Kingman Spyder VS1 Paintball Marker Review - Check out
core features, pros, cons, kits/upgrades, pictures, and videos!
So you're interested in the tournament scene are you? Well what better entry
level marker to start with then the Spyder VS1. Here I'm going to let you in on
everything you need to know about the Spyder VS1!
The VS1 comes from Spyders new VS Series of markers.
The
Spyder VS1,
Spyder VS2, and VS3.
Obviously being the baby of the series, the Spyder VS1 carries the lowest price of
its siblings. At $199 (MSRP) the Spyder VS1 is very attractive among the youngsters starting out in the speedball arena.
So besides the price, what does the VS1 offer? Well for starters with a new
lightweight striker and Delrin bolt the VS1 has been reduced in weight. Why does this matter? Reduced weight means better
maneuverability and increased stability at high rates of fire; 20 balls per
second in the case of the Spyder VS1.
Moreover, and probably the coolest part of
the VS1 (in my opinion) is the all new Infra-Red
Break Beam Eye System. The 'Eyes' as most paintball players call it,
are used to detect paintballs entering the breach of the marker. This means that
the VS1 will not fire any paintballs so long as there is no ball in the
breach/chamber. The Eye system also reduces paintballs from chopping; a very
annoying thing for paintballers.
This is a great start out paintball marker. I suggest trying
one first before buying, this will give you a better
impression before you decide to spend your hard earned
cash (or your mom's).
Noobie Note: Extra bits of information are added for those of you that would like to pretend you understand, but really in fact have a lot of questions. No need to feel embarrassed, we all have to start somewhere!
See videos at the end of the review.
~ Core Features ~ What's It Got? ~
Light weight bonded polymer grip frame - keyword here is lightweight
Multi-modes of operation (semi-auto eyes on, semi-auto eyes off, and 3 burst) - Very nice!
Tournament lock
Rate of fire up to 20 bps - You will be shooting ropes of paint buddy!
Push button membrane selector switch
Break beam eye ball detection system - One of the strongest points on the VS1
Pull-pin top cocking knob
Quick access Delrin bolt
Dual rubber ball detents
10" muzzle break barrel
No-slip wrap around grip
3-way adjustable two finger trigger
Vertical inline expansion chamber
Compatible with CO2 or Compressed Air - Bonus!
~ Pros ~
Electronic - All sorts of different firing modes that
should keep you busy painting your buddies! (semi-auto eyes on, semi-auto
eyes off, and 3 burst)
Infra-Red Break Beam Eye System -
Wow what a mouth full! The eye system will ultimately reduce chopping paintballs
to 0. That's right the eyes work great!
20 BPS - Twenty balls per second; can you handle it?
Co2/HPA - This is always one of my favorite core features of any paintball marker. The VS1 has the ability to utilize both propellants!
Price -Just think...4 months allowance and you can buy the VS1,
OR, you could always get a job at Dunkin Donuts slacker!
Lightweight - Very reliable and great for maneuverability!
Easy To Use - Very simple to use and easy to clean/maintain
~ Cons ~
Feed Neck - Sits a little too high (I don't like my
hopper way up in the air, it ruins the whole look of the marker)
Barrel - I wouldn't say it's bad, but I would upgrade for increased accuracy
Loud - The VS1 is a little loud when using Co2
~ Different Kits/Upgrades ~
I would definitely consider upgrading the following...
Feed Neck - Clamping Feed Necks are my favorite
Barrel - J&J, or All American maybe?
Fast Electronic Hopper - Anything that can keep up with 20
bps!
Trigger - Little stiff
Keep in mind these are all optional upgrades as the Spyder VS1 is a great performer right out of
the box. For added performance though, I would suggest upgrading to the parts mentioned above.
I give the Spyder VS1 a 4.7 out of 5. The Kingman Spyder
VS1 is built tough, its fast, has eyes, is light and is built for the tournament
player in mind. Now, that's not to say this baby can't be used in the woods as
well, because if it wasn't... Spyder would be out of business!
I would recommend this marker to the entry level
speedball player, and the guy that plays casual
woodsball. The VS1's easy to use, simple to clean, and
the price can't be beat for starting out in paintball.
Don't forget soldier, it's not just a marker, it's a
Kingman Spyder marker, so you know you're getting
quality.