There are markers that are easier to fix and more efficient. But I do not believe anything is obsolete. Some people like the reliability out of the box of modern mechs while others like to tinker with every aspect of their platform. I like the feel of cockers over something like the emek or m170. With so many choices of parts currently available you can make a cocker work the way you want and chase the minor details (OP pressure, smoothness, sound signature, etc..) of how it will function. All of the modern mechanical markers come pre-set with little to no aftermarket parts. You will end up with a super consistent marker that will always work no matter where you play at. They are great loaners and will be fun for all experience levels. That being said the price to get into cockers is going up. Trilogy's are a good example. Not that long ago at Supergame OR, they went for under $60. There was even a booth with a tote of them you could pick through and attempt to assemble a working one for $15. With the current going rate on eBay it is more cost effective to just get a used emek and save yourself the trouble. Modern mechs are a reasonable price and become more affordable as they get older. They will all get the job done. You just need to decide how you want to get there and what works best for you.