Smart Parts Magnetic Trigger

Special Thanks to Craig aka FOM from www.e-paintballoutlet.com for providing me with a magnetic Impulse trigger frame for this review.

I recently had the opportunity to play around with one of the new Smart Parts Magnetic triggers, which in fact is a new trigger frame, ok, it's the old frame with a little work done to it.

Close up of the Smart Parts Magnetic trigger.

So the big question of everyone's mind is "How does it work"?  That's simple, actually quite simple....but first, read on.

How did they make it?

The design of the magnetic trigger is not complex at all.  The back trigger pin is replaced with a trigger pin that has a smaller notch in it.  This allows for less trigger movement, i.e. less pre and post travel.  A hole is then drilled through the trigger guard, up into the trigger frame and then tapped (threaded).  A set screw is used to adjust post travel, but this is no ordinary set screw, it is a magnet.  The last piece is the trigger itself.  The new trigger is two parts, a trigger plate made if steel (cause magnets like steel) and an aluminum trigger shoe.  The show is attached to the trigger place with 2 set screws.

I know, I know.... stop trying to be "Mr. Wolvie the science guy" and get to the good stuff!!

So how does it work??

Not much different from any other trigger on an Impulse.  A normal Impulse has a spring pushing the back of the trigger down, or pivoting it away from the micro switch.  When you pull the trigger you are fighting against the spring.  This is why the spring tension is adjustable with a set screw so you can adjust it for your preference.

The Magnetic trigger is really no different, it uses a magnet to pull the trigger down.  When you fire you are "breaking away" the trigger from the magnetic pull.  If you back out the magnet set screw you will lighten the trigger pull but at the same time add to the post travel.  Put the magnet set screw in too far and you will not have enough travel to allow the micro switch to get a signal and cycle the gun.  Basically they are not adjustable.

A disassembled magnetic trigger frame.  Notice that the two trigger pins are almost identical.  The one on the right is the notched or back trigger pin.

Is it any faster?

For me, no.  I was not able to "get the rhythm" with this trigger.  Measuring with a shot counter I was almost 2bps slower.  To be fair I did try and practice with the trigger for a while before testing to give it a fair shake.

Is it worth the extra money?

While I do not know the exact price, to get the magnetic trigger upgrade from Smart Parts it's going to cost you about $100.00.  This is not a drop in upgrade.  You will either have to buy an entirely new trigger frame pre-built for this, or send in your current trigger frame to be converted.  I personally would not run out and buy this as an upgrade to replace a decent aftermarket trigger at 1/2 to 1/3 the cost.

However, if I were to purchase a new Impulse and this came as a standard option (at no extra cost) I would not be upset either.  I'm sure in time I would adapt to it.

Are there any negatives?

Only one that I can see.  If you have your current trigger frame converted and do not like it, you are in for an learning opportunity.  Once a trigger frame is converted to work with the magnetic trigger it can not easily be converted back to use a regular trigger.  It can be done with the right parts, available at your local hardware store, but most people IMO would just go out and buy a new trigger frame.

Also, since the trigger frame is finished, i.e. anodized, when you get a trigger frame converted, you will have raw aluminum showing.  It will be un-polished (ruff finish) and silver in color.

UPDATE:  While it was originally stated that the Magnetic trigger mod was not reversible, new triggers have been released that will work in a normal trigger frame OR the magnetic trigger frame.