 I have to admit---when I was first asked to review this marker, I was quite skeptical. In fact, I didn't even have but a faint idea of who System X was. The looks of the marker weren't too appealing, the position of the pneumatics was alien to me, and I was already quite leery of the twist-lock bolt setup. However, the overall design of the marker, while simplistic, really took into account the advantage of function over fashion. This is not to say the marker isn't attractive (which will be discussed later on), but it focuses more on performance than aesthetics. My first impressions at the chronograph were that the System X Base is a fairly consistent marker out-of-box, and had average accuracy with the stock barrel. For the review, the only upgrade I added to the marker was a 12" Smart Parts Freak barrel and the matching insert for the paint I used, RPS Evil. Simply from surface observations, I pushed past my early skepticism and conceded that this marker might be decent. Features  The SX Base is quite similar to the 2003 WGP Autococker, in terms of looks and performance. However, the System X has a few interesting aesthetic and functional features thrown in to liven things up a bit. The stock barrel is, interestingly enough, decent compared to most others. While I always suggest upgrading the barrel, if you're low on cash after your purchase, you should be able to scrape by with this barrel. The three-piece flexible ball detent prevents paint from bobbling out of the breech and rolling down the barrel, as well as chopping. Previous less-elastic detents provided for an easy way to chop when a ball was stuck in the breech and another was loaded and fired. The feed port is rather nice-looking, and since it's a low-rise, allows for the marker to be slightly shorter in stature to help quell those dreaded hopper hits. The bolt design is perhaps one of the features I appreciate the most on this marker. In a matter of seconds, you can remove the bolt, clean the breech, internals, and barrel, and replace it, all while the marker is gassed up. You obviously shouldn't do this every time you chop, but if it's so bad that you can't fire the marker because of a piece of the ball lodged inside, it's very handy for getting you back in the game. As for the pneumaticswell, I wasn't impressed. The setup is strange and a bit foreign for users of standard Autocockers, as the pneumatic regulator is centered where the volumizer or front block screw would normally be. I did NOT like the three-way or ram, as both had an almost sticky, rough quality to them. Another complaint is that parts of the regulator and three-way felt cheap, namely the adjusting knobs. Part of the problems with the pull were also due to the trigger frame, which, while not too bad in design, has some problems with the smoothness of the trigger pull. However, the trigger does come with an adjustable pull (standard on most every hinge, but still nice), snatch grip, and detachable beaver tail. The inline regulator is mediocre at best, but does the job well enough to where it can be lower on your upgrade list. Finally, rounding out the marker are the System X Tacky Grips, an ugly and cheap-feeling DYE imitation.Appearance  The marker I tested was matte black in color, and while I generally don't like flashy equipment, this thing could use some jazzing up. It's honestly not that great looking, in my opinion, and out of the people I polled, all agreed. You'd think that since they took the time to mill such small pieces as the feed tube and back block that they could have thrown in a few cuts on the body. However, it's by no means ugly, and it's something you can easily be proud of when bringing out to your local field. Upgrading your pneumatics, grip frame, barrel, and regulator should help out in the aesthetics AND performance department.Balance Thankfully, the System X is set up so that the inline regulator/fore grip is very close to the grip frame, which is great when trying to achieve a good balance in your setup. I personally don't use drops on Autocockers because of the protruding beavertail, instead opting for a rail mounted on/off, but if you do happen to like cradles or drop forwards, by all means use them. Make sure that your setup allows for a good, solid platform to shoot with, so that you can take advantage of this marker's accuracy produced by its low, low kick. If you do go the drop/cradle route, my personal pick is the Shocktech series. These are great looking, very comfortable, and have rails that allow you to mount a simple duckbill or on/off ASA. On/offs are not necessary, but do help when trying to preserve the tank o-ring from being mangled every time you unscrew a tank with air in it. Performance  For the review, I used a Centerflag Hyperflow HPA tank and a Viewloader 12v Revolution, because both have high flow/feed rates and are some of the best products on the market today for their respective uses. The marker shot at anywhere from 8-10 BPS on a consistent basis. The vertical feed helped ease blowback problems and in nearly a case of paintballs, only a few chops were encountered. Even after a few shots happen to hit them, the pneumatics kept themselves in working order and never once resulted in a skip or misfire. Accuracy was very good as a result of a stable shooting platform, low kick, and the Freak System. I found that consistency was a bit of a problem, even with the aftermarket Sidewinder regulator I used on the marker. The FPS readings seemed to be fairly good (see below), but on the field and while testing its accuracy, I could easily tell that it was lacking in that area because the distance that each ball flew varied from shot to shot. This isn't abnormal, but it could easily be improved with a more consistent/higher flow valve and bolt setup.Accuracy  Out on the field and in the shooting range, the stock marker did remarkably well. While bench mounted, I encountered very little spread. However, off the mount and in my hands and the hands of human error, it did get a bit squirrelly. This is obviously to be expected, as you can't keep a perfect angle with your bare hands. For the most part, the tests showed that the stock System X Autococker is relatively accurate out of the box using a medium bore paintball in seventy-five degree weather. Keep in mind that the shot spread refers to the distance from the center of the target to where the paintball hit, and "NE", "NW", etc., are referring to the direction in relation to the center of the target to where the paintball hit. "NE", for example, means "Northeast."The following tests were conducted using a 45ci 4500psi Centerflag Dynaflow HPA tank:  It's obvious from these readings that, using a good barrel system, this marker has the accuracy game down pat, even when otherwise stock in every aspect. However, no amount of bench mounted testing can give you a very realistic idea of how accurate a marker is while in human hands, so the best thing you can do is purchase a good barrel, a consistent air system, and some paint so that you can practice snap shooting and long-balling, depending on your style of play. Consistency The results of the FPS readings after ten shots using a 68ci 4500psi Centerflag Hyperflow HPA tank are shown below.   Average FPS: 283.5 Standard Deviation: 5.3 FPS These readings are mediocre at best, but not below average for a stock $400 marker. Upgrading the inline regulator, valve, etc. will help push the numbers closer together. Conclusion I was expecting a fairly decent paintball gun here, and while I wasn't really disappointed, I did think that some of the problems with the System X Base marker were easily fixable by its manufacturer. If System X had spent more time researching and developing their product, the marker would probably have gotten a perfect score. All in all, the System X Base makes for good competition for the stock 2003 WGP Autococker, but in the end I would recommend the stock 2003 Autococker over the System X Base. Pro's - Very upgradeable, but at the same time, not too many upgrades are needed right away. - Fairly consistent. - Can use CO2 or HPA equally well with proper precautions taken. - Great accuracy with a quality barrel and a good, stable shooting platform. - Using a fast enough loader, one should not encounter too many chops, as long as you stay away from short-stroking the trigger (pulling and not releasing the trigger all the way before pulling again). - Well balanced and extremely light. - Kick is very low, so that you can put shots in the same spot one after the other. Con's - The trigger frame is rough and "sticky", as is the three-way and ram. - The stock barrel and regulator could really use some work. Both are pushing it to be even mediocre. - Most hoppers will not fit securely in the feed tube. - Many of the parts feel cheap and easily breakable. Case in point: the beavertail, three-way, and pneumatic regulator. - Customer service is poor. It literally took a handful of calls to be directed to the correct person because the single operator barely spoke English. Nice try System X, but I've seen better. If your looking for a nice closed-bolt paintball gun to start out with, I have to recommend the 2003 WGP Autococker over the System X Base marker. Tested May 20, 2003 Mike Whitmer Xtreme Concepts Paintball |
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