WDP Speed
Submitted by: Jason P. Fearing
-Founder of the Angel Owners Group
Amidst no major fanfare but numerous rumors, the speed hit the market on the 7th of April with official releases first making news on WDP’s forums. A few days early numerous rumors had flood other paintball Internet forums but many of them shrugged off by April Fools Day and IR3 denial. However, in a new approach to marketing the WDP speed was released but a public display was set for the 2nd leg of the NPPL circuit in Las Vegas (11-13th) of April. WDP is essentially funding the NPPL circuit which now features the 7-man format and is doing an excellent job of bring Millennium style venues to American soil.
The Speed marks WDP’s 4th installment to their family of Angels, however this marker broke the ‘new every 2’ trend being released just 14 months and 5 days following the release of the IR3. Not to be confused, the Speed is still an Angel and is not the heir apparent to the IR3 as WDP still will continue to produce their flagship marker to all those who desire.
As a strong supporter and advocate of WDP products I’ve grown with their technology as I joined their ranks in November of 1999 with the release of the LCD. However, I’ve done my time and have owned numerous original model “LEDs” that have served me extremely well. Priding themselves on form and function, the guys in the R&D department have always developed new and innovative ways to remain at the top for providing paintball with the most technologically advanced markers on the planet. Although, numerous critics were out in full force following the release of the IR3 griping that they over exceeded themselves with the IR3. The marker had too many bells and whistles but lacked in areas that should have been addressed before IR technology.
Enter the Speed. Someone called me crazy on a forum when I called the Speed the ‘veterans Angel.’ It was as though WDP took notice to concerns from owners, the successful designs of other paintball markers and combined the two to create this generation. Not to mention, the year 2003 has seen two Angels released with an MSRP of under $1,000 a price threshold that WDP has kept well above since their public display in 1997. So clearly, they needed to cut manufacturing costs in order to preserve their market hold as the growth popularity of the Intimidator, Matrix, Impulse and even the Bushmaster has risen at epic proportions in essentially a matter of months.
So you just got your hands on an IR3, right? Maybe you just dumped $1800 on a precious Mamba IR3? Suddenly you find out that your marker is 2nd gen. to the newest technology and you’re out for blood. Not necessarily, but maybe so! This article will attempt to inform, educate and compare (loosely) why the Speed may or may not be the next big thing from WDP.
One noticeable change in the marketing strategy of WDP over the past 8-14 months has been the growth of service centers and extended warranties. Because of the demands that many owners require of their gear it is essentially that their markers are functioning at top form, day in and day out. WDP traditionally offers a 6-month warranty on all new markers (even if you don’t fill out the card) but you’ll find they owner it for well over 6-months. Service centers like PerformanceAngel.com and Mo’s Paintball offer lifetime labor warranties and free tune-ups throughout the year.
Warped Sportz started this trend on their Dark Angel with the lifetime labor warranty for those that filled out the form. Cobra Paintball went a step further to provide a lifetime labor (and parts) warranty to the original owner. While Cobra still maintains the best warranty on paper, the less mainstream service centers provide excellent service, lightning fast turn around times and above all extremely reasonable pricing. Even if you decided to save money on your Speed and not purchase it from a service center you can still purchase a warranty for your marker. While a seemingly expensive ‘insurance’ plan for your marker, many owners are glad they invested the extra $100 or so initially. While the long term reliability of the speed can not be determined from this review or any for that matter, it is always wise to cover your tracks with all the appropriate tools.
Thus, our review begins here. While it is impossible to cover the long term performance of this marker I’ve had the opportunity to put approximately 10,000 cycles on the marker with well over 8,000 of them being with paint. Traditionally the break-in period on a new Angel is approximately 3-6 cases however I have found that realistically optimum performance/consistency occurs at about 10 cases. WDP is known to heavily grease the internal seals and o-rings with lithium grease that causes build-up in the air passages causing irregular chronograph consistency and sometimes poor efficiency. The marker is rated at 1400 SPF (shots per fill) off a 68ci/4500psi AIR system and I’m expecting that number to be a bit lower than actual achieved numbers once the marker is dialed in properly.
For my review, my configuration features an Evolution II loader (with standard board), a PMI Pipe barrel kit and an 88ci/5000psi Pure Energy preset bottle. The paint used varied from Draxxus Blaze, Inferno, Recsport and Nitro Duck Competition. All tests were performed as close to 285fps as possible in a controlled atmosphere (non-game) in normal playing conditions. The marker was fully charged (8 hours) prior to use using the supplied charger. The marker was purchased from Mo’s Paintball Shop at the preorder price of $899.99 on April 5, 2003 and is the black dust finish.
I. Initial Impressions
We’ll start with the box. It’s the first thing you see and for those of you fortunate enough to receive an IR3 brand new, you’ll emphasize with me that the box/packaging was out of this world. It’s those little things that make WDP, unique! However, you’ll be surprised to find that the Speed box follows suit with the LCD box. A plain white foam lining underneath the external sleeve that lists the features of the marker that is nowhere near as exciting as the IR3 box. Moving on from the box you’ll find the ever-so-popular manual. WDP has always released intricate detailed, full color manuals that explain every possible scenario and detail about their product. This manual is by far the best instructional product in paintball, let alone the best from WDP. Extremely in-depth with numerous tips, recommendations and photo detailed walkthroughs. If you take the time to read the manual than there will be no question about this marker that won’t go unanswered.
Within the box you find the following items:
· WDP Speed
· Mini-reg
· 14” Infinity barrel
· Barrel condom
· Charger
· Macroline hose with 90* elbow (black hose)
· Spares kit (1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5mm Allen wrenches, SENSI rod, gated membrane and some o-rings)
· Love Juice (x-treme oil)
Within the manual you find the following items:
· Small ANGEL sticker
· Large ANGEL sticker
· Warranty card
Contrary to popular belief, the Speed did not come with any sort of volumizer but it could have fit in the cut out for the charger area. The charger is supposedly a modified version of the pre-existing Nimh charger for the Angel and the Speed will require this charger to receive an optimal and full charge. Same old story with the cigarette lighter adaptor and rear grip frame plug however the charge appears to handle stronger input currents for SUVs or unregulated wall adaptors.
One thing you’ll also find with the Speed is no more annoying black dust all over the body and within the breech. A very common problem with the IR3 was that the foam would shed and get inside the breech, feed tube and other areas of the marker. While harmless and natural it was just a pain to clean. Not to disappoint, my Speed was covered in white foam shavings from transit and several chunks in the breech and feed tube. A small price to pay though to ensure it arrived safely to me and unmarked.
The black dust finish is the standard job from WDP, featuring their patented thin anodizing finish. However I was surprised to see on my marker that numerous areas had white/light spots on the finish, nothing dramatic, certainly nothing worth complaining over as I chalk it up to improper handling prior to packing. I’m sure the volume of preorders they received has kept their staff extremely busy with meeting demands.
The trigger position quite loose (travel) but alas the side-to-side slop was gone. Perhaps I got a lucky marker but for the first time in my purchasing trends with WDP the marker came (from the factory) with no trigger slop. Now though I can really tweak the trigger using the TOE but more on that later.
II. Features
The Speed plays host to numerous internal and external features that can’t be found on any other Angel. It still retains the gated feed and space frame (with new style skinz grips) as well as the IR3 body size. I did however notice a slightly lighter overall feel to the marker but an official weight comparison between IR3 models has not been performed.
· SENSI
Perhaps the most important feature of the marker is the SENSI system, also known as the Anti-Chop system. WDP has modeled this system after COPS (Crystal Operated Paint Sensor) as they apparently refuse to use a true eye system. The SENSI, like the COPS, senses the weight/pressure of the paintball on the sensor rod and will not fire until the appropriate value is achieved. Thus it does not care what size, color, condition or brand the paintball is inside the breech and is also not prone to misreads when paint/debris is present in the breech. Upon closer inspection of the entire system it appears to be identical to the COPS with just a fancy name but perhaps the programming of the software is done more effectively, like COPS2 when configured properly.
The system operates on four modes of SENSI (adjustable using the internal menu) and they are as follows:
Three green dots: This mode is Semi-Auto and has a shorter cycle time resulting in higher peak achievable rates of fire.
Three green and three yellow dots: This mode is Semi-Auto and has a shorter cycle time resulting in higher peak achievable rates of fire. This mode carries a risk of chopping a paintball, but negates the need for a release and re-pull of the trigger to initiate the next shot.
All dots but red: This mode is Semi-Auto and has a longer cycle time resulting in more sustainable rates of fire.
All dots: This mode is Semi-Auto and has a longer cycle time resulting in more sustainable rates of fire. This mode carries a risk of chopping a paintball, but negates the need for a release and re-pull of the trigger to initiate the next shot.
* The manual shows three green and three yellow for the 4th mode however the image is incorrect in the manual.
SENSI is off unless turned on and can be switched (On) but holding the red functional button for two seconds when the marker is on, just like the COPS system.
Factory setting is SENSI-1 and it worked just fine on my marker when used. I’m eager to try SENSI-2 as this appears to allow for easier walking and more rhythm in the trigger pull versus releasing the trigger each cycle.
· Speed Board
While I agree that the lights are a bit much, the opto-board rocks and shows that WDP has worked to ensure that this marker is fast. Apparently they must have redesigned the leaf switch on the opto-board allowing for much easier travel and a micro-switch like feel on the trigger pull. The board itself is an opto-board in all categories as WDP used the same encapsulated (black) PCB as found on the IR3. However, WDP has done away with the left internal button (right one) and voided out the intellifeed option. The plug is still present on the board but it does not operate the loader when plugged in during LIVE fire.
In addition to the board, the marker is now “on and go” which is stemming back to the days of old with the original Angel. You turn the marker on and the lights cascade; display the battery strength and the first green LED blinks. All you need to do is pull the trigger and let it rip!
Adjusting the modes/features isn’t that difficult as everything operates via the one internal menu button in combination with the external functional buttons. An explanation of those is as follows:
ROF
For the first time, WDP has allowed you to adjust the MROF externally on the marker and not requiring you to internal access menus to switch the maximum number. Don’t be fooled though, everything is still under semi-auto. The marker is capable of cycling as low as 11bps to as much as 22bps and at any value in between. The ‘speedometer’ lights display the current speed and more lights mean a higher limit. Factory was 14bps but I have it resting comfortably at 18bps with my Evolution II. The MROF is important as it will govern the speed of your marker when SENSI is not activated. Ensure that the number does not exceed the speed of your loader as you will outshoot both the Revolution and Evolution II with relative ease.
Battery Status
A missed feature on the speed is the lack of the battery meter display. Don’t be fooled though, the Speed still incorporates the meter but on a less visible scale. When the marker is in live, depressing the middle functional button will allow you to see the battery meter that displays on the ‘speedometer’ depending on strength. It’s still a four segment (100, 75, 50, 25) indicator and the lights indicate strength which the more lights being the more battery.
The battery itself is now a 4.7v Nimh battery that supposedly can handle 150,000 cycles off a full charge. The last bar (25%) supposedly indicates another 8 cases before it dies. In addition the battery now only requires an initial 4 hour charge and subsequent 3 hour full charges; a marked improvement over the batteries of old that required 8-10 hour initial charges.
Dwell
Unlike the ROF, you will be required to access the internal menu on the speed to adjust the dwell. This is a security measure as the change in dwell can cause a change in FPS over the chronograph. The dwell ranges from 8-19 milliseconds with one light on the ‘speedometer’ represent 8 and all lights representing 19 milliseconds. I’ve found the optimum setting to be 12-14 just like the other Angels (IR3/LCD). However you can get away with 8 if you’ve got excellent paint to use and perfect weather. The dwell still operates the same with a lower number meaning less air consumption and a higher number being more resistant to paint of poor quality.
· Mini-reg
This was the cause of much concern about the issue of acceptable input pressure. To put many of you at ease, the mini-reg can handle 800psi output preset bottles but it’s unlikely that you’ll ever see your velocity below 275fps with this configuration. I would imagine that the mini-reg input would have to be in the optimal 500-600psi range to achieve the supposed low operating pressures; however with the stock configuration you’re fine.
For all intensive purposes the internals of the mini-reg are structured the same with velocity adjustment identical to previous mini-regulators.
· Vertical Regulator Adaptor
Cobra paintball released a one-piece “VRA” in 2000/2001 which was received quite well. This eliminated the flash tank adaptor and two of three o-rings contained between these two pieces. WDP has also followed suit, creating a similar, but more streamlined, design with their one-piece look that has only one large o-ring. This being another feature that while not essential, it provides less maintenance but maintains identical performance.
· Anti-double ball détente
Arguably the most exciting new feature of the marker is the dual (serviceable) détentes found on the Speed. Similar to the two-piece design by Cobra Paintball, these détentes feature two rubber nubbins that are attached to a spring which rests inside of the détente housing. Thus providing a firmer, more reliable hold on the ball and allowing you to use HALO loaders with no more fears. While I question the durability of these rubber nubbins over time, the fear of flat spots on the ball or the ball popping out are no more. My only complaint is that should you lose a rubber nubbin, a spare(s) does not come in the kit.
· Low Pressure Regulator
Just when you thought that you had it all figured out, WDP decides to change the system on their LPR. The LPR is now located at the front of the left tube (where the battery is) and is no longer on the right tube. In addition, the LPR pressure is now optimal at 82psi with a 350psi output from the mini-reg. Now, the shims have also been changed as they represent 5psi per shim (instead of 3.5psi). The shims in my LPR appear to be a bit thicker which explains the difference in pressure ratings were shim. Both the LPR pressure gauge and LPR extraction tool still work for the LPR. You’ll find that the LPR body has been aerodynamically improved but it still functions identically.
· Exhaust Valve
It’s impossible to explain the new configuration, except for saying that it’s different. The valve is still located on the right side tube as the hammer still needs to hit it open to achieve a full pressurized cycle. However the design of the entirely assembly is different as WDP has added the “support bobbin” which offsets the lack of LPR piston before the valve. Apparently all of this was done to increase volume, lower operating pressure and provide more flow/volume.
· Ram Stroke Adjustment/Servicing
The speed’s ram is unlike any other Angel ram out there as it does not require a snap ring. This means less maintenance but once again the same performance and reliability. The ram tool kit still works, the adjustment of the ram is still identical to the previous Angels but the snap ring step is no longer required for tuning. In addition to the new adjustment methods, the ram itself is now serviceable; allowing for the user to maintain the ram more in-depth without having to buy a new ram kit each time which ensures more reliable performance. Lastly, you’ll find that the hammer has been formed differently, providing for what appears to be a more streamlined look and lighter feel.
· Trigger
Perhaps one of the most useful additions to the speed is the slightly redesigned trigger. The trigger still operates on the three pivot system (a feature of the space frame) but a 4th screw has been added on the face of the trigger actuator. The screw configuration is identical to that on the Intimidator and allows you to further adjust the contact point that the trigger makes with the opto-board contact point. Adjustment of the three screws allows you to set the trigger pull/release to essentially nothing and allow for ridiculous bounce, something that could not be achieved with the IR3 opto-board. The trigger itself is quite comfortable, featuring a ‘stick’ design to it but still having a mid-section bump for walking the trigger (double-taping). The trigger itself is the best stock version I’ve seen from WDP and the side-to-side play is almost nonexistent. Only complaint here was the over travel length out of the box, it was quite long.
Performance
Now for the part that you actually want to read on the review, how does the marker perform? My configuration proved to be less than desirable with a preset air system and a poor paint-to-barrel match. With no adjustments on the marker it was shooting 368-372-370 out of the box. Those numbers being off the charts, the chronograph consistency range was impressive! As I continually screwed the velocity screw in I find the overall decrease to be minimal until finally with the screw all the way in to achieve a 287fps reading. Obviously performance would be seriously inhibited with the screw this far in allowing for less than desirable performance.
Supposedly, the marker should operate at 350psi out of the mini-reg and shoot 280fps with a LPR reading of 82psi. With a mini-reg input of 830psi the lowest I could get the mini-regulator to read was 410psi causing the irregular high velocity. While no damage was done to the marker, clearly the operating pressure and velocity is not desirable and illegal at all fields.
According to Russ, the piston within the mini-reg was redesigned to handle the low operating pressure of the marker but input pressure must be within 500-700psi with 600psi as optimal. Sorry to say, you’re going to be hard pressed using a preset bottle unless you opt for a large bore barrel on small bore paint.
As for marker performance, exceptional! It handled over 5 cases of paint today with no signs of internal wear and tear and not a single break in the breech or rear of the barrel. Chronograph consistency was +4/-4 out of the box and throughout the first 5 cases, even though the reading was well over 300fps. Ironically, none of the paintballs broke due to the exceptionally high velocity.
It’s difficult to measure the kick of the marker due to the exceptional high pressure, however I did not find the kick (even at the current velocity) to be worse than that of a properly configured IR3. Thus this leads me to believe that the kick on the marker when properly configured would be less than that of the IR3. I’ve never been one to complaint about this ‘problem’ on the IR3 as I felt that the kick assisted in walking the trigger especially with a shorter trigger pull.
The speed was no exception. Using an Evolution II loader (with Y-board) I immediately lit up the entire ‘speedometer’ and was greeted with numerous blank shots on my first string. The marker is ridiculously fast and high rates of fire are extremely easy to achieve. I found myself burning through a full hopper (150rds) in a matter of seconds and constantly reaching for more pods to send through the marker.
Efficiency was also impressive, especially with such a high velocity. Using a dwell of 13ms, I recorded approximately 2100 shots off a warm 88ci/5000psi fill. I expect this to be slightly more once the marker is broken in with the ability to possibly record 2500 on optimal settings and operating pressure.
I next proceeded to use a HALO B (TE software) loader on the marker, with SENSI off and the MROF set at 22bps. While the blank shots vanished in my strings, occasionally when the ‘speedometer’ peaked a blank shot would occur. However the HALO clearly distinguished itself as the better loader of the two used, thus I’d rank it the best to use on this marker. Plus with the security of the dual détentes, the use of the HALO B (even without the TE software) is now a thing of possibility. The dual détentes and harder springs provide much more resistance to the speed that the HALO B creates and the pressure on the ball stack.
Thus, overall I give the Speed a rating of 4 out of 10 overall. Now, you might ask why such a poor rating? The marker is phenomenal, clearly the best product that WDP has produced and for my purposes a better marker (and value) than the IR3. However, John Rice’s engineering has let me down significantly this time with the mini-reg. I’d be willing to bet that the preset air system to adjustable air system (reliable) is 3-1 if not higher for players. The fact of the matter is they’re cheaper and more reliable than systems like the Max-Flo and the AIR. Not to mention significantly lighter than systems like the Armageddon and Apocalypse. WDP has decided to exclude these preset air system users in the Speed, a decision that in my opinion is both uneducated and unintelligent. With a market that features markers like the Intimidator and Matrix in such demand, WDP had what appeared to be a gold mine. A superior product to previous models at a price much less than those models, especially at $900 when they were first released.
Now you find the speed to be priced at $999 and the demand much higher than the supply. I also firmly believe that we’ll see a 5th generation Angel within the next 3-7 months available on the market. I know IR3 owners are disgruntled over the speed, just as I will be if a 5th generation marker comes out within the next 6 months that is a better product than my speed.
This marker would receive a 9 out of 10 based on price, style, performance and comfort. It has features I require but now with features I don’t need eliminated to reduce price. However, the fact that I must now invest in another secondary regulator or a new air system to use my marker, negates the price saved and makes the marker priced at well over $1200 after the air system is purchased. Perhaps WDP should bundle an AIR regulator with the marker like SP does on the Max-Flo at $1100. Or at least offer that as an option, considering most Speed owners will flock towards that air system to use on their marker.
I trust that WDP is aware of the complaints and disgust from preset air system users, at least one would hope. I would imagine that we can expect to see some sort of modification allowing the speed to run on a preset, but I also imagine this modification to come at a price and probably involve the purchase of HP mini-reg.
Would I recommend the purchase of a Speed? Absolutely, assuming you have an adjustable air system. I would also point you in the direction of the Speed over the IR3 but caution you about future models that will succeed the Speed. WDP has put together a phenomenal marker with only one flaw. At least have the marker operate at 180psi out of the box if you’re going to redesign the mini-reg to run at such low pressures. Heck, they’re not even shipping the Speeds with the volumizers. Come on Frazer, Owen and JR!
Marfless
Submitted by: Jason P. Fearing
-Founder of the Angel Owners Group
Amidst no major fanfare but numerous rumors, the speed hit the market on the 7th of April with official releases first making news on WDP’s forums. A few days early numerous rumors had flood other paintball Internet forums but many of them shrugged off by April Fools Day and IR3 denial. However, in a new approach to marketing the WDP speed was released but a public display was set for the 2nd leg of the NPPL circuit in Las Vegas (11-13th) of April. WDP is essentially funding the NPPL circuit which now features the 7-man format and is doing an excellent job of bring Millennium style venues to American soil.
The Speed marks WDP’s 4th installment to their family of Angels, however this marker broke the ‘new every 2’ trend being released just 14 months and 5 days following the release of the IR3. Not to be confused, the Speed is still an Angel and is not the heir apparent to the IR3 as WDP still will continue to produce their flagship marker to all those who desire.
As a strong supporter and advocate of WDP products I’ve grown with their technology as I joined their ranks in November of 1999 with the release of the LCD. However, I’ve done my time and have owned numerous original model “LEDs” that have served me extremely well. Priding themselves on form and function, the guys in the R&D department have always developed new and innovative ways to remain at the top for providing paintball with the most technologically advanced markers on the planet. Although, numerous critics were out in full force following the release of the IR3 griping that they over exceeded themselves with the IR3. The marker had too many bells and whistles but lacked in areas that should have been addressed before IR technology.
Enter the Speed. Someone called me crazy on a forum when I called the Speed the ‘veterans Angel.’ It was as though WDP took notice to concerns from owners, the successful designs of other paintball markers and combined the two to create this generation. Not to mention, the year 2003 has seen two Angels released with an MSRP of under $1,000 a price threshold that WDP has kept well above since their public display in 1997. So clearly, they needed to cut manufacturing costs in order to preserve their market hold as the growth popularity of the Intimidator, Matrix, Impulse and even the Bushmaster has risen at epic proportions in essentially a matter of months.
So you just got your hands on an IR3, right? Maybe you just dumped $1800 on a precious Mamba IR3? Suddenly you find out that your marker is 2nd gen. to the newest technology and you’re out for blood. Not necessarily, but maybe so! This article will attempt to inform, educate and compare (loosely) why the Speed may or may not be the next big thing from WDP.
One noticeable change in the marketing strategy of WDP over the past 8-14 months has been the growth of service centers and extended warranties. Because of the demands that many owners require of their gear it is essentially that their markers are functioning at top form, day in and day out. WDP traditionally offers a 6-month warranty on all new markers (even if you don’t fill out the card) but you’ll find they owner it for well over 6-months. Service centers like PerformanceAngel.com and Mo’s Paintball offer lifetime labor warranties and free tune-ups throughout the year.
Warped Sportz started this trend on their Dark Angel with the lifetime labor warranty for those that filled out the form. Cobra Paintball went a step further to provide a lifetime labor (and parts) warranty to the original owner. While Cobra still maintains the best warranty on paper, the less mainstream service centers provide excellent service, lightning fast turn around times and above all extremely reasonable pricing. Even if you decided to save money on your Speed and not purchase it from a service center you can still purchase a warranty for your marker. While a seemingly expensive ‘insurance’ plan for your marker, many owners are glad they invested the extra $100 or so initially. While the long term reliability of the speed can not be determined from this review or any for that matter, it is always wise to cover your tracks with all the appropriate tools.
Thus, our review begins here. While it is impossible to cover the long term performance of this marker I’ve had the opportunity to put approximately 10,000 cycles on the marker with well over 8,000 of them being with paint. Traditionally the break-in period on a new Angel is approximately 3-6 cases however I have found that realistically optimum performance/consistency occurs at about 10 cases. WDP is known to heavily grease the internal seals and o-rings with lithium grease that causes build-up in the air passages causing irregular chronograph consistency and sometimes poor efficiency. The marker is rated at 1400 SPF (shots per fill) off a 68ci/4500psi AIR system and I’m expecting that number to be a bit lower than actual achieved numbers once the marker is dialed in properly.
For my review, my configuration features an Evolution II loader (with standard board), a PMI Pipe barrel kit and an 88ci/5000psi Pure Energy preset bottle. The paint used varied from Draxxus Blaze, Inferno, Recsport and Nitro Duck Competition. All tests were performed as close to 285fps as possible in a controlled atmosphere (non-game) in normal playing conditions. The marker was fully charged (8 hours) prior to use using the supplied charger. The marker was purchased from Mo’s Paintball Shop at the preorder price of $899.99 on April 5, 2003 and is the black dust finish.
I. Initial Impressions
We’ll start with the box. It’s the first thing you see and for those of you fortunate enough to receive an IR3 brand new, you’ll emphasize with me that the box/packaging was out of this world. It’s those little things that make WDP, unique! However, you’ll be surprised to find that the Speed box follows suit with the LCD box. A plain white foam lining underneath the external sleeve that lists the features of the marker that is nowhere near as exciting as the IR3 box. Moving on from the box you’ll find the ever-so-popular manual. WDP has always released intricate detailed, full color manuals that explain every possible scenario and detail about their product. This manual is by far the best instructional product in paintball, let alone the best from WDP. Extremely in-depth with numerous tips, recommendations and photo detailed walkthroughs. If you take the time to read the manual than there will be no question about this marker that won’t go unanswered.
Within the box you find the following items:
· WDP Speed
· Mini-reg
· 14” Infinity barrel
· Barrel condom
· Charger
· Macroline hose with 90* elbow (black hose)
· Spares kit (1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5mm Allen wrenches, SENSI rod, gated membrane and some o-rings)
· Love Juice (x-treme oil)
Within the manual you find the following items:
· Small ANGEL sticker
· Large ANGEL sticker
· Warranty card
Contrary to popular belief, the Speed did not come with any sort of volumizer but it could have fit in the cut out for the charger area. The charger is supposedly a modified version of the pre-existing Nimh charger for the Angel and the Speed will require this charger to receive an optimal and full charge. Same old story with the cigarette lighter adaptor and rear grip frame plug however the charge appears to handle stronger input currents for SUVs or unregulated wall adaptors.
One thing you’ll also find with the Speed is no more annoying black dust all over the body and within the breech. A very common problem with the IR3 was that the foam would shed and get inside the breech, feed tube and other areas of the marker. While harmless and natural it was just a pain to clean. Not to disappoint, my Speed was covered in white foam shavings from transit and several chunks in the breech and feed tube. A small price to pay though to ensure it arrived safely to me and unmarked.
The black dust finish is the standard job from WDP, featuring their patented thin anodizing finish. However I was surprised to see on my marker that numerous areas had white/light spots on the finish, nothing dramatic, certainly nothing worth complaining over as I chalk it up to improper handling prior to packing. I’m sure the volume of preorders they received has kept their staff extremely busy with meeting demands.
The trigger position quite loose (travel) but alas the side-to-side slop was gone. Perhaps I got a lucky marker but for the first time in my purchasing trends with WDP the marker came (from the factory) with no trigger slop. Now though I can really tweak the trigger using the TOE but more on that later.
II. Features
The Speed plays host to numerous internal and external features that can’t be found on any other Angel. It still retains the gated feed and space frame (with new style skinz grips) as well as the IR3 body size. I did however notice a slightly lighter overall feel to the marker but an official weight comparison between IR3 models has not been performed.
· SENSI
Perhaps the most important feature of the marker is the SENSI system, also known as the Anti-Chop system. WDP has modeled this system after COPS (Crystal Operated Paint Sensor) as they apparently refuse to use a true eye system. The SENSI, like the COPS, senses the weight/pressure of the paintball on the sensor rod and will not fire until the appropriate value is achieved. Thus it does not care what size, color, condition or brand the paintball is inside the breech and is also not prone to misreads when paint/debris is present in the breech. Upon closer inspection of the entire system it appears to be identical to the COPS with just a fancy name but perhaps the programming of the software is done more effectively, like COPS2 when configured properly.
The system operates on four modes of SENSI (adjustable using the internal menu) and they are as follows:
Three green dots: This mode is Semi-Auto and has a shorter cycle time resulting in higher peak achievable rates of fire.
Three green and three yellow dots: This mode is Semi-Auto and has a shorter cycle time resulting in higher peak achievable rates of fire. This mode carries a risk of chopping a paintball, but negates the need for a release and re-pull of the trigger to initiate the next shot.
All dots but red: This mode is Semi-Auto and has a longer cycle time resulting in more sustainable rates of fire.
All dots: This mode is Semi-Auto and has a longer cycle time resulting in more sustainable rates of fire. This mode carries a risk of chopping a paintball, but negates the need for a release and re-pull of the trigger to initiate the next shot.
* The manual shows three green and three yellow for the 4th mode however the image is incorrect in the manual.
SENSI is off unless turned on and can be switched (On) but holding the red functional button for two seconds when the marker is on, just like the COPS system.
Factory setting is SENSI-1 and it worked just fine on my marker when used. I’m eager to try SENSI-2 as this appears to allow for easier walking and more rhythm in the trigger pull versus releasing the trigger each cycle.
· Speed Board
While I agree that the lights are a bit much, the opto-board rocks and shows that WDP has worked to ensure that this marker is fast. Apparently they must have redesigned the leaf switch on the opto-board allowing for much easier travel and a micro-switch like feel on the trigger pull. The board itself is an opto-board in all categories as WDP used the same encapsulated (black) PCB as found on the IR3. However, WDP has done away with the left internal button (right one) and voided out the intellifeed option. The plug is still present on the board but it does not operate the loader when plugged in during LIVE fire.
In addition to the board, the marker is now “on and go” which is stemming back to the days of old with the original Angel. You turn the marker on and the lights cascade; display the battery strength and the first green LED blinks. All you need to do is pull the trigger and let it rip!
Adjusting the modes/features isn’t that difficult as everything operates via the one internal menu button in combination with the external functional buttons. An explanation of those is as follows:
ROF
For the first time, WDP has allowed you to adjust the MROF externally on the marker and not requiring you to internal access menus to switch the maximum number. Don’t be fooled though, everything is still under semi-auto. The marker is capable of cycling as low as 11bps to as much as 22bps and at any value in between. The ‘speedometer’ lights display the current speed and more lights mean a higher limit. Factory was 14bps but I have it resting comfortably at 18bps with my Evolution II. The MROF is important as it will govern the speed of your marker when SENSI is not activated. Ensure that the number does not exceed the speed of your loader as you will outshoot both the Revolution and Evolution II with relative ease.
Battery Status
A missed feature on the speed is the lack of the battery meter display. Don’t be fooled though, the Speed still incorporates the meter but on a less visible scale. When the marker is in live, depressing the middle functional button will allow you to see the battery meter that displays on the ‘speedometer’ depending on strength. It’s still a four segment (100, 75, 50, 25) indicator and the lights indicate strength which the more lights being the more battery.
The battery itself is now a 4.7v Nimh battery that supposedly can handle 150,000 cycles off a full charge. The last bar (25%) supposedly indicates another 8 cases before it dies. In addition the battery now only requires an initial 4 hour charge and subsequent 3 hour full charges; a marked improvement over the batteries of old that required 8-10 hour initial charges.
Dwell
Unlike the ROF, you will be required to access the internal menu on the speed to adjust the dwell. This is a security measure as the change in dwell can cause a change in FPS over the chronograph. The dwell ranges from 8-19 milliseconds with one light on the ‘speedometer’ represent 8 and all lights representing 19 milliseconds. I’ve found the optimum setting to be 12-14 just like the other Angels (IR3/LCD). However you can get away with 8 if you’ve got excellent paint to use and perfect weather. The dwell still operates the same with a lower number meaning less air consumption and a higher number being more resistant to paint of poor quality.
· Mini-reg
This was the cause of much concern about the issue of acceptable input pressure. To put many of you at ease, the mini-reg can handle 800psi output preset bottles but it’s unlikely that you’ll ever see your velocity below 275fps with this configuration. I would imagine that the mini-reg input would have to be in the optimal 500-600psi range to achieve the supposed low operating pressures; however with the stock configuration you’re fine.
For all intensive purposes the internals of the mini-reg are structured the same with velocity adjustment identical to previous mini-regulators.
· Vertical Regulator Adaptor
Cobra paintball released a one-piece “VRA” in 2000/2001 which was received quite well. This eliminated the flash tank adaptor and two of three o-rings contained between these two pieces. WDP has also followed suit, creating a similar, but more streamlined, design with their one-piece look that has only one large o-ring. This being another feature that while not essential, it provides less maintenance but maintains identical performance.
· Anti-double ball détente
Arguably the most exciting new feature of the marker is the dual (serviceable) détentes found on the Speed. Similar to the two-piece design by Cobra Paintball, these détentes feature two rubber nubbins that are attached to a spring which rests inside of the détente housing. Thus providing a firmer, more reliable hold on the ball and allowing you to use HALO loaders with no more fears. While I question the durability of these rubber nubbins over time, the fear of flat spots on the ball or the ball popping out are no more. My only complaint is that should you lose a rubber nubbin, a spare(s) does not come in the kit.
· Low Pressure Regulator
Just when you thought that you had it all figured out, WDP decides to change the system on their LPR. The LPR is now located at the front of the left tube (where the battery is) and is no longer on the right tube. In addition, the LPR pressure is now optimal at 82psi with a 350psi output from the mini-reg. Now, the shims have also been changed as they represent 5psi per shim (instead of 3.5psi). The shims in my LPR appear to be a bit thicker which explains the difference in pressure ratings were shim. Both the LPR pressure gauge and LPR extraction tool still work for the LPR. You’ll find that the LPR body has been aerodynamically improved but it still functions identically.
· Exhaust Valve
It’s impossible to explain the new configuration, except for saying that it’s different. The valve is still located on the right side tube as the hammer still needs to hit it open to achieve a full pressurized cycle. However the design of the entirely assembly is different as WDP has added the “support bobbin” which offsets the lack of LPR piston before the valve. Apparently all of this was done to increase volume, lower operating pressure and provide more flow/volume.
· Ram Stroke Adjustment/Servicing
The speed’s ram is unlike any other Angel ram out there as it does not require a snap ring. This means less maintenance but once again the same performance and reliability. The ram tool kit still works, the adjustment of the ram is still identical to the previous Angels but the snap ring step is no longer required for tuning. In addition to the new adjustment methods, the ram itself is now serviceable; allowing for the user to maintain the ram more in-depth without having to buy a new ram kit each time which ensures more reliable performance. Lastly, you’ll find that the hammer has been formed differently, providing for what appears to be a more streamlined look and lighter feel.
· Trigger
Perhaps one of the most useful additions to the speed is the slightly redesigned trigger. The trigger still operates on the three pivot system (a feature of the space frame) but a 4th screw has been added on the face of the trigger actuator. The screw configuration is identical to that on the Intimidator and allows you to further adjust the contact point that the trigger makes with the opto-board contact point. Adjustment of the three screws allows you to set the trigger pull/release to essentially nothing and allow for ridiculous bounce, something that could not be achieved with the IR3 opto-board. The trigger itself is quite comfortable, featuring a ‘stick’ design to it but still having a mid-section bump for walking the trigger (double-taping). The trigger itself is the best stock version I’ve seen from WDP and the side-to-side play is almost nonexistent. Only complaint here was the over travel length out of the box, it was quite long.
Performance
Now for the part that you actually want to read on the review, how does the marker perform? My configuration proved to be less than desirable with a preset air system and a poor paint-to-barrel match. With no adjustments on the marker it was shooting 368-372-370 out of the box. Those numbers being off the charts, the chronograph consistency range was impressive! As I continually screwed the velocity screw in I find the overall decrease to be minimal until finally with the screw all the way in to achieve a 287fps reading. Obviously performance would be seriously inhibited with the screw this far in allowing for less than desirable performance.
Supposedly, the marker should operate at 350psi out of the mini-reg and shoot 280fps with a LPR reading of 82psi. With a mini-reg input of 830psi the lowest I could get the mini-regulator to read was 410psi causing the irregular high velocity. While no damage was done to the marker, clearly the operating pressure and velocity is not desirable and illegal at all fields.
According to Russ, the piston within the mini-reg was redesigned to handle the low operating pressure of the marker but input pressure must be within 500-700psi with 600psi as optimal. Sorry to say, you’re going to be hard pressed using a preset bottle unless you opt for a large bore barrel on small bore paint.
As for marker performance, exceptional! It handled over 5 cases of paint today with no signs of internal wear and tear and not a single break in the breech or rear of the barrel. Chronograph consistency was +4/-4 out of the box and throughout the first 5 cases, even though the reading was well over 300fps. Ironically, none of the paintballs broke due to the exceptionally high velocity.
It’s difficult to measure the kick of the marker due to the exceptional high pressure, however I did not find the kick (even at the current velocity) to be worse than that of a properly configured IR3. Thus this leads me to believe that the kick on the marker when properly configured would be less than that of the IR3. I’ve never been one to complaint about this ‘problem’ on the IR3 as I felt that the kick assisted in walking the trigger especially with a shorter trigger pull.
The speed was no exception. Using an Evolution II loader (with Y-board) I immediately lit up the entire ‘speedometer’ and was greeted with numerous blank shots on my first string. The marker is ridiculously fast and high rates of fire are extremely easy to achieve. I found myself burning through a full hopper (150rds) in a matter of seconds and constantly reaching for more pods to send through the marker.
Efficiency was also impressive, especially with such a high velocity. Using a dwell of 13ms, I recorded approximately 2100 shots off a warm 88ci/5000psi fill. I expect this to be slightly more once the marker is broken in with the ability to possibly record 2500 on optimal settings and operating pressure.
I next proceeded to use a HALO B (TE software) loader on the marker, with SENSI off and the MROF set at 22bps. While the blank shots vanished in my strings, occasionally when the ‘speedometer’ peaked a blank shot would occur. However the HALO clearly distinguished itself as the better loader of the two used, thus I’d rank it the best to use on this marker. Plus with the security of the dual détentes, the use of the HALO B (even without the TE software) is now a thing of possibility. The dual détentes and harder springs provide much more resistance to the speed that the HALO B creates and the pressure on the ball stack.
Thus, overall I give the Speed a rating of 4 out of 10 overall. Now, you might ask why such a poor rating? The marker is phenomenal, clearly the best product that WDP has produced and for my purposes a better marker (and value) than the IR3. However, John Rice’s engineering has let me down significantly this time with the mini-reg. I’d be willing to bet that the preset air system to adjustable air system (reliable) is 3-1 if not higher for players. The fact of the matter is they’re cheaper and more reliable than systems like the Max-Flo and the AIR. Not to mention significantly lighter than systems like the Armageddon and Apocalypse. WDP has decided to exclude these preset air system users in the Speed, a decision that in my opinion is both uneducated and unintelligent. With a market that features markers like the Intimidator and Matrix in such demand, WDP had what appeared to be a gold mine. A superior product to previous models at a price much less than those models, especially at $900 when they were first released.
Now you find the speed to be priced at $999 and the demand much higher than the supply. I also firmly believe that we’ll see a 5th generation Angel within the next 3-7 months available on the market. I know IR3 owners are disgruntled over the speed, just as I will be if a 5th generation marker comes out within the next 6 months that is a better product than my speed.
This marker would receive a 9 out of 10 based on price, style, performance and comfort. It has features I require but now with features I don’t need eliminated to reduce price. However, the fact that I must now invest in another secondary regulator or a new air system to use my marker, negates the price saved and makes the marker priced at well over $1200 after the air system is purchased. Perhaps WDP should bundle an AIR regulator with the marker like SP does on the Max-Flo at $1100. Or at least offer that as an option, considering most Speed owners will flock towards that air system to use on their marker.
I trust that WDP is aware of the complaints and disgust from preset air system users, at least one would hope. I would imagine that we can expect to see some sort of modification allowing the speed to run on a preset, but I also imagine this modification to come at a price and probably involve the purchase of HP mini-reg.
Would I recommend the purchase of a Speed? Absolutely, assuming you have an adjustable air system. I would also point you in the direction of the Speed over the IR3 but caution you about future models that will succeed the Speed. WDP has put together a phenomenal marker with only one flaw. At least have the marker operate at 180psi out of the box if you’re going to redesign the mini-reg to run at such low pressures. Heck, they’re not even shipping the Speeds with the volumizers. Come on Frazer, Owen and JR!
Marfless