Since its initial release, the popularity of the Ion Paintball Gun has grown by leaps and bounds. This is not at all surprising, considering that it was the first Paintball Gun to provide true low-pressure electro-pneumatic operation with integrated anti-chop Vision at a price that was affordable to the typical recreational paintball player.

In a retail price range where all of the competing markers, even those with electronic grip frames, still rely on accuracy robbing spring and hammer valve systems from the 1990s, the Ion XE Paintball Gun's integrated bolt/valve system, with only one lightweight major moving part, is propelled by digitally controlled, regulated low-pressure gas for fantastic accuracy and quiet operation. The result is tournament level performance, whether it is creeping through the woods or charging an inflatable bunker.

For all of its outstanding performance, some players found the Ion a bit difficult to disassemble for maintenance, said Smart Parts engineer Hans Semelsberger. He is no stranger to the needs of the serious paintball player, himself having been in the professional winner's circle numerous times as a member of the All Americans.

The players spoke and we listened, said Semelsberger, Bolt out back bodies have been a desirable upgrade, but unfortunately the combined cost of a new marker and bolt out back body was typically more than the price tag on our more advanced markers. With a minor redesign of the Ion's bolt assembly, we've been able to integrate easy bolt out back maintenance into the new Smart Parts Ion XE Paintball Gun and deliver all of this in the same affordable price range.

All of the Ion's outstanding features a full metal grip frame and receiver, break-beam Vision anti-chop system, three-point adjustable trigger, high-flow rate Max-Flo IRG vertical regulator, digital control of timing, multiple firing modes, and interchangeable protective body covers are a part of the new Smart Parts Ion XE Paintball Gun, but now removing the bolt and entire valve system for regular maintenance requires only one tool and takes only a matter of seconds.

Over the last three years, more professional level paintball tournaments have been won with Smart Parts markers than all other brands put together. Smart Parts is making that same technology available to a much wider base of players because we believe that players should get more for their money, and we believe that equipment counts.