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Last Updated: March 30, 2005

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New DeSIGNZ Ion Trigger Aluminum and Composite

From the Web site:

NDZ introduces the first fully adjustable ION trigger. We decided to go full tilt with this one. Check out what we offer with this trigger.

  • Dual roller bearing design for minimal side to side wobble
  • Includes precision ground pin for the ideal bearing to pin fit. No more sanding or destroying the bearing during installation.
  • Fully adjustable, pre & post travel along with trigger switch activation.
  • Adjustable magnetic force. Remove one magnet for less force, both for no force.
  • Adjustments made with trigger on the frame.
  • Nylon tipped trigger stop set screw to stop frame wear.  All screws are stainless steel.
  • Loc-tite (serviceable), pre-applied to screws for added convenience.
  • Wider than stock for comfort.
  • Replaces the stock trigger with no other modification.
  • All NDZ triggers come packaged with an allen wrench.

* Aluminum versions come in : Black, Silver, Red & Blue

* Composite versions come in : Black, Red, Blue & Yellow

 

Black Aluminum Blue Aluminum
Red Aluminum Silver Aluminum
Black Composite Blue Composite
Red Composite Yellow Composite

Comments

Before I opened the package, I knew this was going to be a great trigger.  New DeSignz is VERY well known for providing performance, function and style with all of their marker upgrades.  I opted for the Red Composite trigger figuring it would look awesome with my red Ion (cause we all know 90% of your paintball skillz come from how good you look).

This trigger has more functional abilities than one could imagine.  The trigger uses a dual roller bearing to provide the most friction free (smoothest) performance possible and after installing it, it's easy to see.  A replacement trigger pivot pin is provided to better fit the frame and not need to use the gnarled stock pin and possibly damage the trigger frame from repeated removal/installation.

There are 3 set screws.  From the bottom of the trigger working up, the set screw in the trigger is the standard post travel adjustment.  Like all New DeSignz trigger stops this set screw has a nylon tip so that it "bumps" off the trigger frame and does not scratch the finish.  The set screw located mid trigger is the switch activation point.  This set screw is very long and allows the user to adjust when the micro-switch is activated.  This in conjunction with the pre-travel set screw built into the trigger frame allows the user to set the trigger very close to the frame or toe out the bottom of the trigger.  It's all about user preference.  The trigger set screw in the top of the trigger is also for pre-travel adjustment.  It is designed to touch the banjo and allow the user to further adjust the trigger in a toe out configuration.

NOTE: The third set screw (pre-travel adjustment) will not work with certain QEVs when installed in an Ion.  The Eclipse QEV is very small and this set screw will not press on it correctly.  I have tested and found that the Pneumadyne and Smart Parts QEVs will work.  It is important that you verify that the hose and eye cable are routed correctly so that the set screw does not press on either one.

Most Ion owners remove the magnet from the stock trigger.  This is done mainly because the stock trigger magnet is a little too strong for most users liking.  The New DeSignz trigger comes with two smaller magnets.  This allows the user to use both, one or none.  As always, with New DeSignz its about options!!

Like all New DeSignz triggers, the set screws are all pre-coated in loc-tite and the machining is second to none.

The New DeSignz Composite Ion trigger fresh out of the package.

Installation

I thought for this review I'd try something a little different.  I am going to provide pictures along with the installation steps.  Each picture has been reduced to make the load time for this page short.  It is assumed that you have the basic skills to disassembly your Ion.  Simply click on the image for a larger version.

IM001163.JPG (71176 bytes) Step1: Prepare for the Trigger installation.  You will need a set of standard allen keys and a nail or small punch to remove the trigger pivot pin.
IM001165.JPG (80928 bytes) Step 2: Following the instructions in the manual, separate the trigger frame from the body.
  1. Remove the grips.
  2. Disconnect and remove the battery.
  3. Remove the three screws holding the trigger frame to the body.
  4. Gently lift the body from the trigger frame.  At the same time apply a little pressure to the bottom of the solenoid pushing it up through the top of the trigger frame.
  5. When enough of the trigger frame is exposed, use a 1/8" allen key and remove the front banjo.
  6. Fully separate the trigger frame from the body.
IM001166.JPG (77444 bytes) Step 3: Remove the stock trigger from the trigger frame.
  1. Use a nail or small punch tool and remove the stock trigger pivot pin.  IMPORTANT: this pin is pushed from the side of the trigger frame that does NOT have the on/off button. 
  2. Once the pin is removed, remove the trigger out the top of the frame.
IM001167.JPG (78388 bytes) Step 4: Install new trigger.
  1. Before attempting the installation, back out the switch activation set screw in the New DeSignz trigger.  This will prevent you from damaging the micro-switch during reassembly.
  2. Install the new trigger from the top of the trigger frame.  Due to the powder coating I found that I had a couple of sharp points that prevented the trigger from going in easily.  I took a little sand paper and spent a moment and removed the "burr".
  3. Once the trigger is installed, install the newly supplied trigger pivot pin.
IM001168.JPG (55068 bytes) Step 5: Reassembly.  Simply reverse the disassembly process.
  1. CAREFULLY slide the board back into the trigger frame.  Make sure that the board lines up with the groves.
  2. When the board is about 1/4 installed, re-connect the front banjo.
  3. Slowly and carefully push the board all the way back into the trigger frame, bringing the body and frame back together.
  4. Re-install the three screws holding the trigger frame to the body.
  5. Connect the battery.
Step 6: Trigger adjustment

This part is user preference.  I set the trigger several different ways and then tried it out.  I thought I liked the trigger toed out, but really didn't once I tried it, so I re-adjusted.

The trigger also has two smaller magnets vs. the stock trigger with one larger magnet.  I found that I personally like one of the two magnets installed.  With just one magnet the trigger return was light but better than just the micro-switch.  I've found that due to the angle of the micro-switch, that the micro-switch does not provide as much return pressure as other markers.

NOTE: To remove one or both of the magnets it is necessary to remove the trigger and back out the switch actuation set screw.

Conclusion

This trigger, like so many other New DeSignz products is an exceptional upgrade for your Ion.  I already know that there are two different trigger designs in the works as well as a scaled down trigger for the cost conscious that will not have the roller bearings and will have less set screws, a basic install and go trigger.  This trigger should still have the dual magnets for trigger return force adjustments.

The Details

  • COLOR: Available in many different colors.  Aluminum: Blue, Red, Silver and Black.  Composite: Black, Red, Blue, Yellow
  • MSRP: $35.95 Composite $36.95 Aluminum
  • MANUFACTURER: NEW DeSIGNZ, www.newdesignz.com
  • PROs: Numerous adjustment options allowing you to set the trigger just the way you like it.
  • CONs: A little pricey for some peoples liking.  Performance has a cost and this trigger is well worth the money. There will be a lower cost trigger with less features in the near future.