Mark Rata <goodguys040@earthlink.net> writes:

Dear MPN,

I've been playing for about a year and a half now, and wanted to buy a new marker.  I started out with a lightly modified spyder.  Now I want to move to something better.  I'm devating between the rainmaker and the spyder se.  I like the spider but the one I have is not accurate, although the gun is nice.  I like it but I want to get something better.  I'm not ready or want a cocker or a mag either.  What do you recommend.  Also, which barrel would you recommend for them as being the all around best performers.  I have not yet read any info on the rainmaker other than brass eagle's site, is it good and worth it.  Please help me decide between the two and if you have any suggestions let me know. 

Dear Javier,

The Spyder SE is basically the same gun as the regular spyder with a few upgrades; 45 grip, better bolt, expansion chamber, and anodizing.  If you are not happy with the spyder's accuracy, the first thing to change is the barrel (there are many available that shoot well).  If you are running CO2, you will need an expansion chamber or remote to keep the liquid out of the gun (if you shoot fast or if it is cold in your area).  This will make the gun more consistent and it will not "burp" (do that crazy full auto thing).  Before moving to a new gun, you should consider upgrading your current gun.  It is very versatile and can be a pretty good gun with the upgrades I mentioned.

If you already have the upgrades I talked about, getting a spyder SE will not give you better performance.  A rainmaker is an excellent gun for the price (about $400).  The new rainmaker 99'  is out and comes with a select fire chip as well as a redesigned cocker style shroud to make the gun look smaller.  Brass eagle customer service is actually quite good should something ever go wrong with the gun.  Be advised however, the rainmaker is very loud and there is little you can do about quieting it.

Here are a couple sites where you can get some more info on the rainmaker:

http://www.eastern-design.com/cgi-bin/rainmaker.cgi

http://www.geocities.com/Pipeline/Slope/6911/

Good Luck in your decision!

Steve Maranzana
MPN Columnist & Product Specialist