The Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 is widely recognized by players and field owners as the finest mechanical paintball marker ever manufactured. Built on the ultra-reliable Gamma Core spool valve operating at an ultra-low 135 PSI, the stock EMEK delivers whisper-quiet cycling, incredible gas efficiency, and gentler paint handling than many $1,000 tournament guns. However, because it was built as an entry-level platform, the stock trigger valve, ASA, and barrel leave massive room for performance customization.
⚡ Quick Verdict: Top 3 EMEK 100 Upgrades That Actually Matter
If you want to dramatically increase your mechanical rate of fire, simplify tank degassing, and tighten your shot groupings, install these three upgrades first:
- #1 Trigger Speed Mod: Upgraded 3-Way Valve (Planet Eclipse FL 3-Way or Deadlywind hAir 45). Shortens trigger pull travel by 60% and drops actuation force to grams, unlocking 10–12+ BPS mechanical walking.
- #2 Air System & Degassing: POPS On/Off ASA (Planet Eclipse POPS Kit). Replaces the stock screw-in ASA with a push-button on/off purge system, protecting your tank O-rings and allowing effortless tank removal.
- #3 Accuracy & Sound: 14″ Precision Autococker Barrel (Custom Products 1-Piece or DYE UL-I System). Replaces the loud, wide-bore stock 10″ barrel with a micro-honed .685/.687 barrel that quiets the shot report to a whisper.
Planet Eclipse EMEK Upgrades Priority Matrix
Here is how the top aftermarket modifications rank in terms of performance impact, installation difficulty, and price:
| Upgrade Category | Recommended Part | Field Performance Impact | Install Difficulty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 High-Flow 3-Way Valve | Planet Eclipse FL 3-Way / hAir 45 | Cuts trigger pull by 60%; 10-12+ BPS speed | Moderate (Frame drop, 5 min) | $65 – $85 |
| #2 On/Off Purge ASA | Planet Eclipse POPS On/Off ASA | Push-button degassing; protects tank O-rings | Easy (1 screw, 3 min) | $55 – $65 |
| #3 Precision Barrel | CP 14″ One-Piece / Freak XL | Quiets shot report; +/- 2 FPS consistency | Screw-On (30 sec) | $35 – $90 |
| #4 Adjustable Trigger | Inception Designs Fang Trigger | Dual bearing pivot; pre/post travel tuning | Moderate (Trigger pin swap) | $35 – $45 |
| #5 Clamping Feedneck | PE Low-Rise Aluminum Lever Clamp | Tool-free hopper lock; lowers marker profile | Easy (1 bolt, 2 min) | $30 – $40 |
| #6 Tactical MilSim Shroud | Planet Eclipse EMC Rail Kit | Adds full Picatinny rails for stocks and optics | Clamshell Bolt-On (5 min) | $75 – $90 |
1. The #1 Performance Mod: High-Performance 3-Way Trigger Valves
The stock mechanical 3-way valve inside the EMEK frame is durable, but it features a long trigger stroke and a relatively heavy spring return. This limits most players to roughly 6 to 8 mechanical shots per second.
Upgrading to a performance mechanical valve—such as the Planet Eclipse FL 3-Way Valve or the Deadlywind hAir 45 Valve—is the single most transformative upgrade you can make to the EMEK:
- Drastically Reduced Pull Length: Shortens trigger travel by more than 60%.
- Featherweight Activation: Decreases actuation resistance down to mere grams, allowing you to walk or fan the mechanical trigger effortlessly.
- 10–12+ BPS Rate of Fire: Unlocks tournament-level mechanical firepower that outshoots many budget electronic guns without using a single battery.
You can search for active listings on eBay (Search: Planet Eclipse FL 3-Way EMEK) or eBay (Search: Deadlywind hAir 45 Valve).
2. On/Off Purge ASA: Planet Eclipse POPS System
The factory EMEK 100 comes with a basic screw-in ASA. When your game ends and you want to remove your 3000 or 4500 PSI HPA tank, the marker remains under full pressure. Unscrewing a pressurized tank exerts severe friction against the bonnet threads and repeatedly chews up your tank O-rings.
The Planet Eclipse POPS (Push On Purge System) ASA completely eliminates this hassle:
- One-Touch Degassing: Press the latch release to instantly vent residual gas from the marker.
- Effortless Tank Removal: Because the system is completely depressurized, your tank spins out with zero resistance.
- Direct Bolt-On: Uses the factory T-rail on the bottom of the EMEK grip frame for a clean, factory-fit finish.
Find available kits on eBay (Search: Planet Eclipse POPS ASA EMEK).
3. Barrel Upgrades: 14″ Precision Autococker Systems
The stock EMEK barrel is a short 10-inch, one-piece tube with minimal porting and a wide .689 bore. Because the Gamma Core operates at an ultra-low 135 PSI, pairing it with a high-end 14-inch precision barrel turns the EMEK into one of the quietest markers on any paintball field.
Custom Products (CP) 14″ One-Piece Barrel / DYE UL-I
Precision diamond-honed from aircraft aluminum. Micro-honed interior bore finishes stabilize velocity to +/- 2 FPS while progressive spiral porting cuts muzzle blast to a quiet whisper.
- Thread Spec: Autococker (Direct thread-and-shoot)
- Sound Reduction: Significant drop in decibel report compared to stock 10″ barrel
- Bore Sizing: .685 for modern small paint; .689 for standard field paint
For players who want multi-bore sizing across different paint batches, check out our guide to DYE UL-I and Freak XL Insert Systems.
4. Custom Aluminum Adjustable Triggers (Inception Fang / Infamous Pro DNA)
The stock EMEK trigger is molded from flexible composite nylon. While functional, it lacks independent pre-travel, post-travel, and activation adjustment screws.
Upgrading to a CNC-Machined Aluminum Trigger (such as the Inception Designs Fang Trigger or Infamous Pro DNA Trigger) provides:
- Dual Precision Ball Bearings: Eliminates side-to-side trigger wobble for a glass-smooth pull.
- Fine Adjustment Screws: Allows you to set pre-travel and post-travel to a razor-thin hair trigger.
- Enhanced Rake & Ergonomics: Features an aggressive blade or scythe profile designed for high-speed mechanical fanning.
Find available triggers on eBay (Search: Inception Designs Fang Trigger EMEK).
5. Feedneck & Loader Upgrades: PAL vs. Motorized Loaders
The EMEK 100 features built-in PAL Loader integration—a mechanical piston driven by the marker’s exhaust pulse that agitates the hopper with zero batteries. For casual woodsball, the Planet Eclipse PAL Loader is fantastic.
However, if you upgrade your trigger valve to an FL 3-Way or hAir 45 and shoot strings at 10 to 12+ BPS, you will outshoot the PAL system. To support high-rate mechanical strings without dry-firing, pair your EMEK with a motorized force-feed loader like the DYE Rotor LT-R.
DYE Rotor LT-R Electronic Force-Feed Loader
Feeds 30+ balls per second under constant tension. Ensures your upgraded EMEK breach is never starved of paint during sustained 12 BPS mechanical strings.
- Feed Rate: 30+ BPS constant tension force-feed
- Anti-Jam: Shark-fin jam release trigger
- Battery Life: 80,000+ shots on 3 AA batteries
6. Tactical Body Shrouds: Planet Eclipse EMC Rail Kit
If you want to transform your lightweight tournament-style EMEK into a full MilSim tactical scenario marker, the Planet Eclipse EMC (Enhanced Modular Chassis) Kit bolts directly around the EMEK body.
- Quad Picatinny Rails: Provides top, bottom, and side rails for mounting scopes, red dots, flashlights, and foregrips.
- Stock Compatibility: Includes rear stock adapters compatible with commercial AR-15 / M4 buffer tubes and folding stocks.
- Durable GRN Material: Crafted from the same glass-reinforced nylon as the EMEK receiver, adding tactical rails without excessive weight.
Search for available kits on eBay (Search: Planet Eclipse EMC Kit EMEK).
Maintenance & Gamma Core Lubrication Guide
The EMEK 100 requires less maintenance than almost any marker in paintball history, but following proper lubrication procedures ensures maximum O-ring lifespan:
- Toolless Bolt Removal: Unscrew the rear Gamma Core back cap by hand and pull the entire bolt assembly out of the rear receiver.
- Lubrication: Wipe off old grease and apply a thin film of Planet Eclipse Grease (Dow 33) to the dynamic bolt O-rings and valve shaft. Never use spray oils or WD-40.
- Cold-Climate Tuning: In sub-freezing winter weather, apply 100% synthetic light paintball oil to prevent bolt stick. Read our complete guide to paintball guns for cold climates and playing paintball in the snow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you convert the Planet Eclipse EMEK to electronic?
No. Planet Eclipse manufactures the Etha 3 as the dedicated electronic version of the Gamma Core platform. Upgrading an EMEK to electronic requires replacing the entire body, solenoid, and frame, making it far more cost-effective to buy an Etha 3 if you want electronic ramping.
What barrel threads does the EMEK 100 use?
The EMEK 100 uses industry-standard Autococker barrel threads. You can install barrels from DYE, Custom Products, Planet Eclipse, Freak, Inception Designs, or Lapco.
Is the FL 3-Way Valve tournament legal for mechanical events?
Yes. The Planet Eclipse FL 3-Way and Deadlywind hAir 45 valves are 100% mechanical pneumatic valves. They are fully compliant with ICPL (Iron City Paintball League) and NXL mechanical division rules.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate EMEK Upgrade Path
The Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 is already a masterpiece of mechanical engineering. By investing in smart, targeted upgrades, you can transform it into a tournament-dominating mechanical speed machine:
- Step 1 (Speed): Install the Planet Eclipse FL 3-Way Valve or Deadlywind hAir 45 for a featherweight, short-travel trigger.
- Step 2 (Convenience): Add the Planet Eclipse POPS On/Off ASA to protect your tank O-rings.
- Step 3 (Accuracy & Stealth): Screw in a Custom Products 14″ Autococker Barrel (.685 bore) for whisper-quiet shots and laser-straight consistency.
- Step 4 (Feed Rate): Top it with a DYE Rotor LT-R Loader to feed high-rate 12+ BPS mechanical bursts without clipping paint.
