The Kingman Spyder Victor is the most basic paintball marker in Kingman's lineup. While it is a basic gun for Kingman, it is much higher quality than similar guns in its class. The Spyder Victor is a great first gun due to its reliability and a huge amount of aftermarket upgrades that are available. Kingman is also on their 4th generation of this marker, it has been redesigned for 2012, and has made major improvements since first launching this paintball gun. The marker is now 15% shorter and 10% lighter than the original model. Kingman has also made this gun field strippable with no tools required. The Victor features an all aluminum body with an anodized matte finish. A 2 finger trigger is standard, which is usually an upgrade on other similar markers. The tool-free striker plug allows for easy maintenance and the gun can operate on either CO2 or compressed air.

Our reviewers were quite pleased with the Spyder Victor. This gun can be purchased extremely cheaply and lightly used models are plentiful on Ebay. Many reviewers bought this marker for around $40 and then put the money they saved into upgrades. Reviewers were impressed with the stock weight of this gun and also the number of available upgrades. One reviewer said he was shooting 15-25 bps after $100 in upgrades with no chop issues. One reviewer told us he was having chop issues over 10 bps with the stock setup, so definitely upgrade some of your stock parts if you are planning for some firefights. The stock barrel is ok but nothing great, so that should certainly be on your upgrade list as well. Overall, the Kingman Spyder Victor is a great gun for beginners or advanced players who need a reliable backup.

Kingman Spyder Victor Specs

• Air Efficient Eko™ Valve System (Patent Pending) shoots up to 1,600 shots from a 20oz CO2 Tank
• All Aluminum Extruded Body
• Ergonomically Designed High Impact Polymer Trigger Frame
• Reduced Overall Profile (15% Lighter and 10% Shorter)
• Pull Pin Top Cocking Delrin Bolt
• Anodized Matte Finish
• Standard CA Thread Vertical Adapter
• Tool-Free Striker Plug Design
• 10” Micro Ported Barrel
• No-Slip Rubber Grip Panel
• Two Finger Trigger
• External Velocity Adjuster
• Steel Braided Hose Line
• Inline Bottom-line ASA
• Operates on CO2 or Compressed Air

The Planet Eclipse Ego 11 paintball marker is a ultra high end paintball marker from Planet Eclipse. The Ego11 has some features not available in any other gun on the market such as their MACNoid proprietary solenoid. The MACNoid is a twin flow solenoid that allows independent adjustments of the forward and rearward speed of the bolt. This adjustment can be made with a screwdriver which makes it perfect for on-the-fly adjustments. Another great features is POPS (push-on-purge-system), with a simple press on the front bonnet section of the POPS, you can gas up the marker before latching it into place. Other advanced features include an SL3 regulator, some new frame and grip tweaks from the Ego10 and the Cure3+ bolt. The marker also comes with a Shaft 4, 2 piece barrel system.

Our reviewers of the Planet Eclipse Ego 11 loved the marker. Even though the marker carries a large price tag ($1200+), there are no after market upgrades that can compare with the stock setup, so you don't have to worry about dropping $100s on upgrades. Going along with that, everyone loved the Shaft 4 barrel and commented that it is extremely accurate. A couple negatives we heard are that the marker is very loud compared to similar grade markers and it also takes a long time (10-20 cases) to break this marker in completely. Bottom line, if you are looking for a high end marker that you can buy and play with instead of spending tons of time adding mods and upgrades, the Planet Eclipse Ego11 should be on your short list.

Planet Eclipse Ego Specs

Weight: 882g/1.94lb (including 14" Shaft4 Barrel,Battery,Feed,POPS)
Length: 542mm (including 14 " Shaft4 Barrel)
Height: 211mm
Width: 27mm
Body: 6061-T6 Aluminium
Interface: 3 Push buttons on frame with tourney lock on PCB
Display: Transflective LCD w/ Tru-Color adjustable backlite
Solenoid Voltage: 5v
Processor Voltage: 3v
Processor: 16-Bit 16 MIPS
Power Supply: 1 x 9v (PP3) Battery

The Dangerous Power Fusion series of paintball markers actually consists of 3 separate models: the base Fusion, Fusion F8 and Fusion X. Dangerous Power is known for their high quality markers that are often half the price of comparably equipped markers and the Fusion series is no exception. The Fusion has 4 firing modes: NPPL/Semi Auto, PSP, Millennium and NXL. The gun also features an electronic LED switch and can run on Nitrogen or compressed air. The Fusion F8 model features a sleeker 3D milled body than the base model. It also has an improved solenoid and redesigned pressure regulator and is .6 lbs lighter! The Fusion X goes even further with an ultra sharp OLED display and OLED micro-switch board capable of programming tournament modes. The Fusion X also features a reinforced fire-valve and ballistic ram, improved low pressure regulator and RAPS, a patented rapid air pressure system. Limited edition Fusions are available in four colors: marigold, purple haze, pink lady and emerald green.

The Dangerous Power Fusion consistently receives very high reviewers from paintball players. Reviewers say that the gun is light and compact, ultra fast and a great value for your money. These guns also carry a lifetime warranty (limited) from Dangerous Power and the few reviewers we found that had problems, like a solenoid, were quickly resolved by Dangerous Power's customer support. Several of our reviewers had previously owned other high end markers and say the Fusion was as good or better than their Shockers and Autocockers.

Dangerous Power Fusion Specs:
Weight: 2.49 lbs / 1.13 kg
Length: 19.6 inches / 497.9 mm
Height: 9.32 inches / 236.8 mm
Operating Pressure: 250 psi

Dangerous Power Fusion F8 Specs:
Weight: 1.89 lbs / 860 g
Length: 19 inches / 485 mm
Height: 7.4 inches / 189 mm
Operating Pressure: 200 psi

Dangerous Power Fusion X Specs:
Weight: 1.89 lbs / 857.5 g (with battery)
Length: 20.43 inches / 519.1 mm
Height: 8.3 inches / 210.85 mm
Operating Pressure: 140 psi

The Tippmann X7 Phenom is the newest paintball marker available from Tippmann. The marker features FlexValve technology which improves accuracy and air efficiency (can use NO2, CO2 or compressed air). FlexValve allows the marker to fire 1,400 shots from a 68 cubic inch 4500 psi tank. The marker features both a manual and electronic (fully automatic) firing modes. The X7 Phenom is constructed from aluminum and uses the current X7 marker platform but is 3" shorter. You won't have to wait for new mods to come out because the X7 Phenom can accept over 20 current X7 mods including the flatline barrel. Other features include a cyclone feed system which can feed up to 15 balls per second with no batteries, 5 firing modes (semi-auto, 3 shot burst, full auto response, full auto) and a modular foregrip.

Woodsballers generally love the X7 Phenom. The biggest complaint we keep hearing is that this gun is quite heavy (almost 4 lbs). Players love the FlexValve system, which they say is virtually recoil-less even in the fully auto firing mode. Being able to switch from electronic to manual firing is also a big plus (full auto requires a battery but you can switch to manual if it dies). The guns huge list of available mods and Tippmann quality and durability are also huge selling points for this marker (comes with a full 2 year warranty). Maintenance on this gun is very easy compared to some of the higher end markers, making it great for weekend or casual players who want a high performance marker that they can fix themselves.

Tippmann X7 Phenom Full Specs
Caliber: .68 Caliber
Action: Open Bolt Blow Forward Spool Valve System
Power: Electro Pneumatic
Hopper Capacity: 200 Balls
CO2 Capacity:
Feed rate: 15 BPS
Capable Gases: No2, CO2, Compressed Air
Firing rate: 15 BPS (New ASTM Standards)
Trigger: Mechanical and Electronic
Finish: Black Nickel
Barrel length: 9.5"
Length: 19.75"
Weight: 3.92 lbs
Effective Range: 150 ft.

The lightweight Game Face Vexor is a semi-automatic pneumatic marker with a customer game face milling, custom foregrip, deluxe volumizer and velocity adjuster pin. It comes with a ported 9.5" barrel and runs on CO2 or CA.

Users agree that the Game Face Vexor is a sturdy, dependable gun that can take use and abuse, and is best for beginners or as a backup gun for intermediate players. An experience paintballer might find that it lacks power, and a happy trigger finger would jam the gun. It's also very inexpensive which is why it's a perfect marker for newbies. The stock barrel is already pretty accurate but you might want to get a 14" if you really want to upgrade. It very rarely chops. This is also a mechanical marker, so you have to consider if you're okay with that or if you have your heart set on having an electronic one. Another draw back is that you can't easily get accessories for it. Upgrading can be touch and go, which brings us back to the concept that experienced paintballers might find this marker frustrating. But for a beginner’s first marker, this is just about right.

• Overall Rating: 7.3
• Features: 7.3
• Upgradability: 7.1
• Price: 7.4

The ACI Assassin is said to be "designed to destroy". With a precision barrel and reflexive double trigger, this marker has three firing modes: semi (18+ balls a second), 3-round burst (8+ balls a second) and full auto (8+ balls a second) modes. It also has stainless steel braided hose, a rear cocking system and 7/16 ball detent. It's very light and very fast with a wicked look that grabs the attention.

Reviewers are ecstatic about how good this marker looks and how great its performance is. Users rave that it NEVER (or very rarely) chops. One even claims that after 5000 rounds, it has never chopped or jammed once. Even the stock barrel rarely breaks balls. And at 18+ bps for a relative newbie player, the rate of fire is fantastic. It's also very efficient, one user being able to fire nearly a thousand shots off of 12 oz of CO2. The reflexive trigger may need a little getting used to but it's easy to pull and practically has no resistance. As one user say it's "like clicking a mouse". For a low cost marker, it's an excellent buy. Upgrade the hopper and maybe the barrel and it's very, very near paintball marker perfection.

The Kingman Spyder MR2 is Kingman's first military style, electronic paintball marker and features a removable stock, scope mount and double trigger. Built to withstand the toughest of the tough scenario plays, this marker comes with a range of firing modes with a versatility that allows any type of player, tactical or not, beginner or pro, can use. It also comes with an anti-chop bolt and a rechargeable 9.6v battery.

The Kingman Spyder MR2 is a good-looking gun with a high rate of fire and goes through balls like crazy. There are three firing modes: semi, burst and auto, and it's what one user describes as a "paintball machine gun". It also comes with a 12" barrel in matte black that reduces glare to zero so that it doesn't give your position away. Replacement barrels are difficult to use though. The back end of the barrel fits tightly into a shroud that takes the place of a volumizer so barrels that fatten at the base won't fit. That limits barrel upgrades. While some users have complained of their marker chopping balls, it was easily fixed by replacing the detent and putting a tougher spring on the anti-chop bolt. But when the marker is at its best, you can fire as much as 2500 balls and not get a single chop. It's also amazingly durable but can be really heavy. All in all, it's a dependable and stylish marker that doesn't need a lot of upgrading. But if you are the type to want to upgrade, you may need to look at something else.

The Palmers Pursuit Shop Blazer has a lightweight anodized aluminum body with a vertical bottle, and trigger shoe. It was built for easy field stripping and with a maximum performance valve and an improved trigger for a better trigger pull.

"Better trigger pull" seems to be a key phrase for the newer Palmers Pursuit Shop Blazer. The older models are known for having stiff and heavy triggers but the Blazer with an upgraded 45 grip frame has a trigger that vastly improves on the older models'. It has an incredibly short pull for a mechanical-only trigger with a 1mm measured movement at the center of the upper finger groove which means easy and rapid fire. The Blazer's barrel is also fantastic, with the Palmer elliptical design, and can shoot almost any size of paint. The only reason for you to change it is if you want it shorter or longer. It's a very reliable marker too with a stable shooting platform. It has little to no kick and the paint just goes straight. You might chop paint once or twice but not too often to worry about. One worry is, if you love upgrading your marker, there aren't a lot you can do to upgrade this one. And if you need to have it serviced, you'd have to send it to Palmers Pursuit Shop in California. A big con if you live somewhere farther and are in need of major servicing.

The Airgun Designs ULE Custom features the RT valve that boasts of being able to "recharge faster than any human can pull the trigger (26 times a second)". The ULE Mainbody is made of ultra-light aluminum and is available in vertical and Warp Feed varieties. It also comes with a stock two-piece barrel, custom-manufactured for Airgun designs by J&J Performance. The sight rail and from grip mount are made from high contrast brushed stainless and guaranteed will not rust. It also claims that it is the "first mechanical marker to give you intellifeed capability right off the shelf".

Players are saying that you can play this marker out of the box. It looks great and shoots great. It's a mix of all the best parts Airgun Designs have that they've put together for you to create the ULE Custom. The LVL10 bolt eliminates chopping and the ULT gives light trigger pull a new meaning. Outshooting this marker is all but next to impossible. The X-Valve also performs like a champ. The AGD Intelliframe is another nice addition. The trigger pull is very short, and the metal is pliant and soft enough and easily tapped for trigger stops. A lot of reviewers couldn't find a weakness on this marker except for the fact that you can't use CO2 with it. It only runs on compressed air.

The Smart Parts Epiphany is the next level for the Ion design with new features and improved game consistency. It comes with an all-metal body, Super-light magnesium alloy body, grip frame and trigger, feedneck and grip frame construction for easy carriage, with a very light, fast-acting bolt for easy firing. There's an adjustable volume fire chamber to keep velocity stable at high rates of fire. It also boasts of a Break-beam Vision anti-chop technology. It is also compatible with the Ion so that many Epiphany parts can be interchanged with the Ion's, making it possible for Ion owners to upgrade to Epiphany-level play.

Reviewers say that the Epiphany is like the "Ion on steroids" with an awesome look and a lot of improved features such as a solenoid that can handle a higher psi and a better stock barrel (14" Smart Parts Jr. Freak barrel). The aluminum frame is also a great improvement over the Ion's metal. The trigger is great. Trigger pull is ultra-light, and once you start shooting it's hard to stop. You can also adjust the trigger settings (there's a three-point setup) to where you're more comfortable. Shots are fast and, most importantly, accurate, too. It's ready to fire 17+ bps out of the box. You can also easily upgrade the Epiphany. While we're on the upgrades, you might want to get a new feedneck for it, depending on the hopper you plan to use.