Post by LilBigMan on Oct 12, 2005 18:11:29 GMT -5
2003 Generation-E Matrix LED
Without all the talk, here is my review on the 2003 Gen-E Matrix. I will try to review only the stock aspects of this marker if at all possible.
First Impression –
When the Matrix first arrived, I was rather disappointed if I must say so. The marker was almost completely stock, with an exception of the addition of a Trinity LPR. Without shooting it, I noticed the rather heavy weight and size of the marker. Upon further inspection, the stock trigger had a short, crisp pull, and although the marker was rather large, it was still small enough for me to keep tight with for snap shooting. Although my marker came with an aftermarket barrel, the stock Matrix barrels are very nice, and are basically a CP without the label. The stock Aardvark Beehive regulator is known for consistency problems and would defiantly have to be replaced. If I were to be deciding rather or not this marker was right for me based solely upon first impressions, I wouldn’t consider paying the average NIB price of around $700.
Looks –
Imagine a barely milled brick with a tube sticking out of the top and a trigger frame attached to the bottom, you either have an older Shocker or a Matrix. Stock, the Matrix isn’t a very cosmetically well-rounded gun and relies on aftermarket parts to get it running with the competition in the looks category. Although the milling is lacking, it still has a smooth and flowing feel to it which helps the marker to a small extent. On the positive side, there is a wide array of aftermarket parts that can make a rather bland looking stock Matrix truly unique and attractive.
Size –
The marker is rather wide in the back, measuring in at 1 ¾ inches at the steepest point. Although not the longest gun on the market (the body is only 7 ¼ inches), with the stock feedneck, the Matrix is a rather tall marker measuring up to be around 9 ½ inches tall (not including the ASA).
Weight –
There is not much to expand on in this category. The stock Matrix weighs in at 3.4lbs and the weight can only be increased with the addition of aftermarket accessories. In today’s standards, the Matrix is a “heavy” marker and when game time comes around, can weigh in excess of 9-10lbs with a full tank and hopper.
Feel –
As stated above, the Matrix is a larger, “heavy” marker. Although some people may find this an extreme turn-off, I don’t mind it (as I was a pre 2k3 Shocker owner). Although there are downsides in this area, the Matrix’s trademark short, crisp, trigger pull shines through. Even the slowest shooters can get up to speed with today’s best players when shooting the Matrix.
Quietness –
This is defiantly the first noticeable trait when shooting a Matrix. Although the marker is rather loud without paint, running paint through it is an entirely different story. When firing, there is no mechanical noise, only a muffled “pfft”. By the time you hear the Matrix, you’re already out! Enough said – Defiantly one of, if not the, quietest marker on today’s market.
Accuracy –
Another extremely noticeable trait of the Matrix as they are known to be the most accurate markers on the market... The accuracy of this marker is unreal, boasting ball on ball performance from all lengths of the field. At 60 ft using a lower end Dye X-Cel barrel all of my shots were literally on top of each other; I would say a 3” grouping (even tighter when combined with a nice barrel) could easily be expected from this range. Extended range shooting was also extremely accurate but measurements were not recorded.
Speed –
This factor alone is based upon the markers board and/or chip. With the standard LED board and a GUN 12 chip the max ROF is 16.7 BPS and with the GUN 20 chip, that number is boosted to around 22.7 BPS. The Matrix tested was equipped with the GUN 12 chip where the cap is easily reached. Once again, this is where the amazing trigger pull of the Matrix truly shines!
Efficiency –
This is the weakest point of the Matrix. From a standard 68/4500 PSI HPA tank the Matrix only records a shot count of in the vicinity of 800-900 cycles before another refill is needed. Although the Matrix is a low pressure marker, efficiency is risked to allow it to maintain that low of a pressure constantly. This fact along would discourage your average tournament backman that shoots over 800 rounds per game. Although this fact alone would keep many players astray, there are aftermarket bolts and accessories to aid this problem (some such as the V1 Evolve even boosting the efficiency to a case per fill).
Consistency –
Consistency is a prized possession for Matrix owners. Stock, you can look forward to running +/- 3fps, with a nice aftermarket regulator such as an AKA sidewinder, Bob Long Torpedo, or Palmers Stabilizer, +/- 1-2fps.
Programming –
There are four dip switches located on the Matrix board which allow easy programming of the forward and rear pulse. With these dip switches; you can control BPS, efficiency, and some aspects of velocity. “It’s so simple even a monkey could do it”.
Compatibility –
The Matrix takes parts of its own and is not very compatible with other markers. The only noted compatibility with other markers is the ability to change breeches to accept other barrel threading (the Matrix accepts Autococker threaded barrels with the stock breech).
Upgradeability –
As expected with most markers, the Matrix is extremely upgradeable and can be transformed into a head ripping, super efficient, killing (ok not really) machine. From bolts that can double your efficiency to boards that can double your speed, the Matrix has it all!
Maintenance –
This area can be somewhat tricky for first time owners in that the Matrix requires regular cleaning and greasing of the bolt/o-rings. Other than that, there is not a lot of maintenance needed to be performed on the Matrix, making it an easy to own marker once you understand the basics of keeping her well kept. So far, the Matrix is a very user friendly marker.
Overall Impression –
If you have the time and money to put into upgrading the Matrix, go out and BUY ONE TODAY. Many NICELY upgraded Trixs’ can be found used for extremely cheap prices and will perform with any of today’s $1200 markers. After some slight upgrades my Matrix is easily the nicest marker I have shot and many people will put there DM4/5 back burner to a nicely upped LED/LCD Trix. I love my Matrix and right now, can never see her leaving me!
Thanks for the read and I hope I have been of some help for those interested in purchasing a Matrix!
Rob
PS - Here is my personal Matrix for those wondering what I have decided to do to mine. Soon to come is a CCM claming feedneck and a snatch grip!
Without all the talk, here is my review on the 2003 Gen-E Matrix. I will try to review only the stock aspects of this marker if at all possible.
First Impression –
When the Matrix first arrived, I was rather disappointed if I must say so. The marker was almost completely stock, with an exception of the addition of a Trinity LPR. Without shooting it, I noticed the rather heavy weight and size of the marker. Upon further inspection, the stock trigger had a short, crisp pull, and although the marker was rather large, it was still small enough for me to keep tight with for snap shooting. Although my marker came with an aftermarket barrel, the stock Matrix barrels are very nice, and are basically a CP without the label. The stock Aardvark Beehive regulator is known for consistency problems and would defiantly have to be replaced. If I were to be deciding rather or not this marker was right for me based solely upon first impressions, I wouldn’t consider paying the average NIB price of around $700.
Looks –
Imagine a barely milled brick with a tube sticking out of the top and a trigger frame attached to the bottom, you either have an older Shocker or a Matrix. Stock, the Matrix isn’t a very cosmetically well-rounded gun and relies on aftermarket parts to get it running with the competition in the looks category. Although the milling is lacking, it still has a smooth and flowing feel to it which helps the marker to a small extent. On the positive side, there is a wide array of aftermarket parts that can make a rather bland looking stock Matrix truly unique and attractive.
Size –
The marker is rather wide in the back, measuring in at 1 ¾ inches at the steepest point. Although not the longest gun on the market (the body is only 7 ¼ inches), with the stock feedneck, the Matrix is a rather tall marker measuring up to be around 9 ½ inches tall (not including the ASA).
Weight –
There is not much to expand on in this category. The stock Matrix weighs in at 3.4lbs and the weight can only be increased with the addition of aftermarket accessories. In today’s standards, the Matrix is a “heavy” marker and when game time comes around, can weigh in excess of 9-10lbs with a full tank and hopper.
Feel –
As stated above, the Matrix is a larger, “heavy” marker. Although some people may find this an extreme turn-off, I don’t mind it (as I was a pre 2k3 Shocker owner). Although there are downsides in this area, the Matrix’s trademark short, crisp, trigger pull shines through. Even the slowest shooters can get up to speed with today’s best players when shooting the Matrix.
Quietness –
This is defiantly the first noticeable trait when shooting a Matrix. Although the marker is rather loud without paint, running paint through it is an entirely different story. When firing, there is no mechanical noise, only a muffled “pfft”. By the time you hear the Matrix, you’re already out! Enough said – Defiantly one of, if not the, quietest marker on today’s market.
Accuracy –
Another extremely noticeable trait of the Matrix as they are known to be the most accurate markers on the market... The accuracy of this marker is unreal, boasting ball on ball performance from all lengths of the field. At 60 ft using a lower end Dye X-Cel barrel all of my shots were literally on top of each other; I would say a 3” grouping (even tighter when combined with a nice barrel) could easily be expected from this range. Extended range shooting was also extremely accurate but measurements were not recorded.
Speed –
This factor alone is based upon the markers board and/or chip. With the standard LED board and a GUN 12 chip the max ROF is 16.7 BPS and with the GUN 20 chip, that number is boosted to around 22.7 BPS. The Matrix tested was equipped with the GUN 12 chip where the cap is easily reached. Once again, this is where the amazing trigger pull of the Matrix truly shines!
Efficiency –
This is the weakest point of the Matrix. From a standard 68/4500 PSI HPA tank the Matrix only records a shot count of in the vicinity of 800-900 cycles before another refill is needed. Although the Matrix is a low pressure marker, efficiency is risked to allow it to maintain that low of a pressure constantly. This fact along would discourage your average tournament backman that shoots over 800 rounds per game. Although this fact alone would keep many players astray, there are aftermarket bolts and accessories to aid this problem (some such as the V1 Evolve even boosting the efficiency to a case per fill).
Consistency –
Consistency is a prized possession for Matrix owners. Stock, you can look forward to running +/- 3fps, with a nice aftermarket regulator such as an AKA sidewinder, Bob Long Torpedo, or Palmers Stabilizer, +/- 1-2fps.
Programming –
There are four dip switches located on the Matrix board which allow easy programming of the forward and rear pulse. With these dip switches; you can control BPS, efficiency, and some aspects of velocity. “It’s so simple even a monkey could do it”.
Compatibility –
The Matrix takes parts of its own and is not very compatible with other markers. The only noted compatibility with other markers is the ability to change breeches to accept other barrel threading (the Matrix accepts Autococker threaded barrels with the stock breech).
Upgradeability –
As expected with most markers, the Matrix is extremely upgradeable and can be transformed into a head ripping, super efficient, killing (ok not really) machine. From bolts that can double your efficiency to boards that can double your speed, the Matrix has it all!
Maintenance –
This area can be somewhat tricky for first time owners in that the Matrix requires regular cleaning and greasing of the bolt/o-rings. Other than that, there is not a lot of maintenance needed to be performed on the Matrix, making it an easy to own marker once you understand the basics of keeping her well kept. So far, the Matrix is a very user friendly marker.
Overall Impression –
If you have the time and money to put into upgrading the Matrix, go out and BUY ONE TODAY. Many NICELY upgraded Trixs’ can be found used for extremely cheap prices and will perform with any of today’s $1200 markers. After some slight upgrades my Matrix is easily the nicest marker I have shot and many people will put there DM4/5 back burner to a nicely upped LED/LCD Trix. I love my Matrix and right now, can never see her leaving me!
Thanks for the read and I hope I have been of some help for those interested in purchasing a Matrix!
Rob
PS - Here is my personal Matrix for those wondering what I have decided to do to mine. Soon to come is a CCM claming feedneck and a snatch grip!
