I just wanted to add my first impressions, ... I currently shoot a Geo, but bought an Axe from JUST as soon as they came out, as had been thinking about picking up a Mini for a while as a backup.
First time I shot the Axe it seemed to draw some oil or grease through the gun that effected accurancy until I realised that was all it was and cleaned the barrel.
Since then it has been lent to team mates about 5 times, so had not had a chance to shoot it again. During that time, have not had a single issue and has not burst a single ball.
So I got to shoot it myself at training yesterday. Bear in mind that the gun has had a couple of boxes paint through it now to run in.
So we were doing drills, which made it really easy to make direct comparisons, as I was literally able to shoot one gun, then the other.
Accuracy - the Axe was more accurate with the stock barrel than my Geo was with an ultralite (same paint, both barrels clean etc). We were shooting at cones, about 40 paces away, and the accuracy difference was as plain as you like, for all to see.
Consistancy - the Axe was more consistant, with a few fps less variance between shots than my Geo.
Speed - I was able to hit ramping effortlessly with either hand, not something I can do with my Geo (I have antiquated hands, and have never learnt to walk the trigger properly). The effect for me was that I was chucking beams of paint the instant I tried, and those beams stayed put until I stopped firing. Reminded me of shooting an old school bouncing whilst ramping marker (but without the bounce).
Recoil - now the Geo shoots pretty smooth, but the Axe felt like it had an even softer release. The least recoil or spooley style 'lift' of any marker I have yet shot. Combined with a very nice, minimalist 'chuff' sound signature - almost sounded like it had a silencer on it
General - the Axe is noticeably heavier in the hand than the Geo. Also, I felt the trigger was a little too far back / close to the grip for my preference. I wonder if I could get used to it, or fit a different trigger. Just a personal thing.
Not to mention that this was yet another days play where the Axe did not break a single ball...
After all that I have to say that for the time being I shall continue to shoot my Geo. I have been using it now for 2 years, and have developed that special 'it feels part of me' relationship.
However, I am really excited about the prospect of such a fantastic gun being available at such a good price. I was a huge fan of the Ion, and it was a great tool for enabling more new players to take up our sport. Without the need to upgrade any part, the Axe offers even better value for money than the Ion. It is also simple to maintain, and since it is such a simple design I am hoping it will be extremely reliable (the build quality of my marker is certainly faultless). Time will tell, ...
So well done Invert/Empire, and for anyone considering buying a new marker I would highly reccomend you take a look at the Axe. I would claim it is £800-900 worth of performance for half that price.
