Advice on Flatline vs. 18’’Sniper Barrels

I've just bought an A-5 and would like to upgrade my barrel. I've heard the Flatline is good for accuracy and range. However it doesn't fare well cosmetically and I've heard of range accuracy issues.



I haven't seen as many reviews for the 18'' interceptor sniper barrel and was wondering what anyone here thinks of the genuine sniper barrels 14-18 inch. I've heard they are accurate with an average range of 150 feet and can be combined with some kewl shrouds to look like real firearms. So how does it compair?

Thanks for your advice. I appreciate it.

There is no such thing as a sniper. Pretty much what RedLion said. The Flatline does give more distance, but it's not very accurate. Get a Lapco, or J&J Ceramic, or a teardrop/AA. 

The Tippmann "sniper" barrel as the call it, is just a longer stock barrel.

Edited by rossy11223

I have no expirience with the Bigshot, but I have a Warped Sportz Lucky 15 and my gun is fairly accurate.

Length of the barrel does not affect accuracy or range after around 6-7".


Get the flatline.

A very nice looking scenario gun, but no more accurate than any other.

Okay, I use and have used various barrels and lengths. 16" Armson Stealth, 18" Empire Barrel Kit, 14" Dye Excel, 21" Thunder Pig, and now the FLat Line.

Now as anyone that has played for any length of time will tell you a 21" shoots the same distance as an 8 inch barrel. Accuracy is all about barrel to paint match. A longer barrel just uses more air per shot. A general rule, is that 12-14" is as long as you want your barrel.

The Flat Line shoots futher. But it can be picky on paint and weather plays into it a bit. It doesnt really like the damp and cold that much. Now with that said, the Flat Line's draw backs can be minimized by doing a few things.
1. use the correct paint. It needs small bore paint, like Marbilizers and Pro Ball. It also needs a good shelled paint. Clean paint is also important, no busted paint balls.
2. set the velocity up correctly. Most people see successfull results with the Flat Line from around 250 to 270 fps, some people go a little higher but mostly 250 to 270 or so. You just cant jack the velocity up to 280 and go for it. You have to play around with it a bit.
3. And you have to keep the gun straight up/level when you shoot it. Having it leaned over the slightest bit, will make you shots curve all over the place. This is a big reason for it's inaccuracy issue. Now if your paint is dimmpled or dirty, this also plays in to it.

It takes a little bit of time to set up and get it working right for you. It isnt just a slap on barrel and go. Trust me, I found out the hard way, on that one. My first go with the FL was a disaster. I only played a third of the scenario and had to go to my back up marker.

Is it possible to put an A-5 flatline on a 98 custom without modificaton?

Dont get the "sniper" barrel. Get the flatline for increased arange and accuracy. But if you decide to get something else dont get a 18" at the most get a 14" anything longer will just use up your air more quickly. Remember just because a barrel is longer doesnt mean that it gives you more range. It gives you better accuracy. The only way you can get more range is if you get the apex barrel, or the flatline or if you turn the velocity up. But dont go past 300fps most fields only allow 280fps

I don't like the 98c flatline barrel looks.

Whether or not the flatline is right for you, we can't say. Some people love it, some hate it.

However, I can say for certain that you do NOT want an 18" barrel. Any barrel that long will do nothing except increase the amount of friction on the ball and cause an increase in barrel breaks.

As mentioned above, you can't beat a Lapco Bigshot.