Metadyne Thumper/Phoenix Redux

[Slim]

"So what exactly is in the grip frame that makes it incompatible with CO2?"

A macro line - which are notoriously unreliable when it comes to CO2. Even if another type of line/connection could be used, the fact that you need to remove the entire grip and grip frame to access and repair any issues is beyond frustrating when using CO2. It's a total of 10 screws that you need to either loosen or remove entirely and they are all different sizes/patterns. HPA probably won't have any issues, so I'm assuming that's the whole reason behind the "void the warranty" deal.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Well at 450psi input pressure it shoots nicely. Ran about 100 shots through it so far. Maybe I can get out this Sunday and give it a ride.

I got #2 so that’s pretty cool I like it so far. Seals right up and was GTG out of the box. I’m a lil bummed about no 12g play but it shoots nice and it’s definitely a unique design. Dual detents are great zero roll outs or double feeds. Looking forward to the VASA option. Hopefully I can get out this weekend and stack some bodies with it.

[Jackson]

So what exactly is in the grip frame that makes it incompatible with CO2?

[Slim]

I figured I'd already taken the bullet for players on this one. After disassembling that grip at least a dozen times - basically every single time I tried using CO2 on the gas-through grip, it was clear that it's not CO2 compatible.

The big question now is if the VASA version will be able to effectively and, more importantly, efficiently run on CO2.

[RuleOfSines]

The biggest tip I can give anyone purchasing one of these with the gas-through grip... DO NOT USE CO2 unless you really want to "enjoy" disassembling the grip. It's a massive pain in the ass. Ask me how I know.

Intentionally voiding the warranty seems like a massive waste of money, but what do I know?

I'm going to do it so others don't have to. If people are on the fence thinking they'll buy it and run CO2 anyway, I can maybe capture enough information on it to help them make that decision. Warranty isn't my concern, I can make new parts + replace seals if I need to or just buy another one.

[Slim]

After "testing" the prototype gun at last year's Stocktoberfest event, it was pretty clear that the marker was built specifically for HPA and not CO2 as using CO2 created all sorts of issues. This was confirmed by Scott on a the few phone calls I had with him. I was fully expecting Metadyne to do something/anything to address the CO2 compatibility issues, but after reading that "CO2 will void the warranty", it's pretty clear that isn't part of their plan - at least not with the gas-through grip version. Perhaps their VASA version won't have this disclaimer??? Obviously, offering a "stock class" marker with a horizontal SC feed that can only use HPA will limit it to modified stock class play only. Unfortunately, this is going to severely limit their sales and will be a massive missed opportunity for all stock class players that were looking forward to a new SC marker option . Oh well.

The biggest tip I can give anyone purchasing one of these with the gas-through grip... DO NOT USE CO2 unless you really want to "enjoy" disassembling the grip. It's a massive pain in the ass. Ask me how I know.

Intentionally voiding the warranty seems like a massive waste of money, but what do I know?

[maninblack2k]

No. I got the barrel issue e-mail as well. I'm waiting on mine too.

[Bow]

No, I figure I'm gonna use my s63 on it anyways, didn't want a whole other barrel system to lug around.

[RuleOfSines]

Man can't wait to get mine and void the warranty!

Did either of you get the barrel as well? I ordered one but received a note that they came back from anno wrong so there is a delay on those.

[maninblack2k]

Received mine today. It looks nice. probably will be a while before the coming artic like weather in the midwest subsides until I can shoot it.

[Bow]

Alrighty. Couple of quick things I've noticed because mine got delivered yesterday. Also, Scott sent out a disassembly link today for a breakdown.

Some markers were shipped with matching right or left paddles. Scott is gonna be sending out the correct paddles if you reach out to him.

Onto the marker. My thoughts so far.

Disassembly is a bit easier than thumper #1. All the same screw size except the torx on the grip and the big boy for the regulator.

Body has less screws holding it together overall.

The action comes out much easier.

Dual detents.

1/4 turn Asa.

I like the new feeds. They feel nice.

Scott recommends super lube or dow33. NO OIL.

Current gas through grip is HPA only. He says co2 will void the warranty. He says he uses milspec orings, and all are common sizes.

Seems to be very similar inside. Piston is redesigned but has the same basic DNA. He mentions that the common fail point is that front oring, just like the Thumper. Heres to hoping mine doesn't shred it at 500 balls like clockwork like my thumper.

Seems to use the same "hammer hits valve" design as the Thumper. The stand in for the clippard is very beefed up compared to the og design though. The pheonix hammer may slide rather than arc though. I haven't taken mine apart yet to look.

Trigger is short throw and stiff. I'll be seeing about replacing rhe spring with something lighter and looking into greasing it as well. It's not bad, just stiff.has maybe 1/16 inch travel overall.

Can be cocker upside down. Thumper couldn't do that.

You won't be striping this in game. Bench strip only.

Heavier than a thumper for sure. Has a slightly higher bore axis too. (The trigger tray is all one piece on this pheonix) doesn't have the speed/thumb paddles cuts like the og thumper either.

I'm taking mine to the field today to shoot. I'll update after I've put a bag through it.

[binson]

i still gotta shoot one

[Riot]

Nova.

[Hellion360]

Yeah, I'll definitely want to shoot that too.

[redsquirrel]

Excited to hear y’alls thoughts on it. Going to have to pick between this and the upcoming pump from Nova.