Which marker is the best choice?

I'm looking to upgrade from my alpha black tactical to something with a bit better performance.  I want to stick with a tippmann for their reliability and customization ability.  I don't need the best gun on the field, but I do want something that can help me compete a bit better.  Now I'm primarily looking at the X-7 Phenom Mechanical, A-5 w/response trigger (the 2011 version) and the original X-7 w/response trigger.  The reason I don't include any e-grip technology on any of these is because the fields near me don't allow them.  (Only semi-auto)  That's why the response trigger seems like a good option.  However, I know the Phenom is supposed to be a step forward in performance on its own, and I didn't know if all the advantages it offered would make it worthwhile.  Hopefully I can get an idea of whats best if some people weigh in on the matter.  Feel free to discuss the reasons behind your answer, vote in the poll, and suggest alternatives if you think I'm going in the complete opposite direction of what I should be looking at.

Thanks for your help!

I'll have to check into the RT situation with the fields nearby.  If I don't have a response trigger, whats the best way to improve my rate of fire?

I got word back from some fields and it looks like some would allow it whereas some would not.  But it sounds like I can still disable the RT if needed if I were to visit those fields, so I suppose I would still consider a marker with a RT.

I'd have to do some more legwork on that.  Because while some fields don't classify Response triggers as an automatic firing mechanism, they almost surely would think of the e-grip in that way.

Well thank you for your all your input.  I may just end up getting the electric phenom so I can go mechanical most of the time, and switch to electric on the rare occasions that I visit fields or scenarios that allow it, or if I do some backyard ballin'.  It seems like that might be the best call.

The Phenom is really the only one of the options that is a functional upgrade. The Phenom has a different type of valve and allows for lower operating pressure and better efficiency. The A5/X7(non-Phenom) are essentially the same as the AB, but with a different shell and the addition of the Cyclone. You will find better efficiency and I would imagine better consitency out of the Phenom. If you have the funds to buy one, it would be my choice*

Rubbr Chickin wrote: I would go with an A5, it retains some of what is already on the Alpha Black, plus it is in a close price range (under $200). The Phenom would be the next step up, there are hundreds of upgrades for it. Both have Cyclone.

Why not just put a Cycone on the AB? Seems silly to spend $200 for a new A5 when you can just add a Cyclone for $60.

Rubbr Chickin wrote: oldpbnoob wrote: Rubbr Chickin wrote: I would go with an A5, it retains some of what is already on the Alpha Black, plus it is in a close price range (under $200). The Phenom would be the next step up, there are hundreds of upgrades for it. Both have Cyclone. Why not just put a Cycone on the AB? Seems silly to spend $200 for a new A5 when you can just add a Cyclone for $60. You can't do as much cosmetically with an Alpha Black without chopping it up. With an A5 you could have an M16, MP5, UMP, etc. with only a few parts. Had I looked further into Tippmanns in 2009 when I was getting my first gun, I would have gone with an A5 instead of my Alpha Black. It's something I look back on every day. I don't regret my choice tough, it was trusty and went through a lot, just wish I could've done more with it instead of just being able to switch the mag and upgrade the feed/ firing mechanism.

Are you are scenario player or just want to dress it up?

Ceesman762 wrote: Rubbr Chickin wrote: oldpbnoob wrote: Rubbr Chickin wrote: I would go with an A5, it retains some of what is already on the Alpha Black, plus it is in a close price range (under $200). The Phenom would be the next step up, there are hundreds of upgrades for it. Both have Cyclone. Why not just put a Cycone on the AB? Seems silly to spend $200 for a new A5 when you can just add a Cyclone for $60. You can't do as much cosmetically with an Alpha Black without chopping it up. With an A5 you could have an M16, MP5, UMP, etc. with only a few parts. Had I looked further into Tippmanns in 2009 when I was getting my first gun, I would have gone with an A5 instead of my Alpha Black. It's something I look back on every day. I don't regret my choice tough, it was trusty and went through a lot, just wish I could've done more with it instead of just being able to switch the mag and upgrade the feed/ firing mechanism. Are you are scenario player or just want to dress it up?

Very unorganized scenario. I play with woodsball guys but we use tactics and planning.

It's probably just my preference inspiring this. I've been using different guns every year. I've gone from AB to PS to TiPX to A5 and RAM R2 in 2 years.

One of my last A5's, Built it, played with it 2-3 times and sold it. Looked cool, but weighed a ton and required me to use a remote line that I hated and is now in the possession of someone else in this thread. I now run with a marker that is much lighter. Mil-sim looks badass, but sucks to carry around all day  walking back and forth to the respawn points on an 80 acre field.

Edited by oldpbnoob - 04 January 2012 at 12:37pm