Paintball Marker: Proto PMR Matrix Rail Versus the Smart Parts Ion

CSO

I recently decided it was time to upgrade my paintball marker. I bought the Tippmann A-5 two years ago for woods play. I decided that I would like a marker that would be more suited for speedball. Once I sold my Tippmann A-5, it was time to shop around. Since this gun was replacing the Tippmann A-5, I decided to look at moderately priced markers. The two I was most interested in were the Proto PMR Matrix Rail and the Smart Parts Ion. I looked at price, size, weight, looks, maintenance, and performance.

Since I was on a budget price was important. The Proto PMR Matrix Rail suggested retail is $400.00, but the local paintball store owner agreed to sell it to me at $375.00 The Ion's suggested retail is $225.00, but the cheapest price I could find locally was $300.00. Even though the Proto PMR Matrix Rail was $75.00 more expensive, it was still in my price range and I would spend more if its performance was worth it.

Probably the most important feature of a marker is its performance. The Smart Parts Ion shoots 17 balls per second in semi-auto rate of fire with 3 shot burst, 10 balls per second in full auto and our Rebound firing mode. The eye was works well and keeps balls from chopping in the barrel. The barrel has also gotten moderate reviews on accuracy although its very basic barrel. The gun is also very loud. Many of the internal parts are weakly made. I have also read several reviews where after one or two days of playing the gun began to leak. The Proto PMR Matrix Rail shoots extremely quickly. The factory setting is 20 balls per second. The gun is actually accurate with cheap paint. Also the Proto PMR Matrix Rail is very consistent when you take the marker out of the box you can expect that speed will be consistent without any adjustments or modifications . The eye works wonderfully and avoids chopping balls in all weather. The gun is quiet and provides a small kick for a mid-level gun. The internals are also made of quality parts. I really preferred the PMR Matrix Rail over the ION because its more consistent, quieter, and the internals are stronger.