Wow, a lot of ProMaster lovers here, so I will give a different viewpoint. I have owned my Ion since the first week they were available in February. I bought a ProMaster the first couple of weeks it was available to compare. Here is what I found:
ION:
- 2 lb 2oz, not 2.2 lbs. (actually it is 2.1lbs); basically the same weight, but the PM does not include the ASA when the Ion does, so the Ion actually weighs slightly less
- about 1/2 in shorter in height than PM, and about 1/2 longer in length than PM (height is more important than length)
- stock board ramps from 9 to 17 bps, user adjustable (infinite settings); PM has 2 ramping settings: 15 bps or uncapped (about 25bps), but few hoppers can actually feed faster than 20bps consistently (but that is another topic all together)
- HPR handles all air regulation, no LPR needed; PM uses an LPR, so the air system is more complicated (hence can more more trouble-prone)
- ASA is included to be used right out of the box; PM requires a user supplied ASA
- Reg has the macro fitting at the bottom to allow user to utilize the reg as a foregrip without an obstacle; PM reg has macro fitting in the middle, which may stick out in the front, side, or back of the reg, depending how the threads match (mine stuck out on the side - terrible look and feel)
- fully customizable with many shells available and users can even customize the stock shell to have a totaly unique marker; PMs are available in black only
- $285 MAP, but can find them for <$250 NIB; PMs are $385 MAP, but can be found for about $350 NIB
PM:
- uncapped ROF; how fast can you pull in semi, tourneys still "only" allow 15bps
- nice milling; Ion is "different" looking (I didn't like the rubber webbing, so I customized my shell)
- fully anodized; Ion is powdercoated on the grip frame (everything else - reg, breech, etc. is anodized black)
- QEV standard; can add one to the Ion for $10 and get up to 1500-1800 shots from a 68/4500
SIMILAR:
- ramping standard
- adjustable trigger, each have a different feel and is really user preference or can buy an upgrade
- neither has a clamping feedneck
- barrels are decent for stock, but aftermarkets are better
- many upgrades available including barrels, feednecks, triggers, boards
You can hopefully make your own decison. I will also say that I have not had a single problem with my ION. I have since bought a second one for my son to use. It was previously used and came to me with a dead board/noid, which Smart Parts replaced the same day they received the dead one. Total time without a board was 4 days (it took 2 days to ship out and 2 days to ship back). They also included new a eye harness and eye board, which I did not return to them - how's that for customer service! Oh, and what happened to the ProMaster I bought? I sold it and bought a new Blackheart board for my Ion.
another comparison
