Metadyne Thumper/Phoenix Redux

[Jonnydread]

Chuck E Ducky Good thinking. I’m fairly certain they aren’t dragging, but it’s worth checking. I’ll report back.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Make sure the thumb paddles are not dragging on the adjustment screw on the passenger side of the marker.

[Jonnydread]

Did anyone get to hit the field with theirs this past weekend?

I did. It ran okay, I ran into two main issues:

1 - Paint breakage. I couldn't shoot more than 8-10 shots without one breaking in the barrel.
2 - Velocity. In order to get close to the field velocity cap of 280 FPS I had to CRANK the regulator as high as it would go. At the highest setting using ~.679 paint, a .680 5" insert, and a 450psi output tank I was getting ~270 FPS. I tried a higher output tank and had the same velocity.

1a - It was a cold (low 30s°F) and windy day. The cold could definitely have influenced the breakage I was seeing, but it's worth noting my cocker pump (running a .689 barrel and dummy detents) had no paint breakage issues. Additionally, it's possible the very high regulator input pressure could have contributed to the breakage.
2a - I would imagine that in "normal" playing temperatures (60°F+) velocity wouldn't be as much as an issue, but as a Northeast player who plays all winter this was a stress test and I would say the Phoenix gets a C- grade for performance.

When shots successfully left the marker (without breaking) the gun shot nicely and it was fun to shoot. The only other minor complaint is that when aired up the marker pumping action felt like it was dragging a little bit. This could likely be solved with some sanding/polishing or even just by breaking the gun in more.

In summary, it still has some kinks/quirks, but I think with better paint and warmer temps it'll be a weird and fun little marker.

[Menso]

Did anyone get to hit the field with theirs this past weekend?

[Jonnydread]

VASA version in the works, not released yet

[Otnasir]

Hey, sorry to be "that guy just dropping by", but is there a dang fore grip/handle yet?

[nobbie333]

I have not own one before

[Myrkul]

Yikes....

[RuleOfSines]

Thanks! Follow up question for you: did or do you already own a Thumper?

[nobbie333]

Great video it makes me want to get one

[Jonnydread]

Impressive, thank you!

[XEMON]

Awesome vid, thanks for putting it up 👍

[RuleOfSines]

[binson]

RuleOfSines yeah...It hurts

[XEMON]

That may not be such a good sign ... It may indicate that the parts are machined to match each other, making it more complicated to repair or swap parts ...