dont miss it....
KILL 'EM ALL ...........
SUNDAY-FEBRUARY 8TH, 2009
09.00 AM - TIL DIE
KILLING FIELD : NGREMBEL ASRI - GUNUNG PATI SEMARANG
FEEL THE PAIN SO DEEP DUDE.....
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
What to Look for in a Mask
Face and Ear Guards
Masks are designed to protect your face, so the first thing you should look for is well designed face and ear protection. All masks will protect you from serious injury, but more rigid masks will better protect you from smaller bruises, though they are also more likely to crack. Make sure that your mask adequately covers your ears and chin (if you have a long face, get a bigger mask). If you are very worried about getting hit on the head, there are some masks that will cover your entire head, similar to a motorcycle helmet.
Lens
When looking at the lens pay attention to the field of vision it offers and whether or not it is a thermal lens. The human field of vision is about 180 degrees and staring straight ahead it is even less. Unless you are planning on looking out of the corner of your eye regularly rather than turn your head, a mask with a 120 degree field of vision should be more than enough. Thermal lenses are simply two separate lenses with air in between them which helps prevent fogging. Some lenses are also tinted and function similar to sunglasses.
Padding
The foam padding inside masks may not seem like a big deal, but some good foam will make or break a mask. Look for padding that will mold to your face but also returns to its original shape. Look at how the foam is attached to the plastic mask - check for a good solid glue job with no corners unattached. And most importantly, make sure you like how the foam feels on your face - it will only break in after a long time, so uncomfortable foam to begin with will be uncomfortable months later.
Fit
Look for a mask that fits firmly on your head without pinching. You should be able to tighten the straps to make your mask snug without maxing out the adjusters or permanently stretching out the straps. Make sure that your mask comfortably fits around your ears and that the mouth guard doesn't hit your chest when you look down or your shoulders when you look to the sides.
Other Things
Most masks come with visors which I have found to be very useful when playing outdoors. Additionally, some fans come with built-in fans designed to reduce fogging. The plastic of masks comes in numerous colors ranging form bright reds and blues to dull blacks and greens, so you'll be able to find a color you like. There are also many purely cosmetic upgrades you can add to customize your mask.
Overall Value
Paintball masks can cost from less than $20 to more than $100. Figure out what features you really need (for example, some people never have problems with their lenses fogging, so they might not want to pay extra for a thermal lens) and then see what masks fit your budget. The best mask is not necessarily the most expensive; it's simply the mask that works best for you.
Masks are designed to protect your face, so the first thing you should look for is well designed face and ear protection. All masks will protect you from serious injury, but more rigid masks will better protect you from smaller bruises, though they are also more likely to crack. Make sure that your mask adequately covers your ears and chin (if you have a long face, get a bigger mask). If you are very worried about getting hit on the head, there are some masks that will cover your entire head, similar to a motorcycle helmet.
Lens
When looking at the lens pay attention to the field of vision it offers and whether or not it is a thermal lens. The human field of vision is about 180 degrees and staring straight ahead it is even less. Unless you are planning on looking out of the corner of your eye regularly rather than turn your head, a mask with a 120 degree field of vision should be more than enough. Thermal lenses are simply two separate lenses with air in between them which helps prevent fogging. Some lenses are also tinted and function similar to sunglasses.
Padding
The foam padding inside masks may not seem like a big deal, but some good foam will make or break a mask. Look for padding that will mold to your face but also returns to its original shape. Look at how the foam is attached to the plastic mask - check for a good solid glue job with no corners unattached. And most importantly, make sure you like how the foam feels on your face - it will only break in after a long time, so uncomfortable foam to begin with will be uncomfortable months later.
Fit
Look for a mask that fits firmly on your head without pinching. You should be able to tighten the straps to make your mask snug without maxing out the adjusters or permanently stretching out the straps. Make sure that your mask comfortably fits around your ears and that the mouth guard doesn't hit your chest when you look down or your shoulders when you look to the sides.
Other Things
Most masks come with visors which I have found to be very useful when playing outdoors. Additionally, some fans come with built-in fans designed to reduce fogging. The plastic of masks comes in numerous colors ranging form bright reds and blues to dull blacks and greens, so you'll be able to find a color you like. There are also many purely cosmetic upgrades you can add to customize your mask.
Overall Value
Paintball masks can cost from less than $20 to more than $100. Figure out what features you really need (for example, some people never have problems with their lenses fogging, so they might not want to pay extra for a thermal lens) and then see what masks fit your budget. The best mask is not necessarily the most expensive; it's simply the mask that works best for you.
How to Keep Your Mask From Fogging
Why masks fog
Masks fog when moisture from your face evaporates into the space between your mask and then condensates on your lens. This typically occurs at two times: when you sweat a lot and release lots of moisture from your face or when your face is considerably warmer than the outside air. The first situation typically occurs during hot days while the second, similar to a windshield that fogs, happens when the outside air is considerably colder than the air around your face.
Anti-Fog Spray
Many companies (paintball companies and other companies) market anti-fog sprays that are designed to keep moisture from condensing on flat surfaces. The basic principal is to spray a mist of the anti-fog onto your lenses and vapor will no longer gather on your mask and fog it. People have reported mixed results, but it is the cheapest and easiest way to stop fog. I have found it to be helpful in delaying fog, but on a hot day it doesn't seem to prevent all fogging.
Mask Fan
Some masks come with built in defogging fans while some masks can be upgraded to use fans later on. Fans sit above the goggles and blow a stream of air over the goggles to cause condensed moisture to evaporate, thus eliminating any fogging, similar to a defroster on a car. Fans are somewhat expensive, require extra batteries, make a considerable amount of noise and are prone to break, but they do effectively reduce fog, provided they are working correctly.
Thermal Lenses
Thermal lenses consist of two lenses with a thin air-filled space between them. The air between the two lenses acts as a barrier between the air near your face and the outside temperature. This protective barrier keeps the inner lens closer to the temperature of your face, which limits the rate that moisture will condensate on your lens. Thermal lenses come with or are an optional upgrade for all but the most basic masks and I have found them to be the most consistently effective way of reducing fog.
Conclusion
Some people (usually those who perspire readily) have foggy masks no matter what they do while others never have to worry about fog. Any (or a combination) of the above methods can help keep your mask from fogging - experiment and figure out what works for you.
Masks fog when moisture from your face evaporates into the space between your mask and then condensates on your lens. This typically occurs at two times: when you sweat a lot and release lots of moisture from your face or when your face is considerably warmer than the outside air. The first situation typically occurs during hot days while the second, similar to a windshield that fogs, happens when the outside air is considerably colder than the air around your face.
Anti-Fog Spray
Many companies (paintball companies and other companies) market anti-fog sprays that are designed to keep moisture from condensing on flat surfaces. The basic principal is to spray a mist of the anti-fog onto your lenses and vapor will no longer gather on your mask and fog it. People have reported mixed results, but it is the cheapest and easiest way to stop fog. I have found it to be helpful in delaying fog, but on a hot day it doesn't seem to prevent all fogging.
Mask Fan
Some masks come with built in defogging fans while some masks can be upgraded to use fans later on. Fans sit above the goggles and blow a stream of air over the goggles to cause condensed moisture to evaporate, thus eliminating any fogging, similar to a defroster on a car. Fans are somewhat expensive, require extra batteries, make a considerable amount of noise and are prone to break, but they do effectively reduce fog, provided they are working correctly.
Thermal Lenses
Thermal lenses consist of two lenses with a thin air-filled space between them. The air between the two lenses acts as a barrier between the air near your face and the outside temperature. This protective barrier keeps the inner lens closer to the temperature of your face, which limits the rate that moisture will condensate on your lens. Thermal lenses come with or are an optional upgrade for all but the most basic masks and I have found them to be the most consistently effective way of reducing fog.
Conclusion
Some people (usually those who perspire readily) have foggy masks no matter what they do while others never have to worry about fog. Any (or a combination) of the above methods can help keep your mask from fogging - experiment and figure out what works for you.
Top 7 Upgrades for Beginner Guns
Beginner guns can't be upgraded to be high-end, but a few basic upgrades can make them more consistent, more comfortable and more effective. Each of these upgrades is designed to help your gun without costing more than the gun is actually worth. All of these products are directed towards improving guns that initially cost less than $100.
1. Bottom Line
Most low-end guns come with a bottom line, but if you are still screwing your tank directly into the chamber, you need to upgrade. A bottom line allows you to screw your tank into an adapter at the rear of the gun below the grip. A bottom line helps CO2 (carbon dioxide) expand, allows the tank to act as a stock for your shoulder, and helps balance the gun. There are also many bottom lines that come with grips over the air hose which provides a much more comfortable front grip than a CO2 tank.
2. Expansion Chamber
Carbon Dioxide is in a compressed, liquid state inside a CO2 tank. When it is released from the tank it expands into gaseous CO2 which propels the paintball out of the chamber. The conversion of liquid CO2 to gaseous CO2 takes in heat from the surrounding metal and leaves the gun much colder. Rapid firing will cause the gun to become very cold, which will then slow down the conversion of CO2 from the liquid to the gaseous state, resulting in very inconsistent shooting. An expansion chamber increases the amount of space the liquid CO2 has to expand in, thus increasing consistency during intense firing.
3. Spring Kit
Spring tensions determine how fast balls will be shot. Stronger springs mean more air is released to push the paintball and a faster paintball. You can adjust paintball speed to a certain degree with the tension screw on the back of lower-end guns, but to be more effective, a spring kit allows you to exchange springs of different tensions inside the actual gun. Exchanging springs allows for more precise adjustments, and will also save you from being forced to clip your spring if you play on a field with a very low speed requirement.
4. Barrel
Most lower-end guns come with adequate barrels so they are not a priority to upgrade. But, if you are having lots of paintballs break in the barrel, it might be worth while to buy a barrel with a larger bore. Remember, extremely long barrels do not increase accuracy, and a barrel longer than 14 inches is not beneficial. If your gun is extremely loud, a barrel with more porting (holes drilled near the tip) will quiet things down. High quality barrel kits will cost as much as you paid for your low-end gun, and will not improve accuracy as much as simply upgrading to a better gun. Before you buy, be sure to learn what to look for in a barrel!.
More Info
5. Drop Forward
A drop forward moves the tank forward to where it is more centrally located and balanced under the gun. A drop forward will not improve your gun's performance, but it can make the gun more comfortable to hold, more compact and more stable in your hands.
6. Agitated Hopper
Even some low-end guns can out-shoot gravity fed hoppers, so if you are a fast shooter, it might be beneficial to purchase a basic agitated hopper. You won't need anything fancy as low end guns can rarely shoot more than 6-7 balls a second, and the cheapest agitated hopper will be more than sufficient.
7. Grips
Grips are the covering over your handle. They do not affect performance and are only designed for looks and comfort. Many low-end guns come with plastic grips that become uncomfortable after extended use, so if you are going to be playing with your low-end gun for long periods, you may want something a little nicer.
1. Bottom Line
Most low-end guns come with a bottom line, but if you are still screwing your tank directly into the chamber, you need to upgrade. A bottom line allows you to screw your tank into an adapter at the rear of the gun below the grip. A bottom line helps CO2 (carbon dioxide) expand, allows the tank to act as a stock for your shoulder, and helps balance the gun. There are also many bottom lines that come with grips over the air hose which provides a much more comfortable front grip than a CO2 tank.
2. Expansion Chamber
Carbon Dioxide is in a compressed, liquid state inside a CO2 tank. When it is released from the tank it expands into gaseous CO2 which propels the paintball out of the chamber. The conversion of liquid CO2 to gaseous CO2 takes in heat from the surrounding metal and leaves the gun much colder. Rapid firing will cause the gun to become very cold, which will then slow down the conversion of CO2 from the liquid to the gaseous state, resulting in very inconsistent shooting. An expansion chamber increases the amount of space the liquid CO2 has to expand in, thus increasing consistency during intense firing.
3. Spring Kit
Spring tensions determine how fast balls will be shot. Stronger springs mean more air is released to push the paintball and a faster paintball. You can adjust paintball speed to a certain degree with the tension screw on the back of lower-end guns, but to be more effective, a spring kit allows you to exchange springs of different tensions inside the actual gun. Exchanging springs allows for more precise adjustments, and will also save you from being forced to clip your spring if you play on a field with a very low speed requirement.
4. Barrel
Most lower-end guns come with adequate barrels so they are not a priority to upgrade. But, if you are having lots of paintballs break in the barrel, it might be worth while to buy a barrel with a larger bore. Remember, extremely long barrels do not increase accuracy, and a barrel longer than 14 inches is not beneficial. If your gun is extremely loud, a barrel with more porting (holes drilled near the tip) will quiet things down. High quality barrel kits will cost as much as you paid for your low-end gun, and will not improve accuracy as much as simply upgrading to a better gun. Before you buy, be sure to learn what to look for in a barrel!.
More Info
5. Drop Forward
A drop forward moves the tank forward to where it is more centrally located and balanced under the gun. A drop forward will not improve your gun's performance, but it can make the gun more comfortable to hold, more compact and more stable in your hands.
6. Agitated Hopper
Even some low-end guns can out-shoot gravity fed hoppers, so if you are a fast shooter, it might be beneficial to purchase a basic agitated hopper. You won't need anything fancy as low end guns can rarely shoot more than 6-7 balls a second, and the cheapest agitated hopper will be more than sufficient.
7. Grips
Grips are the covering over your handle. They do not affect performance and are only designed for looks and comfort. Many low-end guns come with plastic grips that become uncomfortable after extended use, so if you are going to be playing with your low-end gun for long periods, you may want something a little nicer.
Marker of the month
Planet Eclipse Ego
The Bottom Line
The Planet Eclipse Ego is a high-end paintball gun that should satisfy any tournament player. It is extremely efficient, accurate and consistent, but that performance comes at a high sticker price. If it weren't so expensive, it might qualify for a 5-star rating.
Pros
* Accurate
* Lightweight
* Well-balanced design
* Great efficiency (shots per tank)
Cons
* Only one included barrel back
* Slightly louder than other guns
* Expensive
Description
* High-end electropneumatic paintball gun
* Requires compressed air
* Requires one 9-volt battery
Design:
Planet Eclipse has built the Ego on the basic idea of the hammer/poppet paintball gun and then maximized performance, style, comfort and weight. The electropneumatic design operates at around 200psi and comes stock with break beam eyes and multiple firing modes. The external appearance is very sleek and natural and its extensive milling makes it one of the lightest paintball guns available. The Ego comes with a slightly off-set, clamping feedneck and a very well designed on/off on the ASA.
Peformance
When it comes to performance, Planet Eclipse did a marvelous job with the Ego. It is extremely light and fast but still is very comfortable to hold and handle. Its consistency is phenomenal and it shoots with hardly any kick at all. The Ego gets great efficiency and will get more shots per tank than almost any other gun. Changing firing modes is very easy with the rear-grip LCD and tuning the gun is a snap. Out of the box it is ready to perform at a tournament level.
Upgrades and Maintenance
The Ego comes with a quick-release bolt and it is very easy to clean out the chamber in case of a break. Taking the whole gun apart requires more time but is not a difficult process.
There are a number of upgrades available for the Ego including circuit boards, feed necks, triggers and bolts. None of these upgrades are truly necessary but if you are interested in customizing, they are available.
Electronic Versus Mechanical Paintball Guns
You know you want a paintball gun, but you don't know for sure if you want to go mechanical or electronic. While both varieties will shoot paintballs, they do it in very different ways. Learning the differences and the advantages of each type will help you choose which gun is right for you.
Paintball Gun Basics
All paintball guns (or paintball markers) are designed to shoot paintballs at high speeds using compressed gas (either air or CO2). When a paintball gun fires, a small bolt pushes a ball into the paintball barrel and simultaneously sealing the ball in the barrel. A valve then releases compressed gas which expands in the barrel, forcing the ball out the end. The major difference between different guns is how the gun advances the ball into the barrel, seals off the barrel and releases gas into the barrel.
While there are many different ways that guns work, they can be divided into two major categories: mechanical and electronic. Simply put, mechanical guns are mechanically activated while electronic guns rely on battery power and a circuit board to fire. There are also electro-mechanical guns that are a hybrid of the two types.
Mechanical Guns
How They Work
Most semi-automatic mechanical paintball guns are blowback guns. These fire when the pulled trigger releases a bolt which is propelled forward by a spring and pushes the paintball into the barrel. Once the ball is in the barrel, the bolt strikes a pin, opening the valve, allowing air to go down the barrel. The bolt is forced back to its original position by the force of the air expanding (the name "blowback" comes from the fact that air blows the bolt back into position).
Varieties
There are many different types of mechanical guns that come in many different price ranges. They range from basic plastic pumps to precision-milled guns that cost over a thousand dollars. Here I will discuss the most common and most readily available blowback mechanical guns.
Maintenance
Mechanical markers are typically quite reliable and need little in terms of regular maintenance. They should be cleaned and oiled after every few uses (ideally after every use) and o-rings should be replaced as needed. They are usually very easy to disassemble, so if one does develop a problem, parts are inexpensive and a mechanically inclined person can often fix it without too much trouble.
Advantages
Mechanical guns are usually significantly cheaper than electronic markers and are readily available for those just getting started in paintball. They can usually run on either CO2 or compressed air and are very easy to setup and use without previous paintball experience. Also, many mechanical markers from different companies use the same size pieces so replacement parts are easily found.
Disadvantages
Mechanical guns are typically not as fast, as accurate or as consistent as electronic guns. The exact amount of air that propels the paintball from the barrel varies from shot to shot and the speed of the ball can vary (usually by only a few fps, but this affects accuracy). Mechanical guns are usually louder than electronic guns and they must be cocked before they can be fired. Mechanical guns also typically need a higher air pressure in your tank to fire, so while an electronic gun might be able to fire with only 200 psi of pressure, a mechanical gun often needs 600-800 psi to fire, thus you get fewer shots per tank of air.
Examples
* Tippmann A-5
* Spyder Victor
* Piranha GTI
* Brass Eagle Striker
Electronic Guns
How they work
Electronic guns or electro-pneumatic guns fire paintballs by using battery powered circuit boards that activate solenoids that cause the gun to fire. The trigger pull tells the circuit board to fire, which then activates the gun. Since circuit boards are programmable, it's easy to tell the board to fire automatically, use a three-round burst or other firing modes. Electronic guns also rely on regulators (mechanical devices that take in variable air pressures from a tank and release the air at a lower, constant pressure) to assure consistent firing.
Varieties of Guns
Electronic guns come in many varieties and have many different internal setups. While the different types of valves, regulators and bolts in different guns do affect performance, the general advantages and disadvantages are almost the same.
Maintenance
Different electronic guns have different regular maintenance which usually consists of basic cleaning and lubricating (either with grease or oil, depending on the gun). Read your manual and carefully follow the instructions. Electronic markers are typically more difficult to disassemble, but they usually come with detailed manuals that explain how to disassemble and reassemble each part of the gun, so follow instructions carefully during routine maintenance. Electronic guns are quite complex, so any major repair or upgrade should be done by a professional.
Advantages
Compared to mechanical guns, electronic guns are more consistent, more accurate and can fire faster. They can also be smaller and lighter than their mechanical counterparts. Since triggers only have to activate the circuit board and do not physically activate the firing mechanism, the trigger pull can be very light and very short. Electronic guns can also operate on a much lower pressure than mechanical guns and get more shots per tank.
Disadvantages
Electronic guns cost considerably more than mechanical markers and are not as readily available. They are difficult to repair and usually require professional servicing for problems or upgrades. Additionally, they usually require compressed air so you don't have the option of using CO2 and you have to make sure you always have a charged battery.
Examples
* Smart Parts Ion
* WDP Angel
* Planet Eclipse Ego
* Proto Matrix Rail
How they work
Electro-mechanical guns are basically mechanical guns with an electronic trigger which electronically releases the bolt to fire. The actual firing mechanism is almost identical to a basic mechanical marker, but the electronic circuit board allows for fully automatic firing, three-round burst and other firing modes.
Maintenance
Maintenance of electro-mechanical guns is basically the same as maintenance for mechanical markers. Be sure to regularly clean and oil the gun after use and make sure you keep your electronics dry at all times.
Advantages
You have the reliability and simplicity of a mechanical marker with the ability to increase your firing speed and shooting fully automatic or use another firing mode. You can also decrease the weight of the trigger pull (make it easier to pull back smoothly) and shorten the trigger pull. Electro-mechanical can also be bought at a price that is much less than true electro-pneumatic guns and comparable to many mechanical guns. They have many of the same parts as mechanical markers so replacement parts are easy to find. They are also relatively easy to repair other than the electronics (typically all contained in the grip). They also can usually use CO2 or compressed air.
Disadvantages
Electro-mechanicals have many of the same disadvantages as mechanical guns - they are not as accurate or as consistent as most electronic guns. They are as loud as mechanical guns and need a higher air pressure (usually over 600 psi) than electronic guns.
Examples
* Evil Omen
* Spyder Pilot
* Piranha E-Force
* Tippmann X-7 Electronic
* Spyder VS3
There are many markers that don't really fit into the mechanical marker category as a "blowback" marker. While these guns once were common, they are increasingly more difficult to find on the shelves these days and are almost exclusively available online. Each of these varieties of guns has different pros and cons which are very different from traditional blowback mechanicals. Here is a brief overview of some of these.
Pump
You must pump the gun (slide a handle forward and then backwards) between each shot. The biggest drawback is the rate of fire (very low), but pumps are often the most accurate guns available and offer a fun alternative to semi-automatic play.
Autococker
Autocockers are basically self-cocking pump guns. They are considered by many to be the most accurate semi-automatic guns available, but they are not as fast as electro-pneumatic guns. Autocockers also have many more parts that tend to break than either classic mechanical or electronic guns. Additionally, to fire properly they must be tuned and adjusted constantly to operate ideally.
Automag
Automags are mechanical guns, but they are blowforward guns. They require no cocking and operate at around 800 psi (a relatively high operating pressure). They can handle a high rate of fire with the optional electronic frame (the electro-mechanical variety of the gun). They are known for their reliability but they also are gas hogs and get fewer shots per tank than many other guns.
Paintball Gun Basics
All paintball guns (or paintball markers) are designed to shoot paintballs at high speeds using compressed gas (either air or CO2). When a paintball gun fires, a small bolt pushes a ball into the paintball barrel and simultaneously sealing the ball in the barrel. A valve then releases compressed gas which expands in the barrel, forcing the ball out the end. The major difference between different guns is how the gun advances the ball into the barrel, seals off the barrel and releases gas into the barrel.
While there are many different ways that guns work, they can be divided into two major categories: mechanical and electronic. Simply put, mechanical guns are mechanically activated while electronic guns rely on battery power and a circuit board to fire. There are also electro-mechanical guns that are a hybrid of the two types.
Mechanical Guns
How They Work
Most semi-automatic mechanical paintball guns are blowback guns. These fire when the pulled trigger releases a bolt which is propelled forward by a spring and pushes the paintball into the barrel. Once the ball is in the barrel, the bolt strikes a pin, opening the valve, allowing air to go down the barrel. The bolt is forced back to its original position by the force of the air expanding (the name "blowback" comes from the fact that air blows the bolt back into position).
Varieties
There are many different types of mechanical guns that come in many different price ranges. They range from basic plastic pumps to precision-milled guns that cost over a thousand dollars. Here I will discuss the most common and most readily available blowback mechanical guns.
Maintenance
Mechanical markers are typically quite reliable and need little in terms of regular maintenance. They should be cleaned and oiled after every few uses (ideally after every use) and o-rings should be replaced as needed. They are usually very easy to disassemble, so if one does develop a problem, parts are inexpensive and a mechanically inclined person can often fix it without too much trouble.
Advantages
Mechanical guns are usually significantly cheaper than electronic markers and are readily available for those just getting started in paintball. They can usually run on either CO2 or compressed air and are very easy to setup and use without previous paintball experience. Also, many mechanical markers from different companies use the same size pieces so replacement parts are easily found.
Disadvantages
Mechanical guns are typically not as fast, as accurate or as consistent as electronic guns. The exact amount of air that propels the paintball from the barrel varies from shot to shot and the speed of the ball can vary (usually by only a few fps, but this affects accuracy). Mechanical guns are usually louder than electronic guns and they must be cocked before they can be fired. Mechanical guns also typically need a higher air pressure in your tank to fire, so while an electronic gun might be able to fire with only 200 psi of pressure, a mechanical gun often needs 600-800 psi to fire, thus you get fewer shots per tank of air.
Examples
* Tippmann A-5
* Spyder Victor
* Piranha GTI
* Brass Eagle Striker
Electronic Guns
How they work
Electronic guns or electro-pneumatic guns fire paintballs by using battery powered circuit boards that activate solenoids that cause the gun to fire. The trigger pull tells the circuit board to fire, which then activates the gun. Since circuit boards are programmable, it's easy to tell the board to fire automatically, use a three-round burst or other firing modes. Electronic guns also rely on regulators (mechanical devices that take in variable air pressures from a tank and release the air at a lower, constant pressure) to assure consistent firing.
Varieties of Guns
Electronic guns come in many varieties and have many different internal setups. While the different types of valves, regulators and bolts in different guns do affect performance, the general advantages and disadvantages are almost the same.
Maintenance
Different electronic guns have different regular maintenance which usually consists of basic cleaning and lubricating (either with grease or oil, depending on the gun). Read your manual and carefully follow the instructions. Electronic markers are typically more difficult to disassemble, but they usually come with detailed manuals that explain how to disassemble and reassemble each part of the gun, so follow instructions carefully during routine maintenance. Electronic guns are quite complex, so any major repair or upgrade should be done by a professional.
Advantages
Compared to mechanical guns, electronic guns are more consistent, more accurate and can fire faster. They can also be smaller and lighter than their mechanical counterparts. Since triggers only have to activate the circuit board and do not physically activate the firing mechanism, the trigger pull can be very light and very short. Electronic guns can also operate on a much lower pressure than mechanical guns and get more shots per tank.
Disadvantages
Electronic guns cost considerably more than mechanical markers and are not as readily available. They are difficult to repair and usually require professional servicing for problems or upgrades. Additionally, they usually require compressed air so you don't have the option of using CO2 and you have to make sure you always have a charged battery.
Examples
* Smart Parts Ion
* WDP Angel
* Planet Eclipse Ego
* Proto Matrix Rail
How they work
Electro-mechanical guns are basically mechanical guns with an electronic trigger which electronically releases the bolt to fire. The actual firing mechanism is almost identical to a basic mechanical marker, but the electronic circuit board allows for fully automatic firing, three-round burst and other firing modes.
Maintenance
Maintenance of electro-mechanical guns is basically the same as maintenance for mechanical markers. Be sure to regularly clean and oil the gun after use and make sure you keep your electronics dry at all times.
Advantages
You have the reliability and simplicity of a mechanical marker with the ability to increase your firing speed and shooting fully automatic or use another firing mode. You can also decrease the weight of the trigger pull (make it easier to pull back smoothly) and shorten the trigger pull. Electro-mechanical can also be bought at a price that is much less than true electro-pneumatic guns and comparable to many mechanical guns. They have many of the same parts as mechanical markers so replacement parts are easy to find. They are also relatively easy to repair other than the electronics (typically all contained in the grip). They also can usually use CO2 or compressed air.
Disadvantages
Electro-mechanicals have many of the same disadvantages as mechanical guns - they are not as accurate or as consistent as most electronic guns. They are as loud as mechanical guns and need a higher air pressure (usually over 600 psi) than electronic guns.
Examples
* Evil Omen
* Spyder Pilot
* Piranha E-Force
* Tippmann X-7 Electronic
* Spyder VS3
There are many markers that don't really fit into the mechanical marker category as a "blowback" marker. While these guns once were common, they are increasingly more difficult to find on the shelves these days and are almost exclusively available online. Each of these varieties of guns has different pros and cons which are very different from traditional blowback mechanicals. Here is a brief overview of some of these.
Pump
You must pump the gun (slide a handle forward and then backwards) between each shot. The biggest drawback is the rate of fire (very low), but pumps are often the most accurate guns available and offer a fun alternative to semi-automatic play.
Autococker
Autocockers are basically self-cocking pump guns. They are considered by many to be the most accurate semi-automatic guns available, but they are not as fast as electro-pneumatic guns. Autocockers also have many more parts that tend to break than either classic mechanical or electronic guns. Additionally, to fire properly they must be tuned and adjusted constantly to operate ideally.
Automag
Automags are mechanical guns, but they are blowforward guns. They require no cocking and operate at around 800 psi (a relatively high operating pressure). They can handle a high rate of fire with the optional electronic frame (the electro-mechanical variety of the gun). They are known for their reliability but they also are gas hogs and get fewer shots per tank than many other guns.
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