If you had an unlimited budget...

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   ...and were getting back into paintball after 5+ years, what markers would you be seriously looking at? I'm not looking for "o u gotta get a 'timmy there so kewl" kind of feedback, but logical and reason-filled opinions on what marker delivers the absolute best real-world performance.

Also keep in mind that, while you may HAVE all the money in the world to spend, you definitely don't want to spend more than you have to... It's still money, after all. That $1000 saved can buy a lot of paint...

So, yeah... Thoughts?

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SandMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member More like Rip Van Winkle AmIRite? Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3907	Post Options Post Reply Quote SandMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: If you had an unlimited budget... Posted: 21 January 2010 at 5:36pm
	...and were getting back into paintball after 5+ years, what markers would you be seriously looking at? I'm not looking for "o u gotta get a 'timmy there so kewl" kind of feedback, but logical and reason-filled opinions on what marker delivers the absolute best real-world performance. Also keep in mind that, while you may HAVE all the money in the world to spend, you definitely don't want to spend more than you have to... It's still money, after all. That $1000 saved can buy a lot of paint... So, yeah... Thoughts?
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MeanMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: 02 July 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4135	Post Options Post Reply Quote MeanMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 January 2010 at 7:07pm
	Crossfire 70/4500 tank. Still one of the best in the biz and I've never had a problem with them. MacDev Cyborg Rx- their latest addition. MacDev is very high quality. The new Egos and DMs really have no advantages worth the extra money over last years. I love my DP F8, it's a cheap substitute for a Cyborg. Hopper, well, I've never liked the hoppers I've had. Reloaders/Halos/Torques/Eggs weren't my thing. My friend swears by Empire though.
	hybrid-sniper~"To be honest, if I see a player still using an Impulse I'm going to question their motives."

buhju1 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Auf wiedersehen Joined: 26 March 2009 Status: Offline Points: 150	Post Options Post Reply Quote buhju1 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 January 2010 at 7:30pm
	My top 5: #1 Dye NT. NO QUESTION. Easily the best high end gun I have seen in 5+ years. Probably the best paintball gun ergonomics ever. Better than the Timmy in terms of ergonomics. #2 Planet Eclipse SL94. Planet Eclipse has been making some of the best guns for years. This is the best of the best. #3 DLX Luxe. This gun has a talking board. TALKING. Nothing more needs to be said. #4 Tiberius T4. You get to use First Strike rounds. You can't shoot as many first strike rounds as regular rounds but it is probably the best advantage as far as distance and accuracy that you can get. #5 MacDev Drone. Macdev never gets mentioned among the best guns but it should be. Underrated. Macdevs are so fast and really accurate. Top 5 Hoppers: #1 Empire Prophecy. At $100 this is an amazing deal #2 Pinokio. 400 Rounds and 35 BPS. #3 Dye Rotor. Extremely low profile and the fastest loader on the market. #4 Invert Too. This has the same guts as the Halo for $20 less. #5 Halo B. This hopper set the standard. Really your gun depends on your style of play. If you want to shoot semi-auto, go for Planet Eclipse or Bob Long. The Dye NT is a great upgrade from the DM series when playing semi but it's still not as good as P.E. or B.L. If you want a gun that slings paint and you don't need semi-auto firing, Dye sets the standard. The Luxe is great for this too. The MacDev Drone is MacDev's version of the Planet Eclipse Etek except better and with a milsim look.

SandMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member More like Rip Van Winkle AmIRite? Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3907	Post Options Post Reply Quote SandMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 January 2010 at 11:33pm
	Yeah, I'm an accuracy by volume semi player... Most of our fields around here don't allow guns with full auto modes. Need something versatile that will transition between speedball and woodsball cleanly, though I don't really care about camo. I just go black with as little chrome as possible, works just as well as anything else.
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SandMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member More like Rip Van Winkle AmIRite? Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3907	Post Options Post Reply Quote SandMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 January 2010 at 11:35pm
	If it helps any, I was a huge Bob Long Defiant fan back in the day. Wish I'd picked one up when I had the chance.
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buhju1 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Auf wiedersehen Joined: 26 March 2009 Status: Offline Points: 150	Post Options Post Reply Quote buhju1 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 12:42am
	I know you say unlimited budget but what do you really mean by that. $1000? $2000? You have to figure in a hopper and a HPA tank. That's $250+. Based on saving money while not sacrificing quality, I would go for the Prophecy and a Ninja or Guerrilla air tank. How about the 09 Ego. It's great for semi and the price just came down because the 10 Ego just came out. For less money you could go for the P.E. Etek or the MacDev Drone. You might be able to pick up a used Defiant on eBay as well. Edited by buhju1 - 22 January 2010 at 12:43am

MeanMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: 02 July 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4135	Post Options Post Reply Quote MeanMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 7:30am
	Defiant2 or the original? I'm still pushing the Cyborg. Willing to buy used?
	hybrid-sniper~"To be honest, if I see a player still using an Impulse I'm going to question their motives."

SandMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member More like Rip Van Winkle AmIRite? Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3907	Post Options Post Reply Quote SandMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 10:40am
	Yeah, I could pick up a used Defiant I'm sure, but it seems like paintball technology has moved well beyond me while I wasn't looking. Last time I knew anything about it, aftermarket expansion chambers were all the rage... When I say unlimited budget, what I mean is don't concern yourself with the price of the things you're recommending except as it compares to the quality of the product... In the end, I'll make my selection independent of price, then just spend what it takes to get there. Quite aware about the extra expenditures. I've had a pair of Flex7's sitting unused in a goggle bag for at least the last 5 years... Dunno if they're even good anymore, so I'm pretty much planning on giving away my whole old gear bag and starting from scratch. Anyway, thanks guys... You've given me some stuff to look at. I was just needing ideas, feeling overwhelmed by how far the market's come since the big argument was Automag vs Autococker (with the Shocker and Angel in the mix just for fun).
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SandMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member More like Rip Van Winkle AmIRite? Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3907	Post Options Post Reply Quote SandMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 10:41am
	I'll definitely buy new... I was just mentioning the Defiant as a reference point for what kinds of markers I like. And yeah, talking about the original Defiant.
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SandMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member More like Rip Van Winkle AmIRite? Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3907	Post Options Post Reply Quote SandMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 1:56pm
	Just curious also, how do you guys feel the X7 Phenom stacks up against the markers listed? There's somewhat of a voice inside me that wants me to go Tippmann again, but I dunno if it really even compares to the c. $1K markers at all. Edited by SandMan - 22 January 2010 at 1:57pm
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MeanMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: 02 July 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4135	Post Options Post Reply Quote MeanMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 2:11pm
	Don't listen to Buhju about tippmanns. He is bias (see scapegoat thread, haha). From what I've heard, they seem really nice. I haven't used one though. If you're going to go with speed and woods, I would suggest a smaller gun unless you want the look. Honestly, these days it comes down to feel. Differences are slight in performance at the high end price range. My suggestion is to go feel them up. There are only so many things that can be adjusted each year, and at this point, well, not much changes. One gun to check out will be the new Dangerous Power gun from the Fusion line. I think it's Fx now? I have an F8 and I love the feel, simplicity and efficiency of it.
	hybrid-sniper~"To be honest, if I see a player still using an Impulse I'm going to question their motives."

SandMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member More like Rip Van Winkle AmIRite? Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3907	Post Options Post Reply Quote SandMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 3:24pm
	Yes, well, I have a long and positive relationship with Tippmann. I would have never moved away from the brand if they'd made higher end markers "back then". Best they had at the time was the Model 98, which just wasn't up to the AutoMag / Autococker competition let alone the Defiants, Angels, etc... Tippmann's always made solid, reliable markers. If I was still looking in the Autococker range, I'd pick up the Phenom without a second thought... I'm just suspecting that I'm going to get a significant performance boost by spending the extra to go up to the markers you guys are talking about. I might definitely see if I can find last year's models. Thanks for that tip. I'm not a trendy guy when it comes to markers and I'm more than willing to save 30% or more for "settling" with last year's best.
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MeanMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: 02 July 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4135	Post Options Post Reply Quote MeanMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 4:35pm
	Yeah, last year's best is probably 1 ounce heavier, colored differently and has one less swoop in the body. If you still love autocockers, get one. They are still very efficient to today's standards. They just require a bit more care and slightly bigger than most. Heck, pickup up an E-Mag! I wouldnt mind having one of those.
	hybrid-sniper~"To be honest, if I see a player still using an Impulse I'm going to question their motives."

SandMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member More like Rip Van Winkle AmIRite? Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3907	Post Options Post Reply Quote SandMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 5:03pm
	So I have a new wrinkle to throw your way... Went to a local paintball shop on lunch to feel the various markers and decide what I like best. Of course, they really didn't have any of the HIGH end markers hanging around. Highest end they had was the Bob Long Vice, which I really liked the feel of. You guys have any experience with this one?
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MeanMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: 02 July 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4135	Post Options Post Reply Quote MeanMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 6:15pm
	My friend had a Vice and he loved it. He said it had all the great specs from previous timmies, except in a better package, feel and performance wise. Sadly, he was a gun whore and I never got to shoot it. He was extremely picky about his guns, and the Vice was one of his favorites.
	hybrid-sniper~"To be honest, if I see a player still using an Impulse I'm going to question their motives."

God Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Pull My Finger Joined: 09 May 2004 Status: Offline Points: 1381	Post Options Post Reply Quote God Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 6:19pm
	Evil Elvis has the most experience with the Phenom, I would guess. I have never fired a "high-end" marker to be able to compare it to one of them. Or try asking OldpbNoob or is it (Tinman?). I think one of them has a lot of experience with their Phenom. Edited by God - 22 January 2010 at 6:21pm

SandMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member More like Rip Van Winkle AmIRite? Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3907	Post Options Post Reply Quote SandMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 January 2010 at 6:23pm
	RE Bob Long Vice Cool. Good to know. Sounding more and more like this is the direction I'm headed. And comes in a bit cheaper than some of the other markers we were talking about here. With the 4-eyes, low pressure thingamajig (for sound signature), and barrel kit it's gonna run around $1,000. $1,500 total with loader, HPA, new goggles (my old Flex7's have stress cracked over time), and 8.7% sales tax. I'll definitely probe for more info on the Phenom though. Like Dell and Sony, Tippmann is one of my favorite brands. Edited by SandMan - 22 January 2010 at 6:25pm
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thejudge Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Gold Member Joined: 24 April 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1658	Post Options Post Reply Quote thejudge Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 January 2010 at 10:13pm
	I'm a milsim/woodsball fan so that is my bias (just being honest) M-Tac TM-15 Phenom All are pretty sweet outa the box and all can rip. Tanks= Crossfire Ninja Geurilla Again all are top quality edit thease are all also ones that have speed into them. I personally prefer oldschool mech lately but its nice to have the auto option when you are in trouble Edited by thejudge - 27 January 2010 at 10:14pm
	Stay low, run fast, and hope that paintball doesn't hit your...

SSOK Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group The Savior of Christmas Joined: 01 September 2005 Location: PRNJ Status: Offline Points: 5919	Post Options Post Reply Quote SSOK Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 28 January 2010 at 12:46pm
	Emag FTMFW! I love my phenom... but its way too overbuilt. After using a mech mag for so long, the thing feels like im shooting a block of metal. It just feels clunky. Dont you mods get one for free?


Mr. Dr. Prof. Cade Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 24 January 2010 Status: Offline Points: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mr. Dr. Prof. Cade Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 28 January 2010 at 4:19pm
	Well if your looking for a cool looking & effective gun you could build a minigun. Right now I have got some plans on paper & some ideas in mind for one. If you don't want to build one or don't have the time you could buy one but you would need a bit more money though.