I would say most of the important parts are metal and the rest looks like high density plastic. You will be thrilled with the feed system, they engineered around the expensive hoppers and I think this is the only feature that in a large way sets the A-5 apart from any other marker.

It has a good feel, but a heavy barrel like a boomstick changes the balance totally from say, a carbon fiber. I notice more difference then I would expect.

I think the chimpsiest looking parts are the sights, you'll want to take those off - they are mostly useless and block your view.

You mean running a remote line to a tank on your harness.

The barrel will change the feel of any marker; don’t let that dissuade you. I personally think the flatline is a POS and have my personal reasons. If curious just ask but I don’t want to start a war on here about it. Everyone misses the point that the best barrel is what’s best for them. If you run remote with a flatline get a gas-through stock so you can hold it steady. But if you have a stock – why run remote?

The A-5 is modeled like a carbine. Therefore keep a relatively short barrel on it for ease of ergonomics and balance ect.

What type of games do you play? Get some practice and let the game tell you what you need.

well, i've only been a few times at my local place, there's no paintball shops for about 150 miles. the shop ~I'm looking at getting everything from is doing money off the marker and the flatline at half price for me plus lots of extra stuff mask etc of a little cheaper.

I'm gonna look in a few months into changing it into an MP5 look I think

Round here its all very woodland sort of stuff....

Well get a good mask. Ability to see and hear makes all the difference in the world especially in the woods.

Half price flatline? Either your in good or I wish you best of luck.