macroline vs steel line

[Klay01]

please post your thoughts on a macroline vs a steel line for a automag rt.. thanks

[Bulldog]

Here are a few I found rather quickly. Hope that helps.

http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17903&highlight=macroline+vs+a+steel+line

http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14993&highlight=macroline+vs+a+steel+line

http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61455&highlight=macro+line+steel+braided

http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25538&highlight=macro+line+steel+braided

http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25971&highlight=macro+line+steel+braided

http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18096&highlight=macro+line+steel+braided

[swamprat33]

Hi, I've been using SS braided hose for ages, but recently went over to macroline - what a mistake.

One of the macroline elbows EXPLODED while i was filling the tank. It went BANG at around 2,300 psi and scared the life out of me. The 'clamp' part of the fitting flew out and buried itself in my work bench - now very mangled!!!
I am now going back to Stainless as I no longer trust macroline.

[battlegroup]

I'm not going to say either is better, but I have seen many macrolines break and have yet to see a steel braided break. and I have seen some very ast bruises from lins next to skin breaking. Steel is safer.
Macro is easier to get a tight setup with the exact right length hose but I have my steel ones made the length I want them at a local welding/rubber store. You do end up with a bunch of extra steel hoses when you change your setup and they aren't cheep to have custom made.
If a macro does break, once you come down out of the trees after the shock wears off, you can replace it at the field pretty easily if you bring or can find the tools. You'll have to have an extra length of steel hose that fits the space you need it to in order to replace it at the field.

In my opinion Steel is much safer and more reliable. I won't use anything else.

[r_malloy]

Stainless Steel vs. Macroline

Agreed that the Macroline fittings are not rated for the possible pressures - should say the regulator fail on a 3000 or 4500 psi nitro tank. We are not talking about a industrial grade regulator that is utilized on paintball applications, so failure is very possible. The macroline or microline fittings are not capable of handling these pressures - no where near them. However - I have seen aluminum 1/8 NPT swivel 90 degree elbows offered for threaded braided hose and they too are not rated for these pressures. The fixed (non-swivel) elbows just don't give the flexibility needed in orienting the hoses with the marker/gas grips/tanks - you can not always tighten them properly or are forced to overtighten to get the correct orientation.Does anyone know of a source for stainless steel - not aluminum, plastic, etc. - swivel 90 degree 1/8 NPT fittings?

I have tried over two dozen vendors with absolutely no success. One vendor shipped the KAPP aluminum fittings which seems to be the only available option - in which case there is no advantage to the stainless steel braided hose (other than appearance) over the macroline option. I have contacted a fitting manufacturer in India - but they have not responded and indicated there would need to be a sizable order to warrant making them. Afraid of what a sizable order might be.

[Dynamo55]

Macro line user

I love macro line.I shoot an X-Mag and a MicroMag off a 68ci 3000psi flatline. I've had the same fittings for 2 years. But you do have to be stringent enough to check your equipment before play. For example the ends of the macroline are prone to wear so cut the hose off about 2inches longer than you want it so you can shave off the ends periodically(1/8-1/4inch).
When installing the fittings, do so from the rear of the elbow or you might break a tooth off the retention collar.(what holds the macro line in place when you air it up)Also put a cloth over the fittings so you don't scratch it or put alot of stress on it.Check the o-ring in there to, replace with a power tube one if needed. All these checks should take a minute or two. Air up your marker then wiggle the hose if it leaks its time to shave the hose, thats my rule of thumb.