I know PGI did a write up last issue but in case anyone is interested in a 'normal bloke's' review, I have uploaded a review here. It's pdf format...
Angel Fly Review by Ben Frain
Also, had a few grumbles about the pdf format, so here it is - please don't copy and paste this text into other forums, just link to here...
Angel 4 Fly Review by Ben Frain
Manufacturer: WDP
Contact: www.wdp.tv +44 (0)121 328 2228/[714] 536 9011
Price: $1399/£1095
Good; performance, low maintenance, looks, rechargeable battery
Bad; o-ring based feed neck, eyes off switch, expensive
NB. All opinions are my own and nothing more. So are any inaccuracies contained herein.
Every new Angel attracts masses of media attention. The new Angel 4 Fly is no exception. Teaser adverts in magazines began a frenzy of questions on the net followed by almost pandemonium like speculation when the Fly was given it’s first airing with a TV advert on the ‘Fox Sports NPPL Super 7 World Series’. If reports are to be believed the WDP sales line was smoking hot for the next few hours as thousands called to get the skinny on the latest model in the Angel evolution.
Without doubt the feature everyone was talking about on the new Fly was the built in eye system. Anyone familiar with Angels will know that since the IR3, Angel markers have always featured an anti chop ball detection system. However from the IR3, through to the Speed and A4, they have always employed a pressure-based system. ‘COPS’ (Crystal Operated Paint Sensor) as it was first known, became known as ‘Sensi’ with the Speed and A4.
The benefits of the pressure-based system were twofold. Firstly, there was little danger of debris within the breech affecting paint detection performance (e.g. unlike eye based systems that can fail due to dirt/paint obscuring the eye). The second major advantage was that cosmetically there was no need for holes in the side of the marker body; an important point considering the famous smooth lines of the Angel. However, although the pressure based system worked perfectly for most, there were always some that were frankly baffled by the calibration and set-up procedure. This in turn led to users not using the system correctly and declaring that the system was a failure. Furthermore, whilst WDP insisted it was a physical impossibility, there were a number of users that experienced malfunctioning Sensi’s when the Angel was used for prolonged periods in conjunction with Halo B’s. Although the incidents were few and far between Sensi, perhaps unfairly, ended up with a bad reputation. It wasn’t long before players were virtually lobbying WDP for an eye-based system. Never one to rest on their laurels, WDP, finally responded.
Enter the Fly
As the title of the marker suggests, the Angel 4 Fly is a very close relative to the Angel 4. There are slight changes to the pneumatics of the A4 (improved gas galleries etc) but they are insignificant differences compared to the all important
‘Angel Eyes’ and external enhancements.
The Fly comes boxed in the usual immaculate WDP fare. A glossy printed manual (very early models had a manual on CD as printed copies weren’t ready to ship), 12v charger, barrel bag, a single volumizer, allen wrenches, Love Juice (lubricant), macroline hosing and fittings, spare o-rings and shims and Angel stickers. Basically everything you need apart from an air system, loader and paint.
Virtually every issue that users complained about with the A4 has been amended with the Fly. For starters the feed neck is now the low-rise type. It still uses the same twist lock system as the A4 (minus the gated feed) but gives the marker a much more compact feel, a definite improvement over the A4’s mid-rise. Many users have their own multi bore barrels anyhow but the stock Infinity (a .691 bore) is a great tube regardless. The fore grip pressure gauge (which only saw the light of day on the A4) has been ditched here to give better handling. The stock trigger on the Fly is the ‘Slayer’ trigger (previously an aftermarket option for the A4). The Slayer is more like a stick or blade type trigger and leaves plenty of room within the trigger guard for walking, even with gloved fingers. As with the A4, the trigger can be adjusted with the external vernier wheels and then locked into place with the appropriate allen wrench. A toe adjuster screw sits at the rear of the trigger for fine-tuning of trigger pull. The anti trigger bounce ‘TR’ setting, found first on the Angel 4, is also incorporated into the Fly software. However, on the Fly these values are reversed, with TR 1 giving the least trigger bounce and TR 21 (upped to TR22 on software revision 3.2) the most.
Finally, and most obviously, Sensi has been replaced by the new ‘Angel Eyes’ system. This new paint detection system is a break beam eye meaning paint colour and shape is irrelevant. As soon as a paintball breaks the beam of the eye its presence is registered. Whilst exterior eye covers always spoil the lines of a marker the WDP solution is a far more aesthetically pleasing look than the aftermarket Angel eye systems that have been available until now. A single screw each side holds the covers in place and also covers the new ‘flexi’ style ball detents.
Out of the box
The Fly, in its stock form, is a very understated design. Carving is conservative, creating a single flowing line across the body giving the marker a distinct ‘less is more’ look. For those with more exuberant tastes a few aftermarket models have already appeared. The ‘Joy Division A4 Fly’ is a vision of beauty, complete with black to gold or black to bronze fade and leopard print tattoo. The ‘Angel Force Fly’ is the offspring of the Angel Master Techs and Cobra have also announced the ‘Mamba 04’, also a little different from the norm. In reality, despite minor differences each is likely to perform very similarly as the fundamental basics of the Fly remain unchanged. But that is no bad thing…
As with all recent Angels the Fly needs a pressure of around 400psi running into it (450psi presets work fine). When using the Fly with the included volumizer this pressure can be brought right down. There is quite some leeway with the Fly in how the pressure is used. The Angel techs over on www.angel-owners.com recommended a setup of reducing the LPR pressure (to around 50psi, even as low as 40psi), whilst upping the dwell slightly (to either 12 or 13). This procedure is only recommended after the marker has been run in for around 8-10 cases of paint but gives the Angel a completely different feel. Whilst this setup causes some efficiency trade off it gives the marker virtually no kick whatsoever, making it even easier to reach the very high rates of fire the Fly was designed for.
Unlike Sensi, the Angel Eyes system has just one tournament legal semi automatic firing mode. Of the remaining 5 modes 2-5 are full auto, 3 shot burst, ramp mode and accumulator mode respectively (all capped at 15BPS). The final mode is ‘demo mode’ which is designed for store use to display the speed of the marker. In this mode the eye system works in reverse and should a paintball enter the breech it will not cycle.
The default mode (mode 1) can be used with eyes on (default) or eyes off. With eyes on, if the eye detects a ball present it will allow you to fire. If it doesn’t, the marker will not fire – simple! Within the LCD setup of the marker it is possible to choose loader speed (from STD, MED, FAST, SFAST). We tested the Fly with both a Z-boarded VL Evolution II loader and Empire Halo Re-loader B. For both these loaders we selected ‘SFAST’. The first big noticeable advantage of the Fly is the lack of calibration necessary. As soon as the Fly is live it’s ready for action, no need to fire 10-15 balls to ensure correct Sensi calibration as with the Speed and A4.
Performance
This marker is fast. The marker is very fast. In fact I would venture so far to say that this marker is faster than you will ever be! Quite simply, as fast as you can pull the trigger, the Fly will deliver. Part of the reason the Fly is so incredibly quick is that it works flawlessly with a Halo. As ever, a Halo with a selectable speed (Victory board or Reloader B) is preferable to ensure paint isn’t crushed before it reaches the breech. But as long the Halo can get the paint to the breech in tact, the Fly will rattle it out effortlessly. With the eyes on, the Angel 4 Fly is capable of up to 31BPS. Without the eyes, the rate of fire can be set from 8-25BPS. Most users will want to set the eyes off ROF lower than the maximum to ensure they don’t outshoot their loader.
The balance and feel of the Fly is spot on. The decision to drop the fore grip mounted pressure gauge was definitely the right one as the Fly is that little bit easier to handle than the Angel 4, especially when switching hands behind a bunker. The low rise also really helps to keep the marker feeling compact and with the shorter length stock barrel and halo friendly detents and eye system it is destined to become a favourite on the X-ball fields. Time will tell.
Consistency of the Fly is exceptional. Our test model was rigged up to a Mac Dev Conquest 03 regulator (a highly consistent air source) and the chronograph never read more than +/- 3BPS variation at any time. Considering this is likely to get better the more the internals bed in, there really is nothing to be concerned about accuracy wise. The consistency is such that with a good paint to barrel match the Fly will land paint, ball on ball, just as accurately as any other marker out there. In the first outing with the marker it went through approximately 4 cases of paint. In those 8000 balls there wasn’t a single hiccup, chop or burst.
Negatives
One complaint I personally have with the Fly is the method of turning off the eye system mid game. Previous Angels have made use of the middle button on the rear of the grip frame to disable COPS/Sensi. However, the Fly does not follow suit. With the Fly, to disable the eyes mid game (should they cease to function for whatever reason) the trigger must be held in for two seconds. After two seconds the marker fires and can then cycle upto the ‘eyes off’ ROF limit previously set (8-25BPS). For most players this feature is an improvement, especially those playing in more stringently judged tournaments such as the NPPL. This way there is no need to inadvertently attract the attention of a judge by pressing external grip frame buttons (a signal of potential illegal gun cheat activation) to turn the eye system off. The negative implication of this system however is that for some players holding the trigger in is part of their existing playing habit. Previously, when waiting for ‘game on’ I have always held the trigger in to avoid a negligent discharge. Similarly, if playing at the front I have held the trigger in whilst moving to get a better grip on the marker as I sprint up field. Doing this with the Fly causes the eyes to be inadvertently turned off. Needless to say it may take some getting used to. Despite this reservation, in the current ‘gun cheat’ climate, the trigger based ‘eyes off’ decision is probably the wisest in the grand scale of things.
However, in a future software revision I would like to see the option for users to select ‘classic’ eyes off (by using the buttons at the rear of the gripframe as previous Angels have) as well as the trigger based ‘tournament/NPPL friendly’ mode default at present. Realistically there is little to find fault with on the Fly. To be picky I would prefer a clamping style feed neck rather than a twist lock type. Whilst visually not as impressive, a clamping rise is both easier to tighten and also prevents issues with o-rings accidentally getting crushed up inside the collar.
Finally I think that the anodising of the marker, considering the asking price could be better. Whilst it is never possible to get every piece on a marker matched perfectly (due to different alloys etc) the Fly could perhaps be better. Many users will not even notice but for the picky (me) it can niggle. Therefore, if you are a particular sort of person, if possible take a look at the marker you are buying first to check you are happy with the anno quality and shade match between parts. For normal folks however, fear not, order one and get on with owning the field, you won’t notice anyway!
Aside from these minor trifles and personal reactions, the Fly is bordering on marker perfection. Maintenance, as with all Angels, is virtually non-existent, a couple of drops of Love Juice down the fore grip macroline fitting every couple of months is the only attention it is likely to want. Over six separate outings and differing temperatures the Fly didn’t present a single operational problem. It just worked. No drama, no fuss. Each time we just turned it on and it was ready for hunting.
Conclusion
The Angel 4 Fly is amongst the very finest tournament markers available. I personally feel it is also the finest Angel that WDP have produced and anyone in the least doubt about the Fly’s ability to spew paint at ludicrous speeds would be well advised to get hold of one at the first opportunity and see for them self. The Angel 4 Fly is small, light, fast and as accurate as any other paintball marker in existence. If you are in the market for a new top-level marker, that spits paint with no fuss and maximum style, accept no substitute.
Ben Frain
More info…
Joy Division A4 Fly www.wdp.tv
Angel Force Fly www.angelforce.tv
Cobra Mamba 04 www.cobrapaintball.com
Retrofit EyeQ system www.angelforce.tv
Angel Fly Review by Ben Frain
Also, had a few grumbles about the pdf format, so here it is - please don't copy and paste this text into other forums, just link to here...
Angel 4 Fly Review by Ben Frain
Manufacturer: WDP
Contact: www.wdp.tv +44 (0)121 328 2228/[714] 536 9011
Price: $1399/£1095
Good; performance, low maintenance, looks, rechargeable battery
Bad; o-ring based feed neck, eyes off switch, expensive
NB. All opinions are my own and nothing more. So are any inaccuracies contained herein.
Every new Angel attracts masses of media attention. The new Angel 4 Fly is no exception. Teaser adverts in magazines began a frenzy of questions on the net followed by almost pandemonium like speculation when the Fly was given it’s first airing with a TV advert on the ‘Fox Sports NPPL Super 7 World Series’. If reports are to be believed the WDP sales line was smoking hot for the next few hours as thousands called to get the skinny on the latest model in the Angel evolution.
Without doubt the feature everyone was talking about on the new Fly was the built in eye system. Anyone familiar with Angels will know that since the IR3, Angel markers have always featured an anti chop ball detection system. However from the IR3, through to the Speed and A4, they have always employed a pressure-based system. ‘COPS’ (Crystal Operated Paint Sensor) as it was first known, became known as ‘Sensi’ with the Speed and A4.
The benefits of the pressure-based system were twofold. Firstly, there was little danger of debris within the breech affecting paint detection performance (e.g. unlike eye based systems that can fail due to dirt/paint obscuring the eye). The second major advantage was that cosmetically there was no need for holes in the side of the marker body; an important point considering the famous smooth lines of the Angel. However, although the pressure based system worked perfectly for most, there were always some that were frankly baffled by the calibration and set-up procedure. This in turn led to users not using the system correctly and declaring that the system was a failure. Furthermore, whilst WDP insisted it was a physical impossibility, there were a number of users that experienced malfunctioning Sensi’s when the Angel was used for prolonged periods in conjunction with Halo B’s. Although the incidents were few and far between Sensi, perhaps unfairly, ended up with a bad reputation. It wasn’t long before players were virtually lobbying WDP for an eye-based system. Never one to rest on their laurels, WDP, finally responded.
Enter the Fly
As the title of the marker suggests, the Angel 4 Fly is a very close relative to the Angel 4. There are slight changes to the pneumatics of the A4 (improved gas galleries etc) but they are insignificant differences compared to the all important
‘Angel Eyes’ and external enhancements.
The Fly comes boxed in the usual immaculate WDP fare. A glossy printed manual (very early models had a manual on CD as printed copies weren’t ready to ship), 12v charger, barrel bag, a single volumizer, allen wrenches, Love Juice (lubricant), macroline hosing and fittings, spare o-rings and shims and Angel stickers. Basically everything you need apart from an air system, loader and paint.
Virtually every issue that users complained about with the A4 has been amended with the Fly. For starters the feed neck is now the low-rise type. It still uses the same twist lock system as the A4 (minus the gated feed) but gives the marker a much more compact feel, a definite improvement over the A4’s mid-rise. Many users have their own multi bore barrels anyhow but the stock Infinity (a .691 bore) is a great tube regardless. The fore grip pressure gauge (which only saw the light of day on the A4) has been ditched here to give better handling. The stock trigger on the Fly is the ‘Slayer’ trigger (previously an aftermarket option for the A4). The Slayer is more like a stick or blade type trigger and leaves plenty of room within the trigger guard for walking, even with gloved fingers. As with the A4, the trigger can be adjusted with the external vernier wheels and then locked into place with the appropriate allen wrench. A toe adjuster screw sits at the rear of the trigger for fine-tuning of trigger pull. The anti trigger bounce ‘TR’ setting, found first on the Angel 4, is also incorporated into the Fly software. However, on the Fly these values are reversed, with TR 1 giving the least trigger bounce and TR 21 (upped to TR22 on software revision 3.2) the most.
Finally, and most obviously, Sensi has been replaced by the new ‘Angel Eyes’ system. This new paint detection system is a break beam eye meaning paint colour and shape is irrelevant. As soon as a paintball breaks the beam of the eye its presence is registered. Whilst exterior eye covers always spoil the lines of a marker the WDP solution is a far more aesthetically pleasing look than the aftermarket Angel eye systems that have been available until now. A single screw each side holds the covers in place and also covers the new ‘flexi’ style ball detents.
Out of the box
The Fly, in its stock form, is a very understated design. Carving is conservative, creating a single flowing line across the body giving the marker a distinct ‘less is more’ look. For those with more exuberant tastes a few aftermarket models have already appeared. The ‘Joy Division A4 Fly’ is a vision of beauty, complete with black to gold or black to bronze fade and leopard print tattoo. The ‘Angel Force Fly’ is the offspring of the Angel Master Techs and Cobra have also announced the ‘Mamba 04’, also a little different from the norm. In reality, despite minor differences each is likely to perform very similarly as the fundamental basics of the Fly remain unchanged. But that is no bad thing…
As with all recent Angels the Fly needs a pressure of around 400psi running into it (450psi presets work fine). When using the Fly with the included volumizer this pressure can be brought right down. There is quite some leeway with the Fly in how the pressure is used. The Angel techs over on www.angel-owners.com recommended a setup of reducing the LPR pressure (to around 50psi, even as low as 40psi), whilst upping the dwell slightly (to either 12 or 13). This procedure is only recommended after the marker has been run in for around 8-10 cases of paint but gives the Angel a completely different feel. Whilst this setup causes some efficiency trade off it gives the marker virtually no kick whatsoever, making it even easier to reach the very high rates of fire the Fly was designed for.
Unlike Sensi, the Angel Eyes system has just one tournament legal semi automatic firing mode. Of the remaining 5 modes 2-5 are full auto, 3 shot burst, ramp mode and accumulator mode respectively (all capped at 15BPS). The final mode is ‘demo mode’ which is designed for store use to display the speed of the marker. In this mode the eye system works in reverse and should a paintball enter the breech it will not cycle.
The default mode (mode 1) can be used with eyes on (default) or eyes off. With eyes on, if the eye detects a ball present it will allow you to fire. If it doesn’t, the marker will not fire – simple! Within the LCD setup of the marker it is possible to choose loader speed (from STD, MED, FAST, SFAST). We tested the Fly with both a Z-boarded VL Evolution II loader and Empire Halo Re-loader B. For both these loaders we selected ‘SFAST’. The first big noticeable advantage of the Fly is the lack of calibration necessary. As soon as the Fly is live it’s ready for action, no need to fire 10-15 balls to ensure correct Sensi calibration as with the Speed and A4.
Performance
This marker is fast. The marker is very fast. In fact I would venture so far to say that this marker is faster than you will ever be! Quite simply, as fast as you can pull the trigger, the Fly will deliver. Part of the reason the Fly is so incredibly quick is that it works flawlessly with a Halo. As ever, a Halo with a selectable speed (Victory board or Reloader B) is preferable to ensure paint isn’t crushed before it reaches the breech. But as long the Halo can get the paint to the breech in tact, the Fly will rattle it out effortlessly. With the eyes on, the Angel 4 Fly is capable of up to 31BPS. Without the eyes, the rate of fire can be set from 8-25BPS. Most users will want to set the eyes off ROF lower than the maximum to ensure they don’t outshoot their loader.
The balance and feel of the Fly is spot on. The decision to drop the fore grip mounted pressure gauge was definitely the right one as the Fly is that little bit easier to handle than the Angel 4, especially when switching hands behind a bunker. The low rise also really helps to keep the marker feeling compact and with the shorter length stock barrel and halo friendly detents and eye system it is destined to become a favourite on the X-ball fields. Time will tell.
Consistency of the Fly is exceptional. Our test model was rigged up to a Mac Dev Conquest 03 regulator (a highly consistent air source) and the chronograph never read more than +/- 3BPS variation at any time. Considering this is likely to get better the more the internals bed in, there really is nothing to be concerned about accuracy wise. The consistency is such that with a good paint to barrel match the Fly will land paint, ball on ball, just as accurately as any other marker out there. In the first outing with the marker it went through approximately 4 cases of paint. In those 8000 balls there wasn’t a single hiccup, chop or burst.
Negatives
One complaint I personally have with the Fly is the method of turning off the eye system mid game. Previous Angels have made use of the middle button on the rear of the grip frame to disable COPS/Sensi. However, the Fly does not follow suit. With the Fly, to disable the eyes mid game (should they cease to function for whatever reason) the trigger must be held in for two seconds. After two seconds the marker fires and can then cycle upto the ‘eyes off’ ROF limit previously set (8-25BPS). For most players this feature is an improvement, especially those playing in more stringently judged tournaments such as the NPPL. This way there is no need to inadvertently attract the attention of a judge by pressing external grip frame buttons (a signal of potential illegal gun cheat activation) to turn the eye system off. The negative implication of this system however is that for some players holding the trigger in is part of their existing playing habit. Previously, when waiting for ‘game on’ I have always held the trigger in to avoid a negligent discharge. Similarly, if playing at the front I have held the trigger in whilst moving to get a better grip on the marker as I sprint up field. Doing this with the Fly causes the eyes to be inadvertently turned off. Needless to say it may take some getting used to. Despite this reservation, in the current ‘gun cheat’ climate, the trigger based ‘eyes off’ decision is probably the wisest in the grand scale of things.
However, in a future software revision I would like to see the option for users to select ‘classic’ eyes off (by using the buttons at the rear of the gripframe as previous Angels have) as well as the trigger based ‘tournament/NPPL friendly’ mode default at present. Realistically there is little to find fault with on the Fly. To be picky I would prefer a clamping style feed neck rather than a twist lock type. Whilst visually not as impressive, a clamping rise is both easier to tighten and also prevents issues with o-rings accidentally getting crushed up inside the collar.
Finally I think that the anodising of the marker, considering the asking price could be better. Whilst it is never possible to get every piece on a marker matched perfectly (due to different alloys etc) the Fly could perhaps be better. Many users will not even notice but for the picky (me) it can niggle. Therefore, if you are a particular sort of person, if possible take a look at the marker you are buying first to check you are happy with the anno quality and shade match between parts. For normal folks however, fear not, order one and get on with owning the field, you won’t notice anyway!
Aside from these minor trifles and personal reactions, the Fly is bordering on marker perfection. Maintenance, as with all Angels, is virtually non-existent, a couple of drops of Love Juice down the fore grip macroline fitting every couple of months is the only attention it is likely to want. Over six separate outings and differing temperatures the Fly didn’t present a single operational problem. It just worked. No drama, no fuss. Each time we just turned it on and it was ready for hunting.
Conclusion
The Angel 4 Fly is amongst the very finest tournament markers available. I personally feel it is also the finest Angel that WDP have produced and anyone in the least doubt about the Fly’s ability to spew paint at ludicrous speeds would be well advised to get hold of one at the first opportunity and see for them self. The Angel 4 Fly is small, light, fast and as accurate as any other paintball marker in existence. If you are in the market for a new top-level marker, that spits paint with no fuss and maximum style, accept no substitute.
Ben Frain
More info…
Joy Division A4 Fly www.wdp.tv
Angel Force Fly www.angelforce.tv
Cobra Mamba 04 www.cobrapaintball.com
Retrofit EyeQ system www.angelforce.tv
only kidding mate, hope to see u thursday with my new gear 