Difference between Dye and Proto

[Jason Attwood]

So what's actually the deal with Dye and Proto. Did they used to be two different companies and dye bought out proto? The reason i ask is because i recently bought a proto matrix 8 (PM8) and whilst doing my research I found a lot of people saying they don't make the PM8 anymore because it was contending with dye's DM8-9-10s so can anyone please shed some light on this tid bit for me?

It seems to me that the majority of the proto stuff is more entry level? would that be correct to say?

I'm just curious that's all, any answers would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

 

[GRIMLOCK]

as far as im aware proto is the recreational side while dye is professional grade equipment with proto gear being slightly unrefined dye gear

 

[Jason Attwood]

so are they the same company in essence just lower and higher grade brand names?

 

[GRIMLOCK]

and equipment tolerances allegedly for example a proto reflex rail (proto's current highest grade marker) "shouldn't" shoot as well or smooth as a DM or NT that is well tuned

 

[spangley_special]

Dye and proto are the same company. Dye stuff is the top of the line feature laden stuff, porto varies from rec stuff (some of the nicer rental masks and such) to mid level tournament stuff (playing pants PM markers, axis pros etc).

As far as your PM8 is concerned it is an excellent marker. The PM's where always parred down DMs. The bolt set up was virtually identical compared to that year's DM, so they shot very similarly. Only difference on this part really is that they had a smaller dump chamber so had a sharper cycle to them and felt less smooth, much like a DM with the tophat mod. This does however mean that theoretically they should be slightly more efficient.

Other than the 08s the PM's never had self cleaning eyes or UL frames as standard and came with 12" barrels to further differentiate them from the DMs.

Honestly the PM8's were some of the best value for money shooters (at retail) around and no doubt took DM sales with the addition of a UL frame and self cleaning eyes. You've a solid shooter there.

I've owned PM's: 6,7 and 2 8s, I've also owned Dm's: 7 and 8 and the Pm8's shot as well if not better than all the rest (bar the Dm7, but that is another story)

 

[Jason Attwood]

Sweet, thank you for the explination.