Planet Eclipse Geo R5
The paintball world is abuzz with the introduction of Planet Eclipse’s new Geo R5. As with any new release, there’s a lot to unpack, so let’s dive into the details and see what sets this marker apart—or perhaps what keeps it looking quite familiar.
Check out the all-new Planet Eclipse GEO R5 paintball gun. It boasts a redesigned solenoid in the grip frame, eyes and detents behind the foregrip, and the new GR Drivetrain for lower pressure, higher air volume, and softer shots. Includes S63 barrel kit for unmatched accuracy.
First Impressions and Design
The Geo R5 might have you scratching your head. Its similarities to the CS3 are striking, making it hard to immediately too the differences between the two. The design elements are nearly identical, from the frame to the feed-neck. This raises the question: What are the actual differences?
- Lightweight compact folaable design
- Robust Injection Molded Polymer
- Securely holds your paintball marker with tank and loader
Key Features and Upgrades
Here’s a breakdown of the new and highlighted features of the Geo R5:
- GR Drivetrain: A completely new drivetrain that promises enhanced performance. That operates at about 15-20 psi lower than the previous Geo4.
- Ergonomic Redesign: The ergonomics have been revamped from the ground up compared to the Geo4, ensuring better handling and comfort, the trigger frame now has a shape like the CS3 and even the lower-end Etha 3.
- Hidden Eye Covers: This aesthetic change gives the marker a sleeker look by hiding the eye covers under the fore-grip’s rubber cover.
- MME Electronics Stack: The same advanced electronics found in the CS3 and LV2.
- S63 Barrel: A really nice high-end barrel.
Pricing and Market Position
The Geo R5 is priced at $1650, just a dollar less than the CS3 at $1750, with the LV2 at $1600. This close pricing strategy places all three markers in a similar bracket, making the choice between them more about personal preference and specific features rather than cost.
Comparison with CS3
- Trigger Frame and Fore-grip: The Geo R5 features a slightly redesigned trigger frame and a fore-grip, that has taken most of its cues from the CS3. The Geo R5 ,and the CS3 share the same trigger frame, while the fore-grip is a similar banana shape as the Geo 4 it has been rescued in size to fit the slimmer over-all size of the Geo R5.
- Eye Covers: The Geo R5 has done away with the metal eye covers, opting for a fully rubberized fore-grip cover that provides a cleaner look.
- Bolt System: The Geo R5 introduces the GR core, a new bolt system that shares similarities with the older IV core but features some design tweaks for improved performance.
Ergonomics and Feel
The ergonomic changes, while subtle, are significant. The Geo R5 feels different in the hand, partly due to the changes in the fore-grip design. Until we get a hands on its just hard to compare feel.
Final Thoughts
While the Geo R5 may not be a revolutionary leap from the Geo4 or the CS3, it brings enough new features and subtle enhancements to justify its place in the Planet Eclipse lineup. The changes in ergonomics, the introduction of the GR drivetrain, and the sleek design tweaks make it a compelling choice for paintball enthusiasts.
As these markers start shipping out and players get them on the field, we’ll see how the Geo R5 performs in real-world conditions. Will it live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Only time will tell. For now, it’s clear that Planet Eclipse has once again delivered a high-quality, high-performance marker that’s sure to make waves in the paintball community.