Well since there was such a warm approval for my recent post around the best markers for under $300 I thought we could do one better for those looking in the $500 range. This is where you start to see some solid differences and some very nice quality markers.

Our choice and winner by a large margin is the Planet Eclipse Etha 2. The reasons around this are the overall weight, rate of fire and looks. If you would like to purchase the Planet Eclipse Etha 2 click here to purchase on Amazon, the link will open in a new window.

What Are The Best Paintball Markers Under $500

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Planet Eclipse Etha 2

The original Etha was developed specifically to allow access to the Eclipse marker range by people who were on a tighter budget. It was built to be robust and reliable, solidly constructed and has provided years of honest service for thousands of players around the world.

Now is the time for the Etha to begin a new evolution. Becoming not only reliable but also refined and dignified. Not just robust, but feature-packed. The Planet Eclipse Etha 2 is here to lead the way.

To show others what is possible with creative and innovative engineering solutions. It’s here to disrupt the establishment and dominate the market. With features never before seen in this sector in a package that handles and performs like nothing before it.

Driven by the now-legendary Gamma Core the Etha2 is built to handle the harshest of environments from super searing heat to frigid frozen wastelands, the exceptionally tough composite external construction with aircraft-grade aluminum interior will take everything that even the roughest and the most demanding player can throw at it. Yet on the field its stretched-out grip spacing, lightweight and natural balance make it easy to maneuver, natural to aim and amazing fun to shoot.

Features Of The Etha 2

• Completely re-designed Etha2 platform
• Powered by the Gamma Core spool valve drivetrain
• GRN composite outer body
• Aluminium inner body core
• Single-piece GRN frame and foregrip
• Hose-less air transfer system
• POPS ASA assembly
• Lock n’ load 9V battery system
• Tool-less grip access/removal
• Wire-less frame to body connectivity
• DefTek offset feed
• Ambidextrous LED status indicator

Planet Eclipse Etha 2 User Reviews

Rated an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars in reviews online the Planet Eclipse Etha 2 doesn’t have any black spots within users and use. All the reviews say to not worry about the nylon construction and that the marker is durable and functions smooth and quiet in matches.

You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.

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Empire Axe Pro

The all-new Axe Pro is a battle-hardened Axe designed for warfare. The mad genius of Empire’s R&D team took a great marker and tweaked, refined and re-designed it to create the original Axe’s new badass big brother.

The Empire Axe Pro also includes upgrades like improved waterproofing, compact-relay ASA, new trigger & trigger guard, better clamping feedneck and accurate two-piece Driver XX barrel. 

Features Of The Axe Pro

• Full feature Redline OLED board with joystick navigation
• Now only 2 hex wrenches needed for all screws on the Axe Pro
• Improved ergonomics in Grip Frame and Foregrip
• The re-designed Grip frame has a deep angled comfort design
• Improved weather-proofing including waterproof gasket around the battery door
• More robust foregrip mounting design
• A simple push-button in-line bolt removal system
• New smaller, more compact Relay ASA
• Improved ASA attachment, no more set screws
• Polished two piece barrel with standard Bore size .688 improved accuracy & efficiency
• 7.5” Control bore and spiral porting for excellent ball on ball accuracy that is cross-compatible with Pipe barrel backs
• New trigger design with modular trigger guard
• Trigger pin removed in favor of screw for easier Trigger maintenance
• Externally serviceable Eyes, no longer requiring marker dis-assembly for Eye maintenance
• Double Eye system that is easy to clean
• Rubber nub-style ball detents
• Tool-less clamping feed neck
• Integrated internal air channel

Empire Axe Pro User Reviews

The overall reviews would generally towards this marker performing very well. Remarks were very good around weight, maneuverability and that it performed very accurately, especially for players moving from $150 markers.

You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.

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First Strike T15

The revolutionary T15 magazine fed paintball marker is the first of its kind offering a true .68 caliber 1 to 1 AR platform. The T15 features a rugged lightweight cast aluminum body that will withstand the harshest conditions while maintaining optimum maneuverability.

Personalize your T15 to your style of play – the First Strike T15 accepts multiple “real steel” parts so you can adjust your game play, allowing for more modifications, and increasing functionality.

Players can choose to use our patented magazines or a standard hopper. The dual feed allows players to quickly switch between “hopper mode” and “magazine mode” during play for optimum versatility.

Features Of The T15

• Functional Charging Handle
• 19/20 Continuous Feed First Strike Magazines
• Magazine and Hopper Feed
• Removable Fixed Sights
• 13ci 3000psi Aluminum Tank

First Strike T15 User Reviews

You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.

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Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker

DYE’s Rize CZR Paintball Marker is packed with features normally only found on high-end markers. The Precision True Bore Proto 2-piece 14” barrel, proven Hyper 3 reg, DYE UL on/off airport, DYE Lockdown cam lever feed neck, newly redesigned Proto solenoid, and new Rize Fusion bolt gives the Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker the performance of a high-end marker. 

With the Rize CZR Paintball Marker, comfort is not sacrificed. The UL 45 frame, dual density sticky grips, no slip reg sleeve, adjustable aluminum trigger, and low profile balanced design provides a level of control and comfort not found in most markers. Keeping your Rize operating at top level is simple and easy. 

Features like Anti-Chop eyes, screw together bolt design, DYE’s self-cleaning M2 eye pipe, and Color-coded o-rings keep you on the field longer. The Rize CZR Paintball Marker was designed for top-level performance at a reasonable price.  Dye’s Rize CZR Paintball Marker is the marker of choice.

Features Of The Rize CZR Paintball Marker

• Packed with features normally only found on high-end markers, the DYE Rize CZR delivers premium features without the pro price tag. The CZR gives you the ability to compete with any marker on the field through a proven, reliable platform that delivers.
• Featured loaded with the precision True Core two-piece 14″ barrel, proven Hyper3 regulator, DYE Ultralite on/off Airport, and DYE Lever Lock adjustable clamping feed neck the CZR is packed with features that make playing paintball easier and more fun by adding more firepower to your game.
• Innovations like the internal Anti-Chop eyes, screw together bolt design, DYE’s patented self-cleaning 4th generation Eye Pipe, and Color Coded O-Rings keep maintenance to a minimum and easy when required. Built to last and withstand even the toughest of games, the CZR performs in all conditions with minimal maintenance.
• New nylon reinforced feed neck, elongated body for improved ergonomics, and RAMP solenoid boast improvements made to the CZR over its predecessor, the Rize & Rize MaXXed.
• Parts kit, DYE Slick Lube 2.0, OG DYE Barrel Sock, tool kit, and 9-volt battery included. All DYE products are backed with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defect.

Rize CZR Paintball Marker User Reviews

The overall rating is about perfect and the most loved parts of this marker are the looks and accuracy while maintaining a quiet firing. The negatives were around the handle not looking and feeling sealed and that it doesn’t “feel” like a more expensive marker.

You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.

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Empire Axe 2.0

The Empire Axe 2.0 paintball marker continues to shred the competition whether in the woods or behind bunkers. Accurate, smooth and lightweight, the newly improved perfect player marker is the complete package.

Empire Paintball now offers you the next generation of the impressive Axe marker.  This new Axe features improved accuracy, lighter weight, a remodeled foregrip and increased resistance to weather. 

The two-piece Driver XX barrel will provide you an increase in accuracy and accepts Pipe barrel backs to get the perfect ball-to-barrel match.  The new marker weighs 10% less by remodeling the foregrip and changing the feedneck. 

The main and fore-grip now feature a micro-texture that increases hand grip even when getting splattered by paint.  The newly designed connections between the body and foregrip, plus the change in foregrip material make this the most weatherproof Axe yet. 

When Empire designed the original Axe, they hit a home run and now with these more refinements, it’s a grand slam.

Features Of The Empire Axe 2.0

• Shockwave board offers multiple adjustable firing modes (Semi, Ramp, Burst, Full Auto)
• Relay venting ASA regulator with On/Off lever
• Push button bolt removal system for tool-less engine maintenance
• Lightweight and accurate Driver XX two-piece barrel
• 10% Weight savings over previous generation Axe

Empire Axe 2.0 User Reviews

User reviews are at best ho-hum on this model from Empire with many saying to go with the Axe Pro instead as it is of better quality and longer functionality.

You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.

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Tippmann Crossover XVR

The new Crossover XVR delivers on every front to take your game to the next level. Now there’s a Tippmann marker designed for tournament players by tournament players.

The XVR is packed with performance features including Flex Valve Technology which allows operation under 300PSI, reduces recoil and improves air efficiency. The XVR also features an internal gas line, three-position selector switch that changes from electronic to mechanical operation on the fly, center feed with locking feed neck and break-beam anti-chop eyes.

The XVR is dual air compatible which is the ability to add a front vertical regulator when using an aftermarket on/off ASA. The magnetically activated Hall-Effect Electronics provides 6 firing modes including Safety Full-Auto, 3 Shot Burst, NPPL, PSP, Millennium, Auto-Response, or Semi-Automatic.

Add Tippmann’s unrivaled 2-year warranty, the fact that it’s Made in the USA and yes, you can still “crossover” into the woods.

Features Of The Crossover XVR

• Upgraded performance, easier maintenance, and an enhanced design
• New 15″ two-piece barrel
• New tool-less access to Bolt and Flex Valve System
• New venting On/Off ASA
• Soft Sided Marker Case included

Tippmann Crossover XVR User Reviews

This marker is generally rated as good by the user reviews I read over, the largest issues were over the lack of upgrades overall and the trigger has a different feel than other markers. People reviewing said the marker was easily able to be used for woodsball or for tournament-style play.

You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.

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Dangerous Power G5 Spec-R

The Dangerous Power G5 Spec-R features a two-piece micro honed 14″ barrel kit. The new OLED profiler board contains a full programmable parker setpoint.

The G5 Spec-R features a super lightweight structural frame and body weighs in at a meager 1.75lbs including the barrel and battery. The marker features a full body metal polish with a super clean finish.

A newly redesigned and refined milled trigger and a re-balanced trigger frame and trigger. The inline regulator has been built inline and hose free design.

Features Of The G5 Spec-R

• Two Piece Micro Honed 14″ Barrel Kit
• OLED Pofiler Board With Full Programmable Parker Setpoint, Lightweight Structural Frame and Body – 1.75lbs with Barrel and Battery
• Full Metal Polish Finish, New and Refined Milled Trigger And Trigger Re-balanced Trigger Frame
• Hose Free Inline Regulator Design, O-Ring Less Design With Innovative and Highly Efficient Dump-Valve system
• Patented Clamping Feedneck System and RAPTM ASA, Low Pressure Operating – 170PSI/280FPS

Dangerous Power G5 Spec-R User Reviews

Overall with a low amount of reviews the G5-Spec-R that everyone has been happy with performance and weight. There seems to be some overall dislike in the communities around Dangerous Power but I can’t find a direct cause.

You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.

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Tippmann X7 Phenom Electronic

This X7 Phenom option will appeal to players who prefer the electronic option but like the performance of the FlexValve.Tippman is long known for the support and aftermarket options for their markers.

The X7 Phenom is built for the avid mil-sim and woodsball player wanting a high performance, true military style paintball marker that can be customized into 1,000 different looks.

The X7 Phenom is the most customizable marker in paintball with over 22 available mods that can transform your marker into one of seven popular styles or your own unique look. The X7 Phenom features the patented FlexValve technology with low pressure operation.

The Tippmann X7 Phenom paintball marker with FlexValve Technology is the first electro-pneumatic paintball marker to offer the combination of improved air efficiency, superior accuracy, manual or electronic mode firing, and the flexibility of CO2 or compressed air usage.

The new FlexValve operates below 300 PSI for improved air efficiency allowing you to get over 1,400 shots from a 68 cubic inch 4500 psi tank. Also, due to its Spool Valve design, recoil is virtually eliminated for improved accuracy.

As an added benefit, the Tippmann X7 Phenoms searless design incorporates fewer wear parts, making maintenance easier than ever. Best of all, because this new marker is built around the existing X7 platform, the Phenom which is nearly 3 inches shorter than the X7 can still accept more than 20 current X7 mods and upgrades, including the popular Flatline Barrel.

Players have never been offered such a complete package the performance of a tournament marker, the flexibility of a mechanical marker, the durability of a Tippmann, and the ability to customize their marker with thousands of different looks.

With the new X7 Phenom priced similar to the current X7 with eGrip, the X7 Phenom truly is in a class of its own.

Features Of The X7 Phenom

• New compact and lightweight aluminum body for the X7 Phenom Pushpin construction for easy field stripping
• All metal trigger for enhanced stability
• Tippmann X7 Phenom Three position selector switch with third position having five firing modes
• Magnetically activated hall effect electronics
• Quick release magazine with built-in tool storage
• The internal gasline and lack of cocking handle offer a more realistic look
• Redesigned Cyclone Feed System paddles feed up to 20 balls-per-second without batteries
• Piccatinny top rail to easily add new sights or handles
• Compatible with air thru stocks
• Removable front and rear sights
• Low profile, offset hopper for clear line of sight
• Modular foregrip with two rails to add sights and scopes
• Internal regulator with new external velocity adjustment (tool required)
• 9.5” high performance, stone-honed barrel
• Includes maintenance pack, barrel blocking device, and marker lubricant
• Two year marker warranty on all Tippmann Phenom markers
• Tippmann Phenom Paintball marker is Made in the USA

Tippmann X7 Phenom User Reviews

You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.

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Empire Paintball Sniper Pump

Built upon the foundation of the legendary Autococker design, Empire Paintball has created the Sniper, a new tournament level pump marker with a classic name. Bud Orr created the original Sniper in 1986, listening to Rock me Amadeus on the radio and creating the legacy that became WGP.

This new Sniper incorporates the same DNA while adding the touches you expect from Empire. Cool styling, rugged reliability and optimal performance. With the Sniper, stay true to the past, but perform like the present.

Features Of The Sniper Pump

• Tournament Level Performance pump marker
• Low Pressure Operation
• Auto-Trigger for rapid firing
• Aluminum 2-piece 14″ barrel
• 3 Barrel inserts .675, .680, .685

Sniper Pump User Reviews

This marker is rated about 4.2 out of 5 stars on average across sites with ratings that listed a rating. Most comments were around checking the regulator and that it is very accurate and they get noticed while using the marker.

You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.

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Final Thoughts

I love these nice mid-teir paintball markers and believe they can offer an amazing value to almost 95% of paintball players who aren’t attempting to become professional players. They will even be a strong starting marker for someone young who is looking to become a pro player, time and practice will help get you a leg up!

Hopefully, this assembly of markers proves to be assistive in making the choice for your personal marker or backup. If I have missed anything please let me know in the contact us form.