Critical Paintball Super-EGO Trigger for the Planet Eclipse 07 / 08 EGO


   * Ultra lightweight design
   * Ergonomically correct design
   * *Unique Feature* Integrated adjustable reverse polarity magnetic return with included mag block
   * Revised switch actuation point for a smoother lighter pull with more available travel
   * Rounded and smooth edges (fully radiused)
   * Super smooth and very, very fast
   * Fits the Planet Eclipse 07 and 08 EGO marker
   * Four way adjustable trigger, magnet tension, switch activation point, rear travel stop, and trigger angle
   * Available in dust black, dust red, dust blue and silver dust
   * Planet Eclipse Approved WILL NOT VOID WARRANTY

The Critical Paintball Super-EGO 07 Trigger Review by 68caliber.com

The Critical Paintball Super-EGO 07 Trigger
By Dale Ford
Oct 7, 2007, 21:19


Critical Paintball has proven over the years to have a good idea of what players want in their marker ergonomics, specifically the finger to trigger interface.  For those who want to squeeze every last bit of performance out of their markers, replacing the trigger is a sure-fire way to do just that, and Critical's trigger design seems to be a front runner.

In this review we're going to be taking a look at Critical's offering for the Planet Eclipse Ego 07.  The Planet Eclipse Ego has proven to be one of the most popular top-shelf markers in the sport, with a large number of top players and teams using it to win.  The marker used for this test was a private label EGO, a Redz EGO.  Straight from the factory the Redz has all the standard features of the EGO 07, with the addition of Redz' Pepper Stix barrel and milling specific to the marker.

Like other manufacturers in the industry, Planet recognizes the importance of the aftermarket and has instituted a program to work with companies like Critical to approve designs meant for use on their markers and help the aftermarket make parts that are fully compatible with them.  Critical Paintball's Super-EGO 07 trigger is one of the first designs to receive this approval.  Installing a Critical Super-EGO trigger in your 07 Ego won't void your warranty.

Installation of the trigger was rather involved and took around 45 minutes.  Part of this time spent was due to my inexperience with EGO's, and the desire to NOT damage the marker.  The first step is to remove your airsystem and ensure the marker isn't pressurized.  After that, you remove the marker's ASA from the bottom of the grip frame and then remove the grips from the frame and disconnect the wiring from the sockets on the board.  Then it's time to remove the two screws securing the grip frame to the marker's body and take the frame off while ensuring the wires don't get damaged. 

Installing the trigger itself is routine, but the Critical Trigger departs from the original EGO design in how the magnetic trigger return is set up.  Rather than using reverse polarity magnets in the trigger and body of the marker, the magnet in the Critical trigger is oriented to face the rear of the marker.  Then a bracket is attached to the marker's solenoid to put the opposing magnet in line with the trigger's magnet.  The only catch with this design is that by and large, the physical tolerances on electrical components are...lax.  The bracket wouldn't fit.  As it turned out, the body of the solenoid was flared at the bottom of the solenoid, blocking the bracket from sliding fully to the top of the solenoid.  Despite some nervousness with the idea of taking a file to the solenoid's body, 4-5 licks with a flat needle file knocked the edge off of the solenoid and allowed the bracket to fit properly on it. 

I reassembled the marker, taking care to make sure no wires were pinched.  Without any adjustments, the trigger pull was extremely long and soft.  Using the 4 adjustment screws to adjust activation point, trigger angle, magnet strength, and rear travel stop brought the marker's trigger pull to where I wanted it to work with the microswitch, which is how this particular marker is activated, since on an EGO I like to use the microswitch rather than the optional optical triggering system.

Once installed, the Critical Trigger looks very similar to the the stock EGO trigger.  However, the similarities end there.  Several members of the Review Crew participated in this review, and initially presenting the marker to them and asking them to tell me what had changed on the marker drew blank stares.  After asking them to pull the trigger on the marker, the blank stares melted away as the significantly different feel of the Critical Part over the stock part made itself apparent.  As adjusted for me, the trigger pull was still relatively soft, but the magnetic return was more decisive than the stock part, and for those so inclined, can be adjusted to be very snappy.  The Critical trigger is quite a bit lighter than the stock part as well, which gives the user flexibility to adjust the trigger as short and light as he or she wants while minimizing the possibility of mechanical bounce.

Over the course of several team practices and a scenario game, we came to appreciate the responsiveness of the trigger.  Review Crew Member Angel "Rockstar" Medina was particularly effusive in his praise of the trigger, noting that it took all thought whatsoever out of pulling the trigger and getting maximum performance out of the marker.

Priced at $55, the Critical Super-EGO 07 trigger is priced competitively with other aftermarket triggers on the market.  Installation is meant for those with good familiarity with the marker because of the light filing that had to be done to the solenoid, but the payoff for using this design is maximum response and effectiveness of the magnetic return.  For more information, check out www.criticalpaintball.com