I am buying a Mag, need advice.

[Achilles]

Hi, i am new to this forum, just registered. I have a Tippmann 98, and i have pretty much upgraded it as high as i can go. Basically, i want to start over with a higher level marker and build from there. I have my eye on the MiniMag because its more in my price range and I think i like its features better than the 68 Classic. I was wondering if anyone could suggest a course of upgrading to take. I know that i will want a new barrel, because, while i like speedball, 8 is just a bit too short for my tastes. I would really appreciate any help i could get.

[Jonno06]

level10,revvy,n2,new barrel,intelliframe....then whatever u want to add/upgrade from there...

[Miscue]

The Minimag is pretty much the same gun as the classic... except stock with power feed... vert asa... different body (cosmetic).

If you want to take a step beyond classic mag... go to an RT Pro and get HPA.

BTW, welcome to AO!

[Achilles]

Thanks for the ideas, but see here's the thing. When i say i am new to mags, i mean i am really new. So yeah, those upgrades listed, i really can't say i know what they are, and certainly not how well they actually perform. So if you could maybe explain what those are and their function that'd be good. Hmmm...and i realized the difference between the minimag and the 68 Classic was basically aesthetic, and i am really not big on the vertical bottle look, which i will want to change. So basically, i am goin Minimag simply because its in my price range, yet i felt it was a better buy than the 68 and that it looks a bit more suited for my tastes. Thanks again.

[Arturus]

Do you know how much you'll be spending total?

The reason I ask is, if you plan on purchasing both the lvl 10 and intelliframe as an upgrade to your Mag in the near future, it might be better just to buy an Rt Pro.

The Pro comes with an intelliframe currently and I believe the lvl 10 will be standard on it soon enough. You can find one for as low as $580 on the internet. The intelliframe and lvl 10 alone will cost you around... $170-$190. I haven't checked in awhile, but don't minimags go for around $350-$390?

I'll try and give you an brief idea of the items/upgrades Jonno06 listed.

level 10 -
Vids and more information here on what the lvl 10 is capable of and how it operates.

http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=40904

http://www.automags.org/resource/level10/index.shtml

'Revvy' - Same as the hopper/loader on your tippman, but this refers to an agitator. Basically an electric loader from Viewloader that feeds faster than your standard hopper. If you plan on using a Mag, this one is a must. Your typical ROF will be higher than what you're used to on the Tippman, and you'll need a hopper to keep up with it. This is assuming you don't have a revvy now.

n2 - Refers to nitrogen/compressed air. Co2 is what you probably use now. N2/compressed air is preferred by many for it's consistency in comparison to Co2 which is affected by the weather/heat/cold.

New Barrel - Pretty simple here. Most buy new barrels from companies such as Dye, Lapco, and so forth to replace their stock counterparts.

Intelliframe - This is the name of the trigger frame made by AGD. Many people replace stock grips/frames for aftermarket parts in order to have a 'shorter' trigger pull... among other reasons, such as comfort. This one comes with an option to hook up to your Revvy/Hopper/Warp so that it spins/feeds everytime you pull your trigger.

I recommend you do a search on the 'Intelliframe' to learn more about it.

The list jono06 gave you isn't necessarily the order in which you have to 'upgrade' your marker. He did give you a good idea of the path to take, though you will get varying opinions from others. Research on the subject and go with what you think will fit you best - in terms of need and $$$ range. The search feature will come in extremely handy, although you may be overwhelmed at times.

Keep this post on top, and other members here will be happy to answer your questions and further expand on my post. I only gave you the most basic information.

EDIT: I forgot, the most important advice. Try the markers out at your local field and/or store. Go with what you prefer. People at the field and especially at the store may persuade you to do otherwise. Listen to them and give it some thought, but make sure you do your own research and make the final decision.

[K-villeplayer]

If you are getting the mini, I would get a new barrel like you said, then a gas thru fore grip. it doesn't do anything, but it makes the gun feel better in my opinion. Also n2 is a really good thing unless you run remote or have an anti siphon co2 tank. After that, if you find that you chop a lot, go with the level 10 mod. It completley eliminates ball chopping. To find out more on the level 10, look at the classics at the top of the forums. Also, a revvy hopper is a must with high rates of fire. To obtain those high rates of fire, go with an intelliframe. The Benchmark is not worth the money in my opinion and I just switched from it to the intelliframe. From there, it is up to you. What ever cosmetic or other things that you think that you will need.

[Achilles]

Thanks, okay, sorry, i sounded like a total noob. I already know what a revvie is cause i have a smoke 12 volt w/ x board, should have mentioned that. As you said, the barrel one was obvious. I am thinking maybe a 12 inch boomstick right now. I knew what n2 was and i am already lookin at that. I am trying to keep that under $200. Shouldn't be too hard cause i am plannin on running on marker(not vertical)so i am gonna want to have a small light one. I found one for $189. You're right about the Mini goin for 350 to 390 i have one in mind that is at $350. With reference to the level 10, i think i will hold off until i decide that i am choppin too much. The intelliframe doesn't sound too bad, but from what i have read, its main purpose is to coordinate with the warp feed which i don't plan to use. So basically, the plan i am thinkin about for now is the marker itself ($350) and then the tank ($189) some form of bottomline setup with a df (any suggestions?) then the barrel. And this will prolly come in spurts cause i ain't exactly rollin in it right now. Then follow that up with a barrel ($100 at least, prolly a boomstick). Then prolly go for the ReTro Valve comboed with a double finger trigger. How does this sound and does anyone have suggestions on specifics?

[Ityl]

the first thing to do is figure out what type of gas to run, CO2, or HPA (high pressure air aka nitro). The reason why is because with CO2 you NEED an x-chamber. With hpa all it will do is add unneeded weight.

A minimag just has a different body and comes with the vert adapter. Functions the same.

What I'd get:

automag classic with powerfeed ($239 at paintballgear)
lapco bigshot or any other barrel
macroline with 2 90* fittings
bottomline adapter or drop forward
vertical adapter and x-chamber (CO2 only)
hpa tank (screw in will work just fine) or CO2 tank

Upgrades:
foregrip when using hpa (don't run the gas through it)
intelliframe - AGD's double trigger frame
Level 10 - will make the gun be able to pinch balls
Revolution - highly recommended - motorized hopper

I think this is it. You don't need any valve, reg, or on/off parts. If you have any questions this is the place to ask.

[Arturus]

Originally posted by Ityl
the first thing to do is figure out what type of gas to run, CO2, or HPA (high pressure air aka nitro). The reason why is because with CO2 you NEED an x-chamber. With hpa all it will do is add unneeded weight.

A minimag just has a different body and comes with the vert adapter. Functions the same.

What I'd get:

automag classic with powerfeed ($239 at paintballgear)
lapco bigshot or any other barrel
macroline with 2 90* fittings
bottomline adapter or drop forward
vertical adapter and x-chamber (CO2 only)
hpa tank (screw in will work just fine) or CO2 tank

Upgrades:
foregrip when using hpa (don't run the gas through it)
intelliframe - AGD's double trigger frame
Level 10 - will make the gun be able to pinch balls
Revolution - highly recommended - motorized hopper

I think this is it. You don't need any valve, reg, or on/off parts. If you have any questions this is the place to ask.

Since money is being taken into consideration, go with what he just said. *points up*

If you're thinking about purchasing a Retro Valve in the future, I'd recommend going with a HPA/N2 from the start. Unless you already have a CO2 tank with an expansion chamber. I'm guessing you already have one that you use with the Tippman?

Also, you have to decide whether to go with N2 or Co2, before any real suggestions on a drop forward can be made.

Oh and you really don't need a boomstick. Go with a Lapco barrel and you'll save $50+ right there. That's just my opinion of course. When you decide on a double trigger frame... go with the Intelliframe. I don't think you'll find a shorter trigger pull anywhere else, and the intelliframe was designed specifically by AGD to work with Mags.

And don't apologize. We all started somewhere. Besides, I still ask my newbie questions. Proud of it.

[Achilles]

Alright i think i can handle the money where my plan of action is concerned. I don't like gettin everything at once anyway, cause i sorta like seeing the improvement. This sentiment might stem from my lack of the green, but i enjoy it. Its like, "Whoa, my marker is ten times better now." So now, i am lookin for approval and suggestions.

The plan i am thinkin about for now is the marker itself ($350) and then the tank (n2, $189) some form of bottomline setup with a df (any suggestions?) then the barrel. And this will prolly come in spurts cause i ain't exactly rollin in it right now. Then follow that up with a barrel ($100 at least, prolly a boomstick, potentially a big shot, i lean towards boomstick cause i have seen them perform, tell me about these other barrels). Then prolly go for the ReTro Valve comboed with a double finger trigger. How does this sound and does anyone have suggestions on specifics?

[ben_JD]

Originally posted by Achilles
The intelliframe doesn't sound too bad, but from what i have read, its main purpose is to coordinate with the warp feed which i don't plan to use.

Actually, the Intelliframe works very well with the Revolution as well. There are many posts on this site that tell you how to wire it...imagine that the revolution didn't wait until there were no paintballs in the feed neck, but turned EVERY time you pulled the trigger.

[Mossman]

Dude, get a used 47/3000 nitro tank as a start. 55 shipped. That cuts a lot out of your price. I'd say go used man. Mags only get better with age.....and cheaper too.

[Arturus]

Have you decided on a specific HPA thank yet?

Preset or adjustable? If you tell the forum exactly what tank you're leaning towards, they might be able to better help you with the drop-forward.

To be honest, I only know much about Max-Flo's and AA Geddon's. The latter is what I have. I believe people say the crossfire is a good preset tank. As for the barrel, do a search on here for Lapco - Bigshots and Autospirits.

Most people who have used the barrel will tell you it performs as well, or better than the Dye. That should give you an idea. Some people dislike it for being louder than the Dye's and of course the boomstick has the 'cool' factor on it. Just do a search.

Since you're pretty set on the minimag, search the net for lower prices. I think it's $315 at modidfiedpaintball -

http://9375.adahost.com/prod_cat.asp?cat=7&manf=32

[TylerDurden]

Its also $279 at paintballgear.com

http://www.actionvillage.com/010-1040.html

[Achilles]

No offense, but used isn't my thing. I like to be the first and only owner of the marker I buy. Thanks TylerDurden, thats an awesome tip on the price. This is the tank i am interested in. http://www.shop4paintball.com/shop4p...s/04PE45CI4500 Yeah, so tell me what you think. And a quick question on the intelliframe, when rigged to the revvie i have, i won't have a lot of wires hangin around, cause i occasionally have to play in the woods and i dont want snags that could seriously mess me up. I prefer speedball, but woods are the reality of living in an area devoid of fields. Anyway, this help is appreciated.