These are some of the Shocker NXT questions that I hear most often. Some of these questions are the same as the Shocker SFT FAQ page, whereas others are more current questions that apply only to "newer" Shockers. If you wish to know more detail about one or more of the topics, consult their separate section of the site.
Please note that this is not a FAQ for electronic markers. If you are unfamiliar with terms used when describing electronic markers (dwell, input pressure, LPR, etc), then read my Electronic Markers FAQ.
General Questions:
Q: What is the Shocker NXT?
A: NXT is the name of the last model Shocker to be sold by Smart Parts, which succeeded the Shocker SFT marker. The NXT version is very similar however some of the components were updated to offer better features. Read below for details.
Q: Can I still buy a Shocker SFT new-in-box?
A: No, both SHocker SFT and NXT markers are both long discontinued. The current "Shocker" marker called Shocker RSX or XLS are both completely different in operation.
Q: What makes the Shocker NXT different from the previous models?
A: Below is a list of the changes made compared to a Shocker SFT, and information on some of the factory part differences.
| Feature: | SFT: | NXT: | Detents | Threaded spring-ball detents | Integrated, piston-based; rebuildable |
| Eye covers | Held on using the detent, milling only matches the base body | Milled to match the contours of the new body milling; expose no external parts (anodized to match); concealed screw for removal. |
| Anti-chop eyes | Reflective eyes, susceptible to eye angle problems; through-hole solder component can fail and require repair/replacement | Beam-break eyes, no angle problems; surface-mount component that can't have solder connection problems |
| Frame screws | Visible, button-head screws, 1/8" allen hex, susceptible to stripping | Countersunk/hidden within the frame; 5/32" allen hex, virtually impossible to strip |
| Trigger | Pin pivot, single firing point, must disassemble to adjust tension | Roller-bearing pivot with all external adjustments |
| Bolt assembly | Stock non-HE bolt | HE bolt |
| Vertical regulator | Vertical Max-Flo reg; more moving parts and seals | NXT/Ion vertical reg; easier to maintain; more fine adjustment range |
| Vertical adapter | Straight-mounted vertical adapter with gauge | Forward-offset vertical adapter, allows for more finger room, includes input pressure gauge |
| Vertical adapter anti-swivel | Small pin to prevent swiveling | Built-in metal anti-swivel, can't be broken or bent |
| Retaining pins | Loose roll pins, can fall out if overly loose | Threaded retaining pins, visible from one side of the frame only; can't fall out |
| Bottomline | 3/4" spacing #10-32 bolt-on ASA only | Integrated dovetail rail, also compatible with #10-32 bolt-on ASAs |
| Barrel threading | Shocker threaded barrels | Impulse/Ion/Nerve/NXT/Luxe threaded barrels |
| Aluminum grade | Al-2011, easier to machine, more expensive | Al-6061, better anodizing properties |
| Feedneck threading | Shocker Sport, Shocker SFT, Nerve, Ion, Impulse, Omen, Bushmaster, Mini/Axe | Unique to Shocker NXT only |
| Snatchgrip | Removeable snatchgrip | |
| Feedneck | Revvi-sized non-adjustable feedneck | Semi-adjustable feedneck with o-rings to fit on different sized hoppers |
Q: Can I upgrade my 03-06 Shocker to use beam-break eyes like the NXT models?
A: The short answer is no. Although many Shocker boards have beam-break eye options, the marker itself requires milling to utilize the NXT eyes.
Technically, milling an SFT body to accept NXT eyes is possible, but this is a custom modification.
Q: Which is better: Shocker NXT or Shocker SFT?
A: In current times (2017+) the two markers very similar in many ways, differing mainly in their production date and parts that were available at the time.
Q: What is a Shocker Sport?
A: Shocker Sport is the name of an older marker using the "Shocker" name, sold between 1998-2002. These markers are larger, heavier, have a limited rate of fire, and operate completely different internally. The Shocker Sport was discontinued in 2003 when the Shocker SFT was released.
Q: How does the Shocker SFT/NXT work? Are there any other markers like it?
A: Shockers are a type of spool valve marker which use only one main moving part (bolt). In brief, the bolt acts as its own valve; internal air passages inside the bolt become open when it moves forward, then when it cycles back said passages become closed once again. You can read more about this in the Firing Assembly Theory page on this website (animations and diagrams can be found there). Similar markers include the Dye Matrix / DM series, FEP Quest, Ion to a small degree, and other spool valve markers.
Q: Are there any private label Shocker NXTs?
A: Yes, check this website's Private Label Shocker guide to see a complete list.
Questions Asked Prior to Purchase:
Q: What kind of tank do I need for a Shocker?
A: Either LP-output or HP-output tanks should work without issues. I recommend an HPA tank output pressure above 400-psi.
Q: What is the max speed of the gun? What is the board capped at?
A: The marker has been clocked firing faster than 34-bps, with even higher dryfiring cycle speeds. The stock boards are capped at 24-bps.
Every high-end marker these days can fire faster than will ever be practically useful. Firing speed really isn't a selling point these days.
Q: What barrel threading does the Shocker NXT use?
Q: Can I use my older Shocker barrel on an NXT?
A: Shocker NXTs use Impulse/Ion/Luxe threaded barrels, which will also fit a Nerve, SP8, and Epiphany. Shocker threads have been discontinued.
Q: What are the threads on the feedneck?
A: Vertical feedneck threading is unique to the Shocker NXT only.
Q: Does the marker come with Vision?
A: Yes, Shocker NXTs come stock with beam-break anti-chop eyes.
Q: What modes does the board have?
A: The board is the same as the previous Nerve boards except with added functionality for the new eye system. The boards have semiauto with eyes on or off, and rebound ramping mode which is PSP legal.
Q: Shockers come with stock Ion regulators?
A: Yes, the regulator is the same as htose on Ions, with some updated cosmetics on the outside. The reason is because Ion regulators are very well-performing, and easy to maintain.
Technical Questions:
Q: Gimme manual!
A: The manual is available for download on the manuals page.
Q: What parts are compatible between an SFT and NXT?
· Vertical adapter: The vertical adapters from an SFT can be used on an NXT. However, the vertical adapters on an NXT can't be used on an SFT (not without drilling the body).
· Electronics: As long as the lower board is programmed for NXT beam-break eyes, it will work on a Shocker NXT. Boards not programmed for the eyes can't function unless there's a massive hardware modification (information for this coming soon).
Upper boards are the same.
NXT Shockers are hardware-compatible with reflective eyes; stock and Blackheart boards programmed after August 2006 will function with both eye systems. For aftermarket boards, see below.
· Following parts are incompatible: triggers, detents, eye covers, feedneck, barrel.
· Following parts are compatible: whole grip frame, firing assembly, solenoid inserts, solenoid manifold, solenoid.
Q: What, of the previous set of aftermarket boards, function with the Shocker NXT?
A: Some aftermarket board developers have provided a programming revision that will allow their boards to function with the NXT eyes.
Stock/Nerve and Blackheart boards are compatible as of August 2006. SP does not offer a reflashing service.
Virtue boards are compatible as of August 2006, and can be sent in for reflashing.
Tadao boards are compatible as of October 2006, and can be sent in for reflashing.
Q: What is the best dwell setting to use?
A: There isn't such thing as a "perfect" dwell setting (if there were then it wouldn't be adjustable). Every marker operates a little differently and every marker requires a bit of tuning to perform well. Instructions for this and other tasks can be found on this website under the Adjusting & Maintaining pages.
Q: Where can I find a diagram of the o-ring sizes and locations?
A: Diagrams can be found on the Bolt Maintenance pages of this website.
Q: What types of regulators can be used on the Shocker?
A: Most aftermarket regulators that will work on other electropneumatics will function on the Shocker, so long as they can regulate to a low enough pressure and be able to keep up with the necessary recharge rates. The following is a short list of several of the regulators which can keep up (there are more, threse are just some examples): Smart Parts Max-Flo, CP reg, AKALMP regs, MacDev Gladiator, Dye Hyper2, Palmers regs (Stab, Fatty), Air America regs (Vigilante, Messiah), Evil Detonator, Bob Long Torpedo, Evolve Pi, Centerflag inline, CCM Inline, and others.
Q: What hopper should I buy? Halo, Egg, Vlocity, etc.
A: This is also a matter of personal preference. I suggest you try whatever is available to you and see how they compare. Remember the vast balance difference between the eVolution and the Halo.
Q: I received a Shocker NXT with an "older" Parker solenoid...?
A: Smart parts switched back to Parker solenoids when the NXT Shockers were first being assembled. This is due to cost issues compared to the benefit of the more expensive "newer" Humphrey solenoids. It appears they use the two solenoids interchangeably.
Q: What is the bore size for the stock NXT All American barrel?
A: The new-style All American Shocker barrel backs are 0.693" bore diameter.