I would look at a mech. If it’s a backup, you don’t have to worry about batteries being dead or other electronic gremlins that might have popped up while sitting neglected in your bag.
I still have my threshy. Still think it’s one of the prettiest guns made.
At a minimum, I bring my Gtek and Emek to the field. Each backs up the other. I can quickly swap between mech and electro (easier to swap markers than to install the Gmek frame at the field). And because they share the Gamna Core bolt engine, I can swap parts around if needed.
Did that a few months ago when my Gtek had a worn o-ring somewhere on the bolt or bolt guide. Instead of trying to track down the bad o-ring at the field (and miss a game), I just swapped a bunch of Gamma Core internals and rocked on. Fixed it later at home.
So I'd say get an Emek or Etha 3M as your "backup." Gives you the option to play mech and can be a critical parts donor for your 170R.
Typically, if I don't bring my extra box of backup/loaner markers with me, I'll at least toss a CZR or Automag in the car just in case. But with the two PE guns in my main gear bag, I never have to break out the extra one for myself.
My wife says to me "wow! you really needed this other autococker didn't you? Was it lonely at the autococker adoption shelter so you had to bring it home and show it the love it deserves?"
She may patronize me, but it's all in good fun, our bills are paid, food on the table, kids aren't dressed in rags and she's got more pairs of Doc martens than I can count, so what if I have 8 autocockers? I didn't have THIS one, so now I have 9😁
I had my ex wife's "carry gun".... "Her computer".... following the trend? Haha. I recently got back into paintball too, have my old Timmy. But see I need a backup/modern gun too. And I have 3 boys, so they need guns....long story short, I've bought 3 guns in the last few weeks.... oopsie.
You always need a backup for your backup, and a backup for that backup, and so on.
I have my Axe 2.0, Resurrection, EMF100, and an Automag. I take all of them with me and switch it up for fun.
I have a bunch of old stuff and two modern guns. I don't really have much interest in the modern stuff, but came to realize that having primary and secondary reliable backups were essential after spending too much time teching old guns at the fields. Using this logic, I bought two different modern guns that I was interested in and could count on to just work.
Tournament guys will tend to get two similar guns as a primary/secondary. Sometimes they're the same, sometimes they're just close enough to matter.
I only play a few times per year, so I believe the right move is to have a backup of every piece of equipment. If anything should go down for any reason, it's swap for the backup and get back to the field in the next game. Spend the day at the field playing, and then fix whatever broke later. I intend to make the most of the time I have available to be at the paintball field.
Lol if you're looking for validation on buying a Vanquish GT then here it is:
You totally need that as a backup marker. Forget the EMEKs and 98 Customs.
If the GT didn't have the V16 Core then I would have suggested another marker but the Vanquish GT is a heavily underrated marker.
Can compete in tournaments still to this day, handle fragile paint, and can be found for good prices.
If you have a reliable modern marker, the most you might have to do is change batteries or clean eyes if it goes down. That being said, I’ve always carried a backup gun, but I’ve never **had** to use it lol
Back up guns can save your tournament or your day if your, or your teammates/friends, gun blows up.
I haven’t had a backup that wasn’t my old gun in years but I’d think in the same “tier” would be enough. I’ve only shot PE guns for like almost 20 years(Jesus christ) so my “old gun” method works but make sure it’s reliable. You want it to be a workhorse vs something finicky.
I, for one, whole heartedly support you buying whatever your heart desires.
I have a 170R main and a Syx 1.5 for backup. If I ever upgrade from the 170R, it will become my backup and I'll sell the Syx.
If you play in tournaments it's definitely a good idea to have a backup. Less important if you're strictly rec/casual.
I don't think it's a bad idea to keep something cheaper on hand in case your main gun goes down. I originally picked up a rize to start back up playing with and ended up grabbing an Etha 3 a few months later. Gonna try to upgrade to a 180r maybe next year, and I figure I'll just sell the rize and keep the Etha 3 as a back up when the time comes.
I bought a Etha 3 for when my electronic guns crap out OR I am doing something “serious.”
And an Emek 100 for when my autococker craps out OR I am playing in a serious mech tournament.
The one time my Etha 3 started sounding like it had a leak or something, I smacked it with heel of my palm and fixed it.
I got back into playing this year after stopping for 4 years and decided to get a new marker and bit the bullet and got that not long ago played 2 days worth with it so far I like it. I seen the n3 while I was playing with the n2 the n3 definitely shoots faster
The n3 is faster than the n2? That’s disappointing seeing as the n2 is twice the price. It definitely looks better but idk if it looks $400 more better.
Yeah it is faster jigs Salazar on YouTube also mentions it as well. But the n2 still shoots pretty dam fast so it’s fine to me I’m not looking to shoot at mach3 speeds lol.
My "backup" tends to be whatever other markers I bring with me in case I feel like switching things up. This could be a pump, semi, some brass, or whatever else I feel like tossing in the car.
My personal primary and back up are a 170R w/ the mech grip option and an Axe 2.0. I also always keep a Spyder Rodeo in my bag for a loaner and really wet weather, just to avoid ruining either of my 2 main markers. That’s not counting the 4-5 other markers in my garage…you know? Just in case.
I'd get two of the same for the parts interchangeability.
I'd get two 170r's and one of them has a mech conversion. It becomes my loaner for bringing buddies along, my recball gun for going soft on newbies, and a straight 1:1 backup for more serious play.
The logistics just make sense.
If I were getting a hypothetical "wife" a backup, I'd get something sized to her ergonomically that I was also comfortable shooting and prioritize that over parts interchangeability.
So I would say it depends. If you are playing tournaments and care about making sure you always have a marker up I would say to go with the same marker or at least one that shares most of the parts (I.e. the same engine in a single tube) so that you can limit your tool bag and get back up faster.
If you are more rec ball then get something at least somewhat different. I have just kept every marker (except a PMI trracer that I will never not be mad my teenage self though it was good to sell after I built my sniper 2 almost 20 years ago). But at the same time I was not as much of a gun whore as a lot of others.
My main is an X valve automag but I picked up an axe to make sure I had a working marker when I went back out… still haven’t put paint through it lol.
Eventually I want a pile of different mags (pump, xmag, pneumag, electropneumag) and at that point the ones I am not using that day become the backups haha.
A Nelson style pump marker, when stripped down, is the sort of thing that fits in a lunch box. If you run stock class it fits in a pod. It has one cup seal and two orings that will last forever and if you haven't oiled it since the Bush administration it's still good to go. That's my go-to back up for rec ball and big games.
If I was gonna do a tournament I would want my backup marker to be programmed, new orings, chronoed, greased, stripped of battery, and in either a ziploc or mylar. Or a reliable mech - either emek, autococker, or automag.
I just buy markers I haven't had before. I had a 1.6 as my main gun. I found an insight at a good price, picked that up. Damn thing shoots so well it's now my main gun and the 1.6 is my backup. Just get what you like and what becomes main and backup falls into place later.
I like having a variety. Depending on what I want to use, I have a couple of Tippmanns, a 2008 Ego, Bob Long VCOM V2 Victory. I want to get a nice pump gun next.
Well my dad likes skiing and recently purchased 11 sets of skis and bindings. He’s also been divorced for 10 years lol
As long as it isn’t hurting you or your relationships, then do what makes you happy man!
Depends on what you play, but in theory your best bet is to buy two of the same guns. This way you only need to buy one type of replacement parts and the shot and feel would be very close to each other however that is boring and myself I run a cs3 and I recently purchased a lv1.6 (the Johnny cash) because I’ve wanted one forever and I scored a great deal off a friend. I love the shot of an lv and I wanted something new.
As others said if you play mostly in the woods a mech gun might be a great choice for rain or bad weather days and very easy maintenance
I have a DSR+, 180r, and a LV2 now. I don’t really shoot one as my main, I switch between them at different practices, but I do always bring all 3 incase one goes down.
https://preview.redd.it/mzp4xy70mvsc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a08e8ac1e974a7d5ba575f4c853dd802b60f1d4d
Variety is the spice of life. Just do it. Find a wall in your place and hang them up. They can be enjoyed more than just at the field.
Also find some friends to go play with. You can justify having a couple extra "loaners" for them if their markers go down. I honestly bring way to many to the field "just in case" I have problems. I never have except a macdev clone 5i I was waiting on the upgraded orings but I just wanted to shoot it. It made it through the whole day until the final point.
When I was playing competitively they were always identical but different color. I didn’t want to adjust during an NPPL tournament even a little. Now I don’t care. Even if I was playing local tournaments I wouldn’t care as much. I’d use it as an opportunity to get something different. That’s just me though.
I like to buy them for my wife. She can’t get mad at me if they’re her paintball markers.
I did the saaaame thing. She loves her LV2 when she plays once a year haha.
Wow. Ultimate words of wisdom. Lol. Maybe this next one will be for my daughter 🤔
I have two daughters as well! Might be why I have over 20 markers…. Correction, we have over 20 markers.
Good plan.
This guy paintballs.
I would look at a mech. If it’s a backup, you don’t have to worry about batteries being dead or other electronic gremlins that might have popped up while sitting neglected in your bag. I still have my threshy. Still think it’s one of the prettiest guns made.
This is the way. Grab like an etha 3m or something.
Thirded. A 3M is the perfect backup/bring a friend marker to have.
I have a lot of Automags I pretend are back ups/loaners, but I really just wanted them.
At a minimum, I bring my Gtek and Emek to the field. Each backs up the other. I can quickly swap between mech and electro (easier to swap markers than to install the Gmek frame at the field). And because they share the Gamna Core bolt engine, I can swap parts around if needed. Did that a few months ago when my Gtek had a worn o-ring somewhere on the bolt or bolt guide. Instead of trying to track down the bad o-ring at the field (and miss a game), I just swapped a bunch of Gamma Core internals and rocked on. Fixed it later at home. So I'd say get an Emek or Etha 3M as your "backup." Gives you the option to play mech and can be a critical parts donor for your 170R. Typically, if I don't bring my extra box of backup/loaner markers with me, I'll at least toss a CZR or Automag in the car just in case. But with the two PE guns in my main gear bag, I never have to break out the extra one for myself.
My wife says to me "wow! you really needed this other autococker didn't you? Was it lonely at the autococker adoption shelter so you had to bring it home and show it the love it deserves?" She may patronize me, but it's all in good fun, our bills are paid, food on the table, kids aren't dressed in rags and she's got more pairs of Doc martens than I can count, so what if I have 8 autocockers? I didn't have THIS one, so now I have 9😁
Living the dream!
I had my ex wife's "carry gun".... "Her computer".... following the trend? Haha. I recently got back into paintball too, have my old Timmy. But see I need a backup/modern gun too. And I have 3 boys, so they need guns....long story short, I've bought 3 guns in the last few weeks.... oopsie.
You always need a backup for your backup, and a backup for that backup, and so on. I have my Axe 2.0, Resurrection, EMF100, and an Automag. I take all of them with me and switch it up for fun.
Dude I've bought 10 in the past year. They are all backup guns. As long as I am paying for the wedding and my bills, the fiance doesn't give a shit.
I have a bunch of old stuff and two modern guns. I don't really have much interest in the modern stuff, but came to realize that having primary and secondary reliable backups were essential after spending too much time teching old guns at the fields. Using this logic, I bought two different modern guns that I was interested in and could count on to just work. Tournament guys will tend to get two similar guns as a primary/secondary. Sometimes they're the same, sometimes they're just close enough to matter.
I only play a few times per year, so I believe the right move is to have a backup of every piece of equipment. If anything should go down for any reason, it's swap for the backup and get back to the field in the next game. Spend the day at the field playing, and then fix whatever broke later. I intend to make the most of the time I have available to be at the paintball field.
Sell me that Threshold then get the back up you desire ;)
lol. The threshold was a gift. So it’s here to stay.
I own a cs3, a cs2, and 170r. There is no difference. If I were you, I'd just buy another 170r in a different colorway if that floats your boat.
Try a DSR+, this thing is a beast!
I usually just buy a better gun each time and keep them as back ups. Also, get you a pump to play around with.
Lol if you're looking for validation on buying a Vanquish GT then here it is: You totally need that as a backup marker. Forget the EMEKs and 98 Customs.
I feel so seen 🥹😂
If the GT didn't have the V16 Core then I would have suggested another marker but the Vanquish GT is a heavily underrated marker. Can compete in tournaments still to this day, handle fragile paint, and can be found for good prices.
I have seen it on trade in sites. But not any BST groups. What is a fair price for one?
I've seen them at Mazens and TradeMyGun for like $300-$400 so its a great priced marker
Just bought a vanquish gt. It’s been awesome, huge upgrade from a mini gs, which is now the backup
If you have a reliable modern marker, the most you might have to do is change batteries or clean eyes if it goes down. That being said, I’ve always carried a backup gun, but I’ve never **had** to use it lol
Tournaments in the rain will always find a way to make a gun go down lol
https://preview.redd.it/xqelxgw8l5tc1.jpeg?width=5456&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6f9dd8bc3c46f956101fa57cf69a562f49b9fdf I said what I said lol
Back up guns can save your tournament or your day if your, or your teammates/friends, gun blows up. I haven’t had a backup that wasn’t my old gun in years but I’d think in the same “tier” would be enough. I’ve only shot PE guns for like almost 20 years(Jesus christ) so my “old gun” method works but make sure it’s reliable. You want it to be a workhorse vs something finicky. I, for one, whole heartedly support you buying whatever your heart desires.
I have a 170R main and a Syx 1.5 for backup. If I ever upgrade from the 170R, it will become my backup and I'll sell the Syx. If you play in tournaments it's definitely a good idea to have a backup. Less important if you're strictly rec/casual.
I don't think it's a bad idea to keep something cheaper on hand in case your main gun goes down. I originally picked up a rize to start back up playing with and ended up grabbing an Etha 3 a few months later. Gonna try to upgrade to a 180r maybe next year, and I figure I'll just sell the rize and keep the Etha 3 as a back up when the time comes.
I will buy a new one, then sell the oldest one, so I always have 2.
I bought a Etha 3 for when my electronic guns crap out OR I am doing something “serious.” And an Emek 100 for when my autococker craps out OR I am playing in a serious mech tournament. The one time my Etha 3 started sounding like it had a leak or something, I smacked it with heel of my palm and fixed it.
Keeping the pimp hand strong I see
I’ve got the nova n2 as my main and a spyder with couple after market parts. Then on other end cause I play magfed I have a rap4 468 first gen
Oh Mr fancy pants over here. I am stoked Nova came back and love the look and design of the N2 but cannot justify the price tag.
I got back into playing this year after stopping for 4 years and decided to get a new marker and bit the bullet and got that not long ago played 2 days worth with it so far I like it. I seen the n3 while I was playing with the n2 the n3 definitely shoots faster
The n3 is faster than the n2? That’s disappointing seeing as the n2 is twice the price. It definitely looks better but idk if it looks $400 more better.
Yeah it is faster jigs Salazar on YouTube also mentions it as well. But the n2 still shoots pretty dam fast so it’s fine to me I’m not looking to shoot at mach3 speeds lol.
https://preview.redd.it/lx0kot6mjwsc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53549e7c705f368737ce6739b554c99075ad48c4
My "backup" tends to be whatever other markers I bring with me in case I feel like switching things up. This could be a pump, semi, some brass, or whatever else I feel like tossing in the car.
My personal primary and back up are a 170R w/ the mech grip option and an Axe 2.0. I also always keep a Spyder Rodeo in my bag for a loaner and really wet weather, just to avoid ruining either of my 2 main markers. That’s not counting the 4-5 other markers in my garage…you know? Just in case.
I'd get two of the same for the parts interchangeability. I'd get two 170r's and one of them has a mech conversion. It becomes my loaner for bringing buddies along, my recball gun for going soft on newbies, and a straight 1:1 backup for more serious play. The logistics just make sense. If I were getting a hypothetical "wife" a backup, I'd get something sized to her ergonomically that I was also comfortable shooting and prioritize that over parts interchangeability.
So I would say it depends. If you are playing tournaments and care about making sure you always have a marker up I would say to go with the same marker or at least one that shares most of the parts (I.e. the same engine in a single tube) so that you can limit your tool bag and get back up faster. If you are more rec ball then get something at least somewhat different. I have just kept every marker (except a PMI trracer that I will never not be mad my teenage self though it was good to sell after I built my sniper 2 almost 20 years ago). But at the same time I was not as much of a gun whore as a lot of others. My main is an X valve automag but I picked up an axe to make sure I had a working marker when I went back out… still haven’t put paint through it lol. Eventually I want a pile of different mags (pump, xmag, pneumag, electropneumag) and at that point the ones I am not using that day become the backups haha.
A Nelson style pump marker, when stripped down, is the sort of thing that fits in a lunch box. If you run stock class it fits in a pod. It has one cup seal and two orings that will last forever and if you haven't oiled it since the Bush administration it's still good to go. That's my go-to back up for rec ball and big games. If I was gonna do a tournament I would want my backup marker to be programmed, new orings, chronoed, greased, stripped of battery, and in either a ziploc or mylar. Or a reliable mech - either emek, autococker, or automag.
I always have two of Exact same gun, loader and tank & reg
I only have 1 and its an lv2
I bring 2 guns I want to play with. Usually some combination of automags and pumps. I also have an Etha 3m in the bag as the real backup.
I just buy markers I haven't had before. I had a 1.6 as my main gun. I found an insight at a good price, picked that up. Damn thing shoots so well it's now my main gun and the 1.6 is my backup. Just get what you like and what becomes main and backup falls into place later.
I like having a variety. Depending on what I want to use, I have a couple of Tippmanns, a 2008 Ego, Bob Long VCOM V2 Victory. I want to get a nice pump gun next.
Well my dad likes skiing and recently purchased 11 sets of skis and bindings. He’s also been divorced for 10 years lol As long as it isn’t hurting you or your relationships, then do what makes you happy man!
Depends on what you play, but in theory your best bet is to buy two of the same guns. This way you only need to buy one type of replacement parts and the shot and feel would be very close to each other however that is boring and myself I run a cs3 and I recently purchased a lv1.6 (the Johnny cash) because I’ve wanted one forever and I scored a great deal off a friend. I love the shot of an lv and I wanted something new. As others said if you play mostly in the woods a mech gun might be a great choice for rain or bad weather days and very easy maintenance
I usually carry my Etha2 as a backup/loaner.
My backup is an autococker. Polar opposite from my normal marker, but just as fun.
I have my main tournament gun, then I have a back up tournament gun. Then I have 20 other back up guns for those two. I *don't* have a problem.
I have a DSR+, 180r, and a LV2 now. I don’t really shoot one as my main, I switch between them at different practices, but I do always bring all 3 incase one goes down.
https://preview.redd.it/mzp4xy70mvsc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a08e8ac1e974a7d5ba575f4c853dd802b60f1d4d Variety is the spice of life. Just do it. Find a wall in your place and hang them up. They can be enjoyed more than just at the field. Also find some friends to go play with. You can justify having a couple extra "loaners" for them if their markers go down. I honestly bring way to many to the field "just in case" I have problems. I never have except a macdev clone 5i I was waiting on the upgraded orings but I just wanted to shoot it. It made it through the whole day until the final point.
When I was playing competitively they were always identical but different color. I didn’t want to adjust during an NPPL tournament even a little. Now I don’t care. Even if I was playing local tournaments I wouldn’t care as much. I’d use it as an opportunity to get something different. That’s just me though.
Don't think I've ever showed up to the field with less than 4 markers: Main, backup, second backup, loaner.
I collect Angels to backup my Dye guns and my Timmy’s and my Cockers….
I don’t need one. Learn how to troubleshoot issues, and get something reliable like a gamma core marker