Been out of the game for a few years ... need help!

[MikeCouves]

Hi folks, I used to be an avid Automags.org user and paintball player, but school and other stuff really took over. I am getting back into the game and am having great difficulty deciding on a new gun. I currently have my old Minimag with HPA and 12v Rev w/Intellifeed, and I must say, I still have no problems with it. But as I get older, my buying options widen with more money ... so I am asking for a bit of assistance with a new gun. I laugh at all the names I cannot recognize because I used to know of every paintball gun is existence, but APPARENTLY, times are a changin.

I've always wanted an Vision Impulse, and they are much cheaper than they were a few years ago ... so that was at the top of my list. I AM looking for a tournament capable marker as I plan to get another team together. My main question is if it is worth it to save alot more and get a newer E-Mag? I love mags and would love to upgrade to a higher level one. But if there are other options out there it would be great if you could enlighten me.

Just keep in mind:

• Tournament level setup
• Will settle for keeping my Minimag with the proper upgrades
• Kinda want something pretty

Thank you so much for your time, the AO body has been good to me in that past and I hope to see the same response from a great crowd.

-Mike

[stop whining buy a mag]

It would really help if you could tell us exactly how much money you are looking to dish you.

If you want to stick with mags and play tournaments you'll want to get an E-mag, X-mag, or Devilmag. Don't buy a brand new E-mag, you can pick up a used X-mag for the same price. Flashed with the Xmod software (look in the Deep Blue section for LorneCashe's thread) they will keep up.

I'll get bashed for this but I want to be honest with you. The mags are not the latest and greatest things. If you seriously want to get the best of the best look at the DM6 or Ego (06 or 05, both are just fine). The Impulses are now outdated but you may want to take a look at the Shockers. They will require a fair amount of upgrades (board, feedneck, bolt kit, trigger, regulator, etc) but they are fairly cheap. Ignore the Ion. It is not a tournament ready marker and those things require so many upgrades it is not worth your time. If you plan on getting a Smart Parts gun be aware that you will need a clamping feedneck and at least a board that can be capped.

I shoot a DM6 right now and couldn't ask for anything more. They don't need a single upgrade unless you really want the few extra (basically useless modes) that the aftermarket boards offer. The two boards currently availible are the Virtue and Tadao. I'd take Tadao over Virtue just because I like the Tadao products. The only true benefit these boards give is better eye logic.

Just let us know how much you're looking to shell out and we'll recommend what will suit you best. Times have probably changed a lot since you stopped playing so it also isn't too bad to go around and do some shopping/research.

[MikeCouves]

For price range ... I really can spend as much as necessary. I do plan on becoming quite serious with paintball again so upto 2000 or so which should cover my needs. The Canadian Army pays me well .

So the DM6 is a good go? I really am looking for as many personal opinions as possible because that's what really matters. I am technically capable, but I don't want to always be fixing or waiting on new parts that I need.

Thanks,

Mike

[stop whining buy a mag]

A lot of people will tell you to go around and try out some guns. This is really a great way to get to know what you like. Some people just prefer the feel of some guns over others. Before you make any big purchases, try out a DM6, Ego, Angel (G7 or Gat), Shocker, and maybe a few others.

If you really want to stick with mags go ahead and pick up an X-mag from Ebay or here on the B/S/T forums. Get the Xmod software on there so you have ramping and you'll be good to go. May not be as light or effecient as the newest guns out there but it will be something unique.

It's so hard to explain things over the internet. I've been in love with Dye ever since I've had my DM4 so I'm somewhat biased but everyone will agree that they are very low maintainence. Pull out the bolt every other time you play and lube it up real good.

Just remembered, Dye has a "cheaper" line called Proto. They basically take that years model (say DM6) and strip it down a little to make the PM6. They are almost the same guns minus some small differences. At $725 new, this is another gun you should take a serious look at.

That's all I can think of for now. Check out PBReview.com. There's some biased reviews on there but just search for "longest review" when looking at a product. Generally the longer reviews are the best and you can *gasp* undrstad wat tohes kiddies r saying!

[PnueMagger]

Look into some of the new E-spyders

[Pyroboy597]

06 Ego, or if you really want to stand out, an SL66 XSV Ego.

Mmmmm purrrty

[BD_Paintball]

if you want a dm6 just get a pm6 and get UL frame. its just about the same gun but pm6 w/ UL is lighter and smaller. me and my brother both shoot PM's and we love them. i would look into a PM5 or 6. other nice guns are egos, upgraded shockers, borgs, a new timmy. I would say try some of the high end stuff and see what you like.

[magman007]

i disagree with bd, if you are going to go trix, go dm6. its a better gun than the proto, already comes with the ul frame, and has a few more tweeks, hence wihy it is the flagship marker. Sure a pm6 with a ul frame will be i believe an oz lighter, but it dosent come with the refinement of the dm6.

the dm6 over the pm6 runs a considerably lower pressure, around 140 where as the pm6 is around 180 psi, this allows for a smoother opperation, and with proper lpr tuning, lighter bolt to ball combination, it also comes with the self cleaning eyes, which at first provided to be a bit of a hassle, but noe are working flawlessly. My dm6 never had eye issues, where as some others did.

also, if you are looking for something, and you are planning on spending good money on it, why not buy the best that money can buy?

go with the dm6, you will not be dissapointed.

[MikeCouves]

Look into some of the new E-spyders

HAH! That is hilarious. Although I did at one day have a Shutter, and it worked great, but with the issue we all have, NOT FAST ENOUGH!! That is my eternal search for everything bwahaha.

Anyways ...

I like the DYE line ... I'm having trouble really seeing the differences in the 4, 5, and 6's though. From what people have told me the're "basically" the same. If I were to get a DM5 would I be cutting corners from not getting a DM6?

-Mike

[FiXeL]

[MikeCouves]

Yeah it gets mighty cold here in the winter. That's good that it's only weight and size, I can deal with that. If I'm not really getting alot performance wise I can't justify spending that much more on something.

I kinda have my sights set on a matrix. They seem to be the right gun for my money and needs. Can anyone prove different?

-Mike

[stop whining buy a mag]

Yeah it gets mighty cold here in the winter. That's good that it's only weight and size, I can deal with that. If I'm not really getting alot performance wise I can't justify spending that much more on something.

I kinda have my sights set on a matrix. They seem to be the right gun for my money and needs. Can anyone prove different?

-Mike

Converted!

Hurry up and go buy one before the SP boys get on here and get you into the Nazi movement!

When you do plan on getting one I'd suggest you go to your local paintball store. You might save $100 buying online but if you're local store has a decent price on these then buy from them. Tell them you will buy one right now if they offer a warranty and will show you how to completely disassemble it. That way you won't have to ship your gun all the way to Dye and wait to get your gun back. Of course, if your store doesn't have the color you want or stock DM6's then just order online. You can PM anytime if you have any questions.

[BD_Paintball]

i would also look at the used market. i have seen DM's and PM's go very cheap on pbn. look for someone who has alot of good feedback if you are ok with used markers. i have bought many used guns and got my pm5 used and haven't had any problems with any of the guns that i bought.

[stop whining buy a mag]

i would also look at the used market. i have seen DM's and PM's go very cheap on pbn. look for someone who has alot of good feedback if you are ok with used markers. i have bought many used guns and got my pm5 used and haven't had any problems with any of the guns that i bought.

The only problem I see with buying used, is he might have to deal with other people's problems. I hate getting crap from people that is so dirty it takes me two hours to clean it and then find out the "clean mod" they did looks like they handed a monkey a Dremel.

Support your local store if they've got good prices and are willing to spend a half hour showing you everything about the gun.

[etjoyride]

YOu seem to have made up your mind, however, seeing as you live in canada you might want to talk to some people with spoolers and see how they work around there. This is only because i have heard spool valve markers suffer in the cold, i could be wrong though. If that will not be a problem, then PM's/DM's are an awesome choice.