Marker Options For A New Player (no limits)

[Sharpe_95]

Hi Guys,
As the title suggests I am currently looking at buying my first marker. I have listed a couple of options on how I could proceed below and I would love some objective feedback and/or personal opinions based on experience to help me pick - I simply won't get an opportunity to test the markers so need some help from the community.

Before I go further into the options let me provide a short list of important features for me (in priority order,1 being most important):
1) Reliable
2) Rugged (durable, all weather, stands up to being knocked etc)
3) Simple (to set up/use/clean)
4) Accurate at longer ranges
5) Versatile

I have done enough paintball to know I like it and want to take it up a level or two. I will add that I expect to be playing walk on woodsball at least 70-80% of the time and maybe sup air/speedball and scenario for the rest. I would like to get into team/tournament level playing but probably more on the woodsball side than sup air.

As I see it I currently have 4 options:
1) Do nothing: Hire kit at local sites and save money, and perhaps just buy better peripherals (like a mask, pads, jersy, gloves etc) and see if I still like it in a year.
2) Do minimum: Buy an entry level marker at about £200-350.
3) Compromise Option: Buy a mid range marker in the 350-700 price range.
4) Stretch Option: Buy a top spec marker first time out.

I have been looking at the T15, X7 and Defender type 'mil sim' markers and some of the sup - air style markers like the Geo, Vanquish and DM14 in the mid to top range option, but I don't have anything in particular in mind. I suppose I lean aesthetically (and game type wise) more towards mil sim style markers but the form and function part of me suggests that the 'sup air style' markers may be the pragmatic way to go?

I would greatly appreciate feedback on what option would be best, especially in terms of marker and how they all compare.

Please note, while price is a factor, I am quite happy to pay top buck to get something of quality, so please don't see it as the driving factor.

Many thanks in advance,
-Sharpe

 

[Adam Axford]

I have an axe for sale, great mid range marker for starting with, rather than buy cheap and immediately upgrade (like I did)

Check my profile to find the thread...

 

[Caffeine]

Well you certainly have a lot of options with no real price limits. Make sure you have money for a good mask (usually £50+) ,an air tank and try to decide on a loader at the same time as your marker.

Past that, if you really do plan on playing speedball a bit then a milsim/tactical styled marker won't really cut it. You could always have multiple styles of markers for however you plan to play but a more speedball styled marker can perform in pretty much all situations.
Something you could do is get the Planet Eclipse Etha (around £270) and the Etha EMC kit (£60) which allows you to add a stock and all sorts of other stuff. Keep the EMC kit on most of the time and take it off for speedball. You can look up reviews for yourself but Planet Eclipse markers are known for being really well made and they perform great.
Past that, there are a bunch of great markers for sale second hand here, usually for a really good price. All you need to do is get that post count up to 20. (which should happen soon by the looks of it)

 

[alexd]

So I note you wont get to test a marker... I think that you should try to do that for a couple of reasons
1. Everyone will recommend a marker, but will their justification match your own?
2. If you are looking to use across the various formats, you will face limitations and compromises
3. Being more aware of the options will make it easier for you to consider a 2nd hand marker. Buying an older high end will mean that you will get more for your money

I presume you have all the obvious kit eg decent mask, pack, air, loader?

If not then you should structure your budget accordingly

What I would suggest is heading to your local walkon and chatting with a few players. That will help you form your own conclusions and give you valuable insight

If you confirm where you are based, someone can point you in the right direction

 

[Sharpe_95]

@ AlexD (and others).

Reading based if there are any teams/groups out there looking for players?

Let's assume I have budget set aside for 'peripherals' such as mask, loader, air etc. My driver here is helping me get the right marker (or rather, helping to eliminate bad options or throw up some good options I hadn't seen such as Caffeine's idea about the Etha) and to see if a particular marker starts showing up more often than others (or gets lots of people saying good/bad things about it).

Allow me to clarify my point about not testing markers (although you are half right but for the wrong reason). I will be attempting to test markers but as I don't have a supplier near by and can't imagine I will be able to test every type of marker that interests me by going to some walk on's (though it would be great if it works out like that) I should say my testing options are 'restricted or limited' - but I see your overall point about getting a better feel for what's on offer in general.

That said your are also partly right about my not testing the marker. If I am honest, there is a strong urge (which I am fighting) for me to just buy a marker and rock up for my first walk on. I am an impulse buyer and I like shiny things 'now' not later (a major weakness I know - but I can't help it)

-Sharpe

 

[alexd]

I'm not familiar with the area but sure someone will help. If you are interested in tournie rather than woodsball then you should consider coming to Bricket Wood

So I have owned a lot of markers, mainly PE and the Etha is an excellent choice. Offers the ability to add the EMC kit to make it look more milsim, but still good enough to cope in a sup'air tournie.

I believe you can even mod an EMC kit around the GEO if you are inclined

You are right testing at a shop is often difficult, but depends on which shop and what you looking for. But I can guarantee a walkon will have more markers there than any shop...

BTW the urge to buy new kit will see you fit right in, so with that in mind you could be conservative and pick up some to get you started. Go cheap, 2nd hand Ethas will be less than £200 on here

 

[Kevin Winter]

I would avoid a milsim marker like the plaque - you will be at a disadvantage on the speedball field, and they are still superior in the woods in that they are lighter and less bulky, and designed around the hob of firing a paintball, not a bullet!

You don't need much money to get a marker that will stand up to anything else out there. Personally, my reccomended option would be something like an Ego9 or 10. Both can be obtained for £250-£280 (or a lot less), both are still serviced by Eclipse and a poppet is an easy to maintain platform. Plus, if you get really into it, then you can buy a full on marker later and keep the Ego in the kit bag as a spare (or sell t without losing money)