What is Planet Eclipse known for in paintball? Planet Eclipse is the dominant manufacturer of mid- and high-end tournament paintball markers, recognized for the Gamma Core spool-valve bolt system, machined aluminum construction, and a lineup that scales from the mechanical EMEK to the flagship CS3. Founded in Manchester, England in 1991, Eclipse builds markers for serious recreational players and most NXL teams.
For a head-to-head with the brand most players cross-shop, see Tippmann vs Planet Eclipse and Dye vs Planet Eclipse.
The Planet Eclipse Lineup
| Model | Type | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMEK 100 | Mechanical | First serious marker, pump-style buyers | $300–$370 |
| EMEK MG100 | Mechanical magfed | Magfed players who want Eclipse quality | $440–$520 |
| Etha 3 | Electronic | Mid-range tournament and woodsball | $480–$560 |
| Etha 3M | Mechanical | Mid-range mechanical, no battery | $400–$470 |
| Gtek 180R | Electronic | Tournament players on a budget | $700–$850 |
| LV2 | Electronic | High-end tournament, refined ergonomics | $1,300–$1,500 |
| CS3 | Electronic | Flagship tournament marker | $1,700–$1,900 |
Brand History
Planet Eclipse started as a UK aftermarket parts maker in 1991 before launching their own markers in the late 1990s. The Ego line in the 2000s established Eclipse as a tournament-grade brand, and the Geo and Ego10 series pushed the company into the elite tier alongside Dye and Bob Long.
The current era of Planet Eclipse is defined by the Gamma Core. Released in the EMEK in 2017, the Gamma Core has since spread across nearly the entire lineup and is the single feature most responsible for Eclipse’s market position today.
The Gamma Core Explained
The Gamma Core is a spool-valve bolt system that delivers an exceptionally soft, efficient shot. Spool valves use a sliding bolt that opens and closes the air passage, and the Gamma Core’s specific design produces less recoil and quieter operation than poppet valves of similar price. It also tolerates lower operating pressures, which translates to better air efficiency and less stress on paint.
Practical effects:
- Markers chop paint less because the shot is gentler on each ball
- Air efficiency is high: 1,200+ shots per fill on a 68/4500 tank is realistic
- Recoil is low enough that the marker stays on target between shots
- The bolt is field-strippable in seconds without tools
The Gamma Core is now in the EMEK 100, EMEK MG100, Etha 3, Etha 3M, and the high-end LV2 and CS3 use refined versions of the same core principles.
The Core Models
Planet Eclipse EMEK 100
The EMEK is a mechanical, pump-action-derived marker that delivers the shot quality of guns costing two to three times more. It runs entirely without batteries, uses a Gamma Core, and is widely considered the best mechanical marker on the market for serious play. NXL Mechanical division players run EMEKs almost exclusively.
For a deeper comparison, see our EMEK vs Etha 2 breakdown.
Planet Eclipse Etha 3 and Etha 3M
The Etha 3 is the electronic version, and the Etha 3M is the mechanical version with the same Gamma Core internals as the EMEK plus a refined body and trigger frame. Both run quietly, shoot soft, and deliver shot quality that punches well above their price.
The Etha 3 is a common upgrade path for players moving up from a Tippmann or Spyder, and it shows up frequently in our roundups including best paintball guns under $500 and best electronic paintball guns.
Planet Eclipse Gtek 180R
The Gtek 180R sits between the Etha and the LV2. It uses a more refined trigger frame, OLED screen, and lighter body. It is a tournament-capable marker that does not require flagship money. Many recreational tournament players cap their upgrade path here because the diminishing returns above the Gtek are real.
Planet Eclipse LV2 and CS3
The LV2 and CS3 are Eclipse’s flagships. Both use a refined Gamma Core, a high-end electronic trigger frame, and machined aluminum bodies designed for tournament use. The CS3 is the newest design with updated ergonomics, a more advanced board, and an even softer shot.
The differences between LV2 and CS3 come down to subtle ergonomics, board features, and shot profile preferences. Most players who own one keep it for years.
EMEK MG100
The MG100 is the magfed version of the EMEK and is the highest-quality magfed marker on the market. It uses Tippmann TMC-compatible magazines and accepts a hopper conversion if you want to swap formats. See magfed paintball for context on the format.
Why Players Pick Eclipse
Three reasons dominate:
- Shot quality. The Gamma Core makes Eclipse markers feel and sound different from poppet-valve competitors. Players notice it the first time they shoot one.
- Build quality. Machined aluminum bodies, anodized finishes, and tight tolerances make Eclipse markers feel premium even at the EMEK price point.
- Resale value. Used Eclipse markers hold their value well. A two-year-old Etha 3 still sells for 60–70% of new price if it has been maintained.
Eclipse vs the Competition
Dye and SP Shocker are the closest competitors at the high end. Tippmann, Empire, and Spyder occupy the mechanical entry tier where Eclipse only competes with the EMEK. For specific head-to-heads, see:
Who Should Buy a Planet Eclipse
Buy an Eclipse if shot quality matters to you and you plan to keep the marker for several seasons. The EMEK is the best entry-point. The Etha 3 is the best mid-range. The Gtek 180R is the smartest cap for most recreational players. The LV2 and CS3 are for tournament players who want the best.
Skip Eclipse if you only need a rental-grade marker that survives mud and drops. A Tippmann 98 Custom does that better and costs less.
Planet Eclipse FAQ
What is the Gamma Core?
The Gamma Core is Planet Eclipse’s proprietary spool-valve bolt system. It delivers an unusually soft, quiet, and air-efficient shot at lower operating pressures than poppet-valve competitors. It first appeared in the EMEK in 2017 and is now used across most of the Eclipse lineup including the Etha 3, Etha 3M, EMEK 100, and EMEK MG100.
What is the best Planet Eclipse paintball gun?
The CS3 is the current flagship and represents the best Eclipse makes. The LV2 is a near-tie at slightly lower cost. For most players, the Etha 3 is the best value in the lineup, and the EMEK 100 is the best mechanical marker on the market at any price.
Where are Planet Eclipse paintball guns made?
Planet Eclipse is headquartered in Manchester, England, where design and engineering happen. Manufacturing is split between the UK and contract operations in Asia, with final assembly and quality control done in Manchester for most flagship models.
Are Planet Eclipse markers tournament legal?
Yes. Eclipse markers are standard equipment in NXL, regional tournament series, and most professional teams. The CS3, LV2, Gtek 180R, and Etha 3 all meet tournament rate-of-fire and electronic regulation requirements out of the box.
Is the Planet Eclipse EMEK worth it?
Yes, for serious recreational and mechanical-division tournament players. The EMEK delivers shot quality comparable to electronic markers costing two to three times more, runs without batteries, and holds its resale value better than any mechanical marker on the market.
