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I'll attempt to provide a synopsis of the Smart Parts SP 8, both pro's and con's.
Looks / Aesthetics
I'm a sucker for 'not-the-norm' markers and the SP 8 has lines that are very appealing. Modeled after an experimental weapon, the XM 8, this marker is slick. It just looks intimidating right out of the box. Available at one time in Jungle Olvie Drab, Desert Sand, Night Ops, and Basic Black, the Night Ops (Grey) and Desert Sand (Tan) are no longer available. Even though the manufacturer advertises these body kits, they are not available. I personally have the Jungle model and am quite pleased with its looks.
Functionality
This is THE scenario marker to end all markers! Although the settings on the E-board are simple, the owners manual does not do a good job explaining the variables of the settings. Dwell is particularly important in this case. It features modes from semi- auto, three shot burst, full auto with an ability to ramp in full auto. With minor inexpensive modifications such as a QEV and an aftermarket bolt, it is possible to condition the marker to fire 23 balls per second. I have placed both mods in my marker but have set it up to max out at about 15 balls per second and let the mods provide a smoother, quieter, and a more maintenance free performance. It comes equipped from the factory with eyes for insurance that you have no chopped paint.
The marker itself is extremely light and well balanced. Be careful as to what hopper you use because it can contribute to the balance wanting to roll-over. I use an Evol III and it does the job very well. This is a very quiet marker as well. While having a distinctive sound (every player tells me they can hear where I am on a course due to its distinct sound) it still remains very quiet for the firepower it is able to deliver.
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Factory Additions
Smart Parts offers an extendable stock and a 'suppressor barrel' claiming the barrel adds distance and accuracy. I purchased both but no longer use the suppressor barrel. The stock is very ergonomic and adds even more balance to the marker. Upon several test studies using both barrels, the only significant difference I can confirm is that it makes the marker even quieter, an advantage for those who choose to use it as a sniper's marker. Distance and accuracy show little, if any, improvement with the suppressor barrel and it adds a significant amount of weight to the marker.
Aftermarket Additions
A Blackheart board is available although I have not chosen to use one. The cost of the board does not justify the improvements it may add to the marker (my opinion). A QEV just make good sense. It improves the air handling of the marker and because the dwell can be lowered it helps with less wear and tare on the marker. There are countless aftermarket bolts available for this marker. At this time I have to say that the internals are similar to an ION. Many people claim that it is an ION with a different body kit. This is just not true. The SP 8 has two actuators for each solenoid that the ION does not have and the chamber is slightly different. Due to diameters and lengths, any ION aftermarket bolt will fit into an SP 8 and these bolts are significantly lighter and designed to push the ball more efficiently.
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Pros
This marker is deadly accurate and has the ability to jump to a rate of fire that overwhelms your opponents. Because it is light, an all-day scenario is a breeze. Because it is an electro-pneumatic, it has very few moving parts, therefore there arent a lot of things to go wrong on the field. The initial tare-down to grease and check internals is intimidating at first, but after a few times in, you come to realize that this is a very basic and simple marker. In eight months of owning this marker I have never, let me repeat this once more, NEVER chopped a ball.
Cons
Smart Parts have acknowledged a small issue with the feedneck not being beefy enough to handle the rigors of woodsball. Mine worked fine until I accidentally dropped the marker straight down, shearing a locating tab that keeps the feedneck at a precise angle. Smart Parts has re-designed the feedneck with a beefier plastic that will take much more abuse. The marker as a whole is not as durable as let's say an A-5 so it needs to be handled slightly more gingerly in a scenario world. Rain is okay but mud puddles, creeks, and streams are out of the question. I've also noticed that the SP 8 has an innate ability to sense the difference between seconds paint, intermediate paint, and premium paint. Keep in mind that I have never chopped a ball, but cheaper paint corkscrews out of the barrel.
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Overall
I work at a paintball store and I am able to test any marker at the store. I have tested A-5's, Spyder MR2, Spyder MR3, the new Tippmann X7, JT Recon, BT-4, and I must state I would not go into the woods with anything other than the SP 8. It does so many things very well, and I enjoy it's light weight and firepower. Hitting a target at 100 feet with a three shot burst is no challenge, and for those who like to hide behind small brush, I simply ramp to a high rate of fire and cut through the brush. Quite simply, this is the ultimate woodsball marker.
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