| PCRI Product
Evaluation
 Spyder Special Edition vs. the
F-4 Illustrator S/X
We're trying something new new with this article--this is our first head-to-head
paintgun evaluation, outside of the Special Year End issue we do each year.
What we intend to do is compare some of the "custom" versions of the popular
paintguns in the next few issues. For this issue we are comparing the
Kingman Spyder Special Edition and
the F-4 Illustrator S/X.
Design/Construction:
F-4 S/X: The S/X is manufactured by Air
Concepts Industries of Fontana, California. The S/X features a closed
body design, power feed system, ACI Zero Gravity expansion chamber, 200-round
Viewloader, bottom-line C02 set up, twelve-ounce tank (matching splash finish),
sight rail, molded euro-grips, top slide cocking knob, removable barrel,
and has a beautiful black/silver/red unique splash anodized finish.
The F-4 Illustrator S/X is eighteen inches in length and weighs two pounds
nine ounces. The main body, bottom-line adapter, expansion chamber, power
feed, cocking knob, sight rail, drilled barrel, and three plugs are manufactured
from aluminum and splash finished as described above.
Design/Construction rating (4)
Spyder Special Edition: The Spyder SE is manufactured in Taiwan for
Kingman International of Walnut, California. The Spyder SE features a power
feed system, 45-grip frame, expansion chamber, bottom-line C02 adapter, removable
barrel, raised sight rail, rear locking thumb screw velocity adjuster, and
a double finger trigger.
Design/Construction rating (4)
Accuracy:
Procedure: With a securely bench mounted paintgun we fire 200+ rounds
of three different brands at four target distances. At 100 & 125 feet
the target size is 22" x 22". At 50 & 75 feet the target size is reduced
to 8" x 11". All accuracy testing is performed indoors at temperatures of
60-80 degrees (F). For this test we used RP Scherer Marballizer, Proball,
and Zap Pro-Series paint.
F-4 S/X: At a target distance of 125 feet Marballizer hit the mark
at a rate of 49%. Proball hit the target at a rate 48%--Zap Pro-Series followed
at 52%. At 100 feet the ratios increased dramatically to 74%, 70%, and 65%
respectively.
At 75 feet the ratios decreased due to the smaller target size of 8" x 11".
Marballizer's ratio was 46% followed by Proball at 43%, and Zap at 50%. The
50-foot ratios were 94% for Marballizer, 96% for Proball, and 99% for Zap
Pro-Series.
Accuracy rating (4)
Spyder Special Edition: Using the Special Edition the 125-foot accuracy
ratios were 43% for Marballizer, 53% using Proball, and 39% with Zap Pro-Series
paint. At 100 feet the ratios increased 66% for Marballizer, 70% for Proball,
and 67% for Pro-Series.
At 75 feet with the smaller target the Special Edition hit the target at
a rate of 42% for Marballizer, 40% for Proball, and 36% for Pro-Series. The
50-foot ratios were 93%, 90%, and 90% respectively.
Accuracy rating (3)
Performance Tests:
Velocity Consistency: All velocity consistency testing was done using
C02. Read from left to right.
F-4 S/X:
A sample of what we've found...
288 fps 287 fps 280 fps 285 fps 286 fps 286 fps 289 fps 284 fps 287 fps 284
fps 286 fps 285 fps
average fps 286 fps
low fps 280 fps (-6 fps)
high fps 288 fps (+2 fps)
Velocity Consistency rating (3)
Spyder Special Edition:
290 fps 288 fps 291 fps 289 fps 293 fps 290 fps 289 fps 288 fps 289 fps 293
fps 290 fps 290 fps
average fps 290 fps
low fps 288 fps (-2 fps)
high fps 293 fps (+3 fps)
Velocity Consistency rating (4)
Maintenance of Velocity shows a gun's ability to hold it's velocity
during rapid firing.
F-4 S/X:
1st shot 286 fps 10th shot 284 fps
1st shot 288 fps 10th shot 288 fps
1st shot 287 fps 25th shot 288 fps
Maintenance of Velocity rating (4)
Spyder Special Edition:
1st shot 291 fps 10th shot 290 fps
1st shot 293 fps 10th shot 290 fps
1st shot 291 fps 25th shot 292 fps
Maintenance of Velocity rating (4)
Field Test: We used both guns for a period of three weeks, shooting more
than 10,000 rounds of paint. Although both guns performed very well, there
are some differences in the feel and performance when compared head-to-head.
Trigger pull:
F-4 S/X: The trigger pull on the F-4 Illustrator S/X is certainly
as good or better than most guns in this price range. However, it is a bit
stiff until you put several thousand rounds through it. Trigger pull rating
(3)
Spyder Special Edition: The Spyder Special Edition's trigger pull
is considerably "softer" than the F/X's, but it is just as long. All in all,
the Spyder will probably allow a faster rate of fire than the S/X. Trigger
pull rating (4)
Ball Breakage: F-4 S/X: While tracking 4200+ rounds of paint fired
through the F-4 Illustrator S/X we encountered five breaks in the gun--two
in the breach, and one in the barrel. Ball breakage rating (3)
Spyder Special Edition: With the Special Edition we had three breaks
in more than 4700 rounds of paint fired. There were two barrel breaks, and
one breach break. Ball break rating (4)
Air Efficiency: Both the F-4 S/X and the Spyder Special Edition will
get you 750-800 good shots using a twenty-ounce C02 tank in 80-85 degree
weather.
Maintenance:
F-4 S/X: Since the S/X has a totally enclosed main body, there will
be less dirt getting into the gun than that of the Spyder Special Edition.
Another nice unique feature of the F-4 F/X is its top slide cocking knob.
The fla t design makes it virtually impossible to break off or lose the cocking
knob.
Like the Spyder Special Edition (and most other guns) the barrel of the S/X
unscrews for cleaning. The power feed plug can also be removed for a quick
clean of the chamber and feed port. Another nice feature of the F-4 S/X is
the ability to get into the gun without using tools.
Maintenance rating (4)
Spyder Special Edition: The Special Edition's side cocking knob has
a tendency to fall off during play if it is not cared for. The S.E. requires
an allen wrench to get to the gun's internals. Having said that, the Spyder
is a simple gun to maintain. A few drops of oil and a good cleaning after
each use should keep you going for a long time.
Maintenance rating (4)
Price:
The Spyder Special Edition retails for around $310 which is an outstanding
value for what you get compared to the stock Spyder. Price rating (4)
F-4 S/X: The S/X is a bit higher priced than the Special Edition, but it
comes with a matching 12-ounce splash anodized tank, and a decent loader.
Price rating (4)
Both of these custom guns are of excellent quality, and both are a great
value. The feature-to-dollar ratio is outstanding on both guns.
Overall ratings: F-4 Illustrator S/X 3.42 stars Spyder Special Edition
3.71 stars |
