Interview with Planet Eclipse and the EGO 08
Read this interview to find out some exclusive stuff about the Ego 08, futureplans for Planet Eclipse and the color of Jack Woods shoes.
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Not so much revolutionary as Evolutionary. The Ego8 follows the same general direction and philosophy as the previous Ego line. Of course we have utilized some of the technology from the SL74 last year, with lighter regulator components and design that offer better re-charge rates and more accurate and consistent output. We also added the Zick kit that reduces kick and allows the firing of more fragile paint. Inside the marker we have developed a new high-flow QEV block that houses dual QEVs that increase cyclic speed of the rammer and bolt system. The weight of the Ego8 has also been reduced slightly, and the frame and body interface modified to raise the heal of the grip hand closer to the barrel axis to make the Ego8 feel even more natural in the hands, as well as a host of other features.
What do you think is the reason that people will buy the EGO 08 instead of markers from other manufacturers?
Because it is the perfect blend of performance, balance, weight, reliability, user-adjustability, features, style and ergonomics. And because we try to offer unparalleled levels of customer support and dealer and team training across the globe. We provide more on-site technical support at paintball tournaments than any other manufacturer, no question.
About how many paintballs can you shoot with the marker with a 4500psi tank?
With a 68/45 tank you will be looking in excess of 1850 shots.
Do you think its living up to peoples expectations?
We hope so. I think this year people where expecting a refinement of the Ego7 platform and that is what they got, plus a little extra.
What pro teams are Planet Eclipse sponsoring with markers and other gear next year?
At this stage its impossible to give a complete list. We are 1 year into a 2 year deal with the Hurricanes so they are with us for sure. We have deals on the table now with several teams, some will and some wont be with us I guess. Who knows. I can safely say that the Ironmen and the Philly Americans wont be in the Eclipse Family next year, everyone else is a maybe !
Except the Eclipse dealers all over the world, how many co workers are there behind the marker only?
There is a small, experienced team of employees who assemble, test and package all the Ego8s in Manchester in the UK. Other than that there are 2 people working on the mechanical and electrical design.
Please give me some specs on the marker. How much does it weight, how long is it?
Length: 531mm Height: 216mm Width: 26mm Weight: 906g
15 bps is most often enough, but how fast can you acually make it shoot?
A lot depends on the loader, but with a decent Reloader B or Magna loader, a stock Ego8 will hit a consistent 30BPS. With a few tweaks to the settings and an amped loader you are looking at pushing mid-to-high 30s.
What makes the EGO 08 marker design so great?
A number of factors. I have to say the balance of performance and reliability is the key thing. The gun has to be very reliable and be able to withstand all the abuse the Pro players give the guns. They dont like to clean and lube their kit, so it has to work even if it neglected. It is easy to maintain, easy to take apart, easy to repair, robust, and yet light and compact. There is not one key thing that stands out. It is the complete package that counts.
Will there be a Ego 09 as well next year?
Who knows?
If, have you started to develop it yet?
We are never in a position where we are standing still. Whether it is an Ego9 or a new SL or a completely new marker, we are always exploring new possibilities and directions. It is easy to get blinkered and drawn into doing the same thing over and over again. It is important to stop, take a step back, and look at the big picture from time-to-time. Who knows what the next development in the Eclipse line will be? We have just made our first Skateboard Deck, who knows what will be next.
What will Planet Eclipse be within 10 years from now?
Obviously we would like to see ourselves as the market leaders in any segment of the market that we decide to venture into. We do find it very hard to lower our self-imposed high standards in order to produce more economical products, and we love working with the Pro-level players, so I cannot see us diverting all our attention to low-end products in the near future.
Lets move over to the personal questions. Whats your name?
Jack Wood
What does any regular day looks like in your shoes? And what color are they?
It normally looks cloudy or rainy. I live and work in Manchester. My shoes are normally brown, the same colour as the smog-filled Manchester sky-line.
Not depressing at all, but what do you wish for Christmas?
A week snowboarding in the Alps would be nice
What is your motto?
A couple: If it aint broke, dont fix it! And RTFM (Read The Fucking Manual)
do you do when youre not working?
Spend time with my family, and I like fast cars
When and where are you happiest?
At my desk or in the workshop, opening the box that has samples of new parts in it and then testing them.
When and where are you the sadest?
When I realized I Fucked it up and the samples dont work!
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