Planet Eclipse recently unveiled their new line of special edition CSL Ego markers, adding to the extensive variety of limited run factory anodizing offerings for the Ego11. While the aesthetics are clearly the selling point of this SL edition, it does offer a couple of minor design upgrades from the standard Ego11. Check out the link above for full detail on the CSL line.
The conundrum for market value/consumer worth of special release markers stems out of the industry’s tendency to operate with an annual release cycle for its major product lines. Buyer skepticism arises over the benefit of purchasing the special edition, as apposed to waiting out for the release of the next years more significantly (or so we hope) refined version. Planet Eclipse honcho Jack Wood recently commented on the “buyer’s dilemma” saying:
“Planet Eclipse are now actively working to move away from annual releases of all their markers within their range. The Etek and Geo have never been in an annual cycle. The Ego will also be pulled out of its annual cycle. In layman’s terms this means there will NOT be an Ego12.
There is no plan to stop production of any of the current markers or any of the off-shoots of each of those models (SL etc). What it does mean is that we will have longer to develop the replacements of each of the models giving each model a longer lifespan, something I believe customers are looking for in the current market. We don’t simply want to release an EGO12 with a few minor tweaks and expect people to buy it.
I hope that puts paid to a lot of the rumors that are floating around and we can finally draw a line under that subject. Feel free to quote me on that.”
Thanks Jack, we will. He touches on many of the most pertinent issues that make this such a bold move in the industry. By deviating from the norm, PE is making a statement about the current standard of production set by gun manufacturers as well as highlighting their awareness of the state and strength of paintball’s second-hand market. So what do you think this will do in terms of affecting the manufacturing trends on an industry wide level? Do you think this is strictly a business move in an attempt to spread out R&D funds or a response to physical production strain? Are you just stoked that your gun will now retain its value for longer?
Spill your mind and let us know what you’re thinking.