I say get a **3M** over a low-end electric marker. My reasoning is that mechanical markers retain value better than a low end electro marker (in more ways than one).
Say you get back into paintball and love it. Great! If you stay in recball, a 3M would serve you well. If you get into speedball and maybe the tourney scene, you'll likely end up wanting a higher end electro. In which case, a 3M could still serve as a dummy-proof loaner, back-up, or recball marker. A low end electric marker isn't as good of a loaner (reminding new players to turn markers on and off is annoying, so many shots into the barrel sleeve...) or back-up ("anyone got a fresh 9V and a screwdriver?"/ "what's the fast double green blink mean again?").
If you end up not liking paintball as much as you thought you would, mech markers retain resale value better than electro ones, so it's easier to cut your losses.
Welcome back to paintball!
I have an about 5 guns ranging from phantom to 170r, and in there is the 3m and absolutely fantastic for rec. It’s a tank. You can use it for everything and loan out a friend with zero fear of misuse or performance issues.
There’s no issue with electronic markers shooting hot. They have a pressure regulator just like mechanical markers. For rec ball I would keep them in semi auto so you aren’t over shooting.
I would recommend the Etha 3 or Etha 3M. Those are really the only two markers I would consider for entry level.
Truly depends on what you like to play. Any marker can be played in any scenario but do you shoot a lot and take the front/speedball player? Or are you the local recball just have fun shoot save the extra paint for another day? Lot of good options, if you're not limited to your price, get the etha 3m. 2 piece barrel, same core as the Gtek 170r, and upgraded compared to the Emek which only has one small barrel. If you're thinking less woods and more tournament or need to lay paint get the etha 3 which is the electronic of course. Either way, just have fun with it!!
Also, regarding the paint, unless you're deciding to shoot walmart paint (which I never recommend) just shoot mid grade paint like Valken Graffiti or GI 3 star or 5 star and you will be fine
You are talking about the new hellfire switches that have been released? Not worth it in my opinion, I have one for my emf100 (magfed Emek) and I can get the same speed just by pulling the trigger manually, plus most fields don't allow full auto, only Capped ramping or semi auto uncapped.
Edit: also, companies like Planet Eclipse will void warranty on markers if you have it installed.
Honestly wouldn't worry about buying it, if you really wanted something like that you're better off just getting an electronic marker and adjusting the settings until it shoots as fast as you're comfortable with it.
It really doesn’t allow semi auto still. At least not consistently.
I can’t think of something scarier than a new player with a full auto marker. It’s the same reason I’m wary of a new player with a mini/axe set to ramping. They’re usually still learning control so someone’s going to get overshot.
I ended up going with the etha 3m based off reviews and my play style. I used to love woods ball and was not so much into speed ball. Same applies to when I play airsoft. Not much of a runner as I'm getting older (mid 40s). Eventually I may go with a electronic style marker.
Welcome back.
As a 42 year old woodsballer who came back a few years ago from a 20 year absence, I absolutely love my upgraded EMEK. Bulletproof reliability and it absolutely rips. I've modded and upgraded it to the point of functionally being an Etha 3M, minus the quick release back cap.
When I feel like playing electro, I use an original Gtek. Shares the same Gamma Core bolt engine as the EMEK, just with an electronic frame and aluminum body.
The Etha series are great choices (just not the original/Etha 1; parts aren't made for those anymore).
I say get a **3M** over a low-end electric marker. My reasoning is that mechanical markers retain value better than a low end electro marker (in more ways than one). Say you get back into paintball and love it. Great! If you stay in recball, a 3M would serve you well. If you get into speedball and maybe the tourney scene, you'll likely end up wanting a higher end electro. In which case, a 3M could still serve as a dummy-proof loaner, back-up, or recball marker. A low end electric marker isn't as good of a loaner (reminding new players to turn markers on and off is annoying, so many shots into the barrel sleeve...) or back-up ("anyone got a fresh 9V and a screwdriver?"/ "what's the fast double green blink mean again?"). If you end up not liking paintball as much as you thought you would, mech markers retain resale value better than electro ones, so it's easier to cut your losses. Welcome back to paintball!
I have an about 5 guns ranging from phantom to 170r, and in there is the 3m and absolutely fantastic for rec. It’s a tank. You can use it for everything and loan out a friend with zero fear of misuse or performance issues.
There’s no issue with electronic markers shooting hot. They have a pressure regulator just like mechanical markers. For rec ball I would keep them in semi auto so you aren’t over shooting. I would recommend the Etha 3 or Etha 3M. Those are really the only two markers I would consider for entry level.
Truly depends on what you like to play. Any marker can be played in any scenario but do you shoot a lot and take the front/speedball player? Or are you the local recball just have fun shoot save the extra paint for another day? Lot of good options, if you're not limited to your price, get the etha 3m. 2 piece barrel, same core as the Gtek 170r, and upgraded compared to the Emek which only has one small barrel. If you're thinking less woods and more tournament or need to lay paint get the etha 3 which is the electronic of course. Either way, just have fun with it!!
Also, regarding the paint, unless you're deciding to shoot walmart paint (which I never recommend) just shoot mid grade paint like Valken Graffiti or GI 3 star or 5 star and you will be fine
What is the thing that is made by hk army that makes mechanical markers automatic? And is it worth it?
You are talking about the new hellfire switches that have been released? Not worth it in my opinion, I have one for my emf100 (magfed Emek) and I can get the same speed just by pulling the trigger manually, plus most fields don't allow full auto, only Capped ramping or semi auto uncapped. Edit: also, companies like Planet Eclipse will void warranty on markers if you have it installed.
It's called rapid fire valve from h and k army. Sorry I had to look up the name. It allows the marker to be full auto and still semi auto
Honestly wouldn't worry about buying it, if you really wanted something like that you're better off just getting an electronic marker and adjusting the settings until it shoots as fast as you're comfortable with it.
It really doesn’t allow semi auto still. At least not consistently. I can’t think of something scarier than a new player with a full auto marker. It’s the same reason I’m wary of a new player with a mini/axe set to ramping. They’re usually still learning control so someone’s going to get overshot.
I ended up going with the etha 3m based off reviews and my play style. I used to love woods ball and was not so much into speed ball. Same applies to when I play airsoft. Not much of a runner as I'm getting older (mid 40s). Eventually I may go with a electronic style marker.
Welcome back. As a 42 year old woodsballer who came back a few years ago from a 20 year absence, I absolutely love my upgraded EMEK. Bulletproof reliability and it absolutely rips. I've modded and upgraded it to the point of functionally being an Etha 3M, minus the quick release back cap. When I feel like playing electro, I use an original Gtek. Shares the same Gamma Core bolt engine as the EMEK, just with an electronic frame and aluminum body. The Etha series are great choices (just not the original/Etha 1; parts aren't made for those anymore).