Got an Ion? Come on in.

OK, here's the idea. Most of you guys have noticed that tons of people ask about the Ion here all the time. So, for you Ion owners, here's me suggestion: post up a review. I don't mean like "OMG! IT'S TEH ROXXORZ! 1 GAZILLION/10!!!!!111!!!!1". What I'm looking for is something that'll help newbs pick a gun that they want. Didn't like it? Say so! Loved it? Say so! Whatever you noticed, whenever you got the gun-post it.

Hopefully, this can incorporated into a sticky at some point(well, the best parts, anyway).

Things you should probably talk about:

-Materials(what stuff is made out of-trigger, body, internals, barrel, anodizing/powdercoating, etc)
-Trigger feel(with and without magnet, depending how you have it)
-Stock parts
-Upgraded parts
-Accuracy
-Speed
-Weight
-Balance
-Size
-Height
-PROBLEMS
-Whatever else you can think of.

If any of you guys have teched these, I think people would be especially interested in your feedback.

I'm mostly doing this because both PbN, and PbReview have really crappy reviews up.

Pictures/video with your post is always a plus.

Panda mans Review of the Ion:

Stock parts: There ok, nothing to get your pantys in a twist over, the trigger is good, etc..  the only thing I dislike is how long it takes to break in the regulator.

Upgrade parts: I suggest upgrading the feed neck, to somthling like a low rise to get your lowest profile as possible, but if your a back player I wouldn't even touch the feedneck. The new "QEV"(quick exhaust valve) makes it so the solenoid is fed air faster, which will result in a faster caped ion. Though in my opinion the Ion does not need it, but for people who want more then 18bps, then go for it, just a future warning, they are very EASY to strip the threads.

Accuracy: I noticed the acuraccy is supprisingly good with the stock barrel on the Ion, I suggest keeping the stock barrel until you have some money for somthing like a freak set.  When I was shooting the Ion I hit a Cable Box about 65ft away very consistantly but I did have a few off-hits.

Speed: The Speed of the Ion, is absolutley perfect! Nothing to bust a nut over, but it should certianlty keep your opponent bunkerd up with little chance of run-pass. The Eyes is what really sets the Ion apart from any other marker out there, for only $285 the Ion has perfect eyes, not one single problem with them.

Weight: It is a light marker weighing in at a little under 2.3 pounds... that is light, agian nothing to get excited about, and with tank, and full hopper it weighs in a little under 6lbs(varies tank, hopper etc..). Very easy to handle, and snap shoot with, weight and size is no factor to worry about... infact for what your getting for $285, you couldn't get a more compact marker that shoots as fast.

Balance: If you do not use a drop, it tends to be a little back heavy, but as long as you keep your tank on your forearm you shouldn't worry about balance, its very smooth to snap shoot with, and to shoot in wierd positions like with one arm, or laying down and shooing.

Size: This is where your Ion stands out... Such a simple design makes the ion VERY low profiled, perfect for any player, and to make the profile even smaller, get a drop and a low rise feed neck to make it a "mini-ion".

Height: What height?   those 2"?

Problems: I did find it kind of difficult to turn the marker on and off fue to the switch sux, and I can see where some people may get plyers on it, and I found the regulator wasn't to friendly when breaking in, other then that I found Zero problems on the Ion.


Extra Note: The Ion stands out from anyother makrer out there, I really enjoy shooting the Ion(and soon will own one ) Its such a simple design that it takes almost "0" effort to field strip it, and you dont need multiple tools, just the standard 1/8 allen wrench does all the maintaince needed. The Ion is also what I'd like to call "the Chameleon of paintball" due to it can go from Red, to Yellow in under 20 minutes, if your into all matching colors on your gear/marker the Ion will ALWAYS suite you.




Edited by Panda Man

Once I get more research done, and do some myself I'll add stuff...

oh, another warning... dont put your eye piece on backwards...

I'm also considering selling the trusty A-5 for an Ion, and reviews by people I can trust would really help out. (thanks panda)

Can't afford a Shocker, and the Ion is a much better bargain for the performance.

Really good review Panda Man; short and to the point. Some stuff I knew, some I didn't. Can't wait to pick one of these up.

Trying to get hands on an Ion for a friend...I also want to test it out, but I don't know how soon that's happening. He's been really slow about selling his 'mag.

That said, good stuff going on in here. I can't wait to see more.

i dont know about 15pbs effortless unless you have rebounce on, but it can get up there.

Bump. What can I say, its a good thread.

Sadly, tippmanns have very low resale value.

I'll be lucky to get $325 outta my setup.

Edited by You Wont See Me