To buy or not to buy - ION?

[Hobo_Joe]

Ok, I have been a member on the forum for a few years but havnt posted.

Now I have played before, and still do own a Dragun T1 (mock away...). I have been out of paintball for 2 years I think due to financial reasons. I love the game and want to get back into it, its the only sport I have been "good" at.

Now, I do so love my dear Dragun and it has served me well... but in order for it to do so I needed to buy (and have sold) a few odd's and ends. Due to this I am looking at buying something new and more reliable and am tempted by the ION. Now my reason for leaving last time was money and I still cant afford to go and buy a £300 marker.

The main thing for me is I liked the open bolt of the T1, made for cleaning out after breaks a breeze (it broke a lot, cheap eyes), and this is the one downfall I can see with me getting an ION.

Now I am not afraid to stip any marker to pieces coz I will do it with anyone I buy, cant use something and not know how it works.

Now, since you are the paintball comunity, can you advise, either way whether it is worth getting an ION.

Please dont post "F-OFF ION NEWB", or "ION IS DE WORSTEST GUNS". Please post something valid, yes, no and an actual reason...

Thanks in advance,
Hobo

 

[Rider]

give it a few weeks and you will be able to get your hands on the new ion version - this one includes a bolt-out-back system, allowing you to whip the bolt out without taking the whole thing apart.

 

[RainbowShooter]

How much are you looking to spend because if you like egos then you can pick up an 05 for about £220 ish.

 

[ollytheosteo]

I'd take a look at the Proto SLG that will be over here any minute, it's still new so yet to be tested fully but it offers an awful lot for the TBC price of around £150
Otherwise think about buying a good used gun from someone well known on here as you can pick up some real steals, especially with the '08 guns coming out and everyone ditching their old ones cheap

Oh and Ions is the worstest guns, I reads it on the internets.

 

[mikey601]

Yes get one.

If you are the type or person not scared to open it up and have a good old look round and will keep it maintained well that go for it mate.

You wont find anything at the moment that out performs the ion based in that cost bracket.

Keep an eye on the classifieds and look out for one that already has some upgrades, you'll save yourself a few pennies that way.

Hope that helps

 

[Hobo_Joe]

OMG, I forgot how fast these forums were .

I am looking at buying sometime either late this year or early next year. So do have some time. Last time I started was the begining of winter and froze my nuts off... so looking at starting early Spring.

Mikey, as with anything that contains moving parts I learned that maintainance is key... I dont think my Dragun lasted an hour after getting home before it was stripped, cleaned, lubed, re-assembled and packed away save and sound.

Anything I do get will be well maintained (a full year of playing with my last gun and doesnt have a scratch).

I noticed that SP was releasing a new ION as well as the EOS? I am not looking at thowing £££ into super-duper upgrades... I can only manage 12-15bps so no limit there.

I think I would have to say upper spending limit has to be £250 at an extreme push (dont want to go more than £200). This is only for a gun, will invest seperate in hopper and air.

On air actualy, I loved my old SP Max-flow... are these still "decent"?

 

[Skeet]

You can buy an Ion secondhand (its only o-rings that need changing after all) for about £50-80 stock. Assuming it will be maintained, they do work and work well.

But, if you can spend a bit more...then I would still go for an 05 Ego.
JTD1993 on here, just bought one for £215 posted and that was upped with an 06 frame, so...you should be able to find one for £200 and regardless of what anyone says, they are better than Ions.

All markers have their Pro's and Con's and most people would say to try a few, but you have limited yourself (no bad thing) to a few markers with your price range.

You could also look at Proto PMR's which was Proto's answer to the Ion or Etek's which is the slightly less spec'd version of teh Ego, but will still cost a reasonable wedge, probably more than an 05 Ego.

 

[JTD1993]

JTD1993 on here, just bought one for £215 posted and that was upped with an 06 frame, so...you should be able to find one for £200 and regardless of what anyone says, they are better than Ions.

I sure did! That's with the 06 frame, 06 reg, Dust white and Camo E-star CCU kit, Nexus 06 Bolt..

So if anyone's trying to sell one any higher.. you know you're getting mugged

Joe

 

[Hobo_Joe]

Thanks Skeet,

I do think the PMR looks a lot better. Wont require a new feedneck. If I understood what I read the bolt is easlily accessable (?).

Also what eye's does it use? I want to avoid bounce beam, as thats what my T1 has and they were pants!

All in all tho, is it worth the extra £100?

I am looking at new prices. I know people look after their equip but you never truely know what has happened to a marker. (may actualy buy 2nd hand, will see)

 

[Marcus Geezer]

You could also look at Proto PMR's which was Proto's answer to the Ion or Etek's which is the slightly less spec'd version of teh Ego, but will still cost a reasonable wedge, probably more than an 05 Ego.

Can't beleive you said that.

I love ion's to bits as this was my starter marker and I upgraded after 11 months to a PMR.

So Ion's and PMR's? No comparison no matter how up'd the Ion is.

The new SLG thingy is Proto's answer to the Ion, and should corner the market for electro starter markers.