flatline?

They are fun.  I have the flatline and the apex.

There will be a complete and total difference. Throw accuracy out the window, regardless of which barrel you are looking at. You are launching liquid-filled imperfect spheres. At the ranges paintball is played, any gain of accuracy (however marginal) will be almost inconsequential. I don't honestly see why people go on and on about barrel kits and accuracy and all that...

If you want me to explain my stance on that, I will. However, back to the question at hand: The Flatline puts a backspin on the ball, being one of the two only barrels conclusively proven to add distance to the paintball (the other barrel being the Apex). However, the velocity is still the same from any other barrel, so at the extended ranges the Flatty offers, you have a reduced chance of paintball breakage. The real advantage the Flatline has over other barrels is in the brush, where you can get good distance shots off without having to arc the ball into brush and whatnot. When I first got my Flatline, I was shocked at how often that was beneficial in woods play.

The Sniper barrel will perform the same as any other barrel on the market. A tube is a tube is a tube...

I'd say so, with a few caveats. Firstly, the barrel is curved, so proper installation is important. If you don't align the barrel, the balls will wing off in one direction. Secondly, the inside of the barrel is textured, not smooth. This can lead to a few breaks with brittle paint. Also, that makes cleaning sometimes problematic. Thirdly, if your field allows velocity to 300 FPS, you have to keep your velocity in the 260-280 FPS range. I've noticed, and it's reported, that the Flatty doesn't like high velocity.

Also, as stated, you have to have the right philosophy of use on the Flatline. Don't expect to take advantage of the extended range (though it may come in handy from time to time). The real advantage is a flatter trajectory in the brush. If that's something you will need, check out the Flatline. That said, with my playing style, I prefer standard barrels, personally.


Edited by DeTrevni - 23 October 2011 at 10:09pm

Flatline= backspin=  longer paintball distance travel + wider ball grouping at long ranges (less accuracy than normal barrels: 14" and 16")...... 14" and 16"= shorter distances than flatline + tighter ball grouping (depends on barrel manufacturer).... I have a 14" JJ Ceramic barrel that works wonders along with a flatline. I believe the ceramics as far as one-piece barrels go, is on of the best. Teflon coating on inside makes paintball chops seem like they never happened cuz they slide out with the next few shots. However, the flatline is pretty awesome and there's nothing like it really... I could hit my freinds from around 110-130ft while they could only get around 70-100ft!!!!! But, as DeTrevni said, u have a lower chance of breakage, and have to stay around 260-280 fps cuz it can cause chops and unpredictable swerves with the ball. Trust me... I was at a 500 person scenario event and nearly hit my teammates on both sids of me flanking the enemy by putting up my velocity slightly too high Xo.