Compare the Empire Axe (Original) and Proto Rail (PMR) side by side: price, specs, firing modes, weight, and maintenance — and see which paintball gun is the better buy for your style of play.
| Empire Axe (Original) | Proto Rail (PMR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Typical Price | $150-260 (used) | $120-240 (used) |
| Operation | Electropneumatic poppet | Electropneumatic spool |
| Firing Modes | semi-auto, ramping | semi-auto, ramping |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Force-fed | Force-fed |
| Air | HPA | HPA |
| Operating Pressure | ~200 psi | ~150 psi |
| Weight | 1.9 lb | 2 lb |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Moderate |
The Empire Axe (Original) and Proto Rail (PMR) 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 Proto Rail (PMR) runs roughly $25 less, so budget-first buyers will lean its way. Both run electronic firing modes, so trigger feel and board tuning matter more here than the spec sheet. The Empire Axe (Original) is built with value players and rec/speedball in mind. The Proto Rail (PMR) is built with value upgraders and used buyers in mind. Availability differs too: the discontinued (common) Empire Axe (Original) and the legacy / classic Proto Rail (PMR) won't always be equally easy to find new. Bottom line: the Proto Rail (PMR) has the clearer edge, especially for a tight budget.