PaintballerX
05-30-2002, 01:47 PM
Hey, it's my first post, and I figured I might as well make it a whopper...
The Upgrade Thread
Well, after being asked exactly 8.5 billion times what to buy for my marker, I’ve decided to make a thread totally devoted to it. Here it is, split into the categories of Barrels, Hoppers, Tanks, Inline Regs, Drop Forwards/Cradles, and Grips.
Barrels
Ah, the upgrade of all upgrades, considered the first thing to add to your shiny new marker---a barrel (or barrel system). There are hundreds of barrels to choose from, and picking the right one is quite hard. I’ve chosen some of my favorite barrels/barrel systems below:
DYE (www.dyeprecision.com) - Very popular, indeed. The honing on these is absolutely beautiful for a mass-produced product. A good paint to barrel match and one of these babies will put your ball right where you want it (no nasty thoughts, guys:)). Many varieties to choose from, including Stainless Steel, Ultralite, Boomstick, and Titanium Boomstick.
Smart Parts (www.smartparts.com) - Also one of the leading barrel producers, SP has been in the biz quite a while and has some absolutely fabulous products. They carry the most popular barrel system on the market, and back up their products 100%. Choices include the Teardrop, All American, Big Daddy, Progressive, and the one that owns them all, the almighty FREAK System.
Barrels of America (www.barrelsofamerica.com) - Ooh…one of my FAVORITE barrel makers. These babies are custom built in any length you want, and you can choose from a Snakebit or Express barrels, with or without porting, and in brass or nickel. Extremely cheap for what you get, very well made and machined, look great, awesome customer service…one of my top picks for barrels.
Equation Designs (www.equationusa.com) - These guys produce the infamous Bizerk barrel (infamous, of course, for it’s 8” length), as well as the Multi-Switch barrel system. Nice barrels, and prices are pretty good as well, but not many dealers carry these…not one of my top picks, but nice.
Armson Ltd. (www.armsonltd.co.uk) - Makers of the borderline popular Stealth barrel. Armson barrels are used on Pro-Team Markers, which are connected with Armson and Benchmark Products.
32 Degrees (www.32ice.com) - Er…many people like these. I don’t. All of their barrels are copies of other, existing barrels. Boomstick, Infinity, etc. If you get a good price on one, and it works fine, go for it though. These are quite cheap.
J&J (www.jjperformance.com) - Very nice, and very cheap. J&J Ceramic barrels are VERY popular and retail at between $20-$40. Also available are the Full Tilt and Pro Barrels.
Custom Products (www.customproductsaz.com) - The best barrels around for the price, in my humble opinion. At around $40 a pop for the one-pieces, these are awesome barrels at an awesome price. Also available: CP Barrel Kit.
Lapco (http://www.lapcopaintball.com/index.shtml) - Great prices for great barrels, both performance- and looks-wise. Check these babies out!
Hoppers
Some of the best hoppers on the market:
Ricochet 2K/AK (www.ricochet2k.com) - The 2k version comes with game timer and LCD display. The AK is the bare-bones version with nothing but the push button. This hopper looks cool, and it SUPPOSEDLY bounces balls because of it’s shape…I’ll believe it when I see it. :)
Viewloader Revolution 9/12 Volt (www.viewloader.com) - The differences in volts are the feed times, and a 12-volt is always recommended. This is the most used hopper in the world, and has many upgrades, including boards, paddles, and other accessories, to make it feed as fast as you can shoot.
Odyssey HALO (www.smartparts.com) - Modified version made/distributed by Smart Parts. Can feed 20+ balls per second. Spring loaded drive cone. Older models have a gear drive system. Newer, 2nd generation belt driven HALO's (HALO-B) are belt driven and are quieter, easier on paint, and less sensitive to overfilling. Available in Black, Red, Smoke, Blue, Green and Clear. Takes 6 AA batteries. The HALO is about the same size as the Revy/R2K but is much heavier and, to some people, horrendously ugly. *Thanks MINDofSIN*
Zap Mach 404 (www.zappaintball.com) - Uses "Shockwave" Technology to vibrate balls into place. Supposedly prevents balls from jamming, but it’s not an amazing sight to behold…I’m not a big fan.
Air Gun Designs Warp Feed (www.airgun.com) - Moves the hopper off the gun and creates a smaller profile. Force feeds at up to 15bps or more with modifications. *Thanks CrazyB*
Viewloader Evlution (Discontinued, new one being designed) - This electronic loader is capable of feeding up to 13bps while also being able to adjust it's feed rate down to 9bps when not firing as fast. This holds the most balls of any conventional hopper, at around 215. This hopper has been accused of jams and breaking a lot but it's followers disagree. *Thanks PGA1234*
Tanks
I won’t mention any Co2 tanks, but I WILL tell you my favorite nitrogen tank brands around.
MacDev Conquest (www.macdev.net) - My absolute FAVORITE tank around. I own three of them, if it helps with your decision. :) Great recharge rate, light, well-built, cheap for what you get, backed by great customer service…awesome tank.
Smart Parts Max-Flo (www.smartparts.com) - A bit overrated, but nice anyways. Doesn’t need an inline reg, so don’t use one, or you’ll starve your marker of air.
PMI Pure Energy (www.buypmi.com) - A good, low-priced performer. Ranging anywhere from $70-$350 for a tank, these are nice tanks at good prices.
Crossfire (www.crossfireinc.com) - With a nice recharge rate and a good price, this tank is one to look at if you’re just getting into nitro tanks.
Centerflag (www.centerflagproducts.com) - Makers of the popular Dynaflow and Hyperflow systems, these are great tanks at pretty-good prices.
Nitro Duck (www.nitroduck.com) - These aren't bad. Quite cheap, light, but the recharge rate disgusts me. Not one of my TOP picks, but definitely worth a look. Much better than those 32* Systems, eh? :P *Thanks Hoplon*
Inline Regulators
Centerflag (www.centerflagproducts.com) - Comes stock on Matrices, and a very good performer. Good consistency.
AKALMP Sidewinder (www.akalmp.com) - Ah, the Sidewinder, considered the low pressure regs of all low pressure regs…made by AKA. These guys have got it goin’ ON! Awesome regulator.
MacDev Gladiator (www.macdev.net) - Awesome reg…that’s all I have to say. Just awesome. I use it on many of my markers, and it’s a solid performer at a great price.
ANS Gen-X (www.?.com) - I’m not a huge fan of this reg…in my experiences, it’s had leaking, consistency, and similar problems a lot of the times you use it. I’d stay away from it, but many people have had good experiences with it.
Air America Vigilante/Messiah (www.airamerica.com) - Some very popular regulators, the Vigilante is considered more of a “high pressure” reg, while the Messiah is used mostly for LP setups.
Drop Forwards/Cradles
There are hundreds of them out there, so here are a few I really like:
KAPP Drop Zone II/Stubby Drop Zone (www.kapp1.com) - These are my favorite drops/cradles of all time. They are well made, look great, and are adjustable. Great products, pick one up.
Custom Products Flame/Lightning/Micro (www.customproductsaz.com) - Also great products, these take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’. They also look awesome to boot!
Psycho Ballistics (www.psychoballistics.com) - Well made, and they look pretty good as well. Be forewarned---these drops are longggggggg! Good customer service, as well.
Grips
Not much to say here---only a few to list:
DYE Sticky/Basic Grips (www.dyeprecision.com) - They’re grips…that are sticky. So..yeah. Anyways. Clear ones get yellow after awhile if you don’t wear gloves.
Hogue Grips (www.?.com) - Nice and cheap, around $10 or so for a set.
Let me apologize if all of this isn’t TOTALLY clear---I’m going to add much more to it later. Thanks for reading, and I hope I helped somebody out. Please feel free to PM me with stuff or tell me stuff to add to it on the thread---I’m open to suggestions. Also remember that all of this is only about 25% of what I plan to write…there will be much more to come.
I also might add in specific marker upgrades, i.e. 'Cocker or Spyder.
---Mike
On to the 'Cocker Upgrade FAQ:
Autococker Upgrades
Yes, I promised I’d do specific marker upgrades, so here it is for the famous Worr Games Autococker. This one is divided into Pneumatics, Bolts, Valves, Bodies, and Grip Frames.
Pneumatics
Regulators
Palmer Rock/Mini Rock/Micro Rock (www.palmer-pursuit.com) - My FAVORITE regulator. This baby is consistent, well-made…it does great in everything a pneumatic regulator should be able to do. MSRP is around $55, but they’re worth it.
ANS Jackhammer (www.?.com) - Also a nice reg. Not very good looking, but it does the job. I’d personally pick up a Rock for around the same price, but these are nice all the same.
WGP Tickler (www.worr.com) - Not sure about this one yet…if anyone has any reviews on this, let me know! I’ll try one out when the Orracles come in…
3-Ways (Note: these are reviewed on a scale of 1-10, 10 being highest, on shortness and smoothness)
Shocktech Bomb (www.buyshocktech.com) - Very nice, and considered the benchmark for rating 3-ways. 9.0; 6.5
WGP STO (www.worr.com) - VERY smooth! It’s basically a stock 3-way with polishing, but I’m kinda diggin’ those stock ones anyways :P 6.0; 9.0
ANS (www.?.com) - Pretty smooth, but not too short…the STO is even a better choice, with the Hollowpoint (see below) coming in at top. 7.0; 7.5
Belsales Hollowpoint (www.?.com) - My absolute favorite 3-way. Extremely smooth, and very short, with the signature Belsales quality in there…beautiful! 9.0; 9.5
Rams
I’m not going to do rams, because I feel they are all basically the same. Some nice ones: ANS, Palmer, and STO (KAPP or WGP).
Bolts
Shocktech Supafly (www.buyshocktech.com) - One of the top-selling bolts, this one is considered one of the best. Definitely one to look out for.
AKALMP Lightning (www.akalmp.com) - My favorite bolt around; one of the best made and machined, and the quality control is awesome, meaning the bolts will be the same size, shape, and quality every time.
ANS Quick-Pull (www.?.com) - Also one of my favs, this one locks in tight, so it doesn’t require a pull-pin.
Valves
Shocktech RAT (www.buyshocktech.com) - The valve of all valves, right next to the Tornado by AKA…very popular. Nice upgrade for any ‘Cocker.
AKALMP Tornado (www.akalmp.com) - The mother of all LP valves! Pick one of these up, and you’ll be rockin’!
TASO (www.?.com) - Nice valve, for a cheap price. If you’re upgrading on a budget, check one of these out!
Bodies
Spankey (www.fireballmountain.com) - Many styles to choose from, Cobra, Fishbone, and Teardrop being the most popular. These things are AWESOME! They look incredible (my favorite is the Cobra, with the Fishbone in a close second), and aren’t too expensive compared to others.
Shocktech (www.buyshocktech.com) - These are NOT worth the money in my opinion. While they look nice, you can pick up a much better looking body from Spankey for cheaper. These DO come with a 15* ASA though…
Professional Paintball Free-Flow (www.professionalpaintball.com) - Yep, the same bodies that come on the legendary FREE-FLOW Autocockers, these are available in three choices of milling, “Boxxer” being the most expensive and the most intricate. These are WAY overpriced, in my opinion.
Grip Frames
WGP Hinge (www.worr.com) - This thing looks FUGLY! It’s a nice performing trigger, however, so I’ll cut it some slack. My only other beef with it besides it’s looks is the fact that it’s not adjustable. I personally don’t like Hinge-style triggers, but if you do, check out the Eclipse:
Eclipse Blade (www.planetpaintball.co.uk) - My favorite hinge-style trigger frame. This one is adjustable, awesome looking, and well-made, albeit being a bit expensive.
KAPP Reflex (www.kapp1.com) - Haven’t tried one of these yet, but search pbreview.com and the forums for a good review or two.
ANS Quickfire Trigger System (www.?.com) - VERY fast, and quite cheap for what you get…add a Roller Sear and you be jammin’ mon.
DYE Sliding Frame (www.dyeprecision.com) - Extremely smooth, even WITHOUT a roller sear. This baby’ll lay down the paint!
Benchmark Sliding Frame (www.benchmarkpaintball.com) - Probably my favorite ‘Cocker trigger frame, this isn’t quite as smooth as the ones above, but the quality and precision is incredibly good.
Yes, this was a short review. I didn’t go half as deep into the Autococker Upgrade Info I could have…reason? I’m lazy. :D Anyways, like always, if you have anything to add just say it right here and I’ll add it in!
---Mike
The Upgrade Thread
Well, after being asked exactly 8.5 billion times what to buy for my marker, I’ve decided to make a thread totally devoted to it. Here it is, split into the categories of Barrels, Hoppers, Tanks, Inline Regs, Drop Forwards/Cradles, and Grips.
Barrels
Ah, the upgrade of all upgrades, considered the first thing to add to your shiny new marker---a barrel (or barrel system). There are hundreds of barrels to choose from, and picking the right one is quite hard. I’ve chosen some of my favorite barrels/barrel systems below:
DYE (www.dyeprecision.com) - Very popular, indeed. The honing on these is absolutely beautiful for a mass-produced product. A good paint to barrel match and one of these babies will put your ball right where you want it (no nasty thoughts, guys:)). Many varieties to choose from, including Stainless Steel, Ultralite, Boomstick, and Titanium Boomstick.
Smart Parts (www.smartparts.com) - Also one of the leading barrel producers, SP has been in the biz quite a while and has some absolutely fabulous products. They carry the most popular barrel system on the market, and back up their products 100%. Choices include the Teardrop, All American, Big Daddy, Progressive, and the one that owns them all, the almighty FREAK System.
Barrels of America (www.barrelsofamerica.com) - Ooh…one of my FAVORITE barrel makers. These babies are custom built in any length you want, and you can choose from a Snakebit or Express barrels, with or without porting, and in brass or nickel. Extremely cheap for what you get, very well made and machined, look great, awesome customer service…one of my top picks for barrels.
Equation Designs (www.equationusa.com) - These guys produce the infamous Bizerk barrel (infamous, of course, for it’s 8” length), as well as the Multi-Switch barrel system. Nice barrels, and prices are pretty good as well, but not many dealers carry these…not one of my top picks, but nice.
Armson Ltd. (www.armsonltd.co.uk) - Makers of the borderline popular Stealth barrel. Armson barrels are used on Pro-Team Markers, which are connected with Armson and Benchmark Products.
32 Degrees (www.32ice.com) - Er…many people like these. I don’t. All of their barrels are copies of other, existing barrels. Boomstick, Infinity, etc. If you get a good price on one, and it works fine, go for it though. These are quite cheap.
J&J (www.jjperformance.com) - Very nice, and very cheap. J&J Ceramic barrels are VERY popular and retail at between $20-$40. Also available are the Full Tilt and Pro Barrels.
Custom Products (www.customproductsaz.com) - The best barrels around for the price, in my humble opinion. At around $40 a pop for the one-pieces, these are awesome barrels at an awesome price. Also available: CP Barrel Kit.
Lapco (http://www.lapcopaintball.com/index.shtml) - Great prices for great barrels, both performance- and looks-wise. Check these babies out!
Hoppers
Some of the best hoppers on the market:
Ricochet 2K/AK (www.ricochet2k.com) - The 2k version comes with game timer and LCD display. The AK is the bare-bones version with nothing but the push button. This hopper looks cool, and it SUPPOSEDLY bounces balls because of it’s shape…I’ll believe it when I see it. :)
Viewloader Revolution 9/12 Volt (www.viewloader.com) - The differences in volts are the feed times, and a 12-volt is always recommended. This is the most used hopper in the world, and has many upgrades, including boards, paddles, and other accessories, to make it feed as fast as you can shoot.
Odyssey HALO (www.smartparts.com) - Modified version made/distributed by Smart Parts. Can feed 20+ balls per second. Spring loaded drive cone. Older models have a gear drive system. Newer, 2nd generation belt driven HALO's (HALO-B) are belt driven and are quieter, easier on paint, and less sensitive to overfilling. Available in Black, Red, Smoke, Blue, Green and Clear. Takes 6 AA batteries. The HALO is about the same size as the Revy/R2K but is much heavier and, to some people, horrendously ugly. *Thanks MINDofSIN*
Zap Mach 404 (www.zappaintball.com) - Uses "Shockwave" Technology to vibrate balls into place. Supposedly prevents balls from jamming, but it’s not an amazing sight to behold…I’m not a big fan.
Air Gun Designs Warp Feed (www.airgun.com) - Moves the hopper off the gun and creates a smaller profile. Force feeds at up to 15bps or more with modifications. *Thanks CrazyB*
Viewloader Evlution (Discontinued, new one being designed) - This electronic loader is capable of feeding up to 13bps while also being able to adjust it's feed rate down to 9bps when not firing as fast. This holds the most balls of any conventional hopper, at around 215. This hopper has been accused of jams and breaking a lot but it's followers disagree. *Thanks PGA1234*
Tanks
I won’t mention any Co2 tanks, but I WILL tell you my favorite nitrogen tank brands around.
MacDev Conquest (www.macdev.net) - My absolute FAVORITE tank around. I own three of them, if it helps with your decision. :) Great recharge rate, light, well-built, cheap for what you get, backed by great customer service…awesome tank.
Smart Parts Max-Flo (www.smartparts.com) - A bit overrated, but nice anyways. Doesn’t need an inline reg, so don’t use one, or you’ll starve your marker of air.
PMI Pure Energy (www.buypmi.com) - A good, low-priced performer. Ranging anywhere from $70-$350 for a tank, these are nice tanks at good prices.
Crossfire (www.crossfireinc.com) - With a nice recharge rate and a good price, this tank is one to look at if you’re just getting into nitro tanks.
Centerflag (www.centerflagproducts.com) - Makers of the popular Dynaflow and Hyperflow systems, these are great tanks at pretty-good prices.
Nitro Duck (www.nitroduck.com) - These aren't bad. Quite cheap, light, but the recharge rate disgusts me. Not one of my TOP picks, but definitely worth a look. Much better than those 32* Systems, eh? :P *Thanks Hoplon*
Inline Regulators
Centerflag (www.centerflagproducts.com) - Comes stock on Matrices, and a very good performer. Good consistency.
AKALMP Sidewinder (www.akalmp.com) - Ah, the Sidewinder, considered the low pressure regs of all low pressure regs…made by AKA. These guys have got it goin’ ON! Awesome regulator.
MacDev Gladiator (www.macdev.net) - Awesome reg…that’s all I have to say. Just awesome. I use it on many of my markers, and it’s a solid performer at a great price.
ANS Gen-X (www.?.com) - I’m not a huge fan of this reg…in my experiences, it’s had leaking, consistency, and similar problems a lot of the times you use it. I’d stay away from it, but many people have had good experiences with it.
Air America Vigilante/Messiah (www.airamerica.com) - Some very popular regulators, the Vigilante is considered more of a “high pressure” reg, while the Messiah is used mostly for LP setups.
Drop Forwards/Cradles
There are hundreds of them out there, so here are a few I really like:
KAPP Drop Zone II/Stubby Drop Zone (www.kapp1.com) - These are my favorite drops/cradles of all time. They are well made, look great, and are adjustable. Great products, pick one up.
Custom Products Flame/Lightning/Micro (www.customproductsaz.com) - Also great products, these take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’. They also look awesome to boot!
Psycho Ballistics (www.psychoballistics.com) - Well made, and they look pretty good as well. Be forewarned---these drops are longggggggg! Good customer service, as well.
Grips
Not much to say here---only a few to list:
DYE Sticky/Basic Grips (www.dyeprecision.com) - They’re grips…that are sticky. So..yeah. Anyways. Clear ones get yellow after awhile if you don’t wear gloves.
Hogue Grips (www.?.com) - Nice and cheap, around $10 or so for a set.
Let me apologize if all of this isn’t TOTALLY clear---I’m going to add much more to it later. Thanks for reading, and I hope I helped somebody out. Please feel free to PM me with stuff or tell me stuff to add to it on the thread---I’m open to suggestions. Also remember that all of this is only about 25% of what I plan to write…there will be much more to come.
I also might add in specific marker upgrades, i.e. 'Cocker or Spyder.
---Mike
On to the 'Cocker Upgrade FAQ:
Autococker Upgrades
Yes, I promised I’d do specific marker upgrades, so here it is for the famous Worr Games Autococker. This one is divided into Pneumatics, Bolts, Valves, Bodies, and Grip Frames.
Pneumatics
Regulators
Palmer Rock/Mini Rock/Micro Rock (www.palmer-pursuit.com) - My FAVORITE regulator. This baby is consistent, well-made…it does great in everything a pneumatic regulator should be able to do. MSRP is around $55, but they’re worth it.
ANS Jackhammer (www.?.com) - Also a nice reg. Not very good looking, but it does the job. I’d personally pick up a Rock for around the same price, but these are nice all the same.
WGP Tickler (www.worr.com) - Not sure about this one yet…if anyone has any reviews on this, let me know! I’ll try one out when the Orracles come in…
3-Ways (Note: these are reviewed on a scale of 1-10, 10 being highest, on shortness and smoothness)
Shocktech Bomb (www.buyshocktech.com) - Very nice, and considered the benchmark for rating 3-ways. 9.0; 6.5
WGP STO (www.worr.com) - VERY smooth! It’s basically a stock 3-way with polishing, but I’m kinda diggin’ those stock ones anyways :P 6.0; 9.0
ANS (www.?.com) - Pretty smooth, but not too short…the STO is even a better choice, with the Hollowpoint (see below) coming in at top. 7.0; 7.5
Belsales Hollowpoint (www.?.com) - My absolute favorite 3-way. Extremely smooth, and very short, with the signature Belsales quality in there…beautiful! 9.0; 9.5
Rams
I’m not going to do rams, because I feel they are all basically the same. Some nice ones: ANS, Palmer, and STO (KAPP or WGP).
Bolts
Shocktech Supafly (www.buyshocktech.com) - One of the top-selling bolts, this one is considered one of the best. Definitely one to look out for.
AKALMP Lightning (www.akalmp.com) - My favorite bolt around; one of the best made and machined, and the quality control is awesome, meaning the bolts will be the same size, shape, and quality every time.
ANS Quick-Pull (www.?.com) - Also one of my favs, this one locks in tight, so it doesn’t require a pull-pin.
Valves
Shocktech RAT (www.buyshocktech.com) - The valve of all valves, right next to the Tornado by AKA…very popular. Nice upgrade for any ‘Cocker.
AKALMP Tornado (www.akalmp.com) - The mother of all LP valves! Pick one of these up, and you’ll be rockin’!
TASO (www.?.com) - Nice valve, for a cheap price. If you’re upgrading on a budget, check one of these out!
Bodies
Spankey (www.fireballmountain.com) - Many styles to choose from, Cobra, Fishbone, and Teardrop being the most popular. These things are AWESOME! They look incredible (my favorite is the Cobra, with the Fishbone in a close second), and aren’t too expensive compared to others.
Shocktech (www.buyshocktech.com) - These are NOT worth the money in my opinion. While they look nice, you can pick up a much better looking body from Spankey for cheaper. These DO come with a 15* ASA though…
Professional Paintball Free-Flow (www.professionalpaintball.com) - Yep, the same bodies that come on the legendary FREE-FLOW Autocockers, these are available in three choices of milling, “Boxxer” being the most expensive and the most intricate. These are WAY overpriced, in my opinion.
Grip Frames
WGP Hinge (www.worr.com) - This thing looks FUGLY! It’s a nice performing trigger, however, so I’ll cut it some slack. My only other beef with it besides it’s looks is the fact that it’s not adjustable. I personally don’t like Hinge-style triggers, but if you do, check out the Eclipse:
Eclipse Blade (www.planetpaintball.co.uk) - My favorite hinge-style trigger frame. This one is adjustable, awesome looking, and well-made, albeit being a bit expensive.
KAPP Reflex (www.kapp1.com) - Haven’t tried one of these yet, but search pbreview.com and the forums for a good review or two.
ANS Quickfire Trigger System (www.?.com) - VERY fast, and quite cheap for what you get…add a Roller Sear and you be jammin’ mon.
DYE Sliding Frame (www.dyeprecision.com) - Extremely smooth, even WITHOUT a roller sear. This baby’ll lay down the paint!
Benchmark Sliding Frame (www.benchmarkpaintball.com) - Probably my favorite ‘Cocker trigger frame, this isn’t quite as smooth as the ones above, but the quality and precision is incredibly good.
Yes, this was a short review. I didn’t go half as deep into the Autococker Upgrade Info I could have…reason? I’m lazy. :D Anyways, like always, if you have anything to add just say it right here and I’ll add it in!
---Mike