Empire Magna review [Archive]

bryceeden

12-03-2007, 02:48 PM

For this review I am using a Magna with the RF transmiter synced to an Invert Mini with an Empire board.

Out of the box it seems like it would make the marker extreamly back heavy, but in reality it isn't so bad you notice when shooting. It looks really tall on the Mini, but in reallity its not taller than a Halo it just looks like it is. Instalation/set up The battery pack on the Magna is placed in a sliding door, much more convinient that the door on the Halo but you have to put the battery pack in just right or the door won't stay shut. . In the Mini I did have kind of a hard time finding a place to put the transmitter chip, but in most markers I don't think it will be a problem. The hopper actually programs like a Tadao/Virtue board using diferent lights for different features. Preformance of the RF transmitter seems great. Due to the Sound activation and RF method of detection a drop rate is not obtainable, but the hopper claims to be capable of upwards of 50 BPS so I don't think I'll be able to outrun it any time soon. I put it on a Mini and raised the rate of fire until the marker started having problems and the hopper kept going. It is very gentel on paint and feeds very very fast. It has a small cup in the front of the hopper that about 20 balls fall into and don't feed. THe theory behind this is when you run out of paint you rock your hopper back and you've got 20 more balls to shoot while you reload. The sound activation seems to work well, but I think most people will probably run RF as its very easy to do. Overall it is a great hopper but probably not worth the high price tag.

BigEvil

12-03-2007, 02:52 PM

Ive seen one in person but havent had a chance to try one out. Let me ask you Bryce, if I dont want to use the RF transmitter, would this thing be worth the $170+ price tag?

bryceeden

12-03-2007, 04:35 PM

Ive seen one in person but havent had a chance to try one out. Let me ask you Bryce, if I dont want to use the RF transmitter, would this thing be worth the $170+ price tag?

I'm still not 100% sure its worth the $170 price tag with it. I've been at work all day(which is one reason why I had to run and haven't finished the review) and haven't been able to put any paint thru it yet, I'll do that tonight or at latest tomarrow and review it fully. Products like this are an example of why I like to get a test one in befor I mass order as it could go either way. It says it can feed 50+BPS but in reality other than youtube videos that high of a feed rate is pretty worthless. The Magna clutch is pretty cool, but the kit to upgrade a Halo or Reloader to it is so cheap that that is probably a better way to go. But like I said I will test it out. I plan to put the Mini on about a 30BPS fullauto and see how the hopper does. I got the Fasta to work up to 25BPS on it in short bursts but when sustained it made a big mess at that high of a rate. I'll also try it in my Intimidator on an uncapped fullauto and check the sound waves to see how it does on their just to see.

CHRONOBREAK

12-03-2007, 10:19 PM

Ive had one for a few days also

I assume i can wire the RF to an intellifeed along with the warp feed at the same time?

few negative so far
-battery door freely slides, it doesnt exactly lock in place
-the center tray is hard to place correctly when putting the shells together, though im sure it gets easier with practice and wasnt impossible
-plastic rip drive stock (are you kidding me?)

positives
-back design great for those that like that type of hopper, it fits nicely on my warp and no need to melt the hopper.
-FAST
-no need to set sound activation, on 4 different guns at different velocities it fired fine and diddnt miss a shot.
-GREAT magnets, very strong and the addition of the 3rd magnet on the top make it snappy to open and close
-extra reserve tray is great for another 10 balls that can make all the difference for anyone

overall- if your looking for something that is a egg like design , good quality, and well seighned get this. The price tag is steep though, so i hate to say your better off with an upgraded halo at this time unles u need the latest greatest.

bryceeden

12-04-2007, 05:24 AM

Basically my feelings are would I use one definatly. Would I pay $170 for one no.

tymcneer

12-04-2007, 07:26 AM

Excellent reviews... Thanks guys! I'd been looking at one, and was debating whether the investment was worth it. I think you all have answered my questions.

Get one, but after the price drop.

Ty

JAM

12-17-2007, 09:05 AM

Wanted to add my :twocents:

I got one of these a couple weeks ago. I was looking to get a new Reloader and the Magna was only $2 more than the B2, so I figured "what the heck?".
I used it on sound activation mode on an Ego8. I have a halo v35 and Reloader B2 for comparison.

good:

-seems narrower than the Halo
-Faster than I'll ever need
-the magna drive is nice, but I've not had my regular halo crush any paint.
-Seems quieter than the Halo/Reloader
-I LOVE the tool-less battery access
-SMALL SMALL front profile- very cool.
-reasonably priced replacement parts
-the lid magnets are awesome- can add more, plus the additional one to hold the lid up.

bad:
-it IS very back heavy when full of paint. if you have a very light gun, it will flip up during use, but i should get used to it.
-had to modify my sweet Virtue chuck Norris back plate to fit. :wthumpup:
-Expensive, but so are the reloader and halo
-still fairly easy to strip screws- I wish they would put nuts for the screws to screw into.

-J
http://www.tenpoundmonkey.com/pb/s-pbl-va.gif

manike

12-18-2007, 11:15 AM

Good stuff guys. :wthumpup:

Constructive feedback always helps to lead the future of products.

I really need to do some more videos looking at the balance points...

Anyone watch the futureweapons show? See how much emphasis they put on moving the weight back into the shoulder for the balance and handling of guns? :wall:

Thanks

Simon

JAM

12-18-2007, 12:53 PM

to clarify the balance thing with me manike-

Ego8, 68/45 DXS tank, Reloader B full of paint.
-hold the gun by the grip and it sits level.
-hold the gun by the snatch and it tilts slightly forward for carrying.

Ego8, 68/45 DXS tank, Magna full of paint.
-hold the gun by the grip and it tilts upward.
-hold the gun by the snatch and it still tilts upward making carrying a little difficult.

That all said, the profile from the front and side CANNOT be beat.

I am sure i will get used to it totally, but it is just different than i am used to.

And I know shells are available, but I wish the screws would screw into metal and not just the plastic- after repeated cleanings/take downs, those threads strip very easily.

Thanks for working so hard on these new prods Simon!

manike

12-18-2007, 09:26 PM

manwe33

12-18-2007, 09:37 PM

:wthumpup:Nice reviews guys. I have be wondering if i should pick one up? Reading this was great. I hope we can get a whole section just for people to review products.

AirAssault

12-18-2007, 11:45 PM

How does it compare to the pulse? I picked up a brand new one on the bay with RF for $100 a while back and have had no issues like some. Just wondering.

t0nnn

12-19-2007, 05:54 AM

It looks like it would be just as back heavy as an EGG ...but I haven't used or felt one so i'm prolly talking out my a** right now :wthumpup:

Warbird 007

12-19-2007, 06:08 AM

I like the overall design changes from the tradition halo, Reloader b, and B2. Being the B2 is most similar. I think for the Extra $40 or so vs the B2 its very much worth it in the profile for the front player.

I've use the Magna on an A1 and found it to fit and not alter the weigh or balance enough to notice. The profile for others to shoot at is a huge difference though.:mr-t: Even Mr. T approves

For the majority of the players the difference of the profile may not be enough to pay the $ for but it was easy for me to spend.:wthumpup:

But up grading your loaders is definately a good idea being the clutch will stop the paint being abused by the sound board activated reloaders.

And it's almost priceless not needing the #1 phillips for a batt change:banana:

JAM

12-19-2007, 06:16 AM

It looks like it would be just as back heavy as an EGG ...but I haven't used or felt one so i'm prolly talking out my a** right now :wthumpup:

It's not as back heavy as an egg, plus it feels and looks shorter and much narrower.

http://www.tenpoundmonkey.com/pb/s-pbl-va.gif

ThePixelGuru

12-19-2007, 06:17 AM

It looks like it would be just as back heavy as an EGG ...but I haven't used or felt one so i'm prolly talking out my a** right now :wthumpup:
Supposedly the lessened back-heaviness (as compared to an Eggy) has to do with the placement of the batteries. I'm sure it's still more back-heavy than most centered hoppers.

Anyone watch the futureweapons show? See how much emphasis they put on moving the weight back into the shoulder for the balance and handling of guns? :wall:
True, but paintball markers and firearms are some pretty different stories. The paintball rig doesn't need to absorb nearly as much recoil as a firearm, as evidenced by some of our crazy-*** shooting stances. Try some of those with a real weapon and you'll fall over backwards. I'm not saying that none of the same principles apply, but firearms make a poor model for paintball rigs. I'm sure you know, but just sayin'...

bryceeden

12-19-2007, 06:28 AM

After using it alittle more its a great product. The low profile is great, the only gripes I have is that is is alittle back heavy but in a playing situation you really don't notice, and the little cup that holds the extra balls in the front bothers me I get the theory but I reload befor I get to the point I'd need that and would rather have the extra normal capacity.

Over all a great product, after going thru it and using it alittle it is worth the $150 price tag.

JAM

12-19-2007, 07:24 AM

ThePixelGuru

12-19-2007, 08:34 AM

I replaced the floorplate in mine with the "non-20ball-reserve" one. i found that feature more annoying than useful... but it's cool to have an option.
Does that reduce your total ball capacity, and if so by how much? Also, does that replacement floorplate cost you extra or is it included? Thanks.

manike

12-19-2007, 08:54 AM

It looks like it would be just as back heavy as an EGG ...but I haven't used or felt one so i'm prolly talking out my a** right now :wthumpup:

The Egg's feedneck is actually much further forwards in relation to the center of mass. Also because the egg is football shaped the mass center of mass sits relatively far back.

With the magna, there are still balls in front of the feedneck, and the slimmer shape means the center of mass is much closer to the feedneck.

Thus it is not anywhere near as back heavy as an egg. :) And it doesn't have as much of a pendulum effect either. :lol2:

Supposedly the lessened back-heaviness (as compared to an Eggy) has to do with the placement of the batteries. I'm sure it's still more back-heavy than most centered hoppers.

Which hoppers would you consider "centered"? I think when you actually look and balance them you will see that many have the center of mass significantly behind the feedneck.

True, but paintball markers and firearms are some pretty different stories. The paintball rig doesn't need to absorb nearly as much recoil as a firearm, as evidenced by some of our crazy-*** shooting stances. Try some of those with a real weapon and you'll fall over backwards. I'm not saying that none of the same principles apply, but firearms make a poor model for paintball rigs. I'm sure you know, but just sayin'...

Whereas there are some fundamental differences, there are also huge similarities for ergonomics and use.

After using it alittle more its a great product. The low profile is great, the only gripes I have is that is is alittle back heavy but in a playing situation you really don't notice, and the little cup that holds the extra balls in the front bothers me I get the theory but I reload befor I get to the point I'd need that and would rather have the extra normal capacity.

And that's exactly why I made that an option. :) Some love it, some hate it. I've heard from both sides. I've had some people praise it and two guys even told me they won games at World Cup with the last few balls left in the high capacity front. Others don't like or need it... so that's cool they get to install the extra floor. :clap: It's just a few minutes of time, and means less people ***** at me. :smarty:

I replaced the floorplate in mine with the "non-20ball-reserve" one. i found that feature more annoying than useful... but it's cool to have an option.

I found out a long time ago that you won't ever be able to please 100% of people. People are just different. That's why I try to give options when possible.

Does that reduce your total ball capacity, and if so by how much? Also, does that replacement floorplate cost you extra or is it included? Thanks.

It's included. :) It reduces the ball capacity by about 20 balls, but you can stil get a genuine 200 balls in the loader with the standard floor, and you can still reload easily way before you run empty due to the inside design and the angled up lid. :cheers:

BigEvil

12-19-2007, 08:59 AM

Like I said I got to see one up close and it is very impressive. It's on my 'to get' list in 08.

manike

12-19-2007, 09:58 AM

Awesome :wthumpup:, BTW I'm loving the smileys. I do tend to go overboard with them though... this site is like a smilie junkie's dream. :clap:

BigEvil

12-19-2007, 10:14 AM

Awesome :wthumpup:, BTW I'm loving the smileys. I do tend to go overboard with them though... this site is like a smilie junkie's dream. :clap:

Smilies are key :cheers:

TnDeathInc

12-19-2007, 11:13 AM

thanks for the excellent review i just need to see one locally now.

JAM

12-19-2007, 11:28 AM

I think THIS will be an interesting shootout:
http://www.tenpoundmonkey.com/pb/loaders.jpg

bryceeden

12-19-2007, 11:32 AM

If the one is a B2 I'll bet they're pretty similar.

JAM

12-19-2007, 11:58 AM

If the one is a B2 I'll bet they're pretty similar.

Yeah, it's a B2... so pretty much exactly the same with different shapes.

manike

12-19-2007, 12:25 PM

Nice. :)

The one difference in the sound activation code is that we've fine tuned it with the Magna over the last year and a half of field testing.

The motor sensing can do a HUGE amount to slow down the drive cone when you have no paint in the loader or are running empty in order to reduce the popcorning and chance of cracking one of the last balls.

The speed settings are also a little different. It's more gentle on the lower settings than the B2 was.

ThePixelGuru

12-19-2007, 04:27 PM

I think THIS will be an interesting shootout:
http://www.tenpoundmonkey.com/pb/loaders.jpg
Indeed. Which setup is cheaper?

Which hoppers would you consider "centered"? I think when you actually look and balance them you will see that many have the center of mass significantly behind the feedneck.
Good point. I meant centered as in the feedneck is closer to the center of volume, not of mass (though mass follows volume to some degree).

Whereas there are some fundamental differences, there are also huge similarities for ergonomics and use.
Also true, but I've always disliked firearm/paintball marker comparisons. Some people might get it, but I've always felt it leads more people astray than anything else. Oh well, that's just opinion of explaination.

Now, is balance the only reason for that feedneck position? Or are there other arguments for/against it, as well?

manike

12-19-2007, 04:32 PM

Now, is balance the only reason for that feedneck position? Or are there other arguments for/against it, as well?

I'll try and remember all the reasons, but I might forget one or two. ;)

1) Quick change battery system. We needed more space to make a sliding battery door that could never get lost or shot/broken.

2) The removal of the battery door allowed us to make the shells stronger in the front where it takes most impacts.

3) Reduction in target.

4) Better internal packaging layout allowing larger capacity in same basic overall sized loader.

5) Balance and to put the weight back and closer to the pivot point (your shoulder).

6) Catch cup in the middle of the ball cavity to maximize loading when pointing at any angle.

JAM

12-19-2007, 07:31 PM

Indeed. Which setup is cheaper?

It's cheaper to buythe Magna rather than the magna clutch and a B2...

But, if you already have a Halo, the $50 for the magna clutch aint too bad.

BigEvil

12-28-2007, 08:13 PM

Hey has anyone else gotten their hands on one of these bad boys yet?

d4m4don3

12-28-2007, 09:06 PM

The clutch kit yes? But I was using uber brittle paint that even my pump didn't even like so my opinion will have to wait until I buy a decent box of paint.

sepplainer

12-29-2007, 10:37 PM

I made this image to explain something to someone on PBN and to show the comparison of the older style body shell and the new Magna Drive body shell. :), but thought it would be worth posting here too!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f283/manike/bodyshellcomparison.jpg

WOW that might be the best comparison I could have read/see. Simply seeing the dif almost sells me on this thing and I am gay for my Velocity.

PsychoBaller

12-29-2007, 11:46 PM

Ninjeff

12-30-2007, 01:44 AM

Completely off-topic... sorta...

MANIKE: I'm looking to you, to do a vs. rendering, of the Magna, and the upcoming NXE JRNY (release feb. 1st). Look to this Hopper to be quite the contender in 08'. Bout $30 bucks cheaper MSRP too.

-baller

x2 on that one. Im really torn between picking up the vlocity jr ive been wanting, or waiting until the jrny drops. Any extra info i can get to help make my decision would be nice.:wthumpup:

Iggy42

12-30-2007, 01:57 PM

JAM

12-31-2007, 01:13 PM

Picked up a Magna just the other day. Haven't used it it since me and winter ball is bad ju-ju but looks pretty good. One thing I liked was the the ball "tube" (for lack of a better word) sticks out a little past the shell so that in theory it will go a little past the stop shelf in your feedneck on your gun. I supposed the theory is that by making the paint come out of the hopper past that point it can't hit the shelf and get slowed up. Not something I think most of us have ever had a problem with, but I like the theory

it's a cool feature if your gun's feedneck is angled- it bypasses that angle and feeds paint straight into the gun. But if your feedneck has a square "ledge" inside, the extended part will just prevent the loader from fully seating. I cut the extended part off of mine and it sits lower on my ego.

-j

manike

01-02-2008, 09:04 AM

With the Ego it's a good idea to cut that off, as the bottom of the Ego feedneck is square anyway.

It's nylon so it should be pretty simple to cut away with a sharp box cutter. Be careful of yourself doing it though...:wthumpup:

SummaryJudgement

01-02-2008, 11:41 AM

WOW that might be the best comparison I could have read/see. Simply seeing the dif almost sells me on this thing and I am gay for my Velocity.

Agreed!:wthumpup:

Oooooh, but the price tag!

Ruler_Mark

01-02-2008, 01:10 PM

do you possibly have a wire diagrm of the vlocity for comparasion?

CHRONOBREAK

01-16-2008, 11:51 AM

do you possibly have a wire diagrm of the vlocity for comparasion?

and you even posted, what a newb:lol2:

here is Ruler_Mark ' s magna review

http://pblegion.com/showpost.php?p=20703&postcount=1

Ruler_Mark

01-16-2008, 11:59 AM

and you even posted, what a newb:lol2:

here is Ruler_Mark ' s magna review

http://pblegion.com/showpost.php?p=20703&postcount=1

actually this is of it on a mini, mine is of it on a emag, i win :lol2: