Editing Mechanical paintball (section)

== Equipment ==

=== Mechanical paintball markers ===

A mechanical [[paintball marker]] uses physical mechanisms to control its firing cycle.

Depending on the design, pulling the trigger may release a spring-loaded hammer, operate a sear or actuate a pneumatic valve.

The marker's operating mechanism automatically prepares it for the next shot without requiring the player to manually cycle a pump.

Mechanical semiautomatic markers differ from electronic markers, which use electronic controls and solenoids to manage firing.

Common mechanical marker designs include:

* Blowback markers, including the [[Spyder]] and [[Tippmann 98 Custom]].
* Pneumatically operated mechanical markers, including the [[Autococker]].
* Mechanical spool-valve markers, including the [[Eclipse EMEK]].
* Mechanical conversions of selected electronic marker platforms.

The precise equipment permitted in mechanical competition depends on the applicable tournament regulations.[1][2]

=== Mechanical spool-valve markers ===

During the late 2010s, manufacturers introduced mechanical versions of operating systems previously associated with electronic tournament markers.

The [[Eclipse EMEK]], introduced by [[Planet Eclipse]] in 2018, used the Gamma Core spool-valve drivetrain with a mechanically operated three-way valve.

This arrangement allowed the marker to operate without batteries or electronic firing controls.[2]

Other manufacturers developed mechanical frames or complete mechanical models based on their existing electronic marker platforms.

These developments expanded the range of equipment available for mechanical tournament paintball.