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Which marker is the best choice?

Printed From: Tippmann Paintball
Category: Paintball Equipment
Forum Name: Which Gun is Best
Forum Description: Need Advice? Ask the pros.
URL: http://www.tippmannsports.com/forum/wwf77a/forum_posts.asp?TID=189326
Printed Date: 02 May 2024 at 11:17pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Which marker is the best choice?
Posted By: Goalmaster
Subject: Which marker is the best choice?
Date Posted: 19 October 2011 at 8:49am
I'm looking to upgrade from my alpha black tactical to something with a bit better performance.  I want to stick with a tippmann for their reliability and customization ability.  I don't need the best gun on the field, but I do want something that can help me compete a bit better.  Now I'm primarily looking at the X-7 Phenom Mechanical, A-5 w/response trigger (the 2011 version) and the original X-7 w/response trigger.  The reason I don't include any e-grip technology on any of these is because the fields near me don't allow them.  (Only semi-auto)  That's why the response trigger seems like a good option.  However, I know the Phenom is supposed to be a step forward in performance on its own, and I didn't know if all the advantages it offered would make it worthwhile.  Hopefully I can get an idea of whats best if some people weigh in on the matter.  Feel free to discuss the reasons behind your answer, vote in the poll, and suggest alternatives if you think I'm going in the complete opposite direction of what I should be looking at.

Thanks for your help!



Replies:
Posted By: Lightningbolt
Date Posted: 19 October 2011 at 8:58am
Some fields may consider the RT trigger full auto.  I don't think you can go wrong with an a5 or x7.  You can hop them up to dump extreme amounts of paint.


Posted By: Goalmaster
Date Posted: 19 October 2011 at 9:04am
I'll have to check into the RT situation with the fields nearby.  If I don't have a response trigger, whats the best way to improve my rate of fire?


Posted By: Lightningbolt
Date Posted: 19 October 2011 at 9:25am
buy a used ego


Posted By: Goalmaster
Date Posted: 19 October 2011 at 2:33pm
I got word back from some fields and it looks like some would allow it whereas some would not.  But it sounds like I can still disable the RT if needed if I were to visit those fields, so I suppose I would still consider a marker with a RT.


Posted By: Lightningbolt
Date Posted: 19 October 2011 at 2:35pm
you could get an e grip which would allow for semi as well right?


Posted By: Goalmaster
Date Posted: 19 October 2011 at 4:11pm
I'd have to do some more legwork on that.  Because while some fields don't classify Response triggers as an automatic firing mechanism, they almost surely would think of the e-grip in that way.


Posted By: Lightningbolt
Date Posted: 19 October 2011 at 5:16pm

  but the e grip has a semi option.  Can someone chime in on whether or not the programming method functions as a tournament lockout or whether it has a tournament lockout.

It's a pain with the rt going true semi and easy to cheat in the field 



Posted By: Goalmaster
Date Posted: 22 October 2011 at 11:31pm
Well thank you for your all your input.  I may just end up getting the electric phenom so I can go mechanical most of the time, and switch to electric on the rare occasions that I visit fields or scenarios that allow it, or if I do some backyard ballin'.  It seems like that might be the best call.


Posted By: FreeEnterprise
Date Posted: 02 January 2012 at 11:52am
It is a personal preference thing... The Alpha black you have is very similar to a 98, except heavier.
 
The X7 and A-5 both have the cyclone, which is a great upgrade and worth buying. Me personally, I like my gun light so I roll with an A-5, and mine is semi auto only, with some practice you can really lay down some paint. I go against full auto often, and I find I can shoot out other players just fine with a semi auto marker. I throw plenty of paint without any help!
 
Personally, the a-5 feels right in my hand, as it has a very gun like feel.


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They tremble at my name...


Posted By: oldpbnoob
Date Posted: 03 January 2012 at 2:12pm
The Phenom is really the only one of the options that is a functional upgrade. The Phenom has a different type of valve and allows for lower operating pressure and better efficiency. The A5/X7(non-Phenom) are essentially the same as the AB, but with a different shell and the addition of the Cyclone. You will find better efficiency and I would imagine better consitency out of the Phenom. If you have the funds to buy one, it would be my choice*
 
I would also look into switching to HPA if you have the ability and your local fields support HPA fills.
 
*If I was only considering Tippmann markers.


-------------
"When I grow up I want to marry a rich man and live in a condor next to the beach" -- My 7yr old daughter.


Posted By: Rubbr Chickin
Date Posted: 03 January 2012 at 7:18pm
I would go with an A5, it retains some of what is already on the Alpha Black, plus it is in a close price range (under $200). The Phenom would be the next step up, there are hundreds of upgrades for it. Both have Cyclone.


Posted By: oldpbnoob
Date Posted: 03 January 2012 at 9:55pm
Originally posted by Rubbr Chickin Rubbr Chickin wrote:

I would go with an A5, it retains some of what is already on the Alpha Black, plus it is in a close price range (under $200). The Phenom would be the next step up, there are hundreds of upgrades for it. Both have Cyclone.
Why not just put a Cycone on the AB? Seems silly to spend $200 for a new A5 when you can just add a Cyclone for $60.

-------------
"When I grow up I want to marry a rich man and live in a condor next to the beach" -- My 7yr old daughter.


Posted By: Rubbr Chickin
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 10:29am
Originally posted by oldpbnoob oldpbnoob wrote:

Originally posted by Rubbr Chickin Rubbr Chickin wrote:

I would go with an A5, it retains some of what is already on the Alpha Black, plus it is in a close price range (under $200). The Phenom would be the next step up, there are hundreds of upgrades for it. Both have Cyclone.
Why not just put a Cycone on the AB? Seems silly to spend $200 for a new A5 when you can just add a Cyclone for $60.


You can't do as much cosmetically with an Alpha Black without chopping it up. With an A5 you could have an M16, MP5, UMP, etc. with only a few parts.

Had I looked further into Tippmanns in 2009 when I was getting my first gun, I would have gone with an A5 instead of my Alpha Black. It's something I look back on every day. I don't regret my choice tough, it was trusty and went through a lot, just wish I could've done more with it instead of just being able to switch the mag and upgrade the feed/ firing mechanism.


Posted By: Ceesman762
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 10:49am
Originally posted by Rubbr Chickin Rubbr Chickin wrote:

Originally posted by oldpbnoob oldpbnoob wrote:

Originally posted by Rubbr Chickin Rubbr Chickin wrote:

I would go with an A5, it retains some of what is already on the Alpha Black, plus it is in a close price range (under $200). The Phenom would be the next step up, there are hundreds of upgrades for it. Both have Cyclone.
Why not just put a Cycone on the AB? Seems silly to spend $200 for a new A5 when you can just add a Cyclone for $60.


You can't do as much cosmetically with an Alpha Black without chopping it up. With an A5 you could have an M16, MP5, UMP, etc. with only a few parts.

Had I looked further into Tippmanns in 2009 when I was getting my first gun, I would have gone with an A5 instead of my Alpha Black. It's something I look back on every day. I don't regret my choice tough, it was trusty and went through a lot, just wish I could've done more with it instead of just being able to switch the mag and upgrade the feed/ firing mechanism.

Are you are scenario player or just want to dress it up?


-------------
Innocence proves nothing
FUAC!!!!!




Posted By: oldpbnoob
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 10:50am
My point was that it is silly to spend another $200 on what is internally a very similiar marker with no real advantage other than to have a cyclone included. There is no real advantage to an A5 over an AB other than having the option of adorning it with weight adding attachments. It would be like selling your blue car for a same model red car with wings and spoliers and such on it. You have the same basic car, just heavier and neater looking. Now if you swap your 4cyl model for a 6cyl model that gets better gas mileage you're trading something worthwhile.

-------------
"When I grow up I want to marry a rich man and live in a condor next to the beach" -- My 7yr old daughter.


Posted By: Rubbr Chickin
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 12:13pm
Originally posted by Ceesman762 Ceesman762 wrote:


Originally posted by Rubbr Chickin Rubbr Chickin wrote:

Originally posted by oldpbnoob oldpbnoob wrote:

Originally posted by Rubbr Chickin Rubbr Chickin wrote:

I would go with an A5, it retains some of what is already on the Alpha Black, plus it is in a close price range (under $200). The Phenom would be the next step up, there are hundreds of upgrades for it. Both have Cyclone.
Why not just put a Cycone on the AB? Seems silly to spend $200 for a new A5 when you can just add a Cyclone for $60.


You can't do as much cosmetically with an Alpha Black without chopping it up. With an A5 you could have an M16, MP5, UMP, etc. with only a few parts.

Had I looked further into Tippmanns in 2009 when I was getting my first gun, I would have gone with an A5 instead of my Alpha Black. It's something I look back on every day. I don't regret my choice tough, it was trusty and went through a lot, just wish I could've done more with it instead of just being able to switch the mag and upgrade the feed/ firing mechanism.

Are you are scenario player or just want to dress it up?


Very unorganized scenario. I play with woodsball guys but we use tactics and planning.

It's probably just my preference inspiring this. I've been using different guns every year. I've gone from AB to PS to TiPX to A5 and RAM R2 in 2 years.


Posted By: Ceesman762
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 12:22pm
I have 2 A5's.  Only one A5 is milsimmed and a damn bit heavier too. Dressing it up did nothing to the performance and added only "tact-icool" factor.


-------------
Innocence proves nothing
FUAC!!!!!




Posted By: oldpbnoob
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 12:32pm
One of my last A5's, Built it, played with it 2-3 times and sold it. Looked cool, but weighed a ton and required me to use a remote line that I hated and is now in the possession of someone else in this thread. I now run with a marker that is much lighter. Mil-sim looks badass, but sucks to carry around all day  walking back and forth to the respawn points on an 80 acre field.


-------------
"When I grow up I want to marry a rich man and live in a condor next to the beach" -- My 7yr old daughter.


Posted By: Rubbr Chickin
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 12:48pm
Well we used to play on a flatter field when I had my Alpha, and when I got my Salvo we switched to a hilly field so I got my TiPX. This year we are going to use both and do more CQB in a 3rd gravel pit so I sold everything and got a A5 an a RAM R2 for shooting in the backyard.


Posted By: Ceesman762
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 12:51pm
yep! And Thanks again!  I have the remote line! I am sealing some leaks on it. Like OPBN said, Mil sim adds to the weight and may restrict your movements.  All the extra's on your marker may force you to use a remote line and it is difficult to change up form shooting hand to non shooting hand when you are working a corner or a bunker .Remote lines have a tendency to snag on tree branches at the worse times.

-------------
Innocence proves nothing
FUAC!!!!!




Posted By: Rubbr Chickin
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 12:56pm
Well that's another ring that is different with me. I use a remote but I reversed the nipple and the QD slide using some fittings (for disconnecting with pressure) and added an on/ off shutoff on the remote half. Basically a redneck ProConnect 3 Or a Cobra Coil fitting.


Posted By: f23blackwidow2
Date Posted: 05 January 2012 at 5:48pm
I would buy a 98 custom platinum. I know, iknow, everyone thinks thats old news, but it is a remarkable marker, and i have many friends with welts to prove it. in 4 years of owning one, the only time i have taken it to a paintball shop was to get my e-trigger installed. another advantage to the 98 is that there are so many aftermarket parts for it out there and they are ussually very inexpensive. i have friends with spyders, egos, A-5s, protos, alpha blacks, and many more, and i would take my gun over all of theres in a second because i know that, when i pull the trigger, there are no batteries, electirical stuff, and fancy modes that could mess up my gun; it will shot. and it does that very well. its also inexpensive.

-------------
Live
Or Lifes Not
Worth Living


Posted By: oldpbnoob
Date Posted: 05 January 2012 at 8:37pm
Originally posted by f23blackwidow2 f23blackwidow2 wrote:

I would buy a 98 custom platinum. I know, iknow, everyone thinks thats old news, but it is a remarkable marker, and i have many friends with welts to prove it. in 4 years of owning one, the only time i have taken it to a paintball shop was to get my e-trigger installed. another advantage to the 98 is that there are so many aftermarket parts for it out there and they are ussually very inexpensive. i have friends with spyders, egos, A-5s, protos, alpha blacks, and many more, and i would take my gun over all of theres in a second because i know that, when i pull the trigger, there are no batteries, electirical stuff, and fancy modes that could mess up my gun; it will shot. and it does that very well. its also inexpensive.
So you have one of the rare Egrips that runs off of solar???

-------------
"When I grow up I want to marry a rich man and live in a condor next to the beach" -- My 7yr old daughter.


Posted By: Rubbr Chickin
Date Posted: 05 January 2012 at 9:45pm
Originally posted by f23blackwidow2 f23blackwidow2 wrote:

I would buy a 98 custom platinum. I know, iknow, everyone thinks thats old news, but it is a remarkable marker, and i have many friends with welts to prove it. in 4 years of owning one, the only time i have taken it to a paintball shop was to get my e-trigger installed. another advantage to the 98 is that there are so many aftermarket parts for it out there and they are ussually very inexpensive. i have friends with spyders, egos, A-5s, protos, alpha blacks, and many more, and i would take my gun over all of theres in a second because i know that, when i pull the trigger, there are no batteries, electirical stuff, and fancy modes that could mess up my gun; it will shot. and it does that very well. its also inexpensive.
 
A5s, Alpha Blacks, and 98s are all mechanical unless you put an e-trigger in them. Hell, the 98 and the AB are the same other than the fact the body halves are different, and the A5 is basicaly the same design internally.


Posted By: Ceesman762
Date Posted: 06 January 2012 at 6:53am
Originally posted by oldpbnoob oldpbnoob wrote:

Originally posted by f23blackwidow2 f23blackwidow2 wrote:

I would buy a 98 custom platinum. I know, iknow, everyone thinks thats old news, but it is a remarkable marker, and i have many friends with welts to prove it. in 4 years of owning one, the only time i have taken it to a paintball shop was to get my e-trigger installed. another advantage to the 98 is that there are so many aftermarket parts for it out there and they are ussually very inexpensive. i have friends with spyders, egos, A-5s, protos, alpha blacks, and many more, and i would take my gun over all of theres in a second because i know that, when i pull the trigger, there are no batteries, electirical stuff, and fancy modes that could mess up my gun; it will shot. and it does that very well. its also inexpensive.
So you have one of the rare Egrips that runs off of solar???

Magic pixie dust.


-------------
Innocence proves nothing
FUAC!!!!!




Posted By: oldpbnoob
Date Posted: 06 January 2012 at 8:12am
Which brings up another point, the Phenom is capable of being switched from electronic to manual mode when your batteries die in the middle of a game.

-------------
"When I grow up I want to marry a rich man and live in a condor next to the beach" -- My 7yr old daughter.


Posted By: DeC
Date Posted: 12 January 2012 at 11:08am
Hi guys, im new here and a n00b, i was thinking of x7 mech, with hpa tank or x7 electro with 24oz co2 what do u guys thinks, im mostly playing woodsball


Posted By: momoxsparco558
Date Posted: 20 January 2012 at 2:21pm
If you are allowed the RT then the a5 would be, in my opinion the best choice. I bought one for my wife... but if your are using co2 you MUST get expansion chamber it will make all the difference.

 I personally use a bt4 erc, i was told it is not a tippmann it is a empire battle tested marker or something like that , however they are so alike i consider it a member in my tippmann collection. It comes with the rip clip and egrip... if you find a field that allows it,  i would highly recommend it


Posted By: momoxsparco558
Date Posted: 30 January 2012 at 1:45am
Originally posted by f23blackwidow2 f23blackwidow2 wrote:

I would buy a 98 custom platinum. I know, iknow, everyone thinks thats old news, but it is a remarkable marker, and i have many friends with welts to prove it. in 4 years of owning one, the only time i have taken it to a paintball shop was to get my e-trigger installed. another advantage to the 98 is that there are so many aftermarket parts for it out there and they are ussually very inexpensive. i have friends with spyders, egos, A-5s, protos, alpha blacks, and many more, and i would take my gun over all of theres in a second because i know that, when i pull the trigger, there are no batteries, electirical stuff, and fancy modes that could mess up my gun; it will shot. and it does that very well. its also inexpensive.


You are very right, the 98 is a terrific marker. SO many possibilities for the marker. Only good thing about the alphas and such are they have the butt stocks and m16 barrel. They are just great for gifts, but there is nothing like building your own gun and making it your own!


Posted By: Lightningbolt
Date Posted: 13 February 2012 at 7:00pm
Originally posted by Rubbr Chickin Rubbr Chickin wrote:

Originally posted by Ceesman762 Ceesman762 wrote:


Originally posted by Rubbr Chickin Rubbr Chickin wrote:

Originally posted by oldpbnoob oldpbnoob wrote:

Originally posted by Rubbr Chickin Rubbr Chickin wrote:

I would go with an A5, it retains some of what is already on the Alpha Black, plus it is in a close price range (under $200). The Phenom would be the next step up, there are hundreds of upgrades for it. Both have Cyclone.
Why not just put a Cycone on the AB? Seems silly to spend $200 for a new A5 when you can just add a Cyclone for $60.


You can't do as much cosmetically with an Alpha Black without chopping it up. With an A5 you could have an M16, MP5, UMP, etc. with only a few parts.

Had I looked further into Tippmanns in 2009 when I was getting my first gun, I would have gone with an A5 instead of my Alpha Black. It's something I look back on every day. I don't regret my choice tough, it was trusty and went through a lot, just wish I could've done more with it instead of just being able to switch the mag and upgrade the feed/ firing mechanism.

Are you are scenario player or just want to dress it up?


Very unorganized scenario. I play with woodsball guys but we use tactics and planning.

It's probably just my preference inspiring this. I've been using different guns every year. I've gone from AB to PS to TiPX to A5 and RAM R2 in 2 years.

ego



Posted By: Lightningbolt
Date Posted: 13 February 2012 at 7:02pm

Originally posted by oldpbnoob oldpbnoob wrote:

Originally posted by f23blackwidow2 f23blackwidow2 wrote:

I would buy a 98 custom platinum. I know, iknow, everyone thinks thats old news, but it is a remarkable marker, and i have many friends with welts to prove it. in 4 years of owning one, the only time i have taken it to a paintball shop was to get my e-trigger installed. another advantage to the 98 is that there are so many aftermarket parts for it out there and they are ussually very inexpensive. i have friends with spyders, egos, A-5s, protos, alpha blacks, and many more, and i would take my gun over all of theres in a second because i know that, when i pull the trigger, there are no batteries, electirical stuff, and fancy modes that could mess up my gun; it will shot. and it does that very well. its also inexpensive.
So you have one of the rare Egrips that runs off of solar???

come on man they're not really that rare



Posted By: oldpbnoob
Date Posted: 13 February 2012 at 7:07pm
Almost as rare as the fabled Super Chromium barrels.

-------------
"When I grow up I want to marry a rich man and live in a condor next to the beach" -- My 7yr old daughter.


Posted By: Ceesman762
Date Posted: 14 February 2012 at 7:31pm
Originally posted by oldpbnoob oldpbnoob wrote:

Almost as rare as the fabled Super Chromium barrels.

 and the fabled Magic Pixie Dust.


-------------
Innocence proves nothing
FUAC!!!!!





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