I'm not sure this isn't something I haven't stated before, but just to confirm -
Lots and lots of people say about the 'required' ups of an Ion - actually for many of the younger, skinter guys on my team, this has been a positive bonus. They get a base version, which works perfectly adequately, and then add the preferred but not essential bits when they can afford them. The only expensive upgrade is the barrel, but that's true for virtually all gats anyway.
Where I disagree with many 'pundits' is the order in which to do them. IMHO...
1) QEV mod - 8 beer vouchers from Planet, and simply a no brainer, because of the faster cycling time = faster ROF (up to the board max, obviously) and the benfit of not having to strip the noid to clean it. Slight efficiency increase too...
2) Trigger - I HATE the stock trigger - that's always a personal thing, but thebetterones are $27 shipped to the UK. That nice man Skeetmaster can also help you out too
3) On/Off & rail - The stock duckbill is comedy but functional. I don't like the position it puts the gat in, but standard price for a CP rail & ASA seems to be bout 25 notes 2nd hand
4) Barrel - You could argue this is most important, but I put it here cos it IS expensive. The Evil Pipe rocks my world, but if you can find paint to match the stock barrel it ain't THAT bad
5) Feedneck - I really sometmes think people overstate this. Yeah I have a Hybrid Hedlok 2 on mine, but if your loader fits the stock one, then everyone goes home happy. Kind of, if it ain't broke, don't fix it...
I know and understand John C's concern about the field strippable bolt - for what it's worth the Strange body kit - as many will know - adds the ability to remove the bolt from the back of the marker without stripping it (for a price of $149). He used the airbag analogy to me - he's never needed them, but one day he will and he'll be grateful for them
Just to keep you updated, John - a few more tourney's down and I - and no one else I've ever seen - has 'triggered the airbags' in their Ions. I will inform you - honest - the moment they go off
