Introduction

In 2009 Tippmann unleashed their supremely popular TPX pistol. Within a few years an after-market parts economy sprung up to satiate players desire to fit the platform into different roles and needs. As shown in our TiPX Guide, some of these mods included SMG style body kits ranging from composite to aluminum bodies. Tippmann, seeing players burning desires for such a platform, took it upon themselves to provide an off the shelf SMG paintball marker, thus giving the world the Tactical Compact Rifle, or TCR.

The TCR is designed and built around the TiPX internals, but featuring several key differences. First, the TCR is First Strike compatible straight out [...]

There were 18 new markers that came out in 2016, thankfully the manufacturers saw fit to release a combined 5 new loaders to feed those hungry beasts.

As with the markers, loaders that received simple cosmetic updates were not included in this post.

GI Sportz

LVL

Featuring 3 speeds, stock speed feed with rain lid and tool-less disassembly the LVL loader is priced at entry level prices.

  Virtue

Spire III

Continuing the advanced technology theme that 2016 seems to have followed, the Spire III has a basic computer on board that can sync with your smart phone. Right now the tech is limited to firmware [...]

2016 was a busy year for mask manufacturers as well, releasing 4 new masks, with at least 3 more announced that didn’t make it to market before years end. Well 3, as 2 are differentiations of an existing mask. Let’s take a look.

Virtue

Virtue’s VIO Contour mask is one of the best I’ve ever worn on the field, but as with anything, no one mask is for everyone. Virtue, as a result, has taken their Contour mask and made some changes to target different segments of the market.

XS Crystal

The XS Crystal is the same pattern as the contour, but it is built a little smaller to accommodate players with smaller heads. To help [...]

2016 was a busy year for manufacturers, releasing a combined 18 markers, 4 new masks, 6 new loaders and 2 new high tech systems to enhance your paintball experience (or drain your wallet, jury’s still out). In a series of posts we will take a look back at the new gear that came out in 2016, starting with markers!

Markers that just received only cosmetic changes such as colors or minor milling were excluded.

Tippmann

Tippmann was busy this year, releasing 3 new markers in 2016 alone, squeaking out the third one of their new lineup just around Christmas.

Stryker

A new mid-range scenario marker released in conjunction with the Rip Clip 2.0, this [...]