Compare the Empire Mini GS and Tippmann X7 Phenom 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 Mini GS | Tippmann X7 Phenom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Typical Price | $280-380 | $200-400 (used) |
| Operation | Electropneumatic poppet | Mechanical or electropneumatic (Phenom valve) |
| Firing Modes | semi-auto, ramping | semi-auto, burst, full-auto (e-frame) |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Force-fed | Hopper / magfed conversion |
| Air | HPA | HPA/CO2 |
| Operating Pressure | ~200 psi | ~250 psi |
| Weight | 1.9 lb | 3.5 lb |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Moderate |
The Empire Mini GS and Tippmann X7 Phenom are both mid-range paintball guns, so the choice comes down to how each one fits your game rather than how much you spend. The two land close enough on price that cost alone is unlikely to settle it. Both fire electronically, but the Tippmann X7 Phenom offers more firing modes for dialing in your rate of fire. At 1.9 lb the Empire Mini GS is the easier carry over a long day on the field. The Empire Mini GS is built with beginners stepping up and rec/speedball in mind. The Tippmann X7 Phenom is built with milsim collectors and scenario in mind. Bottom line: pick the Tippmann X7 Phenom for programmable firing modes, or the Empire Mini GS for all-day comfort.