy links below for places to purchase it new. |
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Places to Buy |  |
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Period of Product Use: |
| Less than a month | 16 of 16 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball Experience: |
More than 5 years |
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Similar Products Used: |
Halo B
Empire Reloader B
Both of which got the job done, but i liked the reloader more. |
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| Marker Setup: |
2007 Ego GBA Anno'd
Powerlyte Scepter Kit
Bump LPR and HPR pistons
Empire Magna
SPD Custom Viper Grips |
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| Strengths: |
Strong quality build
Magna technology is ingenious
Low Profile
Very sleak design
Small details |
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| Weaknesses: |
Battery door is kind of lame |
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| Review: |
First, a little explanation.
The heart of the Magna is in its magnet clutch design. Basically, there is a "magnet holder" which holds your choice of a number of small very strong magnets in different orientations.
This holder is placed below a metal plate which under normal circumstances, spins as the magnet holder spins because of the magnetism between these two.
If the drive cone for whatever reason stops spinning, or cannot keep up with the motor, this metal plate SLIPS (if the magnets are configured for this)
So with this idea in mind, you can add more magnets to create a stronger bond between the motor/magnet holder and the plate/drivecone.....or less magnets to create a weaker bond which would allow the plate to slip easier and be gentler on the balls...
(Or a ton of magnets for hard paint and reballs)
Basically, the pressure placed on the balls is up to you. This is configured with magnets, as well as the different available plates in the Tuning Kit.
Besides that advantage, I would imagine this would create less stress on the motor, allowing it to spin.
For me personally, with the stock set up, I've experienced no problems at all. No paint breaks, and no gaps in feeding.
Onto the rest...
The battery door is actually kind of lame. It wouldn't be possible for it to fall off, but I can definately see it sliding open, maybe not all the way though.
I can't say anything about the RF capabilities yet, but will update when I can.
I know a lot of people have complained about the shape or orientation of the feedneck. This has honestly not been an issue at all. Period.
Basically, in closing...its a Reloader B2, in a new shell, with a revolutionary new drive system, and RF capabilities.
In all honesty what else can you ask for?
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| Conclusion: |
Awesome Loader, even if you don't get it....I'd say get the Magna Upgrade for your Halo or Reloader. |
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| Rating: |
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Period of Product Use: |
| Less than a month | 9 of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball Experience: |
More than 5 years |
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Similar Products Used: |
-Vlocity
-XSV VLocity
-DXS Pulse
-Hard Corps Torque |
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| Marker Setup: |
07 PE EGO (DUST BLACK)
-DUST WHITE CCU KIT
-UL BARREL (.688);SHAFT II (.693);AA FRONT W/ FREAK BACK (.689)
-KILA DETENTS
-PE LAZER EYES
-PE ZICK KIT
07 TREMOR NXT SHOCKER (POLISHED RED)
-RL VIRTUE BOARD W/ VIRTUE LAZER EYES
-HYBRID BOLT GUIDE
-VIOLENT PRODUCTS TRIGGER
-CRITICAL ASA
-MACDEV GLADIATOR REGULATOR
06 EVIL MINION (DUST BLACK)
-ULTRALIGHT FRAME
-DM6 VIRTUE BOARD
-LUCKY LAZER EYES
-ORANGE BOLT
-HYBRID BOLT GUIDE & SLEEVE
-UL BARREL (.668); SLY BARREL SYSTEM
-DM7 CLAMPING FEEDNECK
-CRITICAL TRIGGER
-VL VLOCITY(BLITZ CHIP); VL XSV VLOCITY(VIRTUE CHIP);
DXS PULSE; EMPIRE MAGNA DRIVE; HARD CORPS TORQUE
-45/45 PURE ENERGY FIBER TANK
-92/45 CROSSFIRE LOW PRESSURE TANK
-68/45 DYE THROTTLE |
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| Strengths: |
-Build
-Consistency
-Speed
-Extra Features
-Optional kits |
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| Weaknesses: |
None so far. |
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| Review: |
I got it last week and put on my 07 Ego this past weekend. WOW! I love this thing. It feed consistently and had no problems feeding. Simon from Empire was right, just take it out of the box, put batteries in it and go play.
The feedneck flexes when there is movement and is reinforced surprisingly well. Example; I was running to the snake corner and could feel the feedneck tilting back. I was worried at first but after a while, I got used to it and it felt comfortable. It has some stealth when you're playing snake or dorito.
I love the 220 tray that comes installed with it. I got into 2 situations when I was needing to reload and someone tried to come and bunker me. As I was turning and the balls dropped into the tray and I was able to get him. Excellent feature.
The board is just fine in it's stock setting(B2 type board w/ up to date technology). I didn't mess with it and it served me well. I love how magnets are used throughout the loader. There are a lot of magnet options dealing with the slip system, lid, and one piece lid system that is being held open by a.......you guessed it a magnet. Rip drive is a great feature and I didn't even need to use it.
What's really cool is when you reload, the sound of the balls dropping in kick start the motor to feed the balls. I used Bushido paint and had no problems with the Magna Drive.
The battery door slides open at the back of the loader and you don't need any tools what so ever. Only thing is that the battery door sometimes slides open half way when you play. Not really a problem for me and I see it as a minor oversight but if you get hit there it'll go into the loader. Just make sure it's closed everytime you go out for each set or at the beginning of a game. Good thing is that Empire is aware of the door and fixing it as we speak.
Other than the obvious, this is an excellent, well built loader and it definitely shows out on the field. This is perfect for any player from front to mid to back. |
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| Conclusion: |
This is a great product, possibly the best Empire has ever offered. At first it looks odd, but just like the Vlocity, you'll start to love it.. I recommend this to any tournament level player and it's totally worth the cost. Shop around and you'll find some great deals. It sells for 140-150 if you look around. What's great is if you can't afford one then you can change your Halo/Reloader to run the magna drive system with the Magna Drive conversion kit. Plus there's a tune up kit to fine tune your Magna Loader and an RF kit available to sync your gun to your loader. Any comments or questions feel free to ask. I'll revise my review once I get the RF chip. A++++ for a great product from a great company. |
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| Rating: |
| 10 out of 10 | Last edited on Monday, November 19th, 2007 at 12:27 pm PST |
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Period of Product Use: |
| Less than a month | 3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball Experience: |
4 years |
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Similar Products Used: |
halo,halo B,Reloader B2 |
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| Marker Setup: |
Ego 07
zick kit
stiffi barrel
micro maxflo
virtue board
RF Transmitter chip
magna drive loader
empire tank cover... |
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| Strengths: |
speed
RF capabilities
more magnet lid
shape
battery door
magna clutch
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| Weaknesses: |
Turn it on
price
interference
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| Review: |
strenght:
it is fast...
yeah I like tha magna for the rf capabilities and the magna clutch
gentle on paint
you can add magnets for tighter closing lid...on top theres usaly a spring to keep the lid open ...instead they add a magnet...loader full loaded of magnet,,,f*c*k*n* magnets every where...
can add or remove magnets in magna clutch
like the shape...and it still have a good balance on gun
the 2nd floord with 20-30 more balls is cool feature too
i like the battery door cause it don't breaks the shell like the reloader or halo ect...
they sell clutch kits...think it's cool...but it don't comes with loader...got a buy it
Weaknesses:
but first time I tried to put the rf chip and make it work together it didnt work...
paintball solution told me it was interference with the trigger frame,think they are fu**ed up there......interference my A**
i put a virtue in my gun and tried back the rf chip and it worked awsome!
first time I've put the loader on
if you touch the on/off button the light comes green...and the loader turns off right away...
if you hold it too long you enter in the setting mode...
why don't they just put a instant on?!?!
like the other ones...
should have put more extra magnets
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| Conclusion: |
In the end,it's a good loader realy like it...
I bought that one because I used to buy empire loader...
but i think all loader a cool to... |
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| Rating: |
| 10 out of 10 | Last edited on Friday, January 11th, 2008 at 4:20 pm PST |
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Period of Product Use: |
| 3 months | 3 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball Experience: |
4 years |
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Similar Products Used: |
Halo B
Reloader B
Reloader B2
VLocity |
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| Marker Setup: |
PM8
J&J Edge Kit
tuned UL board |
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| Strengths: |
Capacity
Speed
Clutch kit
the CF shells that hold 30 more balls
RF Kit |
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| Weaknesses: |
Shape/length |
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| Review: |
When I first saw the magna I hated its look. I still do hate its look but it’s sits A LOT nicer on a marker then the older style Halos.
I was using a 07 Evil Minion for all my testing of the feel/look of the loader. The new magnetic lid is definitely better than the old style one with the ability of putting more magnets on it the lid. But I still took the lid off and put on a speed cap. Like the Halo/Reloader B shells that have the magnetic lid these have a smaller mouth also.
The added capacity of the loader is really nice for back players. The 2 trays also are nice since you can change how much you want in the loader, I don’t know why anyone would use the lesser capacity ramp. The CF shells actually hold 30 balls more than the reg. shells.
When it comes to programming it’s as straight forward as the Reloader B2. So if you can operate it you can operate the Magna. I have not used the RF ability of the board so I cannot comment on it.
The Magna is def fast. It’s just as fast as a B2 on setting 6 but on setting 4 or so!
The only bad thing I have to say about this loader is that with the minion and a 45/45 on the magna pretty much sat on the top of my Events mask, if you put the tail of the marker close/on the nose of your mask. But if you don’t play at tight as that and you’ll be totally fine.
If you’re a back player you’ll love this loader due to it’s higher capacity, and how fast it is. If you’re a front player and dive a lot like I do you’ll want to make sure your feed neck is a little tighter than normal since I’ve had it spun and broke an entire loader of paint in it. This was the first game I played with it. I gave it a second chance though.
EDIT - 1-24-08 - I put a reg halo in a pair of Magna shells so if you wanted to do that check out this thread from PB Nation.http://www.pbnation.com/showthread.php?t=2453163 |
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| Conclusion: |
If you're looking for a new loader the Magna is pretty good. If you already have a halo then get the Clutch kit for it and skip the Magna. |
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| Rating: |
| 8 out of 10 | Last edited on Thursday, January 24th, 2008 at 11:11 am PST |
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Period of Product Use: |
| Only tested | 2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball Experience: |
More than 5 years |
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Similar Products Used: |
halo b
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| Marker Setup: |
ion
L-7 bolt
ape board
j&j edge kit |
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| Strengths: |
Fast |
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| Weaknesses: |
None yet |
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| Review: |
Have had this thing since Christmas and so far I love it. It is real fast. I will have to clock it but it sounds like around 30 bps. No chops and is good with fragile paint. Modes seem to be easy to set . I used the stock settings and they work just fine with average paint. |
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| Conclusion: |
Seems to be a sturdy product and real happy with my purchase. |
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| Rating: |
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PBHALO |
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Thursday, January 24th, 2008 |
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Period of Product Use: |
| 3 months | 1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball Experience: |
More than 5 years |
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Similar Products Used: |
Halo B, Reloader B, Vlocity |
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| Marker Setup: |
Dm6, trauma board
Nerve with bunch of ups
Angel 4 JD
Ion |
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| Strengths: |
SPEED
Capacity
board settings and RF options
low profile
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| Weaknesses: |
Balance but nothing else |
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| Review: |
Well got this product early on December and I gota say best hopper that Ive used. Once I got it Ive noticed due to its design it has way more tighter profile compared to a Reloader B/ Halo both in height and width viewing it from the FRONT of the hopper. Second is the board settings that can adjust the speed and pressure on the ball, and that it has and also it includes RF capabilities.
When I played with it beign a backman the capacity is amazing, you can keep long constant line and the speed is awsome. The extra hold of paintballs in the front is great specially in a critical time when someones gonna bunker you, so is a nice extra hold of more than 20 pb. Another thing is you can play the bunkers more thightly using this hopper due to its design. The magnet ripdrive idea is preaty neat, they fixed the lid and its way better now than on previous versions . Ive experienced breaks on the hopper with my Vlocity but with this one none so far. Its way more gentle on paint than on a Vlocity, and on the Vlocity using the same paint Ive experience bunch time the balls keep getting stuck and same with a Halo but this one does not experience getting stuck for now.
Well since the battery pack is in the end obviusly the weight will be in the back but once conected to the gun it gets way more balanced and can haddle it preaty well. But one thing that people might experience is those who have a small tank would get the hopper stickin out almost hitting the mask. |
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| Conclusion: |
Overall best hopper Ive used, it has speed, capacity, and tight profile. |
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| Rating: |
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Period of Product Use: |
6 months |
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Paintball Experience: |
More than 5 years |
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Similar Products Used: |
halo. b2, egg, vlocity |
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| Marker Setup: |
2k5 timi. 2k5 alien interceptor |
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| Strengths: |
Battery life speed consistency optional rf transmitter feedneck strength |
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| Weaknesses: |
Weight, looks (to some people) price size
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| Review: |
Well i picked up this loader in febuary 2008 and i havent changed the batteries since then. and the loader will feed up to 50 bps with the rf sync so if you happen to have an sl74 or sl8r ego then you can max out the rof with this loader.
although it sits really far back the loader still is quite comfortable to have on my guns. before you buy it make sure what it looks like on your gun before you purchase it though. because it looks great on my alien interceptor but not too great on my intimidator. |
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| Conclusion: |
Defiantly buy this loader it is great! |
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| Rating: |
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Period of Product Use: |
Less than a month |
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Paintball Experience: |
6 months |
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Similar Products Used: |
Halo B |
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| Marker Setup: |
Proto Matrix Rail SE Camo, Empire Magna Drive, Crossfire 68ci/4500psi tank |
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| Strengths: |
Strong Feedneck, Extra Capacity, Good Electronics, Smaller than it looks, Hellish fast!!!! |
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| Weaknesses: |
Quite hard to program, Price is kind of steep |
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| Review: |
I got the Magna Drive and opened the box, I was amazed by the sheer size of it. It was huge!!! However, when I put it on the PMR it looked quite small which I was pleased about so it didn't look too big.
The programming is kind of hard to do sometimes, it turns itself off when you enter a new setting which kind of gets annoying, thats about it though. The capacity of the Magna Drive is brilliant, the angled nose is a great addition as well as the 220 capacity setting. The Magna Drive is incredibly fast as well, which really helps. The strengthened feedneck is another great addition. The ability to add more magnets is another good idea....
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| Conclusion: |
I would recommend anyone to buy the Magna Drive, Its not as big as it looks, fast, bigger ball capacity, good feedneck, Overall this loader is awesome,it's worth every penny!!!!! |
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| Rating: |
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Period of Product Use: |
Less than a month |
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Paintball Experience: |
More than 5 years |
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Similar Products Used: |
Halo B,Vlocity,Empire reloader B |
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| Marker Setup: |
Redz ION,Empire Magna loader,70ci 4500psi crossfire,68ci4500psi crosfire,Virtue,Dye hyper 2 reg,SITH frame |
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| Strengths: |
Fast,RF,Very reliable,balences gun,Looks great,easy to use |
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| Weaknesses: |
None |
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| Review: |
The Loader is great its the best loader ive ever used besides the pulse its very very fast as a matter of fact it can feed up to 50 BPS on the break not a constant but for me break is good enough never had a jam or break easy to take apart very simple to program very easy to sinc with RF chip keeps a constant feed rate its just awesome lik that |
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| Conclusion: |
BUY IT........why are you still here GO BUY IT!!! |
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| Rating: |
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Period of Product Use: |
Less than a month |
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Paintball Experience: |
3 years |
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Similar Products Used: |
Empire Reloader B2
DXS Pulse
XSV Vlocity
Dynasty Vlocity
Halo w/ rip drive and V35 board |
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| Marker Setup: |
Bob Long Protege
DXS 68/45 nitro tank
Empire Magna
Stiffi stiff stick |
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| Strengths: |
Fast
Light
Low Profile
has an space for xtra paintballs |
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| Weaknesses: |
None |
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| Review: |
This hopper was worth every penny. It is very consistent with its feed rate. It has a very low profile (great for snake players) Its very light. most people think its back heavy because of the way its shaped but there wrong. Great for the serious paintball player looking to improve his/her game. It also has a space infront of the feed port that hold 20 paintballs so u can keep your lane under control for a little more time or shoot the guy rushing u thinking your reloading. Top of the line hopper. |
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| Conclusion: |
Get this hopper! |
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| Rating: |
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Places to Buy |  |
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