New Ion Xe

[Junkie]

Press Release:
Ion XE – Exceptional Value, Easier Maintenance

The incredibly popular Ion paintball marker has been redesigned to integrate one of its users' most desired features – easy bolt-out-back maintenance.

Loyalhanna, PA – October 23, 2007 – Since its initial release, the popularity of the Ion electropneumatic paintball marker has grown by leaps and bounds. This is not at all surprising, considering that it was the first marker to provide true low-pressure electropneumatic operation with integrated anti-chop Vision at a price that was affordable to the typical recreational paintball player.

In a retail price range where all of the competing markers – even those with electronic grip frames – still rely on accuracy robbing spring and hammer valve systems from the 1990s, the Ion XE's integrated bolt/valve system, with only one lightweight major moving part, is propelled by digitally controlled, regulated low-pressure gas for fantastic accuracy and quiet operation. The result is tournament level performance, whether it is creeping through the woods or charging an inflatable bunker.

“For all of its outstanding performance, some players found the Ion a bit difficult to disassemble for maintenance,” said Smart Parts engineer Hans Semelsberger. Semelsberger is no stranger to the needs of the serious paintball player, himself having been in the professional winner's circle numerous times as a member of the All Americans.

“The players spoke and we listened,” said Semelsberger, “Bolt out back bodies have been a desirable upgrade, but unfortunately the combined cost of a new marker and bolt out back body was typically more than the price tag on our more advanced markers. With a minor redesign of the Ion's bolt assembly, we've been able to integrate easy bolt out back maintenance into the new Ion XE and deliver all of this in the same affordable price range.”

All of the Ion's outstanding features – a full metal grip frame and receiver, break-beam Vision anti-chop system, three-point adjustable trigger, high-flow rate Max-Flo IRG vertical regulator, digital control of timing, multiple firing modes, and interchangeable protective body covers – are a part of the new Ion XE, but now removing the bolt and entire valve system for regular maintenance requires only one tool and takes only a matter of seconds.

[tentboy]

looks ok

[ace007]

Whatzit cost?

[SirRod]

I have inquired with Smart Parts Tech's about this new Ion xe.
My spicific question was weather the new Ion xe's abilty to have the bolt extracted from the back would be able to be retrofitted to previous versions of the Ion. With the answer being "NO". So current SP Ion owners won't have the ability to extract the Ion bolt without taking it apart.
The only other course would be to purchase the "Deadly Wind" upgrade "Negitive Ion" body with "BOB" which allows the bolt to be extracted from the back of the marker.
Anyone wanting to read the email corospondance can PM me and I will "Forward" the email from SP Tech Support to you.