Differences Between SFT & NXT Shockers

The Shocker SFT and NXT are electropneumatic paintball markers manufactured by Small Parts Inc. These markers use high-pressure air (HPA) or CO2 gas to propel the paintballs, and pneumatic solenoids to operate the movement of the bolt and hammer. The evolution of electropneumatic markers such as the Shocker series enabled significantly faster feeding of paintballs and shorter firing cycles than previous pump models. Introduced in 2003, the SFT features a feeding rate of more than 20 balls per second. It fires balls with an HPA or CO2 pressure of 160 to 200 p.s.i. A stock Shocker SFT can be fired in four modes: semi-automatic, rebound, three-round burst and full automatic. The Shocker NXT was introduced in 2006 as an upgrade to the SFT. Though the two models share the same basic specifications, operations and internal components, a variety of enhancements were added to the NXT.

  1. Ball Detents

    • Detents hold the paintball in position in the chamber before firing to keep the paintball from rolling forward into the barrel. The detents in the Shocker SFT are removable and ball-bearing operated. They are located on each side of the body under protruding, round housings. In the Shocker NXT, the detents are integrated into the shape of the gun and are operated by a spring-loaded plunger.

    Anti-Chop Eyes

    • Anti-chop eyes prevent the paintball marker from firing until the ball is fully seated in the chamber. This prevents the chopping or splintering of a partially chambered paintball. In the Shocker SFT, the anti-chop eye is a reflective type that uses the reflection of an infrared beam off the paintball to determine if the paintball is fully seated. In the NXT, the anti-chop function is performed by a pair of beam-break eyes that signal proper seating when the infrared beam passing between the two sensors is broken.

    Vertical Regulator

    • The vertical regulator controls the amount of compressed air or CO2 entering the marker from the supply tank. It also controls the velocity of the fired paintballs by adjusting the burst of pressure delivered to the chamber per shot, then quickly recharges for the next shot. The amount of pressure drop per shot and speed of recharge determine the efficiency of the vertical regulator. In the Shocker SFT, the vertical regulator drops 60 p.s.i. per shot and recharges for the next shot in 30 milliseconds. The regulator in the Shocker NXT drops 35 p.s.i. per shot and recharges for the next shot in 20 milliseconds.

    Trigger

    • The Shocker SFT has a standard pivot trigger that requires disassembly to adjust trigger pull and tension. The Shocker NXT has a roller bearing trigger and external adjustments for trigger pull and tension.

    Barrel

    • The Shocker SFT is threaded to accept Shocker barrels only. The Shocker NXT barrel features a universal thread to accommodate other Small Parts-model barrels, such as the Impulse, Ion and Nerve.