Dye DM5 Review
By Andrew C. Syren
The DM5 comes to us with a small amount of rich history. As most of the tournament players know the DM5 is kin to a line of markers known as the Matrix. It is also the second of it kind yet the third attempt at a great performing paint slinger, the first being the Dye Matrix or as some may call it the DM3. Originally, the DM3 was simply a Gen-e Matrix with the anti-chop eyes from Dye along with a few other simple goodies that were factory installed. They too were great markers for a great price at that time. However, with it’s rough exterior and boxy look the DM3 was not what the paintball community came to appreciate from Dye.
Not too long after the DM3 was brought to us, Dye unleashed the DM4. Soon after the DM4’s release many teams ranging from amateur to pro started taking a more serious look into what Dye had to offer. Later we saw many teams taking out the competition with the DM4 and moving up the tournament ladder. It wasn’t long before the rumor mill started cranking out what was only to be expected, the birth of the DM5. It was only a matter of time that the rumors began given that there was already a DM3 and now a DM4. To the delight of so many however, DYE came through and proved the rumors to be true.
The DM5 was brought to us through much hype and much expectation. Although the differences between the DM5 from the DM4 warrant little in writing, the performance of either will always give us something to talk about. With an easier trigger adjustment, lighter and more extensive milling along with a few other small but opinionated touches the DM5 is a leap over it’s predecessor.
Keeping with the same reputation that Dye provides us, they have made the operator’s manual just as nice as the DM4 version and the packaging that encompasses the marker when purchased is a small work of art in itself. Along with the marker you receive not only a barrel but also an adequate supply of lube, a plastic container filled with a full set of o-rings, and a set of Allen keys that will enable you to take the DM5 apart for any maintenance later on. Also, the stock barrel you receive with your DM5 is not just any barrel you discard as you would with 99 percent of every other marker out there. Along with the DM5, Dye has supplied you with their finest barrel to date, the Dye Ultralite. The Ultralite makes for the finest “stock” barrel you can get and when used with a proper fitting paint there is no better barrel to get the job done.
As I stated earlier, there are few differences between the DM4 and the DM5 but to add to the short list of added creature comforts Dye has integrated a rail to the DM5 grip frame so that those who find a tight profile comfortable can simply add an on/off asa and be ready for play. Finding another ASA is not entirely necessary as Dye includes their own which in turn makes this gun perfectly ready to fire, right out of the box. If you wish to add a drop you too can do just that as they have also included the proper holes to add any accessory that you may desire for lowering your tank. The Dye DM5 is one marker that I can say without a doubt is the perfect example of what you get when you spend your high dollar. You get a marker that not only looks awesome but also will perform to match the style in which Dye has created this marker for and all this, right out of the box. Just add air and a hopper and a huge supply of paint and your on your way to slaying the opposition.
Performing any maintenance on the DM5 is as simple as it is effective. The manual describes in explicit detail how to take care of the LPR, in-line regulator and the bolt assembly so that even the least knowledgeable tech can care of this marker. In performing a small routine check of the maintenance I found only one item that was a bit cumbersome, the replacement of the small clear o-ring that is installed on the integrated on/off at the front of the marker. However, with a small amount of patience I managed to get it right and thanks to the o-ring kit included with the marker I had no need to make a run to the paintball store for any spare parts.
One of the sickest features found in both the early model DM series along with the new DM5 is the ease of swapping out the processor chip used to formulate the few options this gun includes. Dye has made upgrading the circuit board to the DM5 so easy that a 4th grader could do it and with nearly zero tools required. You simply pull the stock chip out and insert the new one. You cannot get any easier than that. And with there being a huge supply of both tournament legal and cheater chips out there you can have a huge amount of fun without running the risk of frying your DM5. I will say this however, for those who only wish to replace one thing, that being the battery, your in luck as this marker is ridiculously fast right as it stands. But for those who are more like myself and wish to see everything just a bit faster… Well the sky is the limit.
The performance of the DM5 is nothing short of awesome. Out of the box the DM5 exceeds the shots per tank fill ratio known to the paintball industry. The DM5 is not only efficient but also accurate and quiet. Its accuracy is held by how little the marker kicks when being fired. With the bolt assembly design as it is there is nearly zero kick and using some aftermarket internal lubricants, it is said you can run the DM5 well below the standard operating pressure and nullify any kick whatsoever. With zero kick and a silent attack you can put your shots right where you want them and go unnoticed to the opposition.
In conclusion, the Dye DM5 is, as I have said before, the pinnacle of perfection and is what all other markers should be measured against. With standard features as the Dye Ultralite barrel, Dye Sticky Grips, an ASA setup with macro line and fittings that make this marker ready to rip right out of the box you cannot go wrong putting your money down for such a work of art. Having put this markers performance up against a huge range of competitors I can say without a doubt that the DM5 will not disappoint in any case whether you’re a tournament player or a weekend warrior looking for some heavy artillery. With the out of box advantage this marker has over many of the others it is a sure bet when buying your next marker.
