Is the Etha 3M the best mechanical paintball gun of 2022? Planet Eclipse' attention to detail has truly made this marker excellent in so many ways! This becomes obvious when you compare it to the EMEK and realize Eclipse must've studied the aftermarket parts available for the EMEK. Each feature does what the EMEK did, but even better — from the engine valve to ergonomics. But does all this mean it is the best mechanical marker of 2022? Let's have a look at the features before we make a verdict. Pros POPS ASA included Adjustable trigger FL3 included (lighter pull) Toolless bolt More features than other mechanical markers Cons Expensive for a mechanical marker ($400) Not PAL Loader compatible FL 3-Way Valve The most popular upgrade for mechanical markers is the valve, because this allows the gun to fire more rapidly. The Etha 3M features Eclipse' FL 3-way valve that gives the gun a shorter, faster trigger pull. This is done by letting the valve exhaust the air quicker and is best compared to an old school (QEV) quick exhaust valve. Forget about upgrading, this valve comes stock. Flat Metal Trigger Upon inspection, we really had to give it to Planet Eclipse — they beautifully upgraded the trigger design from the already excellent EMEK trigger. They improved the trigger aesthetics by moving from a boring, stock, plastic design to a sleek, flat, all-metal design. They have improved the response and feel from valve to trigger — you really get a really quick, snappy shot right out of the box! POPS ASA Planet Eclipse has upgraded their massively successful POPS ASA and it is on this marker! One of the biggest pains of Paintball is degassing your gun under pressure. Not only is it a pain, but, if done incorrectly, it can damage your gun over time and cause you to accidentally cross thread your tank. The POPS included on this marker is designed with a ball bearing, quick purge ASA that normally only comes standard on their high end guns. Eclipse is making a statement by shipping it as a standard feature for a mechanical gun. Quick-Release Back Cap Planet Eclipse listened and a quick-release back cap now comes standard for an Etha making your life a lot easier. This is one of the only upgrades the Paintball community wasn't able to solve with aftermarket parts on previous versions of the Etha. However, time changes things. It is now super simple to access your bolt or clean paint out of the breach. To do so, simply slide the back cap up, slide the bolt out, and voila....easy access! Clean, lube, and more with zero tools! Low-Rise Metal Feed Neck The Etha 3 still features a low-rise feed neck with a similar weight to previous versions, however, we think the styling has improved significantly. It now sports a sleeker, high end look that Eclipse' most expensive options offer. It is an easy to use clamping design constructed from sturdy material we think will last you for years. The GAMMA Core — Tried and True The Gamma core was and still is a game changer in the spool valve world, and it comes with the Etha 3M. It has been proven time and time again to be one of the most reliable bolt systems available on the market. Hell, it has even been frozen to -20c for a week and still shot great, with no issues! Because of its reliability and efficiency, Planet Eclipse continues to use the Gamma core even in this marker. Verdict — The Etha 3M is the best mechanical gun of 2022...probably ever! With so many excellent options on the market, it is hard to give a definitive answer, however, at New Breed Paintball we collectively agree it is one of the strongest contenders. We might even venture to say, thus far it is the best mechanical gun of 2022 or ever! From stock this marker includes much of what a high-end Planet Eclipse marker includes. If you are looking for a mechanical gun that feels comfortable in your hands, has a very snappy and responsive trigger, and will NEVER, ever, ever (can't stress that enough) die...then it would be hard to argue that this gun isn't for you. It is definitely in the running for mechanical marker of the year...thus far! Let us know what you! ===review=== planet-eclipse-etha-3m-black 4.5
