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New 2010 A5 vs X7
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Larcklorn View Drop Down
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    Posted: 21 November 2010 at 9:52am
As you can tell I am new to the forums. I began reading through the posts hoping to find an answer to my question, but sadly did not see much discussion about the new A5. So my question is this:
 
I have been playing paintball for several months by using generic rental equipment and just finished a scenario event where Tippmann was a sponser and allowed players to test drive the X7 Phenom, which of course was crazy good compared to the generic Tippmann 98s the field leased out. I am ready to make the leap to own my own marker. Here is what I am eventually looking to do on the field:
 
* Longer distance sniper
* Accurate
* Does not need a high rate of fire
* Reliable
 
So I am looking to cutomize whatever I buy with a better barrel and a scope at some point, but need the marker that will allow me to do this in the best way at the cheapest cost.
 
So, the new A5 just came out and seems to have everything that I may need, but should I just go ahead and go with the X7 or Phenom based on what I am wanting to do?
 
Best regards :)
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FlyByNight View Drop Down
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Get the Phenom mechanical
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Larcklorn View Drop Down
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Just for my knowledge - what makes the Phenom Mechanical better than the new A5?
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I'm far from an expert on marker internals but from what I gather on the x7og.net forums (w/ phenom forums there as well) it has completely different internals.  The blow-forward spool valve design is much more efficient and should be more accurate (read: consistent) as well.  Everyone seems to agree it is the best marker Tippmann makes - but you're going to pay $130 more for it.  You might try going to x7og.net and asking for specifics - people seem to be a bit more knowledgeable (or at least more vocal/open with their knowledge) there.
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Originally posted by Larcklorn Larcklorn wrote:

As you can tell I am new to the forums. I began reading through the posts hoping to find an answer to my question, but sadly did not see much discussion about the new A5. So my question is this:
 
I have been playing paintball for several months by using generic rental equipment and just finished a scenario event where Tippmann was a sponser and allowed players to test drive the X7 Phenom, which of course was crazy good compared to the generic Tippmann 98s the field leased out. I am ready to make the leap to own my own marker. Here is what I am eventually looking to do on the field:
 
* Longer distance sniper
Generally, pretty much all markers have the same range.  A ball leaving any standard barrel at 280 fps will travel just as far as a ball leaving any other standard barrel at 280 fps no matter what the length or internal design.    You can get longer distances with backspin barrels but the spin inherent to the increased distance does intend to affect accuracy in a negative manner at longer ranges.  (These barrels make good tools for suppressive fire but not such good tools for single shot eliminations at the longer distances.)

* Accurate
Some barrels will be more accurate at the extreme edges of their range than others.  Such accuracy is determined by several factors which include the internal finish of the barrel and the paintball to barrel fit.  A good solution for the best accuracy is a barrel kit that allows matching the internal diameter of the barrel to the size of the paint.  Some people swear by these; with the exception of my pumps (where every shot counts) I have never considered the slight gain in accuracy to be worth the additional expense.
* Does not need a high rate of fire
Then a semi-auto Tippmann, such as the Mech Phenom, would work perfectly. The mechanical version was probably suggested above both because you mentioned not needing excessive rate of fire and because the operating mechanism, which differs from the standard Tippmann blowback design, shoud theoretically be slightly more accurate.

* Reliable
Any Tippmann would fit the bill here.

So I am looking to cutomize whatever I buy with a better barrel and a scope at some point, but need the marker that will allow me to do this in the best way at the cheapest cost.
 
So, the new A5 just came out and seems to have everything that I may need, but should I just go ahead and go with the X7 or Phenom based on what I am wanting to do?
 
Best regards :)
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Larcklorn View Drop Down
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Thanks everyone for the quick responses. So going with the Tippmann X7 Phenom Mechanical - is it suggested to upgrade the barrel straight off to the flatline or is there another type that I should be paying attention to that is aftermarket.
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I would avoid the flatline. I personally do not like it. I find them finnicky on paint, sometimes they shoot horribly or break paint. With the correct paint($$$) and a properly shooting marker they can be great. 
 
I would reccomend a traditional straight barrel from either J&J, Lapco, or similar model. In addition, if you want a flatline effect, check out BT's APEX barrel. Imagine it as an adjustable flatline.
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Larcklorn View Drop Down
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Any size recommendation?
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....thats what she said

 
Anyway, 14'' maximum. Anything longer than a 14'' barrel will just be awkward to play with and give you no gains whatsoever. I play with an old 13" J&J that I got with my Pro/Carbine.
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The stock Phenom barrel actually isn't too bad.  I've tried three barrels on my Phenom.  Stock, Longbow (.684), and Flasc.   I've been pretty happy with my flasc barrel - it's super quiet and accuracy - short of a break, is very good.  I got a flasc 9" control (.690 bore size), 3" double-ported extension, and then several different tips (I usually use the blaster tip).
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Tippmann Custom 98s generic??? I think not.
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Phenom Mechanical is the way to go. Not only are you getting a Marker that performs better than Blow back Technology. You will be able to squeeze about 800+ shots off a 72/3000 tank. You will also be able to upgrade your marker as any SMG/Assault rifle that you fancy. The Phenom E-grip will also boost your Rate of Fire if you find yourself like many new players moving away from the "Sniper" concept and more into a aggressive Assaulting player.
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So I have to ask three questions:
 
1) Should I just go ahead and spend the extra bit for the Phenom Electric?
 
2) I know this should not be stated on this forum, but I have heard a lot of good things about the Invert Mini - I honestly like the military look, but I could deal without it for better performance - has anyone owned one?
 
3) If I go with the either - where is the best place to get a good deal?
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1) I'd say it depends on where you play and whether they let you use anything beyond semi-auto firing modes.  I've got the full Phenom and I play somewhere where I can't use any of the firing modes.  However, that said, I *do* play with it in the FA setting but in firing mode 5 (semi-auto).  In electronic mode it's like half the pull to fire vs the mechanical mode, so even in semi-auto I can fire pretty darn fast.  You could probably just as easily put a new trigger on it and get the same effect.  It's your call.  You can save $100 if you're not interested in the e-trigger.  If you decide to get the e-trigger later then you would have saved $30 by going with the electronic phenom from the start.
2) can't say..
3) Short of old models, it seems like everybody charges pretty much retail for most markers.
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