Poppet or Spool Valve?

[jimbojetset]

So there's a lot of debate online in YouTube videos and paintball forums across the globe about poppet valve paintball guns vs. spool valve guns...

Many say 'it's all about your personal preference' but since I don't have anywhere with an abundant supply of upper-end markers to try out, I'm asking for you guys' personal opinions?

What's easier to maintain? Easier to break (knowing me)? Which fires better?

Since the only markers I've owned are the tippmann A5 and X7 and an old invert mini, I'm looking to up my game.

Any input is most appreciated

 

[Anotherproblem]

Maintenance of a poppet is almost always easier than a spool. As for shooting them, personal preference honestly. I like both

 

[alexd]

Maintenance: Ego (poppet) is one of the easiest markers to maintain. Geo (spool) needs slightly more TLC
Shooting trajectory: a geo has a flatter shot than the ego, but through practice you will work with the capabilities

Both are backed up by some of the best post sales Customer Service in the industry

 

[Fanta]

highly doubt an ego has a flatter trajectory than a geo

 

[alexd]

highly doubt an ego has a flatter trajectory than a geo

Oops.. I agree and adjusted!

 

[jimbojetset]

Cheers guys, keep the help coming

 

[Dusty]

Buy an Axe. It shoots like a spoolie, maintains like a poppet

Spoolies tend to be more fickle things but the purists will tell you they shoot better. I personally think if you pull the trigger and a ball comes out, well, job done really.

 

[Niall W]

As a rule of thumb...

Spools:
+ Quiet.
+ Smooth.
+ Soft on paint.
- Worse efficiency.
- More maintenance.

Poppets:
+ Good efficiency.
+ Little maintenance needed.
- More kick.
- Harsher on paint.
- Loud.

These are sweeping generalisations, and of course not all pros and cons can be related to every spool or poppet.

With modern high end markers, any serious flaws are pretty much ironed out so it really is mostly a question of personal preference. I enjoy the 'chuck it in a bag after practice and not worry about it'ness' of poppets such as egos, and not having to worry about running it with a 0.7. But on the other hand I love the softness of a well run in dye marker.
Ive owned both and would take either without prejudice.

Im guessing from your previous markers you play woodsball? A poppet would probably be wise for those extended woods / scenario games where efficiency is a factor.

 

[Care_Bears]

I personally think before you go out and buy any Gun, look up all the different types on U-Tube, and to be honest I`m surprised you haven`t already since you want to move up, Oh and by the way !! there is loads between a Spoolie and a Poppet, don`t let them Kid you ?? I also love an Axe if nothing else but the Sound !! they are the quietest guns on the planet if you have the right barrel, But other guns have good points too, it`s similar to a guys #### , they all do the job But they are definitely Not Equal.

 

[jimbojetset]

Brilliant, thanks guys...

Like Niall said, I'm a woodsball player at heart, since I'm not fit enough for a real speedball team and I LOVE big games.
Tempting to turn to a poppet marker simply because of efficiency and many sexy looking guns out there, and the simplicity.

How does everyone feel about the Vanguard Creed? I love the looks and there's been a few going on here recently?

If not, I'm looking for a marker (probably second hand) for around £250 - £350 So real high end markers are out of the question.