Compare the CCI Phantom and Empire Axe (Original) side by side: price, specs, firing modes, weight, and maintenance — and see which paintball gun is the better buy for your style of play.
| CCI Phantom | Empire Axe (Original) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Typical Price | $230-450 | $150-260 (used) |
| Operation | Pump (Nelson valve) | Electropneumatic poppet |
| Firing Modes | pump | semi-auto, ramping |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Vertical / horizontal / stock-class feed | Force-fed |
| Air | HPA/CO2 | HPA |
| Operating Pressure | ~250-400 psi | ~200 psi |
| Weight | 1.8 lb | 1.9 lb |
| Maintenance | Very Low | Moderate |
The CCI Phantom and Empire Axe (Original) are both mid-range paintball guns, so the choice comes down to how each one fits your game rather than how much you spend. On price, the Empire Axe (Original) runs roughly $45 less, so budget-first buyers will lean its way. Players who want less upkeep should look at the CCI Phantom, which rates very low on maintenance and asks less of you between games. For a higher rate of fire and tournament-style play, the Empire Axe (Original) pulls ahead with its electronic firing modes, while the CCI Phantom keeps things simpler and more rugged. The CCI Phantom is built with pump players and stock-class purists in mind. The Empire Axe (Original) is built with value players and rec/speedball in mind. Bottom line: the Empire Axe (Original) is the stronger all-round pick here, especially for a tight budget.