First: About me. I like simple guns, I hate bolt on milsim pieces. All of my markers have everything I need, and nothing I dont. I usually play with a simple Automag, original SL68II or a RT/Cylone 98(the style in the 98OG banner). All of my guns I run without stocks/sights and use a remote. I also like using different guns than anyone else and have never own an electro.

I own/use old guns like FA's and 68 Specials as well. I own an A5 but do not use it, and never liked the original X7. I wear camo but am not milsim

On first impression, the X7 Phenom seems like a toy. Its big and bulky, and it seems like there is too much "stuff" on the marker. To me, Tippmann made the marker unnecessairly large.

Then why did I buy one? Innovation.

Although the marker is way too large, it is pure genious. You've read all of the bells and whistles about how you dont need batteries and whatnot so I am not going to explain that.

Handling and shooting the marker, is like a dream. The trigger pull is short, light, and crisp. The grip is comfortable for my hands, but not as nice as the A5. I notice that when I switch firing modes(im a righty btw), my hand pinches on the corner of the grip frame. While I understand this isnt a nice pistol and you cant change backstraps, Tippmann should have removed the sharp edges for ergonomics. In addition, it takes too much force to switch firing modes. I like how I can quickly push the saftey easily on my 98 then unleash paint on the other team(its also safer using the saftey even on the field). On the X7P, its difficult to stretch my thumb from saftey to electronics, but its only minor griping here.

Ignoring the switch, Its very, very easy to have way too much fun with this marker. The recoil is non existant, and you dont even realize you are unleashing half of a case at your target.

Using the magazine as a grip is not comfortable at all. The narrow boxy stock magazine is not comfortable or natural feeling at all, unlike M series mags. You need an aftermarket grip.

The Cyclone appears to be upgraded with green squishy paddles and the standard stock X7 QEPH. I do not know if there is a plastic or metal ratchet inside.

In Conclusion, its a wonderful marker. I would like more emphasis on ergonomics and simplicity rather than useless magazines and weaver rails, but beggars cant be choosers. I cant wait for double triggers to come out, and I would not be suprised to see alot of these with the milsim pieces hacked off, and a few speedball upgrades added(centerfeeds, double triggers etc) hanging around the airball fields..