Compare the Planet Eclipse Etha 3 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.
| Planet Eclipse Etha 3 | Valken M17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Typical Price | $380-480 | $280-360 |
| Operation | Electropneumatic spool (Gamma Core) | Mechanical inline |
| Firing Modes | semi-auto, ramping | semi-auto |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Force-fed | Magazine |
| Air | HPA | HPA |
| Operating Pressure | ~140 psi | ~250 psi |
| Weight | 2.1 lb | 3.4 lb |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate |
The Planet Eclipse Etha 3 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 $100 less, so budget-first buyers will lean its way. Players who want less upkeep should look at the Planet Eclipse Etha 3, which rates low on maintenance and asks less of you between games. Both fire electronically, but the Planet Eclipse Etha 3 offers more firing modes for dialing in your rate of fire. At 2.1 lb the Planet Eclipse Etha 3 is the easier carry over a long day on the field. The Planet Eclipse Etha 3 is built with first serious electronic gun and rec and tournament crossover in mind. Bottom line: pick the Valken M17 for a tight budget, or the Planet Eclipse Etha 3 for all-day comfort.