Ah my favourite topic!! Markers!!
There's no doubt that the best value would be going for a second hand marker. You can get some serious bargains especially for Angel markers which are some of the best out there. That's why I have an Angel One as part of my arsenal!!
However, if you're like me and like to have everything brand new and shiny (no shame in that at all mate!), then the ion is definitly one way to go but there could soon be another more exciting prospect on the horizon!!!
Smart Parts are soon to release a new model for 2007 called the Epiphany and by all accounts it look like an amazing gun for the money!! I can't say from personal experience whether it's any good yet, all I can say is from what I've heard from countless lucky Americans who've managed to test the gun out, and they all raved about it!
It's set to cost about $400 in the US which means that it'll probably cost us about £200 when it gets over here. IMO this looks like a very sexy gun and with it's features, looks to be a better buy than the ion. Ok the ion is £70 cheaper but you get well more than £70's worth of upgrades with the epiphany!!
A word of warning about the ion though, yeah it's cheap but it provokes most people to spend an absolute fortune in upgrades! My mate who's played only a handful of times has bought one. Shortly after, he purchased a new barrel, QEV, clamp feed, drop forward and board. All in all he must have bought at least £300's worth of upgrades! You'll find that most people get carried away with their ion to the point where they've spent as much as the cost for a new shocker!! Absolute madness!!
As a rule of thumb, you should always buy the best gear you can afford. If you can't afford much then perhaps save or buy second hand- second hand guns are great bargains!!