The Planet Eclipse Etha 2 is a popular choice among paintball players, celebrated for its exceptional performance, reliability, and user-friendly features.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Etha 2 that make it a favorite among paintball enthusiasts, analyzing its design, shooting performance, user-friendliness, maintenance, and overall value on the paintball field.
Design and Build Quality
The Planet Eclipse Etha 2 boasts a durable and rugged construction, setting it apart as a reliable and long-lasting marker. Its composite frame, designed for comfort and durability, offers a lightweight yet sturdy feel in hand. The textured grips provide a secure hold, even during intense gameplay, ensuring players have a firm grasp on their marker.
The Etha 2’s design is sleek and streamlined, appealing to players who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality. The marker’s overall build quality inspires confidence, making it suitable for various environments and game conditions.
Score for Design and Build Quality: 9/10
Performance and Shooting Experience
The Etha 2 truly shines in the performance department. Equipped with a spool valve bolt system, the marker delivers impressively smooth and quiet shots. The reduced recoil allows players to maintain accuracy and control, even during rapid-fire situations.
One of the Etha 2’s standout features is its Gamma Core bolt system, which ensures consistent air efficiency and minimized recoil. This translates to an increased number of shots per tank fill, saving on paintball supplies and reducing the need for frequent tank refills during extended gameplay.
The trigger on the Etha 2 is highly adjustable, accommodating individual preferences for trigger pull weight and responsiveness. This level of customization enables players to fine-tune their shooting style, providing a more personalized experience on the field.
Score for Performance and Shooting Experience: 9.5/10
User-Friendly Features
The Etha 2 excels in user-friendliness, offering a range of features designed to enhance the overall paintball experience. One of its most praised features is the tool-less maintenance design, allowing players to disassemble the marker easily for cleaning and upkeep. This quick-release bolt system simplifies maintenance, ensuring players spend less time tinkering and more time on the field.
The OLED display provides real-time information on battery life, shot count, and firing mode adjustments. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing for quick adjustments during gameplay without interruption.
Score for User-Friendly Features: 9/10
Versatility in Firing Modes
The Etha 2 offers both capped and uncapped firing modes, catering to various gameplay scenarios and tournament regulations. The capped firing modes are tournament-legal, making the marker suitable for competitive play.
The marker’s firing modes are easy to switch, providing players with the flexibility to adapt their shooting style to different field situations. Whether you prefer semi-automatic, ramping, or fully automatic modes, the Etha 2 has you covered.
Score for Versatility in Firing Modes: 8.5/10
Accuracy and Consistency
The combination of the spool valve bolt system and the Gamma Core ensures exceptional accuracy and consistency in shot-to-shot performance. The Etha 2 delivers reliable and precise shots, empowering players to take accurate shots at various distances.
With its consistent velocity, players can trust the Etha 2 to deliver consistent performance throughout the game. This reliability boosts confidence on the field and enhances the overall paintball experience.
Score for Accuracy and Consistency: 9/10
Maintenance and Reliability
The Etha 2 is highly regarded for its reliability and low maintenance requirements. Its durable construction and robust internals allow the marker to withstand the demands of paintball gameplay without sacrificing performance.
Regular cleaning and upkeep are straightforward, thanks to the tool-less maintenance design. Players can focus on their game, knowing that their marker is well-maintained and ready for action.
Score for Maintenance and Reliability: 9/10
Comfort and Handling
With its ergonomic composite frame, the Etha 2 provides comfortable handling on the field. The lightweight design ensures players can maneuver with ease, making it suitable for long paintball sessions without causing hand fatigue.
The textured grips contribute to a secure and non-slip hold, enhancing overall comfort and control during gameplay.
Score for Comfort and Handling: 9/10
Customization and Upgrades
While the Etha 2 performs exceptionally well out of the box, it also allows for customization and upgrades. Players can personalize their marker with aftermarket accessories, such as different barrels, grips, and color kits, to match their style and preferences.
Score for Customization and Upgrades: 8.5/10
Pros of the Planet Eclipse Etha 2
- Durable and rugged construction
- Smooth and quiet shots with reduced recoil
- Adjustable trigger for personalized shooting preferences
- Tool-less maintenance design for easy cleaning
- Versatile firing modes for different gameplay scenarios
- Consistent air efficiency for prolonged gameplay
- Reliable and precise shot-to-shot performance
Cons of the Planet Eclipse Etha 2
- Limited color options compared to other markers
- Some players may prefer additional customization options
Final Verdict
The Planet Eclipse Etha 2 stands out as a top-performing and user-friendly paintball marker, garnering an overall score of 9/10. Its reliability, performance, and versatility make it an excellent choice for players seeking a mid-range marker that delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re a seasoned paintball veteran or a beginner looking for a reliable upgrade, the Etha 2 promises an exhilarating and rewarding paintball experience on the field.
