IR3 & AIR review 

This review will feature an in-depth look at the new WDP IR3 and the A.I.R. system. The review will cover the following topic areas and feature a comparison with the LCD series. 

1. IR3 Features 
2. IR3 Intellifeed 
3. IR3 Accuracy, speed, kick, noise, efficiency 
4. IR3 Maintenance, reliability 
5. AIR Performance 
6. IR3 vs. LCD performance & features 
7. Why the LCD over the IR3? 
8. Why the IR3 over the LCD? 
9. Trigger comparison 
10. IR3 Day Out 

Introduction: 

I purchased a silver base IR3, 68ci A.I.R. and WDP compact drop-forward for usage as my testing platform. The marker’s internals and externals were left unmodified, except that Ken Crane of Cape Cod Paintball drilled the site rail for intellifeed. I ran a wired revolution for my loader during the entire testing operation. I ran 13 cases through the marker between 4 days, using Team Colors, Nitro Duck, Diablo, Great American and ZAP. A proper paint to barrel match was registered for each brand of paint, a velocity of 270-300fps was used for all shots and the output pressure of the AIR was between 550 and 650psi at all times. 

The team colors paint was used during a practice at Global Paintball on Sunday, while the rest of the paint was shot at a closed area target range. 

Topic 1: IR3 Features 

The IR3 was designed to improve the weak points of the LCD series with speed and performance still in check. Several areas have been improved, added and changed on the IR3, but the entire concept of the marker remains the same. WDP has added the Gated Feed system, C.O.P.S. system, Space Frame and 3-styla trigger to the mix, in addition to revamping the LCD display. They have also added an IR transfer system, shorter RAM, small 14-way and a slightly modified bolt. 

Topic 1a: Gated Feed 

Ever pull off an amazing move only to find your next shot is bouncing around somewhere in your feed tube? A unique venture into this resolution in the Gated Feed system by WDP, as a plastic disk with three detention tips now resides midway down the feed tube. It is a one-way street down the feed tube as the Gated Feed system prevents paintballs from returning up the feed tube after they venture past the plastic tips. Two paintballs reside above the gated feed system, while three reside below (one of which is chambered in the breech). The Gated Feed system can be purchased separately as a G.A.P. for the LCD and Angel and is a two-piece system, which allows you to replace the actual plastic disk in case of malfunction. The Gated Feed for the LCD comes in black, silver and black/silver. A hole has also been drilled through the upper-half midway to allow an Allen key to be inserted through the piece for removal. 

Topic 1b: C.O.P.S. 

Crystal Operated Paint Sensor: A unique and revolutionary anti-chop sensor system that uses no exposed pieces, wires, or sensors. Open your breech and look into the ‘chamber’ of your IR3. On the bottom of this area, you will notice a small black dot that has something sticking up from the bottom of the body into the chamber area. This is the C.O.P.S. rod, which stems from a tray within the grip frame to the chamber of the IR3. I do not know exactly how this system was engineering but I can summarize: the C.O.P.S. rod registers the paintball’s mass and the marker will not cycle until the paintball is registered by the C.O.P.S. system. Therefore, instead of using optics or lenses it is more an issue of weight and mass. This allows the C.O.P.S. to work with any color paintball and the presence of dirt or residue to be a null factor in the operation of this system. 

With the C.O.P.S. system, the ability to put your MROF up as high as you desire and your marker to prevent you from chopping due to an improper chambered ball. As the sensor can only “approve” of the shot by the impact of the paintball. In addition, there are two different ROF settings on the IR3 now. One of which is for the marker with C.O.P.S. on and the other with the sensor off, an LED light on the rear of the grip frame displays a signal as to whether or not the system is active. The C.O.P.S. system does require a small amount of effort to initially configure the sensor and many users have noticed an initial break-in period on the rod for optimum performance. 

Topic 1c: Space Frame 

This clearly was the hottest, most controversial addition to the IR3 arsenal. To explain what went on here, is difficult to achieve in words but it clearly either made you love the IR3 or hate the IR3. However, its purpose is extremely effective if you can venture past the look of the frame. The .45 frames by nature were designed for firearms with the shooter’s arm at full extension. Rarely, if ever will you see a player shoot with a fully extended arm, because of the weight of their setup with air system. This frame is redesigned and allows the user to ‘tuck’ the marker in more and allow their shooting hand to come flush with the marker. This allows for you to create a smaller shooting profile, a more relaxed arm position, and more stable shooting platform and for those with the “twitch” a higher ROF. 

I personally feel as though this is the most exciting feature of the IR3 and numerous LCD users are eager to purchase the stand-alone frame. WDP has stated they will release the space frame for sale as a stand-alone product but a release date and price has not been released. It can also be assumed that the 3-styla trigger will come with the frame, as the space frame requires a unique trigger. 

Topic 1d: 3-styla trigger 

This trigger is also unique in design and functionality. Comprised of three pivot points, the trigger’s feel is unique to that of the IR3. The trigger is slightly wider on the IR3 then with the LCD to remove some excess “slack” and three slots are visible on the top of the trigger through the grip frame. Each of these pivot points yields a unique pull for the user. One requires a more upward swing, one a straight back pull, the other a downward pull. Many users like the feel of the rear slowest and feel as though the highest ROF is achieved with this pivot. 

In addition, the trigger also meets the micro-switch at the end of the switch which now prevents premature wear on the micro-switch and more accurate trigger pull registries. 

Topic 1e: LCD display 

Yes, you can still adjust the dwell and the ROF via the display and yes; it still shows the battery meter. The temperature feature and vibes also remain intact, as well as the game timer. However the new additions to the LCD/PCB are numerous and extensive, with 20+ sub-menus to play around with and new SKINZ grip cheeks to comfort your palms… did I mention scrolling text? 

The LCD display once again allows you to adjust all the features of the marker. The display shows everything from the dwell to the game timer, to the intellifeed settings and MROF; in addition to service recommended messages. However, I am mostly concerned with the game timer setting and service messages for this topic. 

The game timer has three unique alarms. You will notice three new squares on the LCD display next to the battery meters. A1, A2, A3 will show up in these respective boxes when you are adjusting the appropriate alarms. I tried this feature out during a 10-man game with a time limit of 10 minutes. My first alarm was set to go off for the first 90 seconds of play, my next one at 5 minutes to play and the last with 1 minute to play. However, you can setup the alarms for however you wish, within 30-second increments. 

The next feature is the service recommended messages. Initially the LCD showed one of four faults if the marker had an issue, however with the IR3 these messages are taken to the next level. At different shot intervals, a scrolling message will show on the LCD telling you to oil the marker or overhaul the LPR or other messages. These messages were designed to read during appropriate usage levels to allow for optimum performance and minimum downtime. A very revolutionary feature for any marker! 

In addition, you can program your own custom user text to display a 6-character word or message of your own, or share a text message with another IR3. The sharing topic will come a little later. The IR3 display has gotten friendlier and more adjustable, plus it even tells you messages at certain shot intervals. 

Topic 1f: IR 

Remember that little red disc on the opposite side of the LCD grip cheek? Well that red disc is back and bigger on the IR3! Only this time it is actually used for an IR transfer port, which gives this marker its name. The full potential of the marker’s IR capabilities is not yet available; even some features of the IR3 are still shadowed with the cloud of doubt. However, on the surface, the IR port serves two immediate features. 

At first, you will notice the Fetch and Send options within the LCD display. This is for the IR port and allows IR3s to exchange data and information between one another. If I set my IR3 to Send, any IR3 within a 10ft. radius with their marker set to Fetch can receive settings like dwell, CMROF, ROF, dwell, game timer, intellifeed commands, vibes timer alarms and vice versa. 

In addition, WDP has also showed images of PDA software that can be used on the Palm OS to change the features of the IR3 and then “zap” these settings to any IR3. The IR3, unlike the LCD, will not use a data link port or cable to custom configures the marker, so IR technology will be the only method. 

Unfortunately, most of the IR, technology within this marker is fresh and new to many of us; I personally have not had the opportunity to use any of it as I still do not see many IR3s in the area. However, I would not mind fetching the settings for that F/A IR3. 

Topic 1g: Improved Features 

WDP did not just take an LCD body and add features, C.O.P.S. and a grip frame to the new marker. Rather, they improved many areas of the marker’s ‘flaws’, which by nature were incredibly difficult to do; as I never even had a problem with my LCD model. The improved features can be found in a shorter RAM, a small (more efficient) 14-way valve and an overall shorter body. 

To many of us these features seem useless, however I have found that marker to be noticeably lighter that my 2k1 (black) LCD and slightly more efficient with similar configurations on both markers. The bolt remains the same shape, material and design only a small channel has been carved out of the bottom of it to allow for safe passage over the C.O.P.S. rod; which also prevents you from using existing LCD bolts. 

Topic 2: Intellifeed 

I saved this feature for its own area, as I am a huge supporter and firm believer of the Intellifeed invention. In fact, for about a year when the market was flooded with Impulses and Matrices I stuck by the Angel for the simple fact that I could use Intellifeed! 

The intellifeed feature has been improved upon since the Angel originally came out, via location and control. The intellifeed setup in true form allows you to wire a 12v Revolution to the site rail of the marker, eliminate the need for two 9v batteries and run the hopper off the marker’s battery. However, WDP has taken the next step and answered the complaints of many intellifeed users from the LCD. 

First off, the intellifeed system does not come with the base model of the IR3 and only on the C&C models, or custom marker series. However, it is possible to simply drill out the rail and use the wire to the site rail as would be with the C&C model. Ken Crane of Cape Cod rigged this feature up on my IR3, as all of my hoppers are pre-wired. 

The intellifeed system has two settings, which allow for optimum propeller rotation and the insurance of a fresh stack of paintballs when you are ready. The first setting is the activation, which triggers when the IR3 will signal the loader’s propellers to spin. The LCD was set to spin after 2bps were achieved for 2 seconds. The IR3 however can be set to spin for as long as 20 seconds after the first trigger pull. That is where the second setting comes into play. How long you wish to have the hopper spin for after it begins spinning. It is important to keep these numbers “economic” as I found anything over 4 seconds to cause some excessive battery usage, the bingo ball effect and annoyance of that noise. 

I personally have configured my intellifeed to spin for 3 seconds at every trigger pull, but even that configuration left for a few blank shots towards the end of the hopper at higher ROFs. 

The ability to drill the existing site rail is a god sent, as I was unwilling to purchase the slightly more expensive C&C model at the time. Not to mention, in my book the intellifeed feature on the IR3 was worth the price of admission! 

Topic 3: Accuracy/Efficiency 

Too many times, I have read that the Angel lobs its shots at a target. So much so, that some people have actually been made to believe that their Angel lobs paint because they read it does. Not once has any Angel I have ever owned met this condition! The IR3 continues the trend with this performance and efficiency. I found gas efficiency to be exceptional and my shot strings to be straight and true, with minimal chronograph jump. 

My chronograph string never went more than +5/-5 which perfectly fine in my book; my AIR never went more than +8/-8 and never resulted in a hot gun. I typically keep my gun chronoed at 275-285fps unless the field rules state a lower rating, to avoid hot gun penalties, as anything over 270fps is fine for my needs. 

Efficiency was top notch. Using a simple calculation I measured approximately 1600 shots per 4500psi fill, factoring in the bottle pressure would drop to around 4350 after being filled. This efficiency was tested at 550-650psi out of the AIR system and my poorest efficiency was 1465 with my greatest at 1677. Considering a case of paint per day is more than enough for my style of play, these shots per fill were more than impressive. 

The IR3 still operates at around 350psi, the LPR at 87psi and the mini-reg at 500-600psi. Although other areas were improved, modified or added the nature of the Angel in terms of operation pressure and cycling method were left identical to the LCD. A mid-range operating pressure gun, with gas efficiency that will allow 88ci users to get almost a full case out of a full fill; you can’t beat those efficiency numbers! 

Accuracy yielded excellent results as well, a string of 10 shots at approximately 40 feet found three shots literally on top of each other with the other seven within 3-6 inches. No spray and pray operation needed for groupings like that! Although the marker was shortened, the “feel” of it is still near identical. The marker sounds the same, fires the same and moves the same. I have seen some Angels that bounce all over the place while others that simply do not move, it all stems to the need for a fine tune. The Angel does kick, ever so slightly, but not nearly to the point where it throws off my accuracy or concentration. 

Topic #4: Maintenance/Reliability 

The Angel has always been known for it is superior reliability with minimal maintenance and flawless performance. The IR3 continues to excel in this category, boasting the “few drops of oil” maintenance of its previous generations. A nice addition to the IR3 is the scrolling recommend service warnings that I spoke of early. At different shot intervals (recorded by the counter) it recommends certain service procedures. One of which is an oil/lube application at 8,000 cycles or a total marker overhaul at 75,000. 

Although these figures are not exact numbers, they are rough estimates provided by WDP that were appropriate to testing results. Therefore, if one were wise, they would adhere to these recommended service reminders. 

The key thing to keeping the Angel running at 100% is properly lubrication and keeping vital pneumatic areas cleaned from debris, paint and dirt. In addition, making sure that wires are not spliced or pulled, the battery does not overheat while charging and you charge the battery when appropriate. No timing required! 

I have seen Angels, go 100,000 plus cycles with minimal maintenance but was kept perfectly in tune. The key to optimum performance is making sure a technician services the marker appropriately based on usage. 

Topic #5: AIR Performance 

The Angel AIR system has received mixed reviews from the moment the system came onto the market. The most expensive compressed air system on the market, the AIR was WDP’s ultimate compliment to the Angel series marker and the industry. Paintball’s first electronic regulator the AIR’s operation is similar to the mini-regulator found on the Angel. However, the AIR is more than just a bottle and screen! 

As far as performance is concerned, the AIR has excelled in every category I tested it in with my IR3. I connected the AIR system via the WDP compact drop and macro-line. The AIR, unfortunately, does not have an on/off function so thus addition accessories will need to be purchased to isolate the airflow from the regulator to the marker. The pressure adjustment screw is identical to the concept of the Air American Armageddon. 

The AIR’s weight is exceptional. I found the system to be extremely light, even when filled and coupled with my compact drop to provide an excellent balance for my form on the field. In addition, the lok-soks found on the rear of the bottle provide an excellent support feature to keep the bottle tight and not slippery when rested against my jersey. 

The unique feature of the “shots left” counter was also an excellent plus. Although not very accurate, slated to be 7-15% off, it is a good estimate as to what exactly you are looking at before a fill is needed. I also found that I could achieve optimum velocity with as little as 650psi left in the bottle before the velocity began to drop. 

Lastly, the efficiency of a full fill with my IR3/AIR combo was exceptional. At more than 1500 shots on every fill with a 68ci bottle, these figures were enough to make anyone jealous. Obviously, proper setup of the marker is vital! 

The AIR is not for everyone, but it is my system of choice. The ability to run the system while single regulating my marker and have the system maintained by my Angel tech with my marker are two excellent selling points. It clearly meets all expectations set forth by the general public, with areas that will certainly be improved upon and revamped in the future by WDP. 

Topic #6: IR3 vs. LCD 

This area will probably be read the most by readers. First off, I am going on the record as saying that I will choose the IR3 over the LCD. However, allow me to explain why, with several facts to back up my decision. 

First off, you are investing in several new features. The IR3 has the C.O.P.S. system, IR features, Gated Feed, space frame and 3-styla trigger. Not to mention a revamped LCD display and intellifeed feature on the C&C model. 

However, do not be swayed immediately. By nature, the IR3 will shoot identical to the LCD. The operating pressures are the same, the LPR, RAM, micro-switch and 14-way still function the same. The marker itself may have a different feel due to the trigger frame but it still functions the same to the LCD and even the original Angel by nature of firing. 

The IR3 also comes with a pretty informative manual, barrel condom, love juice, paint mate (mine did) and extensive spare parts kit and of course the charger and warranty card. My LCD had come with a fat-boy plug, manual, charger, spares kit; so less fancy accessories to drool over. Now lets look at why you would want to purchase one marker over the other and which one is right for you! 

Topic #7: LCD > IR3 

When news of the IR3 became available in February, we witnessed a total falling out of the LCD prices. If you were trying to sell a used gun online you immediately had to lower your price $100-$200 to welcome this fallout. Even custom markers like the Cobra and Adrenalin felt the hit of this price fallout. 

This is great if you have always wanted to own an Angel. The price of even the C&C models fell below the $1000 mark and their performance remained the same. This is great news for future Angel owners. 

The bad news is that eventually the ability to get LCD only accessories or replace parts will begin to dry up as it did with the original Angel. The good news though once again is that this probably will not be for a while. 

The LCD will still give you flawless performance, dead on accuracy and the high ROF that you demand from an Angel. It is still a top performer to this day and arguably, the most widely used marker in the tournament circuit. 

Clearly if you’re out to invest the money for the ultimate marker but don’t want to go above $1,000 then an Angel LCD is where you want to put your money. Not to mention a laundry list of accessories, aftermarket parts and products will fit every nook and cranny of your marker. 

Topic #8 IR3 > LCD 

Obviously, one would be quickly inclined to purchase the newest technology first; indeed, you would be making a worthwhile investment. Clearly, the IR3 is all that it has cracked up to be when you read other reviews and comments. The speed, efficiency, C.O.P.S. and trigger are all excellent reasons to investment the money into this fine piece of aluminum and electronics. 

Backed by WDP service technicians, the IR3 excels in all categories and with the addition of the C.O.P.S. system and Gated Feed the error of chopping is no more… ever again! 

Although the market for aftermarket accessories is still very thin, the marker is relatively young in the overall scheme. However, it is only a matter of time until the LCD accessories venture towards the IR3 frame. I would be hard pressed to convince you to buy the LCD over the IR3 unless the monetary situation was limited. If you have the funds, buy the IR3 and I assure you will not be disappointed. 

Topic #9: Trigger Comparison 

I will be brief on this section, but this is a vital selling point to the IR3 over the LCD in my book. Many owners have the inept ability to rail away on the Angel trigger as if even 12bps was for the slow. I personally find anything over 9bps is more than enough to either get the elimination or freeze my opponent in their respective location. 

However, the IR3 trigger is special. With my C.O.P.S. sensor at 20bps and on I proceeded to rail away over at the target range. Not once have I ever recorded a BPS of over 11 but reached 14 with relative ease, thankfully the C.O.P.S. sensor kicked in to prevent my hopper from being out shot, as I could feel my marker not fire on certain trigger pulls. 

Clearly WDP has scored a winner with this frame and this trigger. I can pull, tap or click however my fingers wish anywhere on the trigger and register a cycle everytime! 

Topic #10: Day Out 

I put 13 cases of paint through my marker in 5 days. However, on Sunday I used the marker in “live action” at Global Paintball. The results were just as expected, excellent performance. The marker continued to provide the 1500+ shots per fill, +5/-5 chrono performance and dead on accuracy. I especially wanted to test the benefits of the C.O.P.S. sensor and Gated Feed while shooting at off angles, on the move or while engaged in sparatic bursts. 

The C.O.P.S. did require a bit of play time with some adjustment needed. The settings must be dead on with your feed rate as a deadly combination of out shooting your hopper, too high a ROF or too short a intellifeed activation will prevent the C.O.P.S. from reaching it’s full potential. 

Also it is important to adjust the ball détente properly, as one bolt face break was encountered to an overly tightened ball détente. Also, I found my battery usage to be abnormally high with the longer intellifeed activation, as anything over 5 seconds literally drained my battery meter right before my eyes. 

In speaking with Ken Crane and Mark Costa they both mentioned that the C.O.P.S. rod does require a break-in period of a few cases before optimum performance is achieved, so clearly this follows the lines of having the marker itself broken in after initial usage. 

I give my performance a big two thumbs up, as I railed away on the trigger or in short bursts.
__________________
www.angel-owners.com 
~ Owner & Administrator ~