DLX Luxe IDOL vs Planet Eclipse CS3

The launch of the brand new Luxe IDOL is causing quite a buzz in the paintball world. One of the most important and pressing questions that many paintballers are asking is, “how does it stand up to other flagship products on the market. Today, we’ll be taking a look specifically at how the IDOL stands up to the Planet Eclipse CS3—Planet Eclipse’s flagship marker. Today, we’ll cover each marker from barrel tip to ASA and see exactly how they stack up against each other. 

DLX Luxe Idol vs Planet Eclipse CS3 Barrel Comparison

CS3 Barrel

Starting with the barrel, the CS3 comes stock with the S63 barrel that’s 14.5” long for excellent accuracy and air efficiency.  The barrel is a three piece barrel that comes with the barrel tip, the barrel back and the power barrel insert which are available in multiple different sizes so you can keep fit as tight as a glove.

Idol Barrel

The luxe barrels hadn’t been updated since 2008 so it was definitely time to make an update. The Idol comes with a 14” barrel which is .5” shorter than the CS3, but in the grand scheme of things, .5” won’t make much of a difference. The Idol barrel is also a three piece barrel with the barrel tip, the barrel back, and Freak XL barrel inserts. Like the S63 barrel, the Freak XL also has additional inserts available for purchase. We recommend having a range of different barrel inserts, especially for flagship markers since changes in temperature, humidity, and paint can cause wide fluctuations in caliber.

As a quick note, the S63 threads are autococker and will work in any autococker marker. However, the threads on the Luxe are Luxe-specific.

Feednecks and Levers

CS3 Feedneck and Lever

The CS3 has a locking lever and textured thumb wheel for enhanced grip whenever you’re making adjustments. The CS3 has a groove on the lever to help lock the loader in place. 

Idol Feedneck and Lever

On the Idol, the thumb screw is textured for optimum grip and adjustments and comes with a locking lever as well to keep your loader firmly in place. The Idol also has a built-in groove to prevent the lever from sliding up and down. 

Eye Covers and Foregrip

CS3 Eye Covers

The eye covers on the CS3 have tool-less access through the foregrip on the marker. Simply slide the outer covering of the four grip off and flip a hidden switch to access the eye covers. In the foregrip players will also find the battery compartment which holds two AA batteries. 

Idol Eye Covers and Foregrip

The eye covers on the Idol are also completely tool-less and magnetic. However, you don’t have to remove the outer shell of the foregrip in order to access them. Players will notice right below the feedneck that there is a small door that can be flipped open to reveal the eyes and maintain them or clean them.

On the foregrip of the Idol, the grip is solid and has no detaching parts. While some players may be disappointed, Luxe decided to keep it simple by making the foregrip just a foregrip. There are ridges on the grip for additional texture which help you get a better purchase on the marker. It is made of metal so you may want to consider putting some tape on it for improved grip if you don’t play with gloves.

A quick note on detents as well: how frequently you need to change your detents will ultimately depend on how much you play paintball. If you start to notice that balls are starting to break in the front of the barrel, it’s time to change the detents. However, this requires running many cases of paint through the marker. Sometimes the detents also come loose and they end up getting shot out with the paintballs as you’re playing.

Triggers, Guards, and Grips

CS3 Trigger, Guard, and Grip

Around the trigger, guard, and foregrip, the CS3 is a bit more compact than the Idol. The trigger is a rake style and has five points of adjustment. The space within the trigger guard is smaller than the Idol but it may not be enough to actually make a difference. Ultimately this will depend on how big your hands are and how thick your gloves are. The foregrip also comes off the body of the marker at a right angle leaving a sparse amount of room between the trigger guard and the back of the foregrip.

Idol Trigger, Guard, and Grip

The Luxe has a little bit more space than the CS3. First, there’s quite a bit more space around the trigger which is a type of shallow deuce trigger that also has several points of adjustment. The foregrip on the Idol is also canted forward to create a greater amount of space between the trigger guard and the back of the foregrip. While there is more space on the Idol, players who are switching over to the Luxe platform may find that they need to change their aim a bit in order to compensate for the increased forward cant of the grip.

Bolts

CS3 Bolt

The CS3 has the OP (over powered) core bolt system which has an operating pressure of around 100 psi. The bolt has been upgraded from the previous models to handle brittle tournament paint better and break less. 

Idol Bolt

The Idol core bolt is very competitive with the CS3 with an operating pressure around 110 psi but it has five new components compared to its predecessor, the TM40. This bolt was also engineered and manufactured with brittle tournament paint in mind. 

Frames

CS3 Frame

The CS3 frame is not totally toolless. When you have the bolt removed, there is a screw in the bolt housing as well as near the foregrip to remove the frame. There is a CS3 mechanical frame that can be purchased separately, so make sure you check that out if you’re interested in converting your marker.

Idol Frame

The Idol frame is completely tool-less and can be disassembled with the bolt being removed from the bolt housing. While it hasn’t been released yet, there will eventually be a mechanical frame that players can attach to the Idol. Keep an eye out for that release date!

Boards

CS3 Board

The CS3 board turns on with buttons located on the back of the main grip. The CS3 has the MME display which is bluetooth capable and can be connected to PE’s ePortal application. This allows you to fine tune the board for those players that want to tinker with absolutely everything!

Idol Board

The Idol is marketed as the best high-resolution screen on the market and is one of the main features of this new marker. The buttons located on the back of the grip will turn the full-color display on. Unlike the CS3 where the batteries are stored in the foregrip, the batteries can be accessed by removing the backplate of the main grip on the Idol. Players should not—do not remove the battery while the marker is turned on. 

ASAs

CS3 ASA

The CS3 comes with a POPS ASA which many players are already familiar with. 

Idol ASA

The Idol’s ASA comes with a stainless steel flip lever at the front of the ASA which has been upgraded from the TM40. 

If you’re interested in either the CS3 or the Idol, make sure you check out the world’s number one source of paintball equipment: Lone Wolf Paintball. Please let us know if you have any questions we’ll be happy to help you decide which marker is right for you. Happy paintballing!