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Tech index -> Shocker NXT -> Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions that I hear most often, pertaining to the Shocker NXT. Some of these questions are the same as the Shocker SFT FAQ page, whereas others are more current questions that apply only to "newer" Shockers. If you wish to know more detail about one or more of the topics, consult their separate section of the site.

Please note that this is not a FAQ for electronic markers. If you are unfamiliar with terms used when describing electronic markers (dwell, input pressure, LPR, etc), then read my Electronic Markers FAQ.

General Questions:

Q: What is the Shocker NXT?
A: NXT is the name of the current model Shocker. This marker is built on the same principals and design of the Shocker SFT, however many of its support features and stock parts have been redesigned and/or upgraded. Read below for details.

Q: Can I still buy a Shocker SFT new-in-box?
A: The markers are no longer made so the only way you can find one "NiB" would be to find a retailer that still has it in stock. At this point (late 2006) there are many left out there, however they will disappear very quickly since they are much cheaper than the NXT models. (Their price was decreased several months ago to the current price of $550 in anticipation of the NXT).

Q: What makes the Shocker NXT different from the previous models?
A: This is a list of the advancements and new stock parts. This the approximately equivalent to over $250 worth of upgrades in the previous Shocker models, not including the parts that are completely incompatible and thus don't really have a cash value.

Feature:	SFT:	NXT:
Detents	Removeable, bearing-based	Integrated, piston-based; can't be blown out; rebuildable; simple to install
Eye covers	Held on using the detent, milling only matches the base body	Milled to match the contours of the new body milling; expose no external parts (anodized to match); concealed screw for removal.
Anti-chop eyes	Reflective eyes, susceptible to eye angle problems; through-hole solder component can fail and require repair/replacement	Beam-break eyes, no angle problems; surface-mount component that can't have solder connection problems
Frame screws	Visible, button-head screws, 1/8" allen hex, susceptible to stripping	Countersunk/hidden within the frame; 5/32" allen hex, virtually impossible to strip
Trigger	Standard pivot, single firing point, must disassembly to adjust tension	Roller-bearing pivot with all external adjustments
Bolt assembly	Stock non-HE bolt	HE bolt
Vertical regulator	Vertical Max-Flo reg; drops 60-psi recharges in 30-ms; more moving parts and seals	NXT/Ion vertical reg; drops 35-psi recharges in 20-ms; easier to maintain; more fine adjustment range
Vertical adapter	Straight-mounted vertical adapter with gauge	Forward-offset vertical regulator, allows for more finger room, includes input pressure gauge
Vertical adapter anti-swivel	Small pin to prevent swiveling	Built-in metal anti-swivel, can't be broken or bent down
Retaining pins	Loose roll pins, can fall out of position if overly loose	Threaded retaining pins, visible from one side of the frame only; can't fall out
Bottomline	Two-hole mount only	Integrated dovetail rail
Barrel threading	Shocker	Impulse/Ion/Nerve, all SP markers on a uniform thread
Aluminum grade	Al-2011, easier to machine, more expensive	Al-6061, better anodizing properties
Feedneck threading	Shocker Sport, Shocker SFT, Nerve, Ion, Impulse, Omen, Bushmaster, Invertmini	Unique to Shocker NXT only; more effective thread profile
Snatchgrip		Removeable snatchgrip stock
Feedneck	Revvi-sized feedneck	Semi-adjustable feedneck with o-rings to fit on different sized hoppers
Cosmetics		Updated, more sleek and refined

Q: Can I upgrade my 03-06 Shocker to use beam-break eyes like the NXT models?
A: No. Although it is true that most Shocker boards have beam-break ability, these boards are only compatible with the NXT Shocker's stock beam-break eyes. They won't work with a custom installed eye set since there's no reliable way to attach the eyes to the board. This is due to both hardware and firmware; there are ways around it but the end result would be a hack job and I don't want to encourage that.
Milling an SFT body to accept NXT eyes is possible, however it would require a lot of work. I don't provide this service nor do I have any plans on doing it in the future, sorry. I also don't know anybody that does offer it.

Q: Which is better: Shocker NXT or Shocker SFT?
A: Whether or not it's better is up to you. Take a look at the features and decide for yourself.

Q: Is this new body milling heavier than the previous pattern?
A: The NXT body is virtually the same weight. Technically it's one ounce heavier.

Q: What is a Shocker Sport?
A: Shocker Sport is the name of the first revision of the "Shocker" line, which was sold between 1998-2002. These markers are larger, heavier, have a limited rate of fire, and operate completely different internally. The Shocker Sport was discontinued in 2003 when the Shocker SFT was released.

Q: How does the Shocker SFT/NXT work? Are there any other markers like it?
A: Shockers are a type of spool valve marker which use only one main moving part (bolt). In brief, the bolt acts as its own valve; internal air passages inside the bolt become open when it moves forward, then when it cycles back said passages become closed once again. You can read more about this in the Firing Assembly Theory page on this website (animations and diagrams can be found there). Similar markers include the Dye Matrix / DM series, FEP Quest, Ion to a small degree, and others.

Q: What is this about a closed bolt Shocker SFT/NXT?
A: These markers were prototypes and the design was shelved due to performance limits. A closed bolt Shocker SFT/NXT will never be released. The design will not be revisited. Ever. Stop propagating this rumor.

Q: Are there any private label Shocker NXTs?
A: Yes, check this website's Private Label Shocker guide to see a complete list. There are additional models planned for future release.

Questions Asked Prior to Purchase:

Q: What kind of tank do I need for a Shocker?
A: I suggest using an HP tank with it because the Shocker, as well as 99% of all other guns, are designed to work with HP tanks. LP tanks are only needed on a specific type of Angel, if you don't own that then don't worry about it. Some LP tanks aren't fast enough to perform well on a Shocker.

Q: What is the max speed of the gun? What is the board capped at?
A: The marker has been clocked firing faster than 34-bps, with even higher dryfiring cycle speeds. The stock boards are capped at 24-bps.
Every high-end marker these days can fire faster than will ever be practically useful. Firing speed really isn't a selling point these days.

Q: What barrel threading does the Shocker NXT use?
Q: Can I use my older Shocker barrel on an NXT?
A: Shocker NXTs use Impulse/Ion threaded barrels, which will also fit a Nerve, SP8, and Epiphany. Shocker threads have been discontinued.

Q: What are the threads on the vertical feedneck?
A: Vertical feedneck threading is unique to the Shocker NXT only. The Impulse, Nerve, Ion, Shocker Sport, and Shocker SFT, Omen, Bushmaster, Invert, which are all threaded identically between them, are threaded differently than the NXT feednecks.

Q: Does the marker come with Vision?
A: Yes, Shocker NXTs come stock with beam-break anti-chop eyes.

Q: What modes does the board have?
A: The board is the same as the previous Nerve boards except with added functionality for the new eye system. The boards have semiauto with eyes on or off, and rebound ramping mode which is PSP legal.

Q: Why not Autococker threads? Every other gun uses them...?
A: The only reason to use Autococker threads is for the compatibility with some other markers. However, from a design standpoint, Impulse threads are all around better. They're more difficult to strip, easier to quickly re-align, require less turns to remove and reinstall, and have a shorter barrel hood which matches the short Shocker body better (if Autococker threads were used, the body would be made unnecessarily longer).

Q: Shockers come with stock Ion regs? What gives?
A: Yes, the regulator does happen to be the same one used on the Ion, barring a few small logistical changes. This, however, doesn't mean it is bad. The Ion regulators are faster recharging, higher flowing, easier to maintain, involve significantly less parts (both moving and static), are easier and cheaper to produce...everybody wins on this one.

Technical Questions:

Q: Gimme manual!
A: The manual is available for download on the manuals page.

Q: What parts are compatible between an SFT and NXT?
· Vertical adapter: The vertical adapters from an SFT can be used on an NXT. However, the vertical adapters on an NXT can't be used on an SFT (not without modification).
· Electronics: As long as the lower board is programmed for NXT beam-break eyes, it will work on a Shocker NXT. Boards not programmed for the eyes can't function unless there's a massive hardware modification (information for this coming soon).
Upper boards are the same.
NXT Shockers are hardware-compatible with reflective eyes; stock and Blackheart boards programmed after August 2006 will function with both eye systems. For aftermarket boards, see below.
· Following parts are incompatible: triggers, detents, eye covers, feedneck, barrel.
· Following parts are compatible: whole frame, firing assembly, solenoid inserts, solenoid manifold, solenoid.

Q: What, of the previous set of aftermarket boards, function with the Shocker NXT?
A: Some aftermarket board developers have provided a programming revision that will allow their boards to function with the NXT eyes.
Stock/Nerve and Blackheart boards are compatible as of August 2006. SP doesn't offer a reflashing service.
Virtue boards are compatible as of August 2006, and can be sent in for reflashing.
Tadao boards are compatible as of October 2006, and can be sent in for reflashing.
All NoX boards will work with either eye type.
At the moment there aren't any other boards that have updated their programming.

Q: What is the best dwell setting to use?
A: There isn't such thing as a "perfect" dwell setting (if there were then it wouldn't be adjustable). Every marker operates a little differently and every marker requires a bit of tuning to perform well. Instructions for this and other tasks can be found on this website under the Adjusting & Maintaining pages.

Q: Where can I find a diagram of the o-ring sizes and locations?
A: Diagrams can be found on the Bolt Maintenance pages of this website.

Q: What types of regulators can be used on the Shocker?
A: Most aftermarket regulators that will work on other electropneumatics will function on the Shocker, so long as they can regulate to a low enough pressure and be able to keep up with the necessary recharge rates. The following is a short list of several of the regulators which can keep up (there are more, threse are just some examples): Smart Parts Max-Flo, CP reg, AKALMP regs, MacDev Gladiator, Dye Hyper2, Palmers regs (Stab, Fatty), Air America regs (Vigilante, Messiah), Evil Detonator, Bob Long Torpedo, Evolve Pi, Centerflag inline, CCM Inline, and others.

Q: What hopper should I buy? Halo, Egg, Vlocity, etc.
A: This is also a matter of personal preference. I suggest you try whatever is available to you and see how they compare. Remember the vast balance difference between the eVolution and the Halo.

Q: I received a Shocker NXT with a Parker solenoid. Wassup?
A: Smart parts switched back to Parker solenoids when the NXT Shockers were first being assembled. This is due to cost issues compared to the benefit of the more expensive Humphrey valves.

Q: What is the bore size for the stock All American barrel?
A: The new-style All American Shocker backs are 0.693.

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