Epiphanies are stock-upgraded versions of Ions, with added performance and feautres. Most parts are the same between the two, however there are some functional changes...described on this page. For information on troubleshooting, upgrades, and other parts, please refer to the Ion tech section.
Cosmetics and Materials:
Many parts of the marker are made from a magnesium-aluminum alloy, plated overtop with a silver(usually) coating to give it an appealing finish. The body and trigger are also coated with strips of rubberish material to offset the color scheme (and additional friction in the case of the trigger). The frame is sculpted and much more ergonomic than the standard Ion frame, including a curved rear spine as well as redesigned width areas. These metal parts are large upgrades from the Ion's composite polymer exoskeleton and powdercoated frame; the look and feel of an Epiphany is much improved, both logistically and visually.
Epiphanies are still downwardsly-compatible with other Ion exoskeletons and frames, should you choose to do so.
Higher-Pressure Internals:
Epiphanies are designed to function at higher operating pressures than standard Ions. The following items are required to operate at the altered pressure: solenoid, fire chamber (with inserts), regulator spring pack, higher-pressure QEV. Epiphanies also come with an upgraded Ion Firebolt although it isn't required for the HP operation. If upgrading from an Ion or SP8 to the Epiphany pressure levels, you'll need all three of the afore-mentioned items.
· The Epiphany fire chamber is the main functional difference. It's designed to mate with one of three possible fire chamber inserts, each denoted by a different color (silver, blue, and green). Each insert has a different inside diameter, and as a result each insert will yield a different firing air volume.
| Assembly: | Firing volume: | Required Operating pressure: |
| No insert installed | Largest volume | Lowest pressure |
| Green insert installed | ... | ... |
| Blue insert installed | ... | ... |
| Silver insert installed | Lowest volume | Highest pressure |
· Using a QEV will also have an effect on the operating pressure, in that markers using a QEV can oftentimes skip to the next-lowest insert (or next-highest pressure setting).
Note: the only QEV specifically rated to Epiphany pressures is the current version of the Smart Parts 360 QEV. All other QEVs (ANS, Eclipse, Clippard/Virtue/Trinity/ASP/etc) are rated to lower pressures and aren't guaranteed to function with an Epiph. Oftentimes one of those QEVs will work at first, but develop leaking problems after a few days/weeks. The first generation of 360 QEVs were also not rated for higher pressure use, but this was changed by SP in 2007 to a higher-pressure version (the current version sold today).
· In order to achieve these higher input pressures, an Epiphanies NXT/Ion reg uses a stiffer regulator spring. The alternative would be to purchase a new vertical regulator, capable of outputting a higher pressure.
· Most Ions already have internal LP hoses that can withstand the higher opertating pressure (most will visually state this on the hose itself) however the solenoid installed in an Ion is insufficient to correctly operate in an Epiphany running a higher input pressure. The solenoid interacts with the air pressure flowing through it, so the higher pressure equates to more power used to drive the solenoid. Epiphany solenoids are designed slightly differently to allow the correct electromagnetic force be excerted onto the armature, ensuring consistency from shot to shot.
All Ion bolts and internals are compatible with Epiphany parts, with one major exception. The Deadlywind Hollow-point upgrade Ion bolt can't be installed in an Epiphany due to its altered diameters (the bolt will come in contact with the fire chamber insert). In order to function, you would have to modify the fire chamber insert (using a lathe), otherwise you'll have to make your own insert to perform the same job.
Many of the aftermarket Ion bolts are designed to lower the operating pressure beyond a certain level. While this doesn't have any downsides in specific, it additionally doesn't have many advantages either. Accordingly, when selecting an aftermarket bolt for use in an Epiphany, you may wish to avoid bolts specifically designed to reduce the pressure; the purpose of the Epiph's modified internals is to increase the operating pressure, not decrease it. If you select the right[wrong] combination of parts and settings, you're likely to end up using an input pressure lower than the Epiphany operating range, thus defeating the purpose.
Trigger Assembly:
Epiphany triggers use a unique conical-mounted bearing to interface with the frame. This is only used on one other marker (EOS) so Epiphany/EOS triggers won't fit on other frames, without sacrificing some performance or features.
Bottomline ASA:
Epiphanies come with an integrated dovetail ASA which can be used to mount most bottomline tank adapters using a 1/2" dovetail mount. Epiphanies come stock with the Smart Parts Smartvalve on/off ASA, which is designed to be used with one specific tank only. The proceedure is as follows:
1. Screw the tank onto the ASA while empty (the Smartvalve can be on or off, it doesn't matter).
2. Turn the Smartvalve off then fill the tank while attached to the marker.
3. When you wish to use the marker, turn the Smartvalve on, pressurizing the marker and allowing you to use it. When you're finished with the tank, leave it attached to the ASA and simply turn the valve back off.
The Smartvalve will be an airtight seal for the tank so you don't have to worry about it leaking or bleeding out. As long as you use only one tank and only one marker (the one to which the ASA is attached, unless you remvoe the ASA and mount it to a new marker), there's no need to remove the tank except for required maintenance.
If you use more than one tank, or simply wish to have the flexibilty to remove the tank whenever you please, then the Smartvalve ASA is probably not the best choice. It's designed specifically to avoid screwing the tank on and off frequently; if you will find yourself doing this then I suggest getting something else.