E-mag - strengths/need improvements
I've owned a powerfeed (which I prefer b/c it's easier to clean and you can turn off the powerfeed) E-mag for almost a year and I have the following observations.
1. The only time I have broken any paint was when the batteries in my hopper died. I don't understand where the "Mags break a lot of paint" rumor comes from.
2. The valve and electronics performs flawlessly. The ability to switch to manual mode saved me the one time I forgot to charge my battery. The quality of design and construction service is excellent.
3. The battery foregrip is quite comfortable and is not unduly heavy. However, the battery does not hold its charge for more than a week.
My only criticism with the stock E-mag is its ergonomics. First, the weight. Although the E-mag is not substantially heavier than other guns, the weight distribution (back-heavy) makes it feel heavier than it is. The culprits are the body rail, sight rail and the grip frame. There is a lot of excess metal on the body rail and grip frame so AGD or an after-market manufacturer ought to produce a lighter version of these components. The elaborate sight rail (and the six screws that hold it) should be replaced with a simple grooved rail bonded onto the body. In addition to saving weight it is easier to clean without the many nooks in the current rail in which paint and dirt accumulate. Keep a sight rail - I use a dot sight and with the E-mag's accuracy it works.
The second area needing improvement is the grip frame. As I mentioned previously the huge grip frame contributes to the weight and balance issue. BBT has the right idea with the SFL E-mag by milling down the grip. The wide, thick grip frame coupled with the flat grip panels makes the E-mag uncomfortable to hold and hinders the high rate of fire that it is capable of achieving. I just bought an angel and the grip frame and weight distribution makes all the difference in the world. I personally do not like the shape of the double trigger that comes stock on the E-mag and the angel. It is a matter of personal preference. While there are several choices of angel triggers there are currently no after-market triggers available for the E-mag. I for one prefer a straighter trigger like the blade trigger.
I realize that the SFL E-mag and the Extreme E-mag address some of these issues I have described. However, they cost an extra $400-$500 than a stock E-mag and they don't offer the choice of powerfeed. I want a no nonsense performer. Give me a lightened body rail, grip frame and blade trigger and I'm good to go. I don't want to pay extra for fancy milling or rainbow colors.
The bottom line is that E-mag owners need more choices. Part of the appeal of autocockers is the wide array of choices players have; buy a stock gun and upgrade (cosmetic as well as functional) or choose from a variety of fully-assembled custom autocockers (ie Eclipse, freeflow, etc.). For whatever reason companies like DYE, Planet Paintball (Eclipse) and KAPP are not making after-market parts for E-mags and that is a shame. Modified Paintball is working on a Magnum E-mag project and I look forward to see what they come up with. I hope that AGD as well pays attention.
1. The only time I have broken any paint was when the batteries in my hopper died. I don't understand where the "Mags break a lot of paint" rumor comes from.
2. The valve and electronics performs flawlessly. The ability to switch to manual mode saved me the one time I forgot to charge my battery. The quality of design and construction service is excellent.
3. The battery foregrip is quite comfortable and is not unduly heavy. However, the battery does not hold its charge for more than a week.
My only criticism with the stock E-mag is its ergonomics. First, the weight. Although the E-mag is not substantially heavier than other guns, the weight distribution (back-heavy) makes it feel heavier than it is. The culprits are the body rail, sight rail and the grip frame. There is a lot of excess metal on the body rail and grip frame so AGD or an after-market manufacturer ought to produce a lighter version of these components. The elaborate sight rail (and the six screws that hold it) should be replaced with a simple grooved rail bonded onto the body. In addition to saving weight it is easier to clean without the many nooks in the current rail in which paint and dirt accumulate. Keep a sight rail - I use a dot sight and with the E-mag's accuracy it works.
The second area needing improvement is the grip frame. As I mentioned previously the huge grip frame contributes to the weight and balance issue. BBT has the right idea with the SFL E-mag by milling down the grip. The wide, thick grip frame coupled with the flat grip panels makes the E-mag uncomfortable to hold and hinders the high rate of fire that it is capable of achieving. I just bought an angel and the grip frame and weight distribution makes all the difference in the world. I personally do not like the shape of the double trigger that comes stock on the E-mag and the angel. It is a matter of personal preference. While there are several choices of angel triggers there are currently no after-market triggers available for the E-mag. I for one prefer a straighter trigger like the blade trigger.
I realize that the SFL E-mag and the Extreme E-mag address some of these issues I have described. However, they cost an extra $400-$500 than a stock E-mag and they don't offer the choice of powerfeed. I want a no nonsense performer. Give me a lightened body rail, grip frame and blade trigger and I'm good to go. I don't want to pay extra for fancy milling or rainbow colors.
The bottom line is that E-mag owners need more choices. Part of the appeal of autocockers is the wide array of choices players have; buy a stock gun and upgrade (cosmetic as well as functional) or choose from a variety of fully-assembled custom autocockers (ie Eclipse, freeflow, etc.). For whatever reason companies like DYE, Planet Paintball (Eclipse) and KAPP are not making after-market parts for E-mags and that is a shame. Modified Paintball is working on a Magnum E-mag project and I look forward to see what they come up with. I hope that AGD as well pays attention.
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