Last updated on October 15th, 2023
This article is my hands on review when i first bought Empire Axe 2.0 back in 2018, right after it was launched. Since then i have played more than 25 games with it. So Let’s get into the nitty gritty of Empire Axe 2.0.
Overview ( First impression – Performance)
The first impression of the gun was quite impressive, the feel in hands was pretty good and the stock barrel looked solid. Empire Axe 2.0 is a mid-range gun, perfect for both beginners, intermediates and experts to perform dynamic moves during paintball tournaments.
It is easy to set up the gun without any tool kit. I found no mechanical flaws in this gun, and I advise the players to use the gun without any upgrades. I just included a redline board and made no further changes. You should buy a quality hopper or mask instead of upgrading it. It performs great the way it is designed
Firing-rate! The high firing rate makes it a perfect option for speedball games. We merely faced any issue of chopped balls even at a high fire rate.
The On/off ASA regulator allowed me to control the operating pressure. I could easily depressurize or pressurize the gun via the regulator. I found the cleaning quick and easy through the anti-chop eye system and tool less bolt removal system.
Features:
- Reliable Poppet Engine Controlled Pressure
- Anti-chop Break-beam laser eyes
- 2 piece Barrel
- Adjustable Trigger
- Power Switch
- On/Off ASA Regulator
- Install OLED Board on fro grip
- Tool-less engine Maintenance
- Super Consistent shot after shot
- Compatible with fragile or low profile paints
- 10% light as compared to its previous model
- Aluminum made body construction
- Hose-less air transfer system
- Waterproof fore grip
What are the upgrades in Empire Axe 2.0?
After the satisfactory performance of my Empire Mini GS, I invested in the Empire Axe 2.0 to explore its upgrades and improve my game. As I was expecting that It will resolve all the issues I had with Mini GS, the good news is it did so!
Large Trigger Area
The trigger area of Mini GS was quite restricted and difficult to move the fingers. However, The Empire Axe 2.0 has a roomy trigger space to move the fingers easily. A common issue reported by the paintball players about Mini GS was a cramped feeling while holding the gun. Therefore, the company keeps the Axe 2.0 trigger area bigger and resolves the small size issue in its latest launch.
Barrel & Bolt
Empire GS has a single piece 12-inch barrel whereas the Axe 2.0 has a 2-piece 12-inch barrel. The 2-piece barrel is easy to store and has changeable bore sizes, colors and tips. Unlike the one-piece barrel that is not steeped properly is less accurate at strikes.
With its previous models, you needed tools to screw out the bolt from the bottom. But Axe 2.0 comes with a push-button to bring the bolt out for cleaning or maintenance purposes. I really liked this feature as it minimizes the need for the wenches and makes the process quite simple and quick.
The only issue I faced is that the bolt is slightly difficult to slide out sometimes. So, be careful while fixing it back in its position, if ever required.
Gauge Removed:
Although I liked the feature of the guage, that would help me find out if i am messing with my tanks. However, the guage with keep digging with my wrist. The good news or maybe the bad news is that Empire has removed the guage from Axe 2.0. No whether you’re left handed or right handed, no more digging into your wrist.
Eye Covers:
The Mini GS doesn’t have eye covers. You need Allen keys to open the bolt system and clean the chopped paint. It was a time-consuming technique and badly affected your game.
This improved model incorporates the external eyes. You can open the screw on the eyes with the help of the Allen key and clean the paint in a few seconds and be ready to play.
Axe didn’t chop off any paint and even worked with low-profile paints. Just in case, the paintball breaks down, it is simple to clean in a go. In Mini GS, you need to remove the entire frame to clean the chopped paint if you broke a bunch of paint.
Waterproof Fore Grip:
The foregrip has a rubber cover whereas the original model has a metal piece. The rubber grip gives you a very good control while holding it. This rubberized grip keeps the electronic parts inside it waterproof . You can install an OLED Board on the fore grip as well. The milling over the gun is quite different and far better than the previous models.
Comparison with Axe Pro:
If I talk about the Axe Pro then it is bigger than Axe 2.0 and has its own offered features such as the OLED board, large size, aluminum made feedneck and more.
Axe 2.0 is one of the best paintball markers for professionals and championship tournaments. The best thing about this Axe 2.0 is that it doesn’t produce kickback and is extremely quiet throughout the operation. It will definitely value your money in terms of performance and durability.
Things i liked
Things i didn’t like
Frequently Asked Questions about Axe 2.0:
What are the firing modes of the Axe 2.0?
It has four firing modes including semi-auto, Raping mode, full-auto mode, and millennium ramping mode.
What are the firing modes of the Axe 2.0?
Anti-chop eyes let the paintball strike without breaking. It has a direct opening to clean the broken paintballs with quick access using Allen keys.
How much Axe 2.0 weighs?
It weighs about 2.9 lbs.
