Smart Parts EOS Review
This is TheAznInvazn giving you one of my *P.O.S. Reviews!
*Price Over Skirmish-ability
Table of Contents:
Ordering
Factory Specs
First Impressions
Feel
Performance
Externals
Internals
Aftermarket Upgrades
Pros/Cons
Overall
Ordering
So I placed in a special order for my EOS with my local field, Krossfire, and they were able to get me a deal on it. The regular price is about $389.99 at most internet sites, so that’s going to probably be how much you’re going to pay for it. I waited for about three days, and they said that it would be ready by the weekend (for a total of five days). Sure enough, they got me my EOS, and I was very happy with their services and I will gladly do business with them again!
First Impressions
Upon seeing the box, I was wondering how the EOS actually looked in real life. I saw the pictures on the internet, but I just had to see it for myself.
The box, it was covered in a plastic wrap with a red background, a black EOS with red trim, EOS written in the upper middle of the box, Smart Parts to the bottom left corner, and the SP symbol on the bottom right.
I slid the cover off of the box that actually contained the EOS, and I saw my baby through a nice little cutout section with a plastic window.
Flipping up the lid, I found The EOS itself, a Freak Jr. Barrel with a .693 insert, a SP barrel sock, two additional Volume Control Inserts. an Energizer Industrial battery, and some spare macroline, o-rings, and hex keys.
Both the EOS and the Freak Jr. were very shiny, and it’s notable that the Jr. was already assembled, and only came with 1 insert (the one already installed).
On the SP website, it says the EOS comes with a 3-piece barrel, and it has been clarified that the 3-piece barrel is the barrel front, back, and one insert.
So the EOS came with the left side of the grip removed so you could have easy access to install your battery. The screws needed were in the same bag with the Hex keys and such, so no need to worry if you think you’ve lost something. The warranty card and QuickStart Manual were placed under the plastic cradle that all the goodies sit in.
I couldn’t wait any longer; I quickly got the barrel and screwed it in, and scratched it near the base. Needless to say, I wasn’t too happy about that.
Upon further inspection of the breach, I found a slight burr on the inside and that some of the hex screw’s head was sticking up a bit from tightening it (quite normal for hex screws). I filed the burrs down and continued on without a hitch. I gasses up my tank and while attaching it to the gun, I noticed that I didn’t know which way the knob turned to be in the on or off position. FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! Turning counterclockwise is off, and clockwise is on.
Factory Specs
Length/Height/Weight (minus Barrel and ASA): 8.4”/7.9”/2lb 3oz
Operating Pressure: Approx 250-280psi MAX
Paintballs: .68 cal. Compliant with ASTM F1979 Specs
Power Source: 9v Alkaline Battery
Propellant: Anti-Siphoned CO2 or HPA
Firing Modes: Semi, 3-round burst, Ramp, Auto
ROF: Up to 17 bps stock (more with Blackheart)
Operation: Electropneumatic
Anti-Chop System: Break-Beam Infrared Vision
Barrel Thread: Smart Parts (Impulse/Ion)
Lubricant: Any, but SL33K for warranty compliance
Feel
Well, it really does feel nice. The MaxFlo R Vertical Reg has these nice little grooves for your fingers, and it’s very comfy. The grips are a bit chunky, but they aren’t bad. I have small hands though, so the average guy shouldn’t have the same problem. With a DXS 48/45 tank on the ASA, things are really close, but that’s how I like it. The conical bearing mounts are an amazing thing. The trigger has zero side to side slop, and I really mean zero. The trigger pull is also not really heavy, but not feather light either. Removing the magnet should remedy this problem, even though it doesn't bother me.
Performance
So I finally got a game in (a whole day to be precise)! So I started the day off with a trip to the chrony. Since my FREAK inserts are still in the mail, I only had my .693 insert. I got my old dimply left over monsterball and procedded to test my FPS. I don't remember my exact readings, but at 260 PSI and the green insert, I was getting it all over the place. My low was about 250, and my high was 320. I can contribute that to bad paint to barrel match. After wasting the rest of my monsterball, I loaded up some Visible Impact (surprisingly good for WalMart paint). The paint was more consistant, both in roundness and over the chrony, and it fit better in my insert. I was now getting 270-275 with 220 psi. Not bad for imperfect paint to barrel match.
In actual gaming, the EOS was an amazing performer, and I really didn't notice any kick while playing. I didn't "guess" where my paint was going, and I didn't have a single barrel break or chop. Everything went smoothly untill something horrible happened... I was getting some very inconsistant shooting. It would shoot a bit, then lob, then not shoot, then not even cycle, etc. I was so worried that something horrible had happened to my EOS. Got back to the staging area, and was relieved that after changing the 9v battery, everything was back to normal. While I changed the battery, I also relubed the bolt and such.
Everything was fine and dandy, and I had a very happy rest of the day. No breakdown, no chops, not barrel breaks, no accuracy problems, and no real unfixable problems the whole day. What more can I ask for? I had a perfect day, and I was simply amazed.
Externals
The EOS sports an Aluminum body with a nice and stylish body design and color scheme. As you can see, mine is Black with Red trim, and I think it looks wonderful. The only gripe I have are the grips. They’re an ugly opaque white that is completely hideous, not to mention that they’re not to grippy.
The barrel is Aluminum as well, and the EOS even sports a matching clamping feedneck stock, quite the nice touch in my opinion. The Integrated ½” Dovetail and the 10-32 Screw Mounts is another nice thing that SP did. Now your favorite ASA will work without having to get an adaptor!
Internals
What can I say? With the EOS’s Bolt Out Back (BOB) feature, things are much simplified. The only major moving component of the entire gun is the bolt itself, and the bolt, and firing can are easily accessible thanks to the BOB feature. Maintenance and cleaning is now a breeze. Simply get the appropriate hex key to remove the back cap, unscrew it, and push the bolt and firing can out with something soft (like a wooden or plastic stick). It’s really that easy. No more complete takedown to get inside your SP marker, it’s just a back cap away.
The stock Firebolt is nice, minimal kick and nice consistency is always a good thing. Factory lube seems to be sufficient, but I really hate the fact that the only lube that won’t void your warranty is SL33K, I’d much rather use Hater Sauce.
Like most SP guns, the board is capped at a respectable 17 bps, which in my opinion, is fast enough for me. I really don’t need 500 bps and the ability to empty my hopper is 1 second. The board is actually very easy to program, you just push the little white button and the LED color and the pattern it blinks is very easy to follow and understand.
Aftermarket Upgrades
You can get barrels with the SP (Ion/Impulse Threads), clamping feednecks (SP threaded [even though the EOS comes stock with a NoRise Feedneck]), and any board make for the Epiphany will also work in the EOS (to my knowledge), ASA’s, you want it, you can do it. The possibilities are quite endless.
Pros
EOS is badass
ASA Mounts
Conical Trigger Mounts
Clamping Feedneck Stock
Freak Jr. Barrel
Feels Nice
Looks Good
Upgradable out the Wazoo
BOB Feature
Firebolt Stock
Aluminum Body
Light Kick
Volume Control Inserts
Cons
Stock Grips
Burrs in some places
Capped at 17bps (some may say this is a con, I don't think so)
On/Off ASA has no Directions
Full Manual only Online (frequent updates require this)
Only SL33K lube because of Warranty (lube made for SP guns, so it's a good idea to use it)
Came in 3-Round Burst
Overall
A majority of my complaints are minor, and I completely believe that the Pros outweigh the Cons significantly. The EOS is a great gun as a backup, a rec baller, a serious player, or even a top notch pro. I, TheAznInvazn, hereby declare, with the power invested in me, that the Smart Parts EOS is a fantastic POS* marker! Get the EOS and know that you’re getting the best, because with Smart Parts, Equipment Counts!
Smart Parts EOS Review
I Love My EOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
