Compare the Empire Axe Pro and Valken M17 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 Pro | Valken M17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Typical Price | $450-560 | $280-360 |
| Operation | Electropneumatic poppet | Mechanical inline |
| Firing Modes | semi-auto, ramping | semi-auto |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Force-fed | Magazine |
| Air | HPA | HPA |
| Operating Pressure | ~200 psi | ~250 psi |
| Weight | 1.9 lb | 3.4 lb |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Moderate |
The Empire Axe Pro and Valken M17 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 Valken M17 runs roughly $200 less, so budget-first buyers will lean its way. Both fire electronically, but the Empire Axe Pro offers more firing modes for dialing in your rate of fire. At 1.9 lb the Empire Axe Pro is the easier carry over a long day on the field. The Empire Axe Pro is built with tournament and players prioritizing weight in mind. The Valken M17 is built with scenario/milsim and magfed players in mind. Bottom line: pick the Valken M17 for a tight budget, or the Empire Axe Pro for all-day comfort.