I think that markers now are hitting the very top end of what can be done using conventional technologies as we know them.
Sure, there will be some refinement to existing markers, i'm sure the Ego8 will shave a few more grams off, and be a bit smaller, look prettier, new software....whatever, but right now markers can't shoot any faster legally (true semi), they can't get that much smaller (Invert Mini) or much better looking (DM series being a good example).
The next step in marker evolution (for the next 1-2 years) will come with the overall pricing. Marker prices are already coming down with £250-300 guns shooting nearly as good as £900 guns. I would expect the Low-mid range market will see the most expansion in terms of quality, product performance and sales of product, but the technology would will be tweaks and refinement relatively conventional marker designs.
The true revolution will come with all new technologies to propel a paintball towards your opponent, along the materials used to make the guns.
NPS tried something different with their battery powered gun (E-volt?), you could argue Tippmann were trying to innovate with their propane powered C3 also. I think that looking at the method to fire a paintball will eventually need to be revolutionised in the same manner as the transition from CO2 to compressed air. What guise that will take is beyond me, but i think that it would be inevitable at some point in the future.
Smart Parts are using magnesium alloys for the Epiphany, Dye have innovated with composites in high end models with the DMC. I expect these kind of materials represent where marker development and refinement could be heading.
And how about the humble paintball? It's remained relatively unchanged for quite some time, perhaps new materials to produce them would result in greater quality and consistancy leading to overall better accuracy?
Just my 2p
Sure, there will be some refinement to existing markers, i'm sure the Ego8 will shave a few more grams off, and be a bit smaller, look prettier, new software....whatever, but right now markers can't shoot any faster legally (true semi), they can't get that much smaller (Invert Mini) or much better looking (DM series being a good example).
The next step in marker evolution (for the next 1-2 years) will come with the overall pricing. Marker prices are already coming down with £250-300 guns shooting nearly as good as £900 guns. I would expect the Low-mid range market will see the most expansion in terms of quality, product performance and sales of product, but the technology would will be tweaks and refinement relatively conventional marker designs.
The true revolution will come with all new technologies to propel a paintball towards your opponent, along the materials used to make the guns.
NPS tried something different with their battery powered gun (E-volt?), you could argue Tippmann were trying to innovate with their propane powered C3 also. I think that looking at the method to fire a paintball will eventually need to be revolutionised in the same manner as the transition from CO2 to compressed air. What guise that will take is beyond me, but i think that it would be inevitable at some point in the future.
Smart Parts are using magnesium alloys for the Epiphany, Dye have innovated with composites in high end models with the DMC. I expect these kind of materials represent where marker development and refinement could be heading.
And how about the humble paintball? It's remained relatively unchanged for quite some time, perhaps new materials to produce them would result in greater quality and consistancy leading to overall better accuracy?
Just my 2p
