Editing Planet Eclipse (section)

== History ==

=== Origins ===

Planet Eclipse traces its origins to 1991, when Julian Carr and Anthony "Ledz" Leadbetter established a paintball business in Manchester, England, under the name Paintball Planet.[1][2]

The business operated a small retail shop on Deansgate, supplying imported paintball equipment and accessories to British players.

Carr and Leadbetter were both involved in competitive paintball through the Manchester-based [[Banzai Bandits]] team. Their experience as players influenced the development of custom equipment and modifications intended to improve the performance of existing markers.[2]

[[Jack Wood]], a paintball player and engineering student, was involved with the business during its early development and subsequently became its principal marker designer.[2]

The Banzai Bandits finished third at the 1993 [[Mayhem Masters]], an established British tournament. According to Leadbetter, the team's use of modified equipment helped generate interest in the company's custom parts.[2]

=== Custom paintball markers ===

During the 1990s, the company developed and sold customised versions of existing paintball markers under the Eclipse name.

These included modified [[Sterling]], [[Automag]], [[Autococker]], [[Spyder]], [[Bushmaster]], [[Shocker]], [[Impulse]] and [[Angel]] markers.[4]

The Eclipse custom markers incorporated upgraded components, modified trigger assemblies, custom milling and distinctive anodised finishes.

Early production was comparatively limited, with many markers built to order.

The company subsequently adopted the Planet Eclipse name as its manufacturing activities expanded.

=== Development of the EBlade ===

Around 2002, Planet Eclipse introduced the '''EBlade''', an electronic trigger frame developed for the [[WGP Autococker]].[1][4]

The EBlade replaced the marker's mechanical trigger mechanism with an electronic system controlling its pneumatic operation.

The conversion allowed Autococker owners to compete with newer electronic markers without replacing the underlying marker platform.

Jack Wood was involved in the mechanical design, while Steve "Flash" Monks contributed to the development of the electronics.[4]

The EBlade became one of the company's most significant early products and marked its transition from a custom equipment workshop towards the development of complete electronic paintball markers.

Planet Eclipse subsequently produced additional electronic upgrades, including the E2 EBlade.

=== Introduction of the Ego ===

In 2005, Planet Eclipse launched the '''[[Eclipse Ego]]''', its first complete marker designed and developed independently of another manufacturer's platform.[5]

Unlike its earlier customised Autocockers and other modified markers, the Ego incorporated a complete proprietary design.

The marker used an electronically controlled, ram-driven poppet-valve operating system.

Development was led by Jack Wood and the company's engineering team, drawing partly upon experience gained through the EBlade project.[5]

During 2004, Planet Eclipse approached [[Rich Telford]] of [[Sacramento XSV]] concerning sponsorship and use of the forthcoming Ego in professional competition.[6]

The Ego subsequently became one of the company's principal tournament marker platforms, undergoing numerous revisions during the following years.

=== Expansion of the product range ===

Following the Ego, Planet Eclipse introduced additional marker platforms aimed at different segments of the paintball market.

The '''Etek''' series provided a less expensive electronic marker based on technology developed for the Ego platform.[7]

The '''Geo''' series introduced a spool-valve alternative to the company's existing poppet-valve designs.

Further product families included the Etha and Gtek, which expanded the company's range of electronic tournament and recreational markers.

The company also continued developing the Ego platform, introducing the LV series with a redesigned lever-operated valve system.

In 2010, Planet Eclipse closed its original Manchester retail shop as the business concentrated on marker development, manufacturing, servicing and international distribution. The final day of retail trading was 30 October 2010.[8]

=== Mechanical and magazine-fed markers ===

During the late 2010s, Planet Eclipse expanded further into mechanical and recreational paintball equipment.

The company introduced the '''EMEK''', a mechanical marker intended for entry-level players, recreational use and commercial paintball field rental fleets.[9]

The EMEK platform also became associated with the renewed popularity of mechanical tournament paintball.

Planet Eclipse subsequently developed magazine-fed markers, including the EMG100, later known as the EMF100.

The EMF100 allowed players to use detachable paintball magazines, including magazines compatible with shaped projectiles.

The company continued developing this product category with the EMF200 and associated accessories, including the CF20 continuous-feed magazine.[10]