Smart Parts Ion. Tourney gun for only $285

[Phil]

This marker is nuts. It came out Feb 11th and has been sold out everywhere. This thing comes with an adjustable magnetic trigger, break beam eyes (NO MORE CHOPPING PAINT, EVER) and has regulator built in! It is capable of 17 bps, it uses a blow-forward operation with a spool valve. It uses a newly designed solenoid to push the bolt back and uses the operating pressure to blow the bolt forward and then to push the ball to its desired speed. I've read a lot of reviews and it seems that this marker is real legit. It is of course electric and comes with many different firing modes. Its small, light, and has removable outer shells to change the color. I just purchased one for my girl that should get here soon, so I'll sell the tippmann I got her to make up most of the cost of it. The 98c was a little big and heavy for her. Down side of the gun is that it isn't exactly field stripable, so maintenance takes a while, but heck it takes forever to take apart even the model 98 when you have an ebolt on it. This marker is making it possible for peoeple who can't spend $900 on a great gun to stay very competitive. Info at http://www.smartparts.com/Products/Ion.aspx or for more details and reviews go to www.pbnation.com/forum and go to Smartparts/Ion area to read all about it and see some videos. You all will see it in a couple weeks when I get back from Mexico when my girl will be shooting yall up.
-phil

[Phil]

So Liz has gone through 2 days of paintball with the Ion and we are both very impressed. She has shot about 2000 rounds through it with Tork paint and has 0 chops and 0 barrel breaks. I've shot an additional 1000 rounds or so through it testing it and having some fun and I had 0 chops and just 1 barrel break. This marker is definitely worth more than its $285 price tag. With my Halo-B on it it rips like a crazy, especialy when it is on rebound mode. Maintenance on the marker is not to bad, its not exactly field stripable, and the eyes wiring harness is a little delicate, but even Liz was able to take it apart clean and lube it up. If you guys are looking for a new gun in that price range I would highly suggest it.
-Phil