Now you can enjoy all of the benefits of the innovative Versa Shell in a complete loader package. SPO Gear has combined the internals of the Halo Invert Too loader with the on-field advantages of the Versa Shell in an attractively priced package, starting at $109.90.

Features:

200+ ball capacity, 20+ BPS feed rate,

ultra quiet belt drive, freeway anti-jam,

sound activation, low battery indicator,

one hour shut off, snap in/out top lid assembly,

snap in/out Tournament Adapter feed system, larger filler opening,

one-touch “Bump” lid, heavier duty materials,

reinforced feed neck relocated and reinforced battery cover.

Available in all Versa Shell patterns and colors.

Order yours today at http://www.versagear.com

Tippmann is very proud to introduce the X7 Phenom, a next-generation .68 caliber paintball marker that’s truly in a class of its own. The unmatched benefits of this new electro pneumatic marker include improved air efficiency, superior accuracy, manual or electronic firing and the flexibility to use either CO2 or compressed air. The heart of the Phenom is Tippmann’s patented FlexValve™ Technology, a brand new technology that is not available on any other paintball marker. The FlexValve operates below 300 PSI for improved air efficiency, giving players more than 1,400 shots from a single 68 cubic-inch, 4500 PSI tank. Also, with its Spool Valve Design, recoil is virtually eliminated for significantly-enhanced accuracy. The searless design of the Phenom also incorporates fewer wear parts, making maintenance easier than ever. And, even though the Phenom is three inches shorter than the standard X7, it will still accept more than 20 current X7 mods and upgrades, including the popular Flatline barrel.

“We’re extremely excited about the groundbreaking technology behind the new Phenom,” said Denny Tippmann, Jr., senior VP of research and product development for Tippmann Sports. “FlexValve Technology truly represents a significant leap forward in marker design that delivers an all-new level of performance for those players who demand nothing but the best.”

Other features of the X7 Phenom include:

• New compact and lightweight aluminum body

• Streamlined design with internal gasline and no cocking handle

• Pushpin construction for easy field stripping

• All-metal trigger for enhanced stability

• Magnetically activated hall effect electronics

• Redesigned Cyclone Feed System paddles that feed up to 20 balls-per-second without batteries

• Picatinny top rail to easily add new sights and handles

• Air-thru stock compatibility

• Internal regulator with new external velocity adjustment

• 9.5” high performance stone-honed barrel

• Removable rear and front sights

“In developing this new marker, we initially considered designing a totally new platform, but the opportunity to make the ‘ultimate woodsball marker’ even better was too great to pass up,” said Patrick Ehren, vice president of sales and marketing for Tippmann Sports. “Combining the FlexValve Technology with the existing X7 platform makes it easier for our loyal players to make the transition. Plus, we don’t have to ask our dealers to stock another complete set of mods. Of course, the existing X7 will continue to be available. But, the Phenom now becomes the pinnacle of woodsball markers.”

The new X7 Phenom, which is expected to arrive in stores in late November/early December, was designed in part based on the feedback and suggestions provided by players. In fact, several respected teams such as Team Tippmann Scotland, the Hellions, the Great Lakes Rangers, the Tippinators, Madball Legionaires and T.S.S.O.C. (Tri-State Special Ops Command) all provided helpful input and will now be playing the X7 Phenom.

For more details about the X7 Phenom, players are encouraged to visit tippmann.com. While online, those interested can watch an informational video, find a nearby dealer, review marker specifications or sign up for the Tippmann Forum, where valuable, unbiased feedback on the new marker will be provided. Of course, anyone looking to connect with other paintball players should also consider becoming a fan of Tippmann on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

For more than 20 years, Tippmann Sports has been dedicated to quality manufacturing and the pursuit of cutting-edge technology and design. The company serves the paintball industry from its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tippmann Sports’ complete line of paintball markers and related accessories can be found at paintball stores and fields as well as mass retail and sporting goods outlets throughout the world.

LAPCO Paintball has been around for years, quietly making high quality parts and accessories for the paintball world. Their work isn’t considered ‘sexy’, but they’re best known for making extremely high quality parts.

BT Designs created the Apex barrel for scenario/woodsball players to give them added range and the ability to curve paintballs. It takes the concept of the Tippmann Flatline barrel and condenses it into a small package that bears a striking resemblance to a suppressor on a real firearm.

The Apex’s main weakness is the barrel it comes attached to. While the Apex itself functions as advertised, accuracy suffers. LAPCO surmised that their barrels could add needed precision to the range offered by the Apex. LAPCO uses an exhaustive process to manufacture their barrels, starting with aluminum extrusions that eventually get milled, gun drilled, and honed into one of the most finely finished, accurate barrels on the market today.

We received an Apex Ready Barrel in autococker threading, which is commonly used on higher end markers like the Planet Eclipse Ego, DYE DM Series and others. Installing the Apex tip was merely a matter of taking the tip off of the BT barrel and attaching it to the LAPCO barrel. The bore on this barrel was the BigShot’s .690″, which is a good all-around barrel size for most field grade paintballs. Out of the tube we noticed that the anodizing was different than what we’re used to seeing. It’s a Military Class III anodizing, rather than the normal ‘sulfur’ anodizing used for decorative purposes. This makes for a hard finish, more resistant to scratching.

We used the barrel and Apex on a variety of paintball markers, including a Empire Mini and ’06 Planet Eclipse Ego. “Georgia” Joe Hamilton is an experienced scenario player and game writer. He’s used Apex barrels in the past, and while he liked the increased range that they offered, he felt that the shotgun-like pattern they produced could be improved on.

Over the course of several games he used the LAPCO Apex barrel and he noted that the pattern produced by the LAPCO barrel was significantly tighter than the stock barrel the Apex comes with. For the testing portion of the review, Joe used a wide variety of paint, from ProCaps Blaze and RecSport, to low end paint he purchased at Wal-Mart. In every case, he noted a significant improvement in precision while still providing the increased range that the Apex is designed to give.

LAPCO sells the Apex Ready Bigshot in two lengths, 8″ and 12″. If you already own an Apex Barrel and just want to upgrade the barrel portion, you can buy that from LAPCO directly or through their authorized dealers. LAPCO is also selling a complete Apex kit with the LAPCO Apex ready barrel and Apex tip. For under $100, you can buy a 12″ barrel system with the tip and LAPCO barrel, or for $59 you can buy the 12″ barrel. The 8″ variant is $10 cheaper. For more information, check out www.lapcopaintball.com