Tippmann Brings SL-68 Back

[Automagsam]

So I was reading over at McCarter that Tippmann is releasing the SL-68 2 again... while it is cool to see an old pump gun on the market, is there really a market for this when we can get them used cheaper than the 169 selling price of the new one? Has anyone heard anything on this.

[Newt]

10 galactic standard credits says it has tactical rails on it.

[Frizzle Fry]

So I was reading over at McCarter that Tippmann is releasing the SL-68 2 again... while it is cool to see an old pump gun on the market, is there really a market for this when we can get them used cheaper than the 169 selling price of the new one? Has anyone heard anything on this.

They've updated and upgraded. The original SL-68 II has a few issues.

First and foremost, the feedneck was permanent, fragile, and couldn't be used for most hoppers. It required modification unless you were using the out-of-the-box hopper or similar. Many of the SL-68 IIs I see these days are cracked, bondo'ed or hacked beyond recognition in the feedneck region.

Secondly, the body is now made out of highed quality aluminum (still cast, though) and finished nicely, so it won't collect chips/scratches/discolorations like the old one. It'll be easier to clean and harder to ding and dent, or even cut (sorry to the hacksaw guys, I know you love SL68s for tinkertoys).

Third, they've changed the grip around a bit so that it will accept almost any tank. Some tanks didn't fit the old model due to odd shaped bobbins or regulators. Also, it doesn't feel like you're holding 3 rolls of quarters instead of a gripframe anymore, as they've slimmed it down and made it more comfy.

Considering they went for $200 originally (last I saw they were $175 new, and that was in 2003) I think that this is an extremely reasonable price for a quality marker.

[Frizzle Fry]

10 galactic standard credits says it has tactical rails on it.

Nope, same old dovetails.

It's almost the same design, with minor upgrades... Then again, that can be said of most nelson-based pumps. Once a company gets it right, improvements are minor. I feel like the only reason that the Sl-68 II dissapeared for a few years is that it clearly doesn't fit in "speedball" games and it doesn't (and can't) look "milsim" enough to attract younger woodsballers.

Ask any SL owner. They're much easier to clean and maintain than a Phantom or Maverick/Traccer... More reliable too, IMO, they just don't have all the upgrade options that other nellys do.

[Automagsam]

They've updated and upgraded. The original SL-68 II has a few issues.

First and foremost, the feedneck was permanent, fragile, and couldn't be used for most hoppers. It required modification unless you were using the out-of-the-box hopper or similar. Many of the SL-68 IIs I see these days are cracked, bondo'ed or hacked beyond recognition in the feedneck region.

Secondly, the body is now made out of highed quality aluminum (still cast, though) and finished nicely, so it won't collect chips/scratches/discolorations like the old one. It'll be easier to clean and harder to ding and dent, or even cut (sorry to the hacksaw guys, I know you love SL68s for tinkertoys).

Third, they've changed the grip around a bit so that it will accept almost any tank. Some tanks didn't fit the old model due to odd shaped bobbins or regulators. Also, it doesn't feel like you're holding 3 rolls of quarters instead of a gripframe anymore, as they've slimmed it down and made it more comfy.

Considering they went for $200 originally (last I saw they were $175 new, and that was in 2003) I think that this is an extremely reasonable price for a quality marker.

Pretty sure the feed is still integrated. Also I would like to add these are still ugly as ever lol.

[lil'Greg]

i used these for 10 years as rental markers at the family field. great markers can always be fixed. main drama we had was sears breaking and bending which effected the velocity of them (when bent). also if the barrel grub screw was over tightened they had a habbit of cracking the body. cup seals leaking was another fun one.

have many tricks to get the suckers working when parts break and you dont have the right bits to fix em on hand

Great markers, we initially bought 22 of them ( we had a small field) after 10 yrs we still had 22 working markers.

[Automagsam]

i used these for 10 years as rental markers at the family field. great markers can always be fixed. main drama we had was sears breaking and bending which effected the velocity of them (when bent). also if the barrel grub screw was over tightened they had a habbit of cracking the body. cup seals leaking was another fun one.

have many tricks to get the suckers working when parts break and you dont have the right bits to fix em on hand

Great markers, we initially bought 22 of them ( we had a small field) after 10 yrs we still had 22 working markers.

Not to get off topic but what field? Also yeah all those old guns seem built too last, which I don't think newer electronics will be, but I guess time will tell. I'm just wondering why they didn't redesign the gun altogether rather than bring it back. I think personally reverting to pump guns is what the sport should do, plus it over rides a bunch of the patent drama.

[lil'Greg]

Not to get off topic but what field?

Probably not one you are aware of, its was just small field in South east Queensland Australia. Best way to grow up having parents own a paintball field

[going_home]

[Pump Scout]

Considering they went for $200 originally (last I saw they were $175 new, and that was in 2003) I think that this is an extremely reasonable price for a quality marker.

I bought mine new in 1992 for $249.95. It seemed expensive at the time, but here we are, 17ish years later, and she's still kicking. Looks more and more like a good gun investment now. Only repairs have been one cup seal, and just a few months ago, her second ever replacement mainspring.

I feel like the only reason that the Sl-68 II dissapeared for a few years is that it clearly doesn't fit in "speedball" games and it doesn't (and can't) look "milsim" enough to attract younger woodsballers.

I'd read somewhere, and haven't been able to dig it up yet, that the mold they used to cast the bodies had fractured, and that the cost of a new mold couldn't be justified with sales of the SL as slow as they were. Maybe they've got a new process for the body work.

Ask any SL owner. They're much easier to clean and maintain than a Phantom or Maverick/Traccer... More reliable too, IMO, they just don't have all the upgrade options that other nellys do.

Oh yeah. Definitely the most durable gun I've ever owned. It's a shame the aftermarket (such as it was) stopped supporting the SL about the time the 68 Special vanished. I was lucky enough to snag an Armson barrel for mine, and have mounted a Weaver rail to my dovetail (firearm store pickup), but there's not much that can be done to the SL without significant modifications. Then again, there's not a ton of room to improve on what's already working either.

[riceboi]

Nope, same old dovetails.

It's almost the same design, with minor upgrades... Then again, that can be said of most nelson-based pumps. Once a company gets it right, improvements are minor. I feel like the only reason that the Sl-68 II dissapeared for a few years is that it clearly doesn't fit in "speedball" games and it doesn't (and can't) look "milsim" enough to attract younger woodsballers.

Ask any SL owner. They're much easier to clean and maintain than a Phantom or Maverick/Traccer... More reliable too, IMO, they just don't have all the upgrade options that other nellys do.

u have to clean the SL II? damn i need do that to my sometime, i only can hope they come out with a barrel kit for it.

[Chronobreak]

this is the smartest thing i have seen ANY paintball company do this year

[snoopay700]

That triangle on the side, is that a hole in the breech for a squeegee? If so that's actually a really good idea.

[Chronobreak]

That triangle on the side, is that a hole in the breech for a squeegee? If so that's actually a really good idea.

i believe its a window to see if a ball is actualy being chambered, but i suppose if you had one of those psycho ballistic rubber sqeegies or something you could slide it right thru

--might be diffiuclt though since you gotta cock the gun, hold it and run the sqeegee thru simultaneously

[snoopay700]

i believe its a window to see if a ball is actualy being chambered, but i suppose if you had one of those psycho ballistic rubber sqeegies or something you could slide it right thru

--might be diffiuclt though since you gotta cock the gun, hold it and run the sqeegee thru simultaneously

Oh yeah haha, didn't think about a return spring, not sure why i didn't, but i just couldn't think of another reason why it would be there.