Have you tried shooting it under water, how far did the paintball travel, the reason i ask is because even real bullets from real guns quickly loose velocity when shot into water, never mind being actually shot under water. When i get my air bottle filled up i'll give it a go in the bath with my A5, that is after i've got it working.Depends on how you define 'reliable' a Tipmman A5 will work underwater/extream cold/left for months in the cuboard.
Electronic markers do not!