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Eclipse Autococker

The Eclipse Autococker is the latest in a long line of upgraded, tournament ready WGP (Worr Games Products) Autocockers. This one is customized in the U.K. by Paintball Planet in Manchester, England. For a little more than $1,000 (U.S. dollars), the Eclipse comes with a custom machined venturi bolt, anti double-feed (Pro Team Products type), Nelson internals (springs), beaver-tail, Smart Parts laminated wood grips, stainless pump and cocking rods, lightened trigger with vertical trigger stop, "VIP" RAM, custom bolt detent, 45-grip frame, cut block and Smarts Parts barrel. Also included with the Eclipse Autococker is a custom CNC machined main-body and "splash" finish to give your gun a unique look. The Eclipse Autococker used in this evaluation also included a WGP in-line regulator, bottom-line set up, Micro-Line flexible quick disconnect hose, and "PT" stock. These additional accessories would add about $300 U.S. dollars.

Design/Construction:

At four pounds, three-ounces (with the stock, regulator, etc.), the Eclipse is by far the lightest custom ‘Cocker we have seen. The Eclipse is twenty-two inches in length, not including the stock. The Eclipse ‘Cocker's main body is beautifully machined with "scallops" and grooves. A sight rail is also machined into the main body. The main body, block, barrel, shroud, stock, bottom-line, grip frame, and beaver-tail are "splashed" in an attractive high gloss finish. A variety of colors and color combinations are available. The Eclipse Autococker is a very well put together paintgun.

Design/Construction rating (4)

Accuracy:

Procedure: With a securely bench-mounted gun we fire 200+ rounds of three brands of paint, at four target distances. At 100 & 125 feet the target size is 22" x 22". At 50 & 75 feet the target is reduced to 8" x 11". All accuracy testing is performed indoors at temperatures of 60-80 degrees (F). For this test we used Zap "Pro-Series", Brass Eagle, and RP Scherer "Premium Gold" paintballs.

At a target distance of 125 feet using Zap paint, the Eclipse ‘Cocker hit the mark at a rate of 57%. Brass Eagle's ratio was 55% and Premium Gold's ratio was 64%. At 100 feet the ratios increased to 79% for Zap, 74% for Brass Eagle, and 90% for Premium Gold.

With a reduced target size, the 75 for accuracy ratios were 53% for Zap, 59% for Brass Eagle, and 66% for Premium Gold.

The 50 foot ratios were as follows: 91% for Zap, 95% for Brass Eagle, and 94% for Premium Gold.

The Overall accuracy ratios were:

Zap "Pro-Series" 70%

Brass Eagle 71%

RP Scherer Premium Gold 78%

Observations: Out of the box the Eclipse Autococker chronographed in at an average of 291 feet per second (fps). Of the 2224 shots we fired, we encountered three ball breaks (one in the breach, two in the barrel). All accuracy testing was done using a twenty-ounce anti-siphon tank.

Accuracy rating (4)

Performance tests: (field testing, maintenance of velocity, velocity consistency, etc.)

Velocity Consistency (C02): All shots are fired at a slow rate (read from right to left).

294 fps 292 fps 290 fps 277 fps 288 fps 289 fps 290 fps 292 fps 291 fps 285 fps 289 fps 293 fps

average fps 289 fps

high fps 294 fps (+5 fps)

low fps 277 fps (-12 fps)

Velocity Consistency (nitrogen):

290 fps 291 fps 291 fps 289 fps 293 fps 290 fps 292 fps 291 fps 293 fps 288 fps 289 fps 291 fps

Maintenance of Velocity shows a gun's ability to hold velocities during rapid firing.

1st shot 290 fps 10th shot 288 fps

1st shot 289 fps 10th shot 292 fps

1st shot 291 fps 10th shot 286 fps

1st shot 284 fps 10th shot 289 fps

Observations: Using a twenty-ounce anti-siphon tank we were able to get about 815 good shots (280+ fps). Like most other ‘Cockers, the Eclipse will shoot through liquid C02 fairly well, but operates best on "gas" C02 or high pressure gasses such as compressed air or nitrogen.

Ball breakage during field testing was average at about one per 1250 shots fired. Like almost every Autococker we've seen, expect the first ball to roll out the end of the barrel almost every time. Ball breaks are easy to clean with the Eclipse ‘Cocker. Simply remove the bolt and run a squeegee through the body and barrel.

Performance test rating (3)

Maintenance:

The Autococker is a maintenance heavy paintgun and the Eclipse version is no exception. There is definitely a learning period required in terms of keeping the ‘Cocker shooting at its best. You'll need to make adjustments to the three-way, trigger, cocking lug, etc. Timing is the key to the Eclipse's performance. The vertical trigger stop allows for better fine tuning of the timing.

Maintenance rating (3)

Versatility:

The Eclipse Autococker is a very versatile paintgun. The 45-grip frame provides an excellent grip and allows for a double finger trigger to be easily installed. The Eclipse can also be switched from remote to bottom-line in a matter of minutes. The machined-in sight rail makes it a breeze to install a sight or scope.

Paintball Planet offers a huge variety of aftermarket accessories and set-ups for the Eclipse ‘Cocker, as do many other distributors. There are many high pressures systems, barrels, grips, regulators, cut blocks, three-ways, etc., available.

Versatility rating (4)

Customer Service/Warranty:

The Eclipse Autococker is covered under the Worr Games Products warranty which allows U.S. players to have their gun serviced in the states rather than send it abroad. For players in the U.K., Paintball Planet is a well respected company that's been in the industry for years. Paintball Planet is owned and operated by members of the Banzai Bandits who support their product line at many international events.

Customer Service rating (4)

Price:

At about $1,300 U.S. (with included accessories), the Eclipse Autococker is an expensive paintgun, but it is truly tournament ready. When you break it down piece by piece, the Eclipse is a great value.

Price rating (2)

Conclusion:

Paintball Planet's Eclipse Autococker is a great gun that can be set up in a variety of configurations. The Eclipse is lightweight, very accurate, has a great trigger pull, and will perform head to head with any gun on the market. If you're in the market for a tournament ready paintgun, take a look at this one before you buy.

PCRI IS PLEASED TO AWARD THE ECLIPSE AUTOCOCKER OUR THREE STAR SEAL OF QUALITY.

Order the Autococker Survival Guide!

Autococker Survival Guide: The Autococker Survival Guide is 56 pages and is packed with information, close-up photos, and diagrams. Learn how to "time" the Autococker, upgrade it internally and externally, troubleshoot it, and disassemble it down to the smallest components. This is a must for Autococker owners.
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