This page contains an index for all the information I have on the Shocker SFT, models 2003-2006. Information for Shocker NXT markers can be found on the Shocker NXT tech page.
Information is divided up into five parts, as listed below.
Getting started: Guide to using this website
Tech toolbox
Introduction:
Enter the Shocker SFT, one of the smallest and lightest fully-electropneumatic markers available during its prime. The Shocker features a very compant, single-bore design which uses only one main moving part (bolt). It accordance with the other Smart Parts markers, this one is also electropneumatic, meaning there is no sear to trip, no springs to recock. The Shocker is entirely a design based off pistons and solenoids, operating at sub-200 psi. Unlike the original models, this is an open bolt marker with increadible speed and efficiency potential. It uses only one solenoid like most other electronic markers, instead of the dual-solenoid design of the original Shockers. The Shocker SFT also features Smart Parts' reverse-polarity magnetic grip frame which is designed to house the marker's compact circuitry and solenoid mechanism to drastically reduce the body size. The old solenoid housing from the Shocker Sport and Impulse is gone with the SFT. The same thing applies to the other current Smart Parts markers, the Nerve and Ion.
As said, the Shocker SFT's bolt is its only moving part. In a sense the marker's bolt is its own valve; when it slides forward to close the breech, air transfer ports within the bolt itself become open to allow the pressurized air to be released through it. In simplest terms, the action of the bolt moving forward actually shoots the marker. If you wish to know how this works in more technical terms, read through the Parts of a Shocker pages as well (animations can be found there). This type of design is known as a spool design or spool valve; other markers which use a slightly similar design include the Matrix and the DM4, Ion, and a few others. Make no mistake, though: the design as employed on the Shocker SFT is unique.
Many players enjoy using the Shocker because of its lightweight design; personally I see this as the marker's greatest advantage. Other characteristics include...
· Max-Flo regulator with SP angle drop forward and dovetail Smartvalve ASA
· Input pressure gauge standard on all 2005+ models.
· Maximum rate of fire of 30+ bps, maximum cycle rates into 40-cps and above.
· Electronically-controlled, patented open bolt, single bore design.
· Design employs no external moving parts.
· Vision anti-chop eye with internal wiring.
· Smart Parts 14" All American barrel stock.
· Magnetic blade trigger with adjustable pre-travel, post-travel, firing point, and pull weight.
· Low-rise, vertical feed tube with dual ball detents.
· Spool valve design reduces the amount of force placed onto the paintballs by the bolt.
· Operates with any preset tank using an output above 600-psi.
· Marker operates at 170-200 psi.
· Stock efficiency in the range of 700-900 shots from a 68/4500 HPA tank (upgraded 1400 shots from the same tank).
· Operates on one 9 volt battery.
The current MSRP is $600 for the Vision model Shocker (at the time of this writing).
History:
On January 1, 2003, the Shocker Sport was officially discontinued. On this date its page was deleted from the Smart Parts website, and it was replaced with a promo pic of the new "Shocker 03" marker, with the message available in Spring 2003. Not much was known about the gun until the early production models were finished and were available for test firing at chance few trade show events in early 2003. Unfortunately, anyone who knew about it were on strict placement to not divulge any information pretaining until its eventual release in July. Even now, we must all remember that this marker is still quite young, changes to it are always in motion thanks to the minds behind it and other Smart Parts markers.
This new gun, along with the other 03 marker called the Nerve (and a number of other new products), were planned for release in spring of 2003. The dates for these items were pushed back several times; in the case of the Shocker SFT, it would eventually be released in July. By this time, Smart Parts had done a very complete job of providing massive amounts of advertising surrounding the gun, and many players were left asking questions that only peaked others' interest in the new product. Needless to say, its release was a very anticipated one. The first models available were anodized the "eclectic blue" shade, as seen on many of the prototypes (below).
The Shocker lineage begun in 1995 with the original pneuVentures closed-bolt electronic marker. This design went through several changes and ended up being manufacturered by Smart Parts in 1998, all the way until 2002. When the original design for the next revision was created (this later came to be known as the Legion Shocker), the marker was a cutting-edge redesign that shared a few similarities with the older Shocker markers, while still being extremely small, lightweight, and efficient. This design was fabricated and underwent massive testing and experimentation, however didn't prove to be exactly what Smart Parts had in plan. As a result the Legion Shocker was shelved in favor of a new, open bolt marker that everyone would come to know as the Shocker SFT. Both prototype and production model Shockers are thoroughly patented, and in the future perhaps the original design will be revisited.
Currently, the Shocker SFT has underwent multiple small changes and alternations since being released in 2003. The current Shocker model has been changed to the Shocker NXT, which represents the new breed of stock accessories and enhancements over the Shocker SFT models. If you wish to learn more, move on to the Parts of a Shocker pages.
Promotional pictures:
All pictures courtesy Smart Parts (most were scans from the 2003 Smart Parts catalog, the darker ones were from ads in paintball magazines). The light blue Shockers are prototypes, so they may look a little different. The gold Shocker images are from the 2004 catalog. Red Shocker came from 2006 cat.