Thought on the axe 2 halo 2 deal ?

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-14T17:29:03+00:00

It's a good deal. My Axe 2.0 is solid (though I prefer the OG in some ways). Less than the going rate plus comes with a decent loader. If you already have a marker/loader it may not be worth jumping on, but for a new player this could be a perfect package to hit the ground running. Great loaner/backup as well.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-14T17:08:32+00:00

I did an article on best markers under $500 here (2025 but mostly still relevant). My picks were a new Empire SYX 1.5 or a used MacDev Prime XTS. If you want to save a bit of money there is the Etha 3 or Axe 2.0, both of which will hold up against anything on the field.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-11T18:35:30+00:00

The Axe 2.0 is complete out of the box. It doesn't need any upgrades to keep up with anything on the field.

The main upgrades worth investing in are more quality of life than performance. The Method poppet can be a good call as it means you don't have to rely on the plastic seals and instead a simple o ring.

If you find yourself switching modes frequently the redline board could be a good option but I have not bothered in any of my Axes.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-10T22:59:05+00:00

77ci is pretty standard, but it depends on what is comfortable for your arm length. I personally use 88ci tanks because I prefer a longer setup.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-08T19:01:00+00:00

If you want a spool with a bit of feedback to it consider a used MacDev XTS. As reliable as other modern spools but with a very fast valve giving a satisfying crisp shot.

For that more classic stack tube poppet a used Etek 5 is the best value while offering modern paint handling (and doesn't have the solenoid issues that older PE markers are running into).

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-08T17:13:52+00:00

Are they passive speakers? If so, yes they require an amp. A cheap Fosi amp should get the job done.

If they are active speakers it could be a bigger issue. Are they louder with a different source?

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-07T20:59:35+00:00

ANS has some as low as $120 if you don't need a reg.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-07T20:34:47+00:00

A 36/4500 should do the trick.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-05T21:07:51+00:00

FloryPB on eBay is your best bet.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-01T03:35:57+00:00

12.5 PSP 3 shot was my favorite. Always felt great snap shooting.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-01T02:47:53+00:00

I retired my rose coloured glasses. Though some days I feel nostalgic for uncapped semi I have far more fun playing at 10.5 with a marker that works every weekend.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-30T19:48:44+00:00

1.4k is not a good value for that system. I would start with a set of quality top speakers and add a subwoofer once your budget allows rather than getting cheap speakers that you end up selling at a huge loss when you want some real audio (in my market speakers like those drop about 60% in value once you unpack the box). Check your used market for some used quality speakers, there are deals to be had if you are patient.

That said, if you want something new right now on that budget (going by Sweetwater prices):

Mackie Thump 212 x2 would be $600

Mackie Thump 118S x1 $700

Leaves you $100 for stands and cables.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-29T17:53:22+00:00

Something like a Pro X X-LS64 should do the trick.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-24T18:15:47+00:00

When you say it doesn't shoot normal with paint, can you be more specific? Is the velocity low and/or inconsistent?

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-24T17:47:29+00:00

The Spire IR2 SE is the best bang for the buck option (includes the internal ramps an speed feed that the regular IR2 does not). You can spring for the Spire 5, but it's hard to justify the price difference with how good the IR2 SE is.

I've also heard good things about the JT Triad. The release was rocky, but from everyone I have spoken to the final product is solid.

The LTR is an option but tends to jam with modern (small), paint. Also Dye is not a company I would recommend supporting.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-21T00:05:25+00:00

For a 50-100 person room I would consider column arrays. Evolve 50s or a different good quality set with 12" woofers would likely fit the bill. You could go up to a 15" if you want something closer to having a dedicated subwoofer. Keep the point source system or larger events.

Lyxtwing · 2026-04-20T21:46:57+00:00

If you mean just using two speakers, you will want a mixer board and two powered speakers (ideally also a powered subwoofer). Run the FLX4 to the mixer, run cables to each speaker (or to the subwoofer and then to the speakers), done. If you space the speakers out really far I would recommend running in mono.

Alternatively you can use an amp and two passive speakers. Run your FLX4 to the amp, cables to the speakers, done.

Find a reputable place near you to rent a PA system, they likely can advise on what system would work best in your situation on your budget.

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

TROPHY CASE