It's a Tippmann. It wont break.

'Nuff said.

Nobody was asking for anyone to draw comparisons.  You were asked what was wrong with Tippmanns. 

On a side note, I've competed quite nicely against people that have mid to high-end markers with my Tippy.

jerseypaint wrote: Doesn't mean your marker compares.

Doesn't mean that it doesn't either. 

jerseypaint wrote: If he was asking seriously what is wrong with Tippmanns I would say that its a blow-back, sear tripper (as previously stated). Its operation makes it prone to break down (I know you can hit them with a sledge hammer, but more moving parts does mean it has more opportunity for something going wrong) and inefficient.

Which is nullified by Tippmann's customer support.  One of the best in paintball.  If something goes wrong even outside the warranty, all you have to pay is for the parts and S/H.  No labor charges.  I will grant you that the Tippmanns aren't the most efficient marker out there.  But there are some electros out there that aren't super efficient either.

jerseypaint wrote: Its shell is about 400lbs

Nice exaggeration.  You just have to remember.  Nothing is heavy.  You're just not strong enough to lift it. 

jerseypaint wrote: and the stock parts are very lack luster.

Ah, a jab at color aesthetics?  You can always buy an old metallic green Spyder instead.

jerseypaint wrote: I also can't stand that the A-5 cannot have it hopper swapped out

Sure you can.  You can get different after-market hoppers for the A-5.  I wouldn't recommend the Ricochet.  Mine broke the first day I played with it.  Chintzy piece of crap that thing was. I'm thinking about switching to the X-7 lower profile hopper myself.

jerseypaint wrote: and that the 98c requires some home-mod work for centerfeed.

No argument there.  I was most disappointed that the Platinum series came without a centerfeed option.  The RD Centerfeed Kit looks disappointing to me since it's made of plastic. 

jerseypaint wrote: But again, Tippmanns don't need to own up to these standards for they are advertised for the low-end market.

Some of their markers are, yes, but not all of them.  They cover a wide range of prices from $99 - $299+.  You don't have a particularly high opinion for Tippmann markers, where I do.  Tippmann markers are good markers.  Very reliable and durable.  They are decently priced for the performance you receive.  And as I've said before, you can't beat their customer service.  

jerseypaint wrote: When your Tippmann compares to a Cyborg, you come tell me.

While we're comparing apples to oranges, show me a Cyborg that can shoot off of a non-modified C02 cylinder. 

jerseypaint wrote: Customer support doesn't make the problem not happen, just fixes it. I rather not have any breakdowns than know that when it does happen I'll have good customer service. This isn't saying Tippmann Customer Service isn't the best around, but it doesn't prevent the marker from breaking-down.

So, in other words, there are markers out there with no moving parts where wear and tear won't be a problem? 

jerseypaint wrote: No. Markers do get heavy. Especially if you are playing all day, sprinting around. Its not about strength, its about fatigue. Hold an Ego in one hand and an A-5 in another, run around for a little and tell me which arm feels more tired.

Wrong.  Nothing is heavy.  You either do or do not have the required strength to move, lift or otherwise affect an object.  But, you probably haven't lifted weights, so the concept is lost on you.  I've run around the woods all day with my A-5 as well as my Ion.  I can't say either way I felt much of a differene.

jerseypaint wrote: No. I wasn't talking about color, I was talking about the stock parts and how they aren't the best quality.

I disagree.  The stock internal components don't need replacing.  If you're going to fling a lot of paint with the Cyclone feeder, you do need to replace those internals.  In the 6 years I've been using my A-5, all I've had to replace so far is the sear.

jerseypaint wrote: Right off the bat you need stock barrel replacing

No arguement there.  The stock barrels that come on Tippmanns are appalling.

jerseypaint wrote: there is no reg (unlike most high-ends),

Regulators on Tippmanns are optional and not always necessary.

jerseypaint wrote: and the top speed it can achieve is about 3-5bps.

With the 68 Special, Pro/Am and Pro/Lite, I slightly agree with you that you might be lucky to get 6bps out of those.  With the 98s, A-5 and X-7s, you can get 8 or better stock without electronics or R/T. 

jerseypaint wrote: You can change the container that holds the paint, but you are still using the cyclone feed. I'm talking about changing it from cyclone to a Halo or any other hopper. The only available choice is the Q-loader which if you are going to need alot of paint, can be a pain.

That isn't what you said.  You said specifically, the hopper, not the feed system.  You also forgot to mention the Warp Feed.  Neither the Warp Feed or the Q-Loader hold any attraction for me.  I like the Cyclone Feeder.  It is one less (set of) battery(ies) I'd have to worry about. 

jerseypaint wrote: All Tippmanns are low-end now. All of them, price does not make them any better. Now, I never said they aren't good markers, but only for their field (low ends), compared to "mid-ends" and high-ends, they are pretty bad. And yes, they are reliable and durable, and you do get what you pay for, sometimes (I think the A-5 and similar markers are overpriced). Lastly, yes, they have awesome costumer service. I would think the best in the industry.

This is where it just comes down to opinion.  You feel that Tippmanns are low end markers because they don't share the same inner workings as your mid to high end markers.  They don't have eyes, they sear-trip, they have too many moving parts.  I get and understand your arguments.  I agree with some of your points and disagree with others.  I've played with and against guys that have mid and high end markers and some have underestimated me because I use a Tippmann.  The meat of the matter is preference.  I couldn't afford a mid or high end marker when I bought my A-5.  I had other expenses to take care of (home, cars, motorcycle, loans, bills).  Over the years I slowly upgraded while I could afford it.  Now, I can throw as much or almost as much paint as these mid to high end markers.

So, basically what we come down to is agreeing to disagree.

Umm I carry around an A5 and i used to go on gun and the weight never bothered me.  The last time I checked a cyborg was alot more than any gun we are talking about. I have NEVER had a part break on my A5 and i have had it for about 4 years now and put more paint through it than I want to think about.  As for the hopper the joy of the cyclone is you dont need a Halo.  You can upgrade the internals and get about 25 bps.  You dont need more than that.  My A5 was much faster than 3-5 bps when I bout it,  More like 15 bps which, for me, is more than enough. As for not being as good as higher end markers the marker is only as good as the player.  I have played against people with high ends and I used my A5 and emerged victorious.  Its all about prefference.  Personally I dont want a DM#, Ego, Cyborg, etc. 

As for the Alpha it looks to be a good solid gun so far.  Once the e grip comes out lemme know how it performs. 

And as for switching out the hopper to the X7 hopper Stormy I would recomend it.  I bought one and love it.

jerseypaint wrote: When your Tippmann compares to a Cyborg, you come tell me.

Compare how?

I have an Angel, some Mags, some Cockers, and a bunch of other stuff, but my A-5 is still the most fun to shoot.

Sure, the Angel is more consistent and quiet, but I love me my A-5.

And since I play for fun, I'd say the Tippmann wins in my book.

My point being that "performance" is not the only measure for most people, and it should not be.

If you are playing competitively that is one thing, but most of us play for fun.  Therefore "fun" should be the most important measure.  "Performance" may be part of that, but certainly not the only part, nor the most important part.

jerseypaint wrote: StormyKnight wrote: While we're comparing apples to oranges, show me a Cyborg that can shoot off of a non-modified C02 cylinder. Would you like me to use a Blazer as an example? Then you would have no argument. So, in other words, there are markers out there with no moving parts where wear and tear won't be a problem? Not no moving parts. But very few as to minimize the opportunity of a break down. Wrong. Nothing is heavy. You either do or do not have the required strength to move, lift or otherwise affect an object. But, you probably haven't lifted weights, so the concept is lost on you. I've run around the woods all day with my A-5 as well as my Ion. I can't say either way I felt much of a differene. Jumping to assumptions huh? I do lift weights thank you, and I have used an A-5 as a primary marker for about two years. And though I have not felt much fatigue at all, doesn't take away from the fact that the A-5 is undoubtedly heavier than high-ends and therefore heavy when compared. I disagree. The stock internal components don't need replacing. If you're going to fling a lot of paint with the Cyclone feeder, you do need to replace those internals. In the 6 years I've been using my A-5, all I've had to replace so far is the sear. When I say stock parts, I mean barrel and firing operation (trigger and such). Regulators on Tippmanns are optional and not always necessary. Regs are always a plus and key for good consistency and efficiency. Having them come stock is a huge perk With the 98s, A-5 and X-7s, you can get 8 or better stock without electronics or R/T. 8bps with a single trigger and no R/T or E-grip. I don't think so. That isn't what you said. You said specifically, the hopper, not the feed system. You also forgot to mention the Warp Feed. Neither the Warp Feed or the Q-Loader hold any attraction for me. I like the Cyclone Feeder. It is one less (set of) battery(ies) I'd have to worry about. The hopper is the feed system. Last I checked, the cyclone and the warp-feed are the only ones that separate the components. This is where it just comes down to opinion. You feel that Tippmanns are low end markers because they don't share the same inner workings as your mid to high end markers. They don't have eyes, they sear-trip, they have too many moving parts. I get and understand your arguments. I agree with some of your points and disagree with others. I've played with and against guys that have mid and high end markers and some have underestimated me because I use a Tippmann. The meat of the matter is preference. I couldn't afford a mid or high end marker when I bought my A-5. I had other expenses to take care of (home, cars, motorcycle, loans, bills). Over the years I slowly upgraded while I could afford it. Now, I can throw as much or almost as much paint as these mid to high end markers. So, basically what we come down to is agreeing to disagree. It's not opinion. Tippmanns are low-end. Doesn't matter how good the user is and whether he could afford a better marker or not. They are still low-end. And you can upgrade it to hell, but it won't be high-end. It will just be a really good, modded low-end marker. And if you still disagree I guess that is what we come down to. But I don't know how you can disagree with the fact that Tippmanns don't compare to markers that are better than them.

Jersey, I have actually been pretty conciliatory to you in this little debate.  I've conceded some points where you haven't.  You have an obvious prejudice towards Tippmann, that much is clear.  If I told you that I could get my A-5 to fire as fast as a Cyborg, or an Angel, or a Blazer, you'd come back and say, "Yeah, but not as efficiently", or, "It's still a sear-tripper", or the like.  You don't give or budge on anything.  That's too bad.  It must be very stressful for you to 'have to be right' all the time.

wow, childish bickering, grow up guys. basicly its all opinions and that gets turned into a fight.

I dont have an alpha black but i heard that they work just like the 98C.

jerseypaint wrote: And Rambino, fun should be taken into consideration, but that falls into personal preference. Again, I'm talking straight performance comparison. I've had some of the most fun experiences of my paintball career playing with my BE BladeII, but I'm not going to be recommending it to people asking, "which is better A-5 vs BE Blade" just because I found the Blade more fun.

Understood and agreed - but the two are not always so easy to separate.

In order for me to play with my Angel, for instance, I have to make sure that the battery is charged, I have to make sure the hopper has fresh batteries, I have to make sure the hopper is securely fastened so it won't fall off, I have to make sure that my precariously set debounce works with this particular paint.  With my cockers I have to make sure that my ultra-performance timing hasn't slipped, I have to make sure that I have the correct barrel insert, and I have to take care not to snag anything as I bellycrawl along.

With my A-5, I slap on a tank and I am pumping out 15 bps of fun and excitement, all in a package that is lower profile than my other guns and will never run out of batteries.

Under perfect circumstances, yes - the Angel will "out-perform" the A-5 (if electronic modes are permitted, that is - my finger isn't that fast - otherwise I shoot faster with the A-5, if not as accurately), but I have never walked off the field because my A-5 wasn't working.  I cannot say that for the Angel.  The battery door on my hopper breaks?  I'm out.  Forgot to charge?  I'm out.  Branch rips the hopper off?  I'm out.  Trigger gets a little bounce-happy?  I'm out.

A-5?  I just play.  No hassle, no fuss, no muss.  Now THAT is what I call performance.

As everyone has already said, its all personal preference, but another thing is how the marker is treated. If you were playin and you tripped on something and you had a tippmann and the gun went flying, odds are it would be ok, if that were to happen to a high-end speedball marker, it might cause something to break because they are made to shoot at a consistant and at a high rate, not to withstand drops and things like that, now im not sayin all high-end marker are like that, id imagine some would stand up fine but id still trust a tippmann more.

Another thing is that you might be all into speedball and the markers do weight less than tippmann, ill agree there, but to get that lower weight, the markers have to have lighter metals used to make them which makes them more prone to damage over a tippmann.

And one more thing, you can go spend like $1800 on an awesome new ego or DM7 but for the same price you can get a top of the line tippmann, like the X7, and get all new internals, and be able to have hundreds of different looks for it. Like and M4, MP5, UMP or a bunch more looks and still have enought money left over for a decent tank, hopper, and a day at the field.

What barrel threads does the alpha black have?

Reb Cpl wrote: I was terribly impressed with it. Its lighter than it looks, and with a J$J ceramic barrel on it, it was as accurate as I could have hoped for. Don't count on using the sight system for it though, as with a mask on, its impossible to line up the rear sight and front sight post. Noone usually uses that stuff anyway. For the price you'll pay for it, you won't get a better marker. I actually loaned out my X-7 and A-5 to my two brothers in law in favor of playing with the Alpha black all day. It might shoot a little slower than a cyclone fed marker (duh) but I really cannot say enough good things about it, how it feels to shoot, how it feels to carry, its reliability, etc. I have made it my primary marker over my Virtue Board ION with VLocity hopper, my X-7 and two A5s.

Samething for me, my Alpha is extremely reliable and precise (I am using a lapco autospirit 14 inch). No paint chop so far and you can always put a 98c cyclone on it (what I did) with only a minor modification of the cyclone in order to fit properly on the Alpha and you have the same firing rate as of a semi-auto A5 or X7. Replace the trigger spring with a pen spring and you have an even softer trigger for an ultra fast semi-auto Alpha.

really? i never knew about tha barrel being so thick. which barrel is the best to get for it without the barrel stickin too far out?

The only thing that I do not like about is the alpha is it is kind of heavy

• Don't bump old posts
• Don't hijack other people's posts with your own questions
• When you do post a question, try to post it in the correct forum (for instance, this should probably have gone in the upgrading and customizing section)
  
• Use the search feature, these questions have been asked and answered before
• The answer is yes (to both questions)
  
• Most other barrels will work; however, since the AB barrel is thicker than most other barrels some kind of spacer (such as electrical tape) is required on the after-market barrel for a good fit
• The shroud can be removed from the barrel