Cheap, reliable blowbacks?

[SCpoloRicker]

hAO,

Once I get my feet back underneath me employment-wise, I'm planning on picking some new equipment.

I'm actually considering buying two or three of the same, less-expensive, blowback-style markers. I'm planning on running Eggs and ramping software, so decent eyes are also important.

My logic is; have multiple sets of everything, ideally three, but two may be enough. I'm rough on my gear, so tack-on mods such as PredII upgrades aren't an option (I've torn eyes several times).

At the low end, I'm considering something like 3 Piranhas, at the high end maybe 2 Vikings or something. Thoughts/input on different models, as well as general commentary are welcome.

El Rickerino

[Stealth Fighter]

Well, Mags aren't blowback, there blowforward, but I still recommend one. A couple of classics would be the seasoning, or you could get a hyperframed(electric) mag for about $300 and that would be nice as well.

[magman007]

why would he do that, when he is selling his dmag now?

[SCpoloRicker]

Actually, its sold. :) I'm just waiting on a barrel to be returned, then she'll likely be gone forever.

I'm not really thinking of mags; I want cheap reliable electrics.

[Steelrat]

03 viking. Hump noids, clamping neck, was or pandora, eyes. I've seen em below 400.

Maybe some older LCD angels, or possibly some tippman a-5s with e frames.

[slade]

...why?

i must be missing something here. i can see having a backup, but to me theres no point in getting multiple of one marker... ahh well.

id say stay away from blowbacks at all costs. i hated my piranha and i never want another blowback marker. with how cheap markers are now, theres just no point anyway. id say go for a promaster (or two, i guess) its great for the price. you could go with a viking too, but ive never liked their size/feel.

[SCpoloRicker]

...why?

i must be missing something here. i can see having a backup, but to me theres no point in getting multiple of one marker... ahh well.

My thought was if something breaks, you have a common pool of parts. I tend to throw stuff in the gear bag and leave it there.

Also, I often bring friends out to play, and often have more than one setup needed as a loaner. I'm sure theres no coincidence with my stuff getting broken...

id say stay away from blowbacks at all costs. i hated my piranha and i never want another blowback marker. with how cheap markers are now, theres just no point anyway. id say go for a promaster (or two, i guess) its great for the price. you could go with a viking too, but ive never liked their size/feel.

I've thought about the Promasters, but I don't know much about them. Stock bodied Viking is starting to make more sense now that I think about it.

[slade]

I've thought about the Promasters, but I don't know much about them. Stock bodied Viking is starting to make more sense now that I think about it.

wuss. thats all the fun of it!

ive never owned a promaster but seriously, how hard can it be? its just another stacked tube electropneumatic. a vikings a great choice if you like the feel, but dont discount a gun just because you dont know anything about it.

[Steelrat]

I've thought about the Promasters, but I don't know much about them. Stock bodied Viking is starting to make more sense now that I think about it.

My impression of promasters is that they need some upgraded parts to work well.

Go with a 2k3 viking if you don't mind the slight weight penalty over the 2k4. The 2k3 detent system is more reliable. Don't worry about a gun not having an SCM, the stock LPR worked very very well. All you need is a razor blade trigger and a clamping neck, and you are ready to rock.

[slade]

My impression of promasters is that they need some upgraded parts to work well.

itl work fine out of the box, but ICD regs are notoriously low quality. the regs should be the first to go.

[Steelrat]

itl work fine out of the box, but ICD regs are notoriously low quality. the regs should be the first to go.

Right, which is why the viking is probably a better choice. The stock valve, reg, and lpr are the best you can get, no upgrades needed besides the feedneck and trigger.

[slade]

Right, which is why the viking is probably a better choice. The stock valve, reg, and lpr are the best you can get, no upgrades needed besides the feedneck and trigger.

but vikings are also bigger, heavier, and more expensive, despite their age.

[Steelrat]

but vikings are also bigger, heavier, and more expensive, despite their age.

What, like 1 lb heavier? And you can get a 2k3 for under $400. There is a reason the promaster is cheaper. Ricker wants a gun he can just toss around, and the build of the viking helps in that respect.

[SCpoloRicker]

but vikings are also bigger, heavier, and more expensive, despite their age.

Heavy is good. Heavy is reliable. If it does not work, you can hit him with it.

I don't know, I mean if Steelrat can't break it... its pretty solid.

[deathstalker]

I also would like to chime in for the Viking. Compared to my Bushy (the only ICD product I own), the Viking will stand up to pretty much whatever you throw at it. My Bushy feels a bit fragile. Tough to put into words, but I hope I was clear. Also, maintenance on the Viking is as close to idiot-proof as you can get. Finally, prices are so low for AKA markers now that I simply don't think you can turn down the incredible value they offer. Heck, pick up a used Excal while you're at it!

As for having multiple markers, there are a number of reasons some of us do it. Parts is one reason. Another is liking it so much that you want another, just set up a little differently. Maybe different ano or milling, maybe different aftermarket parts, maybe a project marker so I can say, "I built that!"

I think a lot of it also has to do with disposable income. You're much less likely to find a teenager with a collection of 10+ markers than you are a college graduate with a steady income. If you're single, it's even easier.