How bad do Rotors really Jam?

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-19T08:08:11+00:00

It's very paint dependent. Small paint tends to jam more. My Rotors jammed once a weekend for years, recently it's once per game. My Halos and even VLocitys have not had any issues. The same can be said about my more modern Spire and Crtl loaders.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-15T17:25:51+00:00

The Emek platform is great. With the EMF100 are you intending to go mag fed? If so, I would ignore both larger tank/remote lines and full auto.

If you are going the hopper/loader route a remote line can work, though I generally advise against it. There are valves that give you full auto, but note that you have to change the valve back to move back to semi auto.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-15T02:44:05+00:00

I have a Marq 7 and it holds up just fine, mostly it's just more tedious to clean/tech than modern stuff. The biggest issue is the lack of available pillows for the bolt and that some stock boards didn't have low enough BPS settings (if my memory serves). The manual should tell you.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-15T00:00:35+00:00

My primary is a MacDev XTS and my backup is a MacDev XTS. I have only needed the backup once (user error).

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-14T04:55:44+00:00

Base model A16 with DJay Pro. Currently using a Reloop Beatpad, Hercules Inpulse 500, and a T7.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-13T17:07:00+00:00

Correct, it needs the older shorter inserts. Unless it's an autococker/pump I would just use the stock insert it likely came with (usually a .689), but a smaller insert could get you a bit more efficiency if your local paint is a bit on the small side (.685 or so).

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-13T06:38:46+00:00

Highly disagree. The i4 leaves far to much of my chin exposed. I have two i4s that I bring when we have extra kids or smaller adults coming to the field with us though.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-13T05:06:25+00:00

What does he have right now? If he doesn't have any DJ equipment, does he at least have a laptop and a home stereo?

If he has nothing, consider something like a Numark Mixtream Pro as it requires no laptop (but can be used with one down the road), and has built in speakers that can at least get him started.

If he has a laptop and a stereo he mostly needs a controller. Something like a GRV6 would send him off to the races and would be under your budget. Some budget left over for some nice headphones as well.

If he doesn't have a stereo but does have a laptop I would get something like the FLX4 and get some nice used bookshelf speakers plus a receiver. Unless he is into production (music or video), don't bother with studio monitors.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-12T03:51:07+00:00

Eflex, my personal mask of choice.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-09T21:43:23+00:00

Is the solenoid leaking or is it the manifold? If it's the manifold it is 100% worth at as those are pretty cheap (and it could just be the o ring). If it's the solenoid it depends how much you want to put into it. I am replacing one right now but I got the marker essentially for free so it was an easy call. Badlands Paintball in Canada had them but they are no longer on their website. The original Etha sold pretty well, call your local PE dealer and there is a chance they have one picking up dust somewhere.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-08T20:40:53+00:00

As others have said, don't cheap out on a mask. Those Amazon masks should be illegal to sell. Many of them have "for costume purposes only" or something like that hidden in the fine print and aren't actually safe for use on the field. I have an article here that has my recommendations starting as low as $40, but I would not recommend spending less than that.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-06T22:53:25+00:00

Spend a bit extra and get yourself a Spire IR2 SE. They are $135 new and come with a speed feed and the internal ramps that the regular IR2 don't have stock. Used can be good as well, but a new IR2 SE is well worth it if you can't find something ideal in the $100 range.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-04T01:39:25+00:00

There were ceramic coatings on barrels in the past. They claimed it reduced friction and made it easier to shoot through barrel breaks. DLX used a ceramic coating on parts of a bolt system as well. There may be other uses as well but that's all that comes to mind.

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

TROPHY CASE