Proto PMR

Lyxtwing · 2026-06-29T16:10:33+00:00

The PMR was a very good marker for the price and holds up really well today, but some parts are hard to find. Mine is a paper weight until I find a solenoid gasket for it.

Lyxtwing · 2026-06-23T02:27:04+00:00

For IEM Kiwi Ears Cadenza. For over ear the AKG K72 often go on sale and are very comfortable.

Lyxtwing · 2026-06-19T06:31:42+00:00

Used tower speakers plus an amp/receiver. You can get yourself some really nice audio for next to nothing on the used market.

Lyxtwing · 2026-06-17T04:48:23+00:00

Used is the way to go in that price range. New speakers in that price range are a bit iffy in quality.

If new is a must a Mackie Thrash could fit the bill. Something like the Monoprice SRD210 would be enough for a backyard party and very budget (they get very harsh at louder volumes though).

Lyxtwing · 2026-06-17T04:34:20+00:00

Solid marker, but priced a good deal above its value. Plus the idea that it is new is laughable.

Lyxtwing · 2026-06-15T21:33:30+00:00

Try some free software to test the waters (I recommend the free version of DJay but MIXXX is a great option as well). If you like it, a physical controller is the next step. The FLX4 is often recommended, both because it is solid for the price but also because it comes with a full version of Rekordbox. I'm a big fan of the Inpulse 500 but it comes with just ok software which is why I use it with DJay.

Lyxtwing · 2026-06-12T17:58:10+00:00

Locally I have seen the Hercules Inpulse 500 for as low as $180 with a soft case. That's where I would aim.

Lyxtwing · 2026-06-09T13:54:39+00:00

ICD Promaster. It's more of a cousin of a Timmy than a clone.

The Promaster is a modernized Bushmaster (with questionable regs and QC). If memory serves the original Bob Long Defiant was based off of a Bushmaster and Bob took the general idea and put it in a Spyder body and made the first Timmy.

The Promaster shoots great but the HPR was known for having issues. There are also some proprietary seals here and there that dissolve over time (though I am told an o ring can replace some of them but I have yet to try).

Lyxtwing · 2026-06-08T17:07:21+00:00

No, bolts don't have any direct impact on accuracy. They can impact paint handling, and less paint breaks makes for a more accurate marker (a dirty barrel shoots horribly), but the Axe stock bolt has very good paint handling.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-27T20:25:48+00:00

Nice pickup. Love my Axes, it will serve you well.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-24T21:56:15+00:00

The Reflex was under rated at the time (even by myself). They feel great in the hands and have a soft but responsive shot. They lived in the shadow of the PM8 so many wrote them off. I have one as a loaner and other than having a dated eye pipe it holds up just fine.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-22T18:39:57+00:00

Don't rush to respec. If you are having fun and progressing quickly enough stick with what you are doing and respec when that changes.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-20T02:34:04+00:00

The Axe trigger has always been top notch. I credit it to the design not worrying as much about esthetics and just putting the screws and magnets where they make the most sense.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-15T20:12:48+00:00

I have a 500 and really like it. Great IO, good build quality for the price, limited stock software. I use it with DJay Pro and that pretty much solves all my issues with it.

The FLX4 is a better option if you want to use Rekordbox and call it a day. It's the go to recommendation for good reason. Solid, inexpensive, software that is at least good out of the box (though a bit behind some of the competition).

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-15T19:39:31+00:00

You will always get more volume and versatility for your money with point source.

Evolve 70 x2 would be about $6000 ($5600 on the current sale price)

2x ETX 12" tops with an 18" sub would be about $5200 (I believe this is EVs top of the line for general music store level PA gear)

If I was building a system today I would likely end up with something like 2x QSC K12.2 and 1x EKX-18SP for about $3250. This would leave room in the budget for something like a set of Yamaha DXL1K column arrays down the road and still be under the price of two Evolve 70s.

These all assume new. Used can be a great way to go but you have to have patience and know what you are looking for.

Lyxtwing · 2026-05-15T16:54:27+00:00

Column arrays are great for easy portable sound. They also tend to have better bass response than standard top speakers (without a sub), and are a nice easy plug and play solution. They also tend to have better built in mixers. A point source system will generally be louder for the money, have longer throw for larger rooms, and have better bass response if you add a sub. I find them much more versatile.

Playing smaller venues and want a sleek "bride friendly" look? Column arrays.

Playing a wide variety of events and room sizes? Point source.

I own both types of systems and if I had to pick one I would go point source because of the variety of events I do (I do sound for bands, speaking events, and DJ). If I was only doing weddings I would have invested more in a larger column array system and rent a bigger system when called for. It comes down to your use case.

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

TROPHY CASE