Invert Mini

Table of Contents

In the world of paintball, size most definitely does matter. Bulky gear makes you a bigger target, which leads to more time spent on the sidelines cleaning your marker than on the field shooting it. With that oft-overlooked bit of truth in mind, it's quite easy to see why Empire's Invert Mini is shaking up the scene. With most compact markers, you end up sacrificing performance in favor of form factor. Thankfully, Empire seems to have gotten it right with the Mini, squeezing the features of a full-sized marker into a svelte compact body.

Size Does Matter...

The Invert Mini is the latest entry in the rapidly expanding category of sub-compact markers. For those of you who haven't been playing along at home, sub-compact guns are designed to eliminate as much of the unnecessary bulk commonly found on paintball guns as possible in an attempt to reduce hits on your marker. Sub-compacts also reduce weight and size, which cuts down on arm fatigue and gives a decent boost to mobility in fast-paced games. Obviously, features like this are a huge plus in a game where speed and accuracy reign supreme. Unfortunately, most sub-compact guns have performed at sub-par levels, and very few people are willing to sacrifice the ability to put paint on target for the ability to hide behind smaller trees. This is where the Mini comes in. Let's take a look at her specs:

Specifications:

• Weighs in at 1.99 lbs including barrel, ASA, 9 volt battery, and regulator, making it one of the lightest and tightest electronic markers available
• Outstanding velocity consistency
• Break beam anti-chop eyes standard
• Multi-mode (NXL, PSP, NPPL, and Millennium) firing capability with easy "tournament lockout"
• Clamping feed neck - Don't worry about losing your pod diving into bunkers
• Takes autococker barrel threads
• No hoses to crimp or break
• Low pressure
• 20+ BPS

The Look & Feel

The Mini shipped to me in an extremely presentable package. The box contained the marker itself, a neatly organized and more than adequate tool kit, and something I wasn't expecting... A barrel plug. Though there are many areas in which Empire is on the cutting edge, evidently barrel protection is not one of them. Sock next time please, guys.

Moving on to the marker, the Mini feels exceptionally sturdy for a smaller gun. The grips are adequately sized, although ballers with longer fingers may have a harder time getting comfortably locked in. The fit and finish are exceptional for a marker under $500, there is absolutely nothing to pick on in terms of Empire's quality control. Cleaning and maintenance are impressively easy, only requiring a single screw to be removed to gain access to the guts. So we have a pretty package containing a solid gun, but how does it shoot?

Lock & Load

I've read a few complaints about the Mini being inaccurate and chopping balls, but with two hundred shots landing on target with the exception of a single barrel breakage, I feel safe in saying that this issue has been corrected in the current production run. The gun has a slightly wider spread than I would prefer at 3.5 inches across, but it is admittedly tight for a sub-compact. The bottom line is that you just can't expect sniper accuracy from a gun this small. The trigger is very soft with a smooth return, which will take some getting used to if you're adjusted to a micro-switch. With some practice, walking is a total breeze. I was able to hit the advertised 20 BPS quite easily on auto, and judging by the feel of it I'm pretty sure it'd be possible to bump that number up a ball or two if it wasn't locked by the onboard programming. Let's weigh in:

Pros:

• Size and weight: The Mini sheds pounds so you don't have to.
• Maintenance: One screw disassembly should be the industry standard.
• Price point: Because it's more fun to humiliate your friends on the field when their markers cost twice what yours does.
• Accuracy: It's important to hit what you aim at, kudos to Empire for making a small marker that actually serves its purpose.

Cons:

• Grips: Not a huge fan of the shape and placement. I know plenty of people who love them, but I am not among them.
• Programming: It seems like the gun can handle more than 20 BPS, so I'm not sure why the programming can't.
• Barrel plug: Not really a big deal, but seriously... a PLUG?

Final Thoughts/Summary

Overall, I'd rate the Mini an 8 out of 10. It shoots great for a compact marker, and the construction is excellent. The ease of maintenance is a definite plus, and the obvious size and weight advantages make this gun a solid competitor. All in all, I'm astounded that this gun is in the sub-$500 range, and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for cheap paintball guns. I do have to dock points for the grips, although I will readily admit that it is completely a personal judgment and your mileage may vary. In the end though, we're left with one final question... Will you be looking down the barrel, or into it?

About the author

Niko Brain is a freelance writer and offers sound advice on the sport of Paintball. He runs his own personal paintball site and enjoys writing reviews on Spyder Paintball Guns and most Paintball Equipment. He's your "Average Joe" paintball player and is an up and coming industry resource that loves to help newcomers to the sport.