SL-68 II (v2.0): A First Look and Review

Since I'm clearly better than the mods, and just got my hands on SL-68 II # 0000326 before they got theirs, I figured I'd take some pretty (yeah, pretty crappy) pics and do a nice little-write up.

First off, the mission statement: To get newer and non-pump players introduced to pump play, and to give an overview of the new Tippmann SL-68 II pump marker.

Overview: What I got here is Tippmann's new SL-68 II pump. It's a remake of the marker that came out in '91 (which was an upgraded version of the SL-68, which came out in '87), but it fixes all the problems that the original SL-68 II's had, such as the undersized feedneck and a poorly designed grip. Included with the box were the instruction manual, a barrel bag, a squeegee and a 3mm Allen wrench.


Box, front.


Box, back.


Inside the box. Decent padding and necessary stuff.


Driver's side.


Passenger's side.

Feel: My first impressions of the ergonomics were absolutely terrific. It's a beefy frame, yet comfortable. It fills one's hands nicely without being overly large. The relocation of the ASA is far better than the original's positioning, as the original put the valve of the tank right in your palm, which got fairly uncomfortable after a while. When it's setup with a 150 rd. APP hopper (very nice hoppers, by the way) and a 12 oz tank, the marker is kinda long, but maintains excellent balance. It has a rifle-like feel to it when butted against your shoulder. However, compact it is not, and may not be the optimal speedball setup. Fortunately for me, I'm a scenario baller, so it feels PERFECT. The pump handle itself is very beefy and easy to grip. Feels good, man.


Fully loaded.


New compared to old (new on bottom).

Function: I haven't had a chance to play with it yet, obviously, but initial hands-on was exactly what I'd expect from a Tippmann. It honestly feels like I can chop down a small tree with this thing and keep on playing. I know that gets said a lot, but it's Thor's honest truth. However, the pump stroke, while fairly short and sweet, felt really heavy and kind of rough. Keep in mind, my gun's not broken in yet. I expect it to smooth out a little, but not too much. Another problem was that if I pumped it slowly, the bolt/carrier wouldn't catch the hammer. But that was only if I pumped it really slow. I expect that to solve itself when the springs get broken in. On the subject of springs, one thing I noticed is the new springs were smaller than the old ones. I'm curious to see what that does, as I don't have a chrono to test. The trigger had a little side-to-side wobble, but I wouldn't expect a butter trigger from a marker in this range. Also, the design lends itself to autotrigger pretty well. Like I said, not the smoothest, but not too terrible.


Springs (old set on bottom).

Fit and Finish: Once again, this thing feels like I can bludgeon a badger with it. Tippmann did an amazing job with this gun in keeping it original, and modernizing the parts that needed it. Like the old one, this thing is THE DEFINITION of K.I.S.S., or "Keep It Simple, Stupid." There are a total of four o-rings, and only 3 different sizes. 2 on the valve body, one on the back cap and one on the bolt to seal it in the barrel. There are like 5 main parts. There is honestly nothing to go wrong with this thing! The only tools needed to operate on this gun are two Allen wrenches, an included 3mm for velocity adjustment (the old velocity adjuster was also metric), and a 3/16" to remove barrel "pincher" screw. Also, the finish is really impressive on this. I can't tell if it's just a paint or a powder coat (the manual says anodize, but I was under the impression you can't ano pot-metal), but it feels VERY durable. It's a textured black matte, and is layered on thick. I'd guess powder coat. Also, the internal finishes have been much improved upon. The parts are exactly the same, but where the old ones had lathe marks that pretty much filed away the body, the new ones are much smoother. Still not a polished finish, but much better than the old. Overall, I'd say this is a marker I wouldn't expect to let you down.


The breakdown.


All that's needed.


Internal comparison (I couldn't get a good pic, but you can kinda tell the new ones are better [new on top]).

Summary: Overall, I'd have to say Tippmann made a winner here. It's a sturdy, simple, fun and affordable marker. However, there are some downsides, as with all markers. The pump stroke isn't perfect, and it's by no means a top-of-the-line pump, but I'd bank on it getting the job done, time after time after time after time after time after time after time after time, etc. That said, I'm not sure how I feel about the $170 price tag. I readily dropped the green, and it seems like a reasonable starting point, albeit a bit high. I'd imagine the price will drop over time, and if it does, this is the PERFECT marker to get introduced into pump play with. I know it's going to be my main scenario gun. :D

Hope my write-up helped anyone wondering about this marker! I'll get a performance addendum as soon as I can!


Edited by DeTrevni - 11 October 2009 at 2:19am

I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet (just dry-fired it). However, looking at the new one compared to the old one, the finish seems much better. It seems they honed the new one, and just kinda left the old one as is. I wouldn't expect it to "shoot darts," or whatever, but it should put them downrange pretty well. 

I'm banking on Hammerhead or Lapco to be the first. It shouldn't be too difficult to have a machinist turn down a barrel of your choosing though.

True, there should be a fair amount of old SL barrels floating around, but I'm talking about new runs. :)

I can't wait to put paint through it. Tomorrow I'll do an accuracy test. I've got a few k PSI left...

i dont know if im gona upgrade from my old and i mean old 100%metal pump from 1988 the pmi 68 magnum

Edited by paintballer19952 - 17 October 2009 at 7:09pm

paintballer19952 wrote: i dont know if im gona upgrade from my old and i mean old 100%metal pump from 1988 the pmi 68 magnum

I've owned a few of the brass guns, including a pre 2K PGP, a KP-2 DF and a PMI-II. I've still got the PGP, though it needs a new face seal. I now officially HATE getting in perfect position for a shot, aiming, then "PSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Heartbreaking.

"Pump" does not mean you pump it up to build up firing pressure; it means you must manually work the firing mechanism (pump it) between each shot.  It still uses some type of propellant source.

^^^How new are you to the sport?  There are pros and cons to entering the sport with a pump marker.  The main pro is that you really have to concentrate on tactics since you can't count on firepower to get out of jams.  For many pump players this builds skills that give them an advantage when they do use semis or full-autos.  The main con is that being new and having both a firepower and skill disadvantage leads to getting owned a lot on the field* and can be very frustrating for new players.

*Heck, I started when pumps were all that there was to use and went back to using them occasionally within the last 5 years or so; I still get my butt handed to me on the field every so often when I'm out there firing at 2-3 bps with a 45 round hopper.

Edited Addition:

The best thing about pump play for more experienced players is that it brings the thrill back if you've become jaded with the game.  The challenges inherent in going out with a limited ROF and paint supply really kicks up the adrenaline.


Edited by Mack - 19 October 2009 at 11:22am

Na i already have the X7 (it's in the Pic gallery, the M4 Build up) i was only thinking of getting one because we are starting up a local bush tourny and only using pump markers, for the higher grade of skill, less amount of paint. I was just nieve and thought that the pump marker was just that, a pump powered marker.  

Nice, expect mine in next week.