Editing Spyder (section)

== History ==

=== Kingman International ===

Kingman International was established in California in 1992 by Arthur Chang.

The company's early paintball products included the Hammer series of pump-action markers, introduced during 1993.

Kingman subsequently developed an affordable semiautomatic marker intended to compete with more expensive products already available on the market.[2]

=== Introduction of the Spyder ===

The original Spyder was introduced in early 1995.

It featured an aluminium receiver, an open-bolt blowback operating system, an external velocity adjuster and a removable barrel.

The marker was designed for recreational players seeking semiautomatic equipment at a lower price than established high-end markers such as the [[Automag]] and [[Autococker]].[1]

Contemporary equipment documentation recorded a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$225, although typical retail prices were approximately US$190.

Kingman's use of overseas manufacturing allowed it to offer metal-bodied semiautomatic markers at a price point previously associated with less expensive equipment.[1][3]

The company soon introduced the Spyder Compact, a smaller variation of the original design.

The Compact retained the same general operating system while reducing the marker's size and weight.[1]

=== Expansion during the 1990s ===

The Spyder developed into an extensive product range during the late 1990s.

Kingman introduced numerous configurations with different receivers, barrels, grips, feeding arrangements and cocking mechanisms.

Models included the Spyder Compact, TL, Shutter, Sonix, Victor and other variations.

Although these models differed in appearance and equipment, many retained the original stacked-tube blowback mechanism.

The design also supported an extensive aftermarket of replacement barrels, bolts, trigger components and other accessories.[3][6]

=== Electronic markers ===

During the early 2000s, Kingman expanded the Spyder range into electronically triggered markers.

The company introduced its first mid-priced electronic marker series in 2001.

These markers retained mechanical blowback operation but incorporated electronic trigger frames, allowing different firing modes and reducing the force required to activate the trigger.

Products included the Spyder Flash, E-99, Imagine, Pilot and Electra.

Later models incorporated additional electronic functions, including paintball detection systems and adjustable firing modes.[2][6]

=== Scenario paintball ===

During the mid-2000s, Kingman introduced Spyder models designed for recreational [[woodsball]] and [[scenario paintball]].

The MR series incorporated military-inspired styling, including alternative receiver designs, stocks and accessory mounting arrangements.

Models included the MR1, MR2 and later MR-series developments.

Kingman also introduced smaller-calibre equipment, including .43-calibre training products in 2009 and .50-calibre Spyder markers in 2010.[2]