First Look at the New Ion from Smart Parts

I was lucky to be one of the privileged few to know in advance about the ION. In fact, I was one of the very few who got to see this new marker, let alone shoot it, before it was made public. All I can can say is "wow." This marker is going to change paintball as we know it.

Smart Parts has done something very new. They've introduced a marker that has modular capabilities and that can be accessorized like you would a cell phone. The ION is a metal marker encased in a customizable polymer exoskeleton. The first thought that came to my mind when I saw it was "this is like space marine armor for your marker." Very different, and very cool.

I have to stress this point - the ION is NOT a plastic marker! It is a rugged aluminum marker like the Shocker or Nerve, but with a tough polymer outer shell that will bring marker customization to a whole new level. Currently there are four colors being released - black, red, blue, and yellow.

You will be able to purchase the different shells and change the color of your marker on the fly. The switch is done easily with the removal of a couple of screws and takes less than five minutes to do.

Are you someone who tries to keep his marker in perfect condition? With the ION you no longer have to worry about it. Beat the crap out of your body and then buy a new shell. Who cares if it gets scratched? You can replace the shell so easily and they won't be expensive.

Now, what about performance? This is where the ION really shines - a magno-trigger that delivers 17 BPS with a break-beam anti-chop eye! Smart Parts introduces their first break-beam eye with this marker and get this - the eyes are housed on a board that slides into the body. Since the ION uses a break-beam eye, you no longer have to worry about the color paint you shoot! Switch modes from semi, rebound, to 3 shot burst and full auto (3 shot and full are capped at 10 BPS).

The ION uses a new solenoid designed by Smart Parts that allows increased air flow and it is extremely hard to clog with debris. I'm kicking myself for not taking pictures of the internals but the layout and design are really well engineered. The new solenoid works like a 3-way and when you look at it and the hosing that runs to it, you will see the similarity. The internals are simple and the marker has fewer orings than a Shocker. Like the Shocker, it comes with a hard-anodized aluminum bolt.

I shot four or five IONS all set up differently with different loaders. You can run the ION on CO2 as long as you have an anti-siphon. While it shot fine with CO2, it definitely shot better with compressed - which is to be expected.

Smart Parts has switched from anodization to powder coating for this marker. The stock barrel shoots well and looks tough. You'll know what I mean when you see it. The ION barrel takes Impulse threads.

The inline reg is completely new and is incredibly simple in its design, with only three or four internal parts. It also comes incased in a changeable rubber cover. The ION operates at a low 160 -180 psi and is very efficient on air. You can expect 1000-1400 shots on a 68 4500. It runs on a 9v battery.

The removeable feed neck comes with an oring seal and uses the same threads as the Impulse.

The ION feels very much like a Shocker, only less sleek. It is still incredibly small and light, and it shot very accurately when I was shooting ropes of paint downrange.

What really sets this marker apart is the price. Get this - $380 CDN ($300 USD)! There is simply nothing in this class for this price. Expect to see a lot of these on the field this spring and summer ripping it up at 17 BPS. This kind of performance used to be limited to markers starting at about twice the price.

Badlands should have them in stock next week. Order one today because they are sure to go fast!

Thanks to Billy and Adam of Smart Parts for giving me a first look at this cool new marker. Thanks also to Daniel, the engineering genius behind the ION, for giving me a technical overview.

Trevor