Low Tippmann A-5 Velocity

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This is a problem that's arisen shortly before I had to put paintball on pause a few years back, but since I'm considering re-entering the world, I believe it's worth fixing this issue that I got.

I have one of the 'older model' A-5's - the first type before new revisions were made to them, and bought around 2004  to 05 - and it's velocity has suddenly become a little low. Last I chronographed it, the velocity was around 260 fps, and no matter how much adjustment I had given the velocity screw, it would not change. It used to be that even a quarter turn would bring me from 250 right up to around 280 feet per second.

During this period, I had set up the A-5 with a compressed air source rated at an 850 psi output. The barrels in use were both the Flatline and a SpecOps Carbon Fiber Stiffi barrel; with both, the velocity was either 260 fps or lower,  no matter the adjustments made to the velocity screw. In addition to these, the A-5 had been converted to a B-5 bullpup kit with a Q-Loader system which included a screw that capped off the Cyclone Feed's gas feed port. There were some other accesories, but I believe none of them interfered with the gas feed.

With this setup, it worked wonderfully well, but after the 2007 South Corona Village "Decay of Nations" Scenario Game, I noted that the performance started to decay - forgive the wording. By this time, I had already fired what I guess to be several thousand rounds through it. And no, I will not say 'Over 9000' even though that may be the case.

I have a few guesses as to what may have happened:

First, it may be that the internal components of the power tube has become 'broken in' and will no longer give me enough gas to achieve a higher velocity of around 280-300 feet per second. It was always 260 or lower.

Second, it may be the gas tank itself becoming 'broken in' and in requirement of adjustment to put it's output back at 850 psi so the A-5 will function properly.

I'm at a loss as to why this low velocity problem on my A-5 has occurred, but any feedback on the matter would be appreciated, and I'd be glad to try and provide more details if asked.

Edited by CadetNewb - 26 February 2012 at 8:12pm

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CadetNewb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 26 February 2012 Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote CadetNewb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Low Tippmann A-5 Velocity Posted: 26 February 2012 at 8:11pm
	This is a problem that's arisen shortly before I had to put paintball on pause a few years back, but since I'm considering re-entering the world, I believe it's worth fixing this issue that I got. I have one of the 'older model' A-5's - the first type before new revisions were made to them, and bought around 2004 to 05 - and it's velocity has suddenly become a little low. Last I chronographed it, the velocity was around 260 fps, and no matter how much adjustment I had given the velocity screw, it would not change. It used to be that even a quarter turn would bring me from 250 right up to around 280 feet per second. During this period, I had set up the A-5 with a compressed air source rated at an 850 psi output. The barrels in use were both the Flatline and a SpecOps Carbon Fiber Stiffi barrel; with both, the velocity was either 260 fps or lower, no matter the adjustments made to the velocity screw. In addition to these, the A-5 had been converted to a B-5 bullpup kit with a Q-Loader system which included a screw that capped off the Cyclone Feed's gas feed port. There were some other accesories, but I believe none of them interfered with the gas feed. With this setup, it worked wonderfully well, but after the 2007 South Corona Village "Decay of Nations" Scenario Game, I noted that the performance started to decay - forgive the wording. By this time, I had already fired what I guess to be several thousand rounds through it. And no, I will not say 'Over 9000' even though that may be the case. I have a few guesses as to what may have happened: First, it may be that the internal components of the power tube has become 'broken in' and will no longer give me enough gas to achieve a higher velocity of around 280-300 feet per second. It was always 260 or lower. Second, it may be the gas tank itself becoming 'broken in' and in requirement of adjustment to put it's output back at 850 psi so the A-5 will function properly. I'm at a loss as to why this low velocity problem on my A-5 has occurred, but any feedback on the matter would be appreciated, and I'd be glad to try and provide more details if asked. Edited by CadetNewb - 26 February 2012 at 8:12pm

Mack Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Has no impulse! control Joined: 13 January 2004 Location: 2nd Circle Status: Offline Points: 9906	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mack Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 February 2012 at 10:56pm
	You could check the output pressure of the tank, but my bet is that it is time for a new mainspring.


CadetNewb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 26 February 2012 Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote CadetNewb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 February 2012 at 1:04am
	I already tried a new mainspring I'm afraid - I'm sorry for not mentioning that before. I honestly didn't even remember I had done so until you had suggested that to me. I even remove the mainspring from the A-5 as well as the rear bolt to when they're not in use as well. If it is the air tank, I'm guessing I'd best take it to a nearby paintball shop to have it's output checked?