DM/PM parts compatibility & other questions

[glaman5266]

Had a spontaneous thought of maybe acquiring a (non-Gen E) DM or a PM. So I have questions.

I've read that front bolts and some other parts are backward-compatible across multiple models. Parts availability is important to me, so I'd like to know:
-What parts are backward-compatible?
-What models are those compatible for?
-What parts are hard to find?
-What models have the least number of hard-to-find parts?

And which model, in your opinion, is the best overall? I've read that the DM6, 7 & 9 are the best of the DMs and the PM8 is the best of the Proto models, all for various reasons. My biggest concerns are parts availability & complexity (eye pipes, etc.). From what little I know, the DM6 seems to be a good model to look for and the prices aren't out of reach.

Ease of rebuilding isn't an issue for me, as I've owned a PM5, first-gen PMR and a couple Gen E LEDs in the past. I'm sure I can figure out the newer ones.

Thanks for reading.

[RedLeaderSB]

IMO the most important spare parts availability issue in old guns can be solenoids. Recently I found that dye had some in stock, but I don’t remember this being true of all of the last 10 years.
link attempt:

https://shop.dyepaintball.com/products/solenoid-body-dm6-15-pm6-8-m2?_pos=11&_sid=c26ebb72c&_ss=r

[glaman5266]

Yeah, I'm aware solenoids are an issue with older electros. I've been lucky & haven't had one go out yet, and I've managed to service another one in the past. I can do that if it comes to it.

Are all the Dye/Proto solenoids proprietary?

[Trbo323]

Dm6

Uses the solenoid I think through dm11 maybe? Hell they might even still be using it

Pre eye pipe, dm7 and 8 used first Gen eye pipe and, my opinion is that all eye pipes are garbage but especially the early ones

Just get a cp flow plug to get rid of that stupid on off in front of the body and you are set.

I've had mine since around 2008, it's treated me well. No longer a main shooter but it's still a reliable backup. Very smooth and quiet shot

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