TPX Review

I received a Tippmann TPX a few weeks ago and decided very quickly that I definitely love this marker. Holding the marker for the first time allowed me to gage the size and weight of the marker. Slightly larger than most handguns, the TPX fits nicely into and can be balanced with one hand. Younger and smaller players may have to use two hands to use and balance this marker, for best results, but many players will be able to handle this marker with one hand (or possibly one in each hand). 

My favorite thing about this marker is how compact it is. With this marker's use of under the barrel 12 gram air cartridges and magazine clips, the marker is very small and compact. This allows players a greater amount of flexibility, mobility, and a smaller profile. There is no bulky hopper or airlines. The marker is also easily switched between both hands. Left handed player may have a slightly harder time ejecting the magazine clips but it is still possible.  

While there have been complaints of problems with the 12 grams not piercing on the first trigger pull, I have had no problems using Copper Head cartridges. One benefit with the first trigger pull = air puncture is if a player accidentally forgets to charge his marker before a match, instead of wasting valuable time, all the player has to do is pull the trigger one extra time. The trigger seems to be constructed out of a lightweight material. To touch it feels unexpectedly soft and almost plastic but so far i have not had any problems with it being too flimsy.

The two Self-Locking 8-Ball Magazine Clips (included) are exactly what paintball players have been waiting a long time to be implemented into paintball markers. These clips easily lock into place underneath into the marker's grip. With the quick push of a button the clip is quickly and smoothly ejected. The covered see- thru holes provides an accurate and exact assessment of the amount of ammo remaining in the clip. Since there is not a perfect ratio of paintballs in the clip with the amount of air in a CO2 cartridge, the windows are definitely helpful.

The marker’s accuracy is impressive with the stock barrel. The included A-5 or X7 threaded barrel adaptor is a nice touch to allow players the option of upgrading their markers with compatible aftermarket barrels. Also the carry case in which the marker is marketed and sold, is both functional and durable. The foam inside holds the marker snugly in place and there is room remaining to hold extra clips which helps in making transportation of this marker and its accessories easy. 

The Tippmann TPX holster is, both, left and right side functional but it does have an issue. The holster has an extra Velcro-attached pouch which is able to hold extra 12 grams C02 cartridges. There are the three storage slots that are sewn across the back and the pouch has enough room in front to squeeze in three more cartridges. The flaw is that the weight of a full pouch pulls on the Velcro from the top down at a stand still and if a player were to start jogging or running, the jarring impacts of the leg pounding at the ground may be enough for the pouch to tear loose on its own. Having the pouch detach during a game would be a disaster for any player.

The trigger seems to be constructed out of a lightweight material. To touch it feels unexpectedly soft and almost plastic but so far i have not had any problems with it being too flimsy.

The two Self-Locking 8-Ball Magazine Clips (included) are exactly what paintball players have been waiting a long time to be implemented into paintball markers. These clips easily lock into place underneath into the marker's grip. With the quick push of a button the clip is quickly and smoothly ejected. The covered see- thru holes provides an accurate and exact assessment of the amount of ammo remaining in the clip. Since there is not a perfect ratio of paintballs in the clip with the amount of  air in a CO2 cartridge, the windows are definately helpful. 

The Tippmann TPX holster is left and right side functional but it does has some issues, The holster has extra velcro attached pouches, able to hold extra 12 grams C02 cartridges. There are the three storage slots that are sewn across the back and the pouch has enough room in front to squeeze in three more cartridges. If six cartridges is the intended amount for the pouch to hold, I feel that the amount of Velcro that is meant to grip the to pouch to the holster is not strong enough for the task. The weight of a full pouch pulls on the Velcro from the top down at a stand still and if a player were to start jogging or running, I fell that the jarring impacts of the leg pounding at the ground may be enough for the pouch to tear loose on its own. Perhaps adding another strip of Velcro towards the bottom underneath the original strip could address the concern. Or extra Velcro strips with adhesive on the non Velcro side could be sold as a Tippmann accessory so that player could purchase these strips and adhere them to wherever and whatever they wanted and then proceed to attach them to tactical vests that they may have already purchased (or another possible Tippmann accessory). Since Tippmann was looking at issues with the holster, I thought now would be the best time to mention this observation regarding the spare air cartridge holder.

I give this marker a seal of approval. If you dont have one yet. Go pick one up. Immediately.