My main marker for the 2008 season was a Smart Parts SP-1. The base SP-1 has 3 firing modes, semi auto, burst and full auto (11 bps). It also has a tournament lock for semi. The electro pneumatic operation allows the marker to run on low pressure (180 PSI), with the built in regulator there is no need for a low pressure tank. Due to is changeable dwell It runs equally well on CO2 and HPA, although I recommend HPA. The stock marker weighs in at 2lbs 6oz and is 12.5” long without the barrel which hides mostly inside the body of the marker. The SP-1 requires a 9V battery and is considered waterproof (see this video for an example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WZQBthIrz0) besides the trigger the only moving part is the bolt which gives it marker a unique sound. Everywhere I took this marker it turned heads and got lots of comments.
Strengths:
• Low recoil - the Sp-1’s low force bolt does wonders to eliminate bounce which will improve your accuracy and ball on ball consistency. Here is a video that demonstrates this clearly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6WR3JkxEU4• Durability – As I previously stated the marker is practically waterproof. Here is a video to demonstrate that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WZQBthIrz0 In addition the marker is made from a fiber reinforced nylon making it virtually unbreakable. This marker is great for those of us who are rough on our gear.
• Anti-chop - the Sp-1’s low force bolt does wonders to eliminate chopping without the use of eyes. I never chopped a ball with mine and put well over 8000 balls through it. Here is a video that demonstrates this clearly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuvBMccPWyw&NR=1• Rail system – The SP-1 is covered with rails give the owner an opportunity to add scoped, lasers, flash lights, bipods or any other similar upgrade.
Weaknesses:
• Battery Sensitivity – I found that if the battery started to drain the marker would start to malfunction. This was not a big deal as I kept a spare 9V at all times.
• Circuit Board – At the time of this review there is only the stock board available capped at 11bps. According to Smart Parts there is a Blackheart board on its way, however in my research I have not found one yet.
• Field Stripping - Breaking this marker down in the field requires a lot of work space and plenty of tools. I had to do this a few times and always found it frustrating.
My SP-1 was highly upgraded to my personal style and reccomend these as well. Please see the description below for all the upgrades I had done. Overall the marker works great and I would recommend to anyone but specifically woodsballers. However I think it would run equally well on a speedball field with the double trigger upgrade.
My SP-1
Upgrades
Double Trigger
Clamping feed neck
Grip
CAR Stock
APEX barrel
Tech T L7 Bolt
Custom Paint job
