I think the new Triumphs are a hell of a deal.  I'm going to be getting the new Triumph eXT with the Triumph SSL-200 Electronic Hopper.  From what I've heard, the only downside to the gun is the blowback and the lack of color options, but other than that, people say that it shoots and performs as good if not better than the 98C.  So for that price I would definitely go for it.

Welcome to the forum.

The XL does not have a separate foregrip - you would either hold the expansion chamber or under the barrel.  If you think you want a foregrip (personal preference) then you want the XT or eXT.

$100 for that package is pretty much the going rate.  Whether it's a good dealt depends on what you are looking for.

A 9oz. tank is not big - you will get maybe 400 shots per fill.  So if you plan on shooting a lot and can't fill easily at the field, you may want a bigger tank.  20 oz tanks are cheap to buy separately, though, and 9 oz makes a nice backup.  Of course, if it is easy for you to fill between games, then it is nice to have a small/light tank.

The XL is going to be more reliable than most/all of the guns in that price range, and is very easy to use - both of which are important to a beginner.  The principal downside is that it is not very customizable.  If you are fine with that, then this is probably the gun for you.  If you like to tweak/mod/customize your stuff, then you might look into a Tippmann 98 Custom, which is only a few dollars more.

So if you are looking for a reliable entry-level gun, then you have found it.  If you want a gun that can grow with you, you might consider a 98 (unless you are willing to step up a price bracket).

Good luck.

Engage wrote: I think the new Triumphs are a hell of a deal.  I'm going to be getting the new Triumph eXT with the Triumph SSL-200 Electronic Hopper.  From what I've heard, the only downside to the gun is the blowback and the lack of color options, but other than that, people say that it shoots and performs as good if not better than the 98C.  So for that price I would definitely go for it.

I have an eXT and am very impressed with it.

I have heard these rumors of blowback as well, but I experienced no problems at all.  I agree that more color options would be fun.

As for shooting - it shoots exactly the same as a 98, because it is the same gun inside.  Only the packaging is different.  That's why you know you are getting quality, since this basic design has been around for years, and has been in field rentals practically since the beginning of paintball.  It stands up to violent abuse and just keeps on shooting.

what is the expansion chamber?

Actually - shame on me. 

The XL doesn't have an expansion chamber; the XT does.  On the XT there in an expansion chamber built in where you screw in the tank.  That's the main upgrade from the XL to the XT.

The benefit from the x-chamber comes in when you play in the cold, or when you shoot very fast.  Given that the XL can't shoot that fast anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about the x-chamber unless you play in the cold a lot.

ext will be an amazing beginner gun

will open up speedball for all

jerseypaint wrote: woodsplayer91 wrote: what is the expansion chamber? An expansion chamber is like a forgrip except it allows the co2, that is liqiud, to expand back into gas.

The XT and EXT have expansion chambers, As well as most spyders. A5's and 98's do not come with them, but you can easily put on on.