Paintball

[pizzaluvr]

This review will mainly be comparing it to two guns-an Ion and a Mini, since those are it's two closest competitors. I don't have a PMR to compare it too, but that is also a decent option in the <$350 price range.

Fit - Size

This thing is small. About the same size as the mini, with about 1 1/2" extra on the back, behind the grip. It is a lot less tall than an Ion, with a similar length overall. The Ion grip sits a little farther back than the PMR, resulting in a longer overall gun. The stock barrel is only 11", so keep that in mind with the pictures.

Finish - Bling

This gun looks pretty nice. The milling is excellent, and the dust black anno is really sharp. The Proto jewel on the body and grips finish off the sophisticated look.

Install - Maintenance

As the target audience for this gun is the beginner, it is very easy to maintain. It also doesn't have any pneumatics, so that removes more than half of the o-rings to lube. All you have to do is pop out the back cap to re-lube the o-rings before every game and your set. It even comes with another set of o-rings and a little tube of Dye lube, and a full set of hex keys.

Performance - Increase

This thing performs very well. The only negatives to it are it's loudness, but I've only tested it with the stock barrel. You should probably get a new barrel for this, because as it is stock, it's not very good. The trigger also needs some adjusting. I found it best when I just took out the trigger spring. The stock feedneck is also not adjustable, so you may want to buy a new Matrix feedneck for it.

Value Per Dollar

At the low price of $250, this thing has a very good value. It is $50 more than an Ion, and about $50 cheaper than a Mini or PMR. Although, If I was looking for a nice electro, I would go for a Mini or a PMR. They have a lot better performance for the $50.

[Litespeed]

Nice review, although I question Proto's (Dye's) market strategy with their own PMR in obvious competition.

Other than ease of maintenance, I would gravitate towards the MINI/PMR as you mention. I'm not a spool valve guy, but have fixed a few PMRs and they are nice markers, but require meticulous maintenance and care. This could swing newbies toward the SLG.

[pizzaluvr]

The PMR has many, many o-rings. This is very simple, and only has 4 or 5 o-rings, besides the reg, which shouldn't wear out for a while. For an experienced user, a Mini or PMR is a way better choice IMO. But this has great nooby appeal, and is a lot more simple and better performing out of the box than an Ion.

I think Dye is releasing the two at such a close price point because they are hoping if someone walks into a paintball store, and says that they want to by there first marker, they are more likely to give them something really simple like the SLG, especially with stores that have a service/parts warranty(mine has a lifetime service warranty). Less complicated=less nooby mistakes/broken guns=less time(money) spent in the shop.

[Ronin]

I just did the DYE tech course for the PMG at the World Cup Asia in Malaysia two weeks ago. Nice gun, and some clever designing. It's about as basic as a spool valve can get, using one of those "sear tripper" solenoids to save money, and a reset button on the back should it miss making a complete cycle and lock up.

By the DYE tech's own admission it IS the most air efficient marker DYE produces. The tech class didn't actually last too long, as there are only 2 o-rings that are likely to fail, and the rest of the PMG is really straightforward. Sure, the PMR offers better performance in many respects for only $50 more, but that's surely part of the marketing strategy. Upselling. Gotta love it.

[MondoMor]

The solenoid is essentially the same as an inexpensive electro sear-tripper, so I expect it makes the same CLACK sound when firing. Right?

[Ronin]

Originally Posted by MondoMor

The solenoid is essentially the same as an inexpensive electro sear-tripper, so I expect it makes the same CLACK sound when firing. Right?

It sure does! The thickish rubber grips help cut down the noise somewhat, but a room full of people with the grips open playing around with the ramping mode made quite a racket.

To its credit, I know of at least one player who played Div. 1 at the WCA with the PMG, and he had no complaints.

[pizzaluvr]

Originally Posted by MondoMor

The solenoid is essentially the same as an inexpensive electro sear-tripper, so I expect it makes the same CLACK sound when firing. Right?

I love that sound too! I've already used battery dry-firing it and generally annoying everyone in the house.

The batter life is pretty good, too. I got like 20,000 shots from that...

[Su8lime Paintball]

Hm...

If you prefer the Mini and/or PMR, you ought to sell or trade that SLG to me

[pizzaluvr]

I'm open to selling it.. How much do you want to pay for it?

[blackrain]

Give it time. Some one will come out with a nice after market upgrade. These are the best guns to target. These companies really don't have a choice now. They have flooded the market with over priced electros for yrs. My new year prediction. Most of these companies will start leaning towards the milsimer and pump player. I'm sure Dave will make a nice pump too. Paint will go up a little at the fields, due to more pumpers arriving. Can't wait till the kids start breaking these
Later,
Blackrain