Just received my new (to me) Axe and fired 6-7 pods through it. Some random thoughts...

- I like it! It is really just a larger Mini. I expected more of a difference but why improve whats not broken? There are some nice changes though.

- As stated it has a larger frame. I never had a problem with the Mini's size as I have girlie hands but I can see the larger frame size being a bonus for others.

- The Axe barrel is identical to the Mini barrel. This will allow for some cool color combos if you have a Mini still and want to change up the barrel color.

- Overall size, ergonomics are great with a 68/4500 tank. Really puts my X7 to shame.

- I installed my freak back/AA front/Apex tip combo and the erg's improved even more. Marker now balances on the rear tang, has great range AND accuracy. Yes the Freak/Apex (V.1) tip was more accurate and provided a tighter group than the stock barrel. I know some of you are aren't surprised but I was. I'm anxious to try a Deadly winds but it would be pretty hard to beat the Apex for distance.

- The seller had my Axe set for 3 round burst which I didn't think the stock Axe was capable of. Will have to research further. This is the reason I only put 7 pods through it. Neighbours were becoming inquisitive and I was expecting an air strike at any minute

- Love the tool-less bolt removal. Click-twist-twist-pull and it's out and ready for cleaning/lubing. No excuses for a gummed up or dry marker anymore.

- Not a fan of the feedneck. It was either too loose to hold the pod or too tight to release the pod without taking an allen key to it (Rotor).

- I did break some paint but it was one year old, shrunk and brittle. I'm hoping the above results will improve even more with decent paint and a better insert match.

- My other markers are a blinged out X7 and a blinged out Mini. My plan is to keep the Axe relatively stock and make it my primary shooter, although I can hear an OLED Virtue board calling to me at night.

Overall a nice marker aimed at the low-midrange market. I think if Empire would stop selling the Mini and reduce the price of the Axe by $100 they would sell a TON of these things.



B.

Nice looking Axe, you can't beat basic black. I have the virtue OLED board and I do love it, makes programming so much faster and easier. That being said however, you may want to hold off just a bit before you buy one. Rumor has it that Empire is going to release their Pro series front grip pretty soon and I THINK that it is a OLED but I could be wrong. It's supposed to have a joystick for navigating firing modes as well as finger grooves on the grip.

__________________

"A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one!"

Empire BT TM-7 in Terrapat

Nice looking AXe man. You forgot about one of the huge improvements.... the ON/OFF ASA.

__________________

I kinda like that little bag you made Kanuck, does it have any internal pockets or padding?

__________________

"A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one!"

Empire BT TM-7 in Terrapat

It's padded with 1/8 neoprene rubber but no pockets.

__________________

Yup. here it is. Learned about it just after I typed that.

I have the virtue OLED now but this looks pretty sweet to me. Only issue I see is what board it's using. If it's using the standard Mini/axe board, it would be something of a step back for me.

__________________

"A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one!"

Empire BT TM-7 in Terrapat

What board is that, BS?

As far as the feedneck goes, toss an Empire Nano on there and call it a day. The stock neck is way too tall for my taste.

__________________

Ya I hear you about the Nano. Another pic of the Pro.



B.

It's the new Axe Pro marker. Currently being field tested. Supposedly out "soon". I'm hoping the board gets sold seperately.

B.