Figured I would post this up so folks can share there thoughts on how the Mini compares to other markers they've used. Feel free to add you on thoughts on the same markers and/or others.


Mini vs Tippmann A-5

The A-5 has been nicknamed the Ak of paintball, and for good reason. These markers are a beast, but with the tried and true realiability comes a price... and that's both accuracy and efficiency. Against the Mini, the A-5 while reliable is hardly a comparison. The Mini's design, efficiency, and accuracy blows away the A-5.

I will never discount the A-5 or anyone who uses one, because an A-5 is still the AK of the paintball world.


Mini vs Tippmann X7

The predecessor to the A-5, the X7 exhibited several improvements. However it's basically the same engine but in a new body, so not much difference can be found between the A-5 and X7. As such, it still experiences the same shortfalls that the A-5 does and compares about the same as the A-5 does to the Mini. I will say though, I had slightly better success with my X7 then I did with my A-5.


Mini vs Palmer Blazer

This is definitely a difficult one here, but at the end of the day the Blazer wins out. While the Blazer isn't an electro and doesn't shoot ropes of paint, it does hold it own. The trigger pull is longer, but it's still smooth however while it is walkable it's nowhere close to the trigger pull of the Mini. The efficiency and accuracy is very comparible if not the same or better than the Mini.

The Blazer has the aura of nostalgia about it for several reasons. They are made to order, they are the first and original auto cocking marker, they are extremely reliable, and they just look damn sexy. Price wise though.... that's a different story. You pay for what you get, and it's worth it in my opinion. However you can't beat the price for a Mini and how well it functions and looks. Dispite all the even qualities between the Blazer and the Mini, I still find myself more comfortable shooting the Blazer.... although a few games with the mini and I may change my mind.


All the comparisons I've posted are simply my opinion and others may feel differently. My opinions are based mainly off of woodsball/scenario play with an occasional speedball game.

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Mini vs Shocker SFT
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This is an interesting match-up.

My Shocker is the first electro that I owned. It is very easily walked (right now, I have an easier time with the shocker because of an aftermarket trigger) and not that much heavier in comparison with the mini. However, it has its own type of threading. This is not something I like. The mini is great because of the AC threading, so it is much easier to find matching barrels.

Another feature I love about the mini that you cannot get on a marker that is less than $800 is the hose-less system. Fantastic. And finally, the mini is ready to go out of the box. My shocker has needed a lot of upgrades to make it perform how I wanted, unlike the mini.

I would say tourney play, I'm gonna have to roll with my upp'd shocker, but for anything else, mini all the way!

Mini
4 Reliability
5 Performance
5 Efficiency
5 Weight
4 Ease of Maintenance

A5/X7
5 Reliability
4 Performance
3 Efficiency
3 Weight
3 Ease of Maintenance

09 PMR
5 Reliability
5 Performance
4 Efficiency
5 Weight
4 Ease of Maintenance

In my book, the mini is better in just about every category over the A5/X7. This is not to say that either Tippmann is a bad marker, b/c they're fantastic and look wicked cool, but when it comes to the heat of battle the Mini just wins out all the way around for me.

Also, I think the PMR and Mini are peers from my experience. The PMR performs extremely well, but its less efficient on air than the Mini. However, the PMR has never failed once where I have personally witnessed a few different issues with Minis. I think the Mini sounds cooler and is a little quieter, but I can run the trigger faster on the PMR and it just doesnt give me any trouble at all. They weigh about the same, are the same overall height, with the Mini being slightly shorter from stem to stern than the PMR. And both have fantastic build quality.

I just received my Etek and have an Infinity Legend on the way, so after I've been able to log some field time with them I'll post up on those comparisons.

I won't compare the markers directly, here's the pros and cons of each as I see them

Invert Mini:
This is one of the best "bang for your buck" markers available today. They're lightweight, compact, consistent, and very gas efficient right out of the box. The unique ASA leaves no exposed hoses or macrolines either. It uses Autococker threads for barrels, a thread pattern that every barrel manufacturer supports so you can get any type you want ( provided you have a newer generation body that doesn't limit the barrel outer diameter. ) Maintenance is simple and they're very quick to clean and lube. But I have two complaints about them, both of which are only personal preference. For me, the Mini is too small. My hands feel cramped on the grip between the ASA and main body. This is even worse with some tank regs because the pressure gauges or fill nipple are right in my palm. Also the battery pack is very close to the grip so I don't feel I have a good base to fire from. Last, the ASA is locked down for the most part so I can't add a drop to balance it the way I want.


Tippmann A-5/X7/98:
Tippmanns can't hope to compete with a Mini in stock consistency, gas efficiency, or noise signature. It's not even a debate. However, they win big points from me in ergonomics, particularly the A-5 and X7. While the Mini has a fixed ASA, the Tippmanns are very flexible in how you get the gas source to the valve so you can get drops, stocks, or whatever you want to make it feel comfortable to you. Since they're designed like normal firearms, those players used to "real steel" balance will feel right at home. Ergonomics is all personal preference though, so take this as only my opinion on the matter. The A-5 thread pattern is very common, if not as popular as 'Cocker threads, but the 98 uses a different thread that many barrels don't support. Though you can add many aftermarket upgrades to improve a Tippmann, the extra cost can put total price at, or even above, some higher end electro markers. While Tippmanns aren't quite as easy to disassemble as a Mini, they're extremely easy to maintain and troubleshoot.

AGD Automag RT/Tac-One:
If Tippmanns are the AK of the paintball world, AGD must be the H&K. They're just as rugged and durable as a Tippmann, but they have much better performance all-around. They're not as light, quiet, or gas efficient as a Mini, but I've seen no appreciable difference in consistency or accuracy. I like 'Mags because they're a little bigger and I love the 1911 type grip frames available. They have standard threads under the grip for rails, drops, etc too. In terms of firepower, RT 'Mags have a great reactive trigger to churn out the paint. The ULT upgrade makes it very walkable while a Lvl X bolt makes it VERY difficult to chop a ball. If you want something a little fancier, a pneu-Mag mod makes the trigger crazy light. But even with all these, you'll never get the high RoF that an e-trigger can do. In terms of maintenance, an AGD is as simple as anything out there. Remove one thumbscrew and the whole bolt and valve slide out the back for cleaning. If you get an old 'Mag with a twist-lock body, barrel choices are slim, but many players use the new ULE bodies with Autococker thread barrels and Angel thread feednecks. If you're a player that's paranoid about electronics, an RT is the top of the line mech marker, just a small step below the Blazer. However, like the Blazer, you're going to pay a little extra for it. A stock Mini will be cheaper than a stock RT or Tac-One, and the price difference only increases as you add extras to a 'Mag. However, AGD markers retain their resale value better than most markers.


AGD E/X-Mag:
Take an AGD RT 'Mag, add a solenoid to trip the sear and you get an E-Mag. Add some fancy body designs and you get an X-Mag. Neither have quite as many customization options as the RT's, but the e-trigger makes them a match for any paint slinger out there. The E-Mag uses a nearly identical trigger system as a Mini, with magnets for the return action and a Hall-effect sensor to trip the solenoid. Like a Mini, you can tune the E-Mag to be crazy sensitive if you want, but the E-Mag offers a longer travel distance if you want it. The stock AGD software on the board is good, offering a shot counter and game timer, and the LCD means you get a normal readout, not some code flashing LED. You can also get the popular X-Mod software that offers a multitude of firing modes. With a little finagling, you can even remove the AGD board and drop in an aftermarket one. The big feature an E-Mag offers is a full mechanical override. Along with the solenoid tripped sear, you can switch it over to a purely mechanical mode. I know of no other paintball marker that gives you this option and it's saved me in a few games. You can also mix mech and electric modes into a hybrid that lets the solenoid trip the sear while the the reactive piston assists in resetting the trigger ( using a rebound firing mode with the reactive trigger makes me VERY happy! ) The downside to an E-Mag or X-Mag is the price. Since AGD can no longer manufacture either of them, they're somewhat a "collector's item" and will easily run $800 or more. Also, with its huge battery pack, an E-Mag will be almost as heavy as a stock A-5.

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You can't wipe a welt
-J

Jaron's Realm - Paintball Commentary

Well I don't own a mini but I have a TM7 which is the same thing but feeds my Milsim side. Here's my take:

TM7: This really has been marker heaven for me. Has held up to a beating at D Day(Mud, Paint, running hard for 5 days with no cleaning). I've never had one ball break with about 20,000 rounds through it now. Light as can be and with the Rip Clip makes an awesome setup. I run a Reflex sight and a Lapco Big Shot with an Apex tip. Easily outperforms my beloved Tippmanns, and my Delta Elite.

Tippman A-5: I've owned two A-5s(Still have one) for over 6 years now. As said before the AK of the paintball world. Great marker very reliable. The drawbacks are accuracy, efficiency, and weight. I've got over $900 in my remaining A5 and it is a sweet setup but has been pushed into a backup role. But man you can make some sweet mods.

BT Delta Elite: Kind of a hybrid of a A-5 and 98. Also big time reliable and fun to run with the MP5 setup. At $400 it is on par with my much more expensive A5.

Now the next generation should be here this week my TM15 I've held and shot this marker and am eager to get it in my hands. I think this will really be the perfect milsim/woodsball marker. With a Magnesium Alloy body, and easy access to the bolt.

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Bump.

Post up your experiences folks.

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Mini Vs. Superstock Autococker

Well right off the bat, without even going on the field, the first advantage the Mini has is it's tuning. The autococker has to be timed and all that fun stuff. On the field the autococker (bone stock) was more consistent at the chrono. Both markers were tuned, lubed, and maintained. Although the Mini is quiet, the autococker was ninja like.

One thing I like about having an autococker is that I will never get bored with it. I can upgrade it out the wazoo while the Mini has very few.

One advantage the Mini has is it's weight. Being a snake player I need something small, light and compact. The autococker has a huge drop forward which enables me to hold it close but the weight is an issue.

So basically it boils down to using the mini for speed ball and autococker for woods/scenario.

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Mini VS Sierra One

Ok in my opinion the Mini is superior to the Sierra One I used to have a Sierra it weighed a TON! 15 - 20 pounds of weight is just crazy talk I looks great I'll give it that lots of upgrades. But the Mini is so compact and light not to mention stealthy great for snake games. So in my opinion Mini wins no comepetion