Editing Eclipse Ego (section)

== History ==

=== Development (2004–2005) ===

Before introducing the Ego, Planet Eclipse had established itself through custom paintball markers and aftermarket components, particularly Autococker modifications and the EBlade electronic trigger system.

During 2004, the company completed development of its first marker designed entirely in-house.

The resulting Eclipse Ego used a compact stacked-tube electronic operating system, differing from the modified Autococker platforms previously associated with the manufacturer.

According to Planet Eclipse's retrospective account, the company approached [[Rich Telford]] at the 2004 NPPL Denver Open about sponsoring [[Sacramento XSV]] and introducing the team as the principal professional user of the new marker.[1]

The original Ego was introduced for the 2005 tournament season and subsequently became known as the '''Ego 05'''.

=== Sacramento XSV ===

The Ego's early commercial development was closely connected to Sacramento XSV.

Planet Eclipse supplied the team with markers during its first season of professional use.

In 2005, XSV became the first leading American professional team to compete with the Ego.

The team won the NPPL Denver Open and the PSP Northeast Open during the season.

In 2006, XSV won the NPPL Huntington Beach Open, Tampa Bay Open and PSP Chicago Open while continuing its relationship with Planet Eclipse.[1][4]

Planet Eclipse later identified its relationship with XSV as an important part of the Ego's introduction to professional tournament paintball.[1]

=== Annual Ego models ===

Following the original Ego, Planet Eclipse introduced successive numbered models incorporating changes to their bodies, pneumatic systems, electronic controls and ergonomics.

The principal numbered generations were:

* '''Ego 05''' – Original commercial model.
* '''Ego 06''' – Revised second-generation design.
* '''Ego 07''' – Updated body, pneumatic components and electronic systems.
* '''Ego 08''' – Further refinement of the ram-driven platform.
* '''Ego 09''' – Revised internal mechanisms and body design.
* '''Ego 10''' – Updated electronic controls and pneumatic components.
* '''Ego 11''' – Final numbered generation before the LV series.

Planet Eclipse also produced limited-edition models, including the SL66, SL74, SL8R, SL94, SLS and CSL.

These versions incorporated specialised milling, alternative finishes and selected component upgrades.[3][5]