Gang,
After 23 years of pump and mech I'm finally thinking of making the jump to an electro. This is not a switch, just an addition to the roster. Also, this is not going to be the first of a collection. There will be only one, so I want it to be a good one. Solid, reliable, durable, simple, quality, etc.
Don't care what sort of engine it has, and within reason, don't care what year it is (probably nothing older than 8 or so years, though, unless there is good cause). Here's what I'm looking for:
1. Reliability. Shooting old mags and Tippys breeds little patience with markers that cannot be trusted to shoot paint day in and day out, with no fuss. I like to tinker, but only for fun. Tinkering out of necessity is inexcusable.
2. Durability. Something absolutely rugged, bulletproof, idiot proof, noobie proof. Something that could be a rental, but isn't. Wimpy, skimpy feedneck made of snowflake-thin aluminum? Delicately carved frame with the strength of rotten balsa wood? Over-machined, thin-walled body light enough for a kitten to use, and sturdy as a wisp of smoke? No thanks. I want a tank.
3. Longevity.
(a) Of mechanical parts. I have a mag that is 22 years old and still runs flawlessly with all its original working parts. Only the seals have been changed. I expect an electro to be able to do the same. Not only in terms of years, but in terms of cycles. A million shots over two plus decades should be a breeze.
(b) Of electronics. I'm suspicious of modern electronics, since they have a funny habit of working great for short periods of time, then dying for no apparent reason.
4. Long-term serviceability. Mags, Cockers and Tippies are great because the world is filled with spare parts. I don't want a marker that cannot be repaired one or two decades down the road. This includes boards, eyes, detents, solenoids, switches, etc. So rare breeds are not desirable. I want a market-saturated, dirt-common marker with readily available parts.
5. Simplicity. A marker shouldn't be a hassle to break down and maintain. Less is more, and better as well. Tool-less bolt out back is great.
6. Maturity. A marker should come out of the box completely ready to go. What's the saying about old mags and cockers? Mags came out of the box needing nothing, and cockers came out of the box needing nearly everything. I'm looking to play a lot, not pay a lot to upgrade a bunch of stuff just to make the thing function properly.
7. Eyes. Good, dependable, reliable, functional eyes easily serviced and replaced if need be for ages to come.
8. Efficiency. Probably everything will seem efficient compared to mags, but this goes also for batteries.
9. Good trigger. Not really into PSP-type stuff. Just semi, so a quality trigger is very important. I've handled a few and even in my ignorance can tell a universe of difference between triggers.
10 Good regulator. Consistent, fully serviceable, reliable, common seals and parts, etc.
11. Good clamping feedneck and good on/off ASA. These two aren't optional.
12. Other? Anything else you think is worth noting that hasn't been mentioned.
Given these criteria, what are the top three choices (in order) you would recommend? I'm very ignorant in this area, so please list year, make and model if you would. And if you wouldn't mind, say a few words about each to explain why it's on your list. And don't worry about repetition. Every voice weighing in matters, even if it is to say the same thing as what the previous poster said.
My thanks!