Planet Eclipse Ego
Encyclopedia
The Planet Eclipse Ego is an electropneumatic
, open bolt
, paintball
marker
manufactured by Planet Eclipse,. The Ego was first introduced in late 2004 (as the 2005 model).
technology like the Bob Long Intimidator
, Indian Creek Designs Promaster, and WDP Angel
. Compared to spool valve markers like the Smart Parts Shocker
and the Dye Matrix
, the Ego typically is louder and has more perceived recoil, but the marker boasts better gas efficiency (manifested as more "shots" per air tank fill). Fewer internal moving parts also make the Ego simpler and easier to maintain than many of its competitors. The Ego also boasts a faster rate of fire over its spool valve competitors.
Built around an adapted E-blade electropneumatic frame, first developed by Planet Eclipse. This gun runs at 95psi from the Low pressure regulator (LPR). It also runs at 180 psi from the high Pressure regulator (HPR).
Renamed the Ego7, this model featured extensive milling to reduce weight. Almost all of the internal components were replaced and upgraded compared with the 2006 model. Key improvements included an integrated FRM and rammer body, a new board with both a micro and optical switch, standard cure bolt, and T-slot style rail mounting. None of the parts, save for the barrel, detents, bolt, regulator, and break beam eyes, are interchangeable with previous models. And the marker famous for starting the "Three Fingered Scratch" method of shooting the Ego which began in south eastern Pennsylvania.
While the Ego7 was a revolutionary improvement over the 2006 Ego, the Ego8 is more of an evolutionary improvement over its predecessor. Key improvements include more milling to reduce weight, a built-in Zero-Kick ("Zick") kit, and dual QEVs built into a QEV block. A new LCD on the 4.0 version board features black-on-white text that is very easy to read in the sunlight. Some claim that the Ego8 is just an SL74 at a lower price. Although there are some similarities between the Ego8 and the SL74 (among them being an SL-style regulator, SL-style trigger, the Zick kit, and SL74 milling), there are quite a few differences. The 2008 Ego is heavier than the SL74 (by 50g), does not have laser eyes, does not come with a 5 piece sl barrel kit, and has a QEV "block" as opposed to the SL74's dual QEV's. The QEV block in the ego8 provides a faster and shorter passage for entering and escaping gasses, which allow faster rate of fire.
Unlike the Ego8 the Ego9 doesn't have QEV's (quick exhaust valve) which exhibits a more consistent, reliable marker. The trigger guard has been enlarged allowing the player to walk the trigger easier and more comfortably than the ego8's trigger guard. New this year is the built in speaker which allows you to know when it turns on and off. Like the Ego8 the Ego9 has the cure2 and zick kit as stock parts. This year they put the rammer at a 3-4 degree incline to allow your hand to be closer to the line of fire to give it a small size and allow the player to feel more comfortable when shooting. Like the Ego8 the Ego9 comes in a white plastic clamshell case. (please read conclusion of EGO10)
The Ego Ten's main selling point is a longer cycle. This reduces potential rate of fire, although it is still capable of 28+ balls per second. The advantage is that it allows more consistency from shot to shot, and can be used with more fragile paint as well as much less recoil and a smoother shot. It comes standard with the Zick 2 Rammer and the Cure 3+ bolt stock, as well as an improved solenoid. It also includes many other parts improved upon from previous models such as the regulator, the hpr (high pressure regulator) and the lpr (low pressure regulator). The board was redone as well as a few other minor parts. The screen on the ego10 is 92% bigger than earlier models as well as having a better processor that is over 2 times as powerful as its predecessors with some minor software improvements to boot. The EGO9 can be upgraded to shoot like an EGO10 by means of Zick2, and Cure3+ bolt, as well as the plank kit and solenoid barb available from PE (Planet Eclipse). The changes will give the 2009 all the means to shoot exactly like an EGO10, the remaining differences will be a hole located on the regulator to protect the lpr against over pressurization as well as the larger screen.
The newly released Ego11 is-like the other Egos- a poppet valve electropneumatic marker by Planet Eclipse. The board is basically the same board but the main differences are the Shaft 4 barrel (Ego 10 had Shaft 3), the milling, compatibility to a computer via USB ( like the 2010 SLS ego), POPS- Push On Purge System- asa, and a solenoid with adjustable speeds that control the bolt forward speed and return speed. The only marker prior to the Ego11 with this option was 2005 shockers with an adjustable solenoid manifold, but those posed too many problems. Because of the new solenoid, the Ego11 can sacrifice speed for recoil in controlling the maximum Cycles per second from 12-30 per second. In addition, the Ego11 ships with a .689 barrel back, instead of the .693 back shipped with previous Egos (excepting the SL versions of the markers). The new Ego11 is currently shipping in 7 colors; Ashes 2, Dark Trooper, Elemental, Hunter, Midnight, Regal 2, and Shiner.
Unlike all the Egos, which are poppet style markers, The Geo is a spool valve marker. Planet eclipse designed the Geo to be the counterpart of the Ego, making it almost identical in weight, size, feel, with almost exactly the same parts you would find on an Ego9. The Geo uses the same regulator, feedneck, barrel, ASA, detents, and eyes as the Ego9. The geo uses a "SC" (Spool Cure) bolt, the bolt itself and the solenoid are the only moving part. The Geo does not include the same grip frame as the Ego9, The Geo uses the Ego7/8 style grip frame. The geo can be serviced as easily as the Ego, it incorporates a tool-less back cap, but also gives you the option of using an allen wrench to tighten it down. The Geo has been designed to have all of the benefits of a spool valve with none of the drawbacks. Although many claim the newer egos and even some Dangerous power guns shoot smoother and have a lot better efficiency.
Electropneumatic paintball marker
An electropneumatic paintball marker is a paintball marker that utilizes a pneumatic solenoid to actuate the hammer and/or bolt's movement.-History and basic operation:...
, open bolt
Open bolt
A semi or full automatic firearm is said to fire from an open bolt if, when ready to fire, the bolt and working parts are held to the rear. When the trigger is pulled the bolt goes forward, feeding a round from the magazine into the chamber and firing it...
, paintball
Paintball
Paintball is a sport in which players compete, in teams or individually, to eliminate opponents by tagging them with capsules containing water soluble dye and gelatin shell outside propelled from a device called a paintball marker . Paintballs have a non-toxic, biodegradable, water soluble...
marker
Paintball marker
A paintball marker, also known as a paintball gun, is the main piece of equipment in the sport of paintball. Markers use an expanding gas, such as carbon dioxide or compressed air, to propel paintballs through the barrel. Some paintball players refer to the piece of equipment as a "marker" rather...
manufactured by Planet Eclipse,. The Ego was first introduced in late 2004 (as the 2005 model).
Operation
The Ego utilizes poppet valvePoppet valve
A poppet valve is a valve consisting of a hole, usually round or oval, and a tapered plug, usually a disk shape on the end of a shaft also called a valve stem. The shaft guides the plug portion by sliding through a valve guide...
technology like the Bob Long Intimidator
Bob Long Intimidator
The Intimidator is an electropneumatic paintball marker manufactured by former professional paintball player Bob Long and his company, Bob Long Technologies. First introduced in 2000, it was, along with the Smart Parts Impulse, one of the first fully electropneumatic markers to be adopted by...
, Indian Creek Designs Promaster, and WDP Angel
Angel (paintball)
The Angel is an electropneumatic paintball marker manufactured by Angel Paintball Sports in 1997, alongside Smart Parts' original Shocker....
. Compared to spool valve markers like the Smart Parts Shocker
Shocker (paintball marker)
The Shocker is a series of electropneumatic paintball markers manufactured by Smart Parts. The original Shocker was built by PneuVentures and distributed by Smart Parts in the US in 1995. It is now discontinued, but was the first electropneumatic paintball marker on the market at the time...
and the Dye Matrix
Dye Matrix
The DYE Matrix is an electropneumatic paintball marker manufactured by DYE Precision. The first DYE Matrix, the Matrix LCD, was based on the E Matrix, the rights to which DYE purchased in 2003...
, the Ego typically is louder and has more perceived recoil, but the marker boasts better gas efficiency (manifested as more "shots" per air tank fill). Fewer internal moving parts also make the Ego simpler and easier to maintain than many of its competitors. The Ego also boasts a faster rate of fire over its spool valve competitors.
Stock models
- 2005 Ego:
Built around an adapted E-blade electropneumatic frame, first developed by Planet Eclipse. This gun runs at 95psi from the Low pressure regulator (LPR). It also runs at 180 psi from the high Pressure regulator (HPR).
- 2006 Ego: Newer shorter stock bolt. The gun runs at the same pressures as the 05. lowering recoil. Longer regulator allows lower operating pressure and better air efficiency. Improved electronics internal board.
- Ego7 (2007):
Renamed the Ego7, this model featured extensive milling to reduce weight. Almost all of the internal components were replaced and upgraded compared with the 2006 model. Key improvements included an integrated FRM and rammer body, a new board with both a micro and optical switch, standard cure bolt, and T-slot style rail mounting. None of the parts, save for the barrel, detents, bolt, regulator, and break beam eyes, are interchangeable with previous models. And the marker famous for starting the "Three Fingered Scratch" method of shooting the Ego which began in south eastern Pennsylvania.
- Ego8 (2008):
While the Ego7 was a revolutionary improvement over the 2006 Ego, the Ego8 is more of an evolutionary improvement over its predecessor. Key improvements include more milling to reduce weight, a built-in Zero-Kick ("Zick") kit, and dual QEVs built into a QEV block. A new LCD on the 4.0 version board features black-on-white text that is very easy to read in the sunlight. Some claim that the Ego8 is just an SL74 at a lower price. Although there are some similarities between the Ego8 and the SL74 (among them being an SL-style regulator, SL-style trigger, the Zick kit, and SL74 milling), there are quite a few differences. The 2008 Ego is heavier than the SL74 (by 50g), does not have laser eyes, does not come with a 5 piece sl barrel kit, and has a QEV "block" as opposed to the SL74's dual QEV's. The QEV block in the ego8 provides a faster and shorter passage for entering and escaping gasses, which allow faster rate of fire.
- Ego9 (2009):
Unlike the Ego8 the Ego9 doesn't have QEV's (quick exhaust valve) which exhibits a more consistent, reliable marker. The trigger guard has been enlarged allowing the player to walk the trigger easier and more comfortably than the ego8's trigger guard. New this year is the built in speaker which allows you to know when it turns on and off. Like the Ego8 the Ego9 has the cure2 and zick kit as stock parts. This year they put the rammer at a 3-4 degree incline to allow your hand to be closer to the line of fire to give it a small size and allow the player to feel more comfortable when shooting. Like the Ego8 the Ego9 comes in a white plastic clamshell case. (please read conclusion of EGO10)
- Ego Ten (2010):
The Ego Ten's main selling point is a longer cycle. This reduces potential rate of fire, although it is still capable of 28+ balls per second. The advantage is that it allows more consistency from shot to shot, and can be used with more fragile paint as well as much less recoil and a smoother shot. It comes standard with the Zick 2 Rammer and the Cure 3+ bolt stock, as well as an improved solenoid. It also includes many other parts improved upon from previous models such as the regulator, the hpr (high pressure regulator) and the lpr (low pressure regulator). The board was redone as well as a few other minor parts. The screen on the ego10 is 92% bigger than earlier models as well as having a better processor that is over 2 times as powerful as its predecessors with some minor software improvements to boot. The EGO9 can be upgraded to shoot like an EGO10 by means of Zick2, and Cure3+ bolt, as well as the plank kit and solenoid barb available from PE (Planet Eclipse). The changes will give the 2009 all the means to shoot exactly like an EGO10, the remaining differences will be a hole located on the regulator to protect the lpr against over pressurization as well as the larger screen.
- Ego11 (2011):
The newly released Ego11 is-like the other Egos- a poppet valve electropneumatic marker by Planet Eclipse. The board is basically the same board but the main differences are the Shaft 4 barrel (Ego 10 had Shaft 3), the milling, compatibility to a computer via USB ( like the 2010 SLS ego), POPS- Push On Purge System- asa, and a solenoid with adjustable speeds that control the bolt forward speed and return speed. The only marker prior to the Ego11 with this option was 2005 shockers with an adjustable solenoid manifold, but those posed too many problems. Because of the new solenoid, the Ego11 can sacrifice speed for recoil in controlling the maximum Cycles per second from 12-30 per second. In addition, the Ego11 ships with a .689 barrel back, instead of the .693 back shipped with previous Egos (excepting the SL versions of the markers). The new Ego11 is currently shipping in 7 colors; Ashes 2, Dark Trooper, Elemental, Hunter, Midnight, Regal 2, and Shiner.
Geo
- Geo (2009):
Unlike all the Egos, which are poppet style markers, The Geo is a spool valve marker. Planet eclipse designed the Geo to be the counterpart of the Ego, making it almost identical in weight, size, feel, with almost exactly the same parts you would find on an Ego9. The Geo uses the same regulator, feedneck, barrel, ASA, detents, and eyes as the Ego9. The geo uses a "SC" (Spool Cure) bolt, the bolt itself and the solenoid are the only moving part. The Geo does not include the same grip frame as the Ego9, The Geo uses the Ego7/8 style grip frame. The geo can be serviced as easily as the Ego, it incorporates a tool-less back cap, but also gives you the option of using an allen wrench to tighten it down. The Geo has been designed to have all of the benefits of a spool valve with none of the drawbacks. Although many claim the newer egos and even some Dangerous power guns shoot smoother and have a lot better efficiency.
ETek Ego
- ETek: Introduced in 2006, the ETek was priced much lower than standard Egos as a mid-range alternative to Planet Eclipse's flagship Ego. It was lighter than the stock 2006 and 2005 versions and featured different milling and simplified features. The LCD screen was replaced with 3 LED buttons, the QEVs were removed, and it featured a microswitch in place of the optical switch on the electronics board. Made as the Proto Matrix Rail's competition.
- ETek2: Announced in November 2007 and available soon thereafter, the ETek2 is the second generation ETek. Improvements over the original ETek include a lighter weight, new circuit board, redesigned trigger frame, new on/off air system, new inline regulator, new low pressure regulator, and standard 2-piece Shaft barrel. Some have commented that these upgrades make the ETek2 effectively an SL66.
- ETek3: The ETek 3 was released in November of 2009. There are 2 versions available: The LT (Nylon Glass Reinforced Composite), and the AM, (All Metal). The only major differences between the two is the composite frame, eye covers, and feedneck. The Etek 3 LT can later be upgraded to the "All Metal" Parts. Internally and externally, the Etek 3 is almost identical to the EGO 7 and 8, if the Etek 3 is compared with the EGO8, the main differences are the solenoid, the regulator, the barrel, and the board. The Etek 3 includes a Shaft III barrel, with minimal porting and less milling, it includes a "S3" regulator with a self purging feature The S3 is also included in the EGO9 and EGO10. The solenoid on the Etek 3 is the same solenoid that has been used in the past Etek Markers, but the solenoid has now been modified to be a manifold that sits directly underneath the rammer housing, therefore speeding up recharge rates and eliminating the need of QEV's. The Etek 3 has an LED board similar to the Etek 2 board, but it now has more adjustability.
Special editions
Along with their yearly modifications, Planet Eclipse produces several in-house custom, as well as "private label" markers, based on the custom-tuned versions they issue to professional teams they sponsor. The markers featured here are "SL" markers. they are all eclipse can offer for the time. they are milled down for maximum weight savings, made differently, given a full barrel kit along with other assorted accessories, and are a sort of "sneak peek" to next years ego model.- SL66: Also appearing in 2006, the SL66 was a more expensive "pro" edition of the Ego 06. It featured extensive milling, new board features, and a new bolt system. Interestingly, the SL66 reverted back to a traditional spring system instead of a magnetic system for the trigger return. The SL74 replaced the SL66.
- SL74: The 2nd special edition Ego. Based on the 07 platform, the SL74 is an even bigger jump in improvement than the SL66. Weighing 1.89 pounds, it is the lightest aluminum electropneumatic paintball marker. The marker incorporates a new inline regulator, a redesigned trigger, dual QEVs, laser eyes, the new Zick (zero-kick) kit, and comes standard with the Eclipse Shaft barrel kit.
- SL8R: Released in 2008, the SL8R has a different, more stylish milling. The bolt can cycle at speeds of 55 balls per second and the Break-Beam-Sensor-System (BBSS) can perform at rates over 35 balls per second.
- SL94: The SL version of the Ego9. Lighter, and more extensive milling than the Ego9, it features the newly released cure3 bolt, which better reduces chopping in comparison to the cure2 and original cure bolt. The marker also has the zick2 ram, designed to minimize recoil. Like the Ego9, there are no QEVs (qev = quick exhaust valve), making a more reliable and consistent marker. The marker comes with two triggers: the normal Ego8/Ego9 sling trigger and a sling/sweep trigger. The SL94 comes with Planet Eclipse's new S3 barrel kit with 14" and 16" barrel tips and .685, .689, .693 barrel backs. Also as of early 2010, the "throttle turrets" that came on the sl94 were being replaced by the "plank kit". The throttle turrets were introduced in the sl94 as a way of slowing down the cycle speed to increase smoothness and consistency. The plank was offered as a free upgrade to all that had sl94s and ego9s. It was made to further improve performance and it was much easier to deal with all around in any respect as compared to the throttle turrets (This was taken to the next level on the ego10 and sls).
- SL91 (Geo): The SL version of the Geo, only 10 were made. Includes everything that the SL94 offers except for the valve chambers. Word is said that the reason the SL91 was not released, was because they wouldn't have much to upgrade for next year, and the standard Geo was a good enough gun for the 2009 season
- SLS: The SL version of the Ego Ten. close in design to the SL94, but includes more features. The SLS is very similar to the SL94, the main differences are the solenoid, it has a slower bolt (like Ego Ten for smoothness and consistency), some bolt inserts, as well as having the capability to be updated and configured through computer access. As well as having some more minor upgrades or changes.
- CSL: The SL version of the Ego Eleven. The CSL includes many features including a new barrel front that is made out of carbon fiber, this barrel is now dubbed "Shaft 4 Barrel." Like other SLs it includes E-Portal, which makes the marker's settings and preferences adjusted from a computer. In the box, Planet Eclipse includes a full barrel kit, a full parts kit including o-rings, screws, and more, a spare "scythe" trigger, and more.