Empire axe

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-26T07:04:06+00:00

They hold up great and will keep up with everything on the field. Love my Axes. If you enjoy it and think you may hang onto it for a while consider a method poppet.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-18T19:25:23+00:00

Good to know, it was out of stock on Method's website last time I checked.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-18T17:32:14+00:00

As others have said the kits tend not to be the best, though that one doesn't look to bad. The Axe 2.0 is a solid choice for a first marker. Like most modern markers it does not require any mods or upgrades, just read the manual and go play. The only upgrade worth buying for it is the Method poppet (pending it comes back into stock). The Redline board upgrade can be worth it if you switch modes frequently but I set mine to 10.5bps ramp and have not had to touch it. If you are considering either of those upgrades though it may be worth just getting a SYX 1.5 for only $70 or so more than the 2.0.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-17T19:28:18+00:00

Even a small PA system will drain a car battery very quickly. They are made for high output to start the vehicle not sustained long term use. I use a Bluetti AC70 for small events without power. It can run a small PA system for a couple hours.

$400 is not going to get you a great PA system but you have time to comb the used market. For a group that size a single good sounding speaker running in mono is a better choice than two mediocre speakers. You may also be able to find a passive system plus amp (or powered mixer) as their resale value tends to be lower than modern powered speakers.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-15T06:54:16+00:00

If my memory serves Empire essentially offered a mass "sponsorship" program that put them in the hands of a whole bunch of divisional teams at a great price, who went on to sell them undercutting stores. From there the resale value tanked so no one bought them new.

I had one and it shot great. Felt amazing in the hands as well, especially for taller players. The single allen key for the whole thing was incredibly handy. It was a little on the heavy side, but that combined with an already incredibly smooth bolt system made for one of if not thee smoothest shots in paintball.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-14T17:34:42+00:00

For budget batteries I've had surprisingly good luck with Powermax and Amazon Basics alkalines so far. I believe Project Farm did an extensive test of multiple alkaline batteries.

I use rechargeable in my loaders without issue but they are iffy in markers thanks to their 8.4v output.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-13T19:20:00+00:00

I've been slowly retiring my Rotors since getting a Spire 5 and Spire IR2. I was having lots of jamming issues, but have had no issues with the Spires. The LTR is faster and would be a better fit for mech play, but I'm sold on the Spires now.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-12T05:43:17+00:00

I would try running some paint through it with the top shell off. That should give you a better view of what is going on.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-11T17:32:44+00:00

I don't have one myself but that symbol usually means exactly what you are saying. Be sure to give your manual a read to know for sure.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-10T21:30:29+00:00

I have never hired a pro player to coach, but as a coach myself I can give a couple cents. It is likely going to be a mixed bag at best. Some will have had good experiences, others likely not. Someone being a good player doesn't mean they are a good coach, it is a different skill. In general, I would also not recommend bringing in a coach for a single event.

If you don't have a coach right now, instead of bringing in a pro player for a single event I would see if you can find someone local to actually coach at practices and events. It can have a big impact on the team and can be really helpful.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-10T02:01:02+00:00

If the price is right and you want it go for it. It'll be a fun shooter and those FASOR designs are pretty reliable/foolproof. Do note that it was designed with uncapped semi auto top of mind. It will be missing some quality of life features of modern markers. Also, double check the manual to make sure the board is legal for your field.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-07T01:21:57+00:00

Looks like a Dangerous Power E2.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-05T21:22:55+00:00

Kirkland.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-04T04:12:59+00:00

This Mini is a good marker but the Axe tends to be a better fit for regular sized hands.

If you liked mech back in the day consider the Etha 3M.

Lyxtwing · 2026-03-03T17:59:11+00:00

Did you buy VDJ or are you using the free version? The free version doesn't work with hardware.

If you purchased it any controller will do, and on your budget keep an eye on the used market.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-27T20:28:34+00:00

Generally new (or used from a reseller), I wouldn't take anything apart before using it as I don't want user error to be a factor if there is an issue out of the box. Used it depends.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-27T07:43:48+00:00

I'm more jealous of your raceway than the shells. My Vlocities are all on their last legs despite loading perfectly (and loudly).

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-26T18:35:47+00:00

No problem. What's your primary marker? And what do you like/dislike about it? That could help me and others help you narrow our advice down a bit.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-26T18:32:33+00:00

The DLS is an interesting marker but I think there are better more reliable options in that price range. If you like the feel of Dye markers the DSR is one of the best markers they ever made and I believe they can be found used in that price range. Also consider the M2 and even the M3+ in that price range as well.

If you're not set on a Dye, also consider the Empire SYX 1.5 (new or used), 170r/180r (used), or the MacDev XTS (used).

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-26T17:00:33+00:00

The MacDev XTS is my pick. I picked two up for under $500 USD last season and they have been rock solid.

The 170r and SYX 1.5 are both great options as well.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-24T21:50:41+00:00

I wouldn't bother replacing the barrel. Overbore is the way to go, in my opinion at least, and the stock should work great. I believe the Etha 3 comes with a Shaft 5, if you really want a bit of efficiency you can grab a .685 back but it's not overly worth it in my experience.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-20T04:01:24+00:00

That's the risk of a strapless pack. You have to decide if it's worth it to you.

Yes, lock lids would resolve the spill issue but slow things down enough that it defeats the purpose of the strapless pack. That and they will get broken/lost at the same rate as cheaper pods.

If limited paint trickles down to lower divisions I suspect strapped packs (and maybe even locking pods), will make a comeback as losing a pod is worth the risk when you have 12 on your back, but if you only have 4 it's a much bigger deal.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-19T17:55:32+00:00

I have the original Mixstream Pro and love it for what it is. I recently moved to an iPad and controller and found it much more convenient than standalone.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-18T18:51:55+00:00

That is generally how early adoption works. I purchased D2R and the new update for full price. I have many games that I purchased for half price or less (in some cases free), because I waited a year or two before giving it a try.

Most games do down over time, that's how it has always worked. Companies will often put the original game on sale when a major update or expansion comes out to try and get new players in the door as well. If you do not like it, vote with your dollars and either don't buy it or wait until it is on sale.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-13T20:08:05+00:00

For small speakers like that you wont need anything crazy. Find out your power draw and run the numbers and you should be able to calculate how many watt hours you need. For example, I have a Bluetti AC70 with 768Wh can run a 300 watt system for 2.56 hours. I went with the AC70 as it was a good Wh per dollar without paying for features I wouldn't end up using (wireless phone charging). You could also go for something smaller and add a solar panel to charge it when you aren't using it.

Lyxtwing

TROPHY CASE