Let me throw some more mud in the water -
Here's my definition of a low end PCP - Anything under $400 or $500 is low end. Here's why
The gun has several basic components that all come together to make the shot and feel good or bad.
1. The barrel - good quality barrels are to be had on most guns, including low end. The Maximus in 12FPE is quite accurate up to 50 yards (See AEAC review) To be honest, if a gun can't group at 50 or 75 yards, it shouldn't be on the market no matter how cheap. My Marauder is a .22, so no Green Mountain barrel, but still groups well at 75 yards when I tune correctly.
2. general ergonomics of the gun - low end, moderate and high end compare nicely there. Some of the less expensive guns have great ergonomics. No biggie there.
3. Trigger. Here's where the differences show. The lower end guns consistently get a lower quality trigger. It's because triggers are expensive, have lots of parts, and are just, well, expensive and you do need to pay a few more bucks for a better trigger. The Marauder retails for a bit over $500, but has a decent trigger. Reviews of the Maximus and Disco are a bit less flattering. Don't get me wrong, they do the job, but the Marauder trigger is better. When you move up to the FX level gun, the trigger is on a whole different plane. Light years ahead of the rest of the world.
4. Tuning. Here's an interesting one. Vast majority of low end guns have little tuning if any. Basically out of the box and shoot. Excepting the Marauder, most mid-range guns have limited tuning (if I'm correct, may not be here), and even into the high end guns, until you get to the Crown and Impact, none are as tune-able as the Marauder. The adjustable transfer port is fantastic in the tuning world. Not many guns give you the ability to tune it or screw it up like the Marauder.
5. Regulators - With the exception of the Gauntlet at $300 that doesn't seem to be available yet, you won't find regulators in anything under $700 or $800 and up. Marauder included here. If you want a regulated Marauder, they should be available in the custom shop for under $700 shortly. These give shot consistency and more shots per fill by wasting less air.
6. Magazines. - Low end guns tend to be single shot, where the Marauder and up tend to be magazine fed. That get important when hunting or even at the range.
7. moderators - lower end may lack moderators making them loud. Again, Marauder is fully moderated.
So, in short, low end guns lack the better triggers. Can't call them bad triggers, just not as good as the moderate and high end guns. They lack tuning abilities, and definitely lack regulators and often lack moderators. From what I've seen, can't complain about the barrels, though could be better, and ergonomics vary from gun to gun.
I definitely recommend the Marauder (and other mid-level guns) as an entry level gun, in full knowledge that in a year or two, your eye will wander to something more sexy, but you'll have gained experience in PCP's, and know much better what you want for the future. My eye is on a Crown, but she's a long way away. In the meantime, more range time with the Marauder.
Oh and the Marauder shoots cheap ammunition really well. Since it's a Crosman, it shoots the Crosman Premier Domes really well (stay away from hollow points, don't fly as straight.). Cheapest of the quality ammunition I've seen, and shoots well, reducing costs even more.
Wow, that made me think. . . . . . . .