Originally Posted by Jaron

Every sport that attracts new players generally has its own set of commonly asked basic questions in regards to rules, equipment, and performance. Paintball is no different and so below is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions of new paintball players. So, as this is aimed at new players and forum members, allow me to extend warm regards to your new addiction and a solid congratulations on your choice of forum. If you haven't already, check out the General Forum Rules/Guidelines
as well as the FAQ thread to familiarize yourself with the basics around here. You may also wish to check out the Game Variations thread which explains some of the more popular game rule sets. Now presented before you are some of the FAQ's regarding equipment, parts, performance, and equipment modification. This is in no way of my own effort but of all the very helpful people on the forum who have contributed. As this will likely be under constant revision ( as new questions become more popular, ) comments, suggestions, and additions are always welcome.



Which marker has the best accuracy / range?
This is a hotly debated topic and one that doesn't really have a definite answer. As for the range aspect, no marker has an advantage over another. Every field has a velocity limit at which paintballs can be fired. Anything over that is illegal and potentially unsafe. With everything firing at the same velocity, the paintball will go the same distance. This distance ( without really arcing the shot, ) tends to be about 150 feet or less depending on the max velocity allowed.

Accuracy is another matter. It's a combination of marker consistency, paint quality, barrel quality, and how the player is even aiming. By marker consistency I mean how consistent the gas pressure behind the ball is. If you can get exactly the same amount of pressure behind each ball it should have exactly the same velocity with each shot. No marker is perfect however so velocity fluctuations of +/- 3 feet per second ( fps ) or more are fairly common. Keeping these fluctuations as small as possible is ideal since they result in one ball going slightly farther / shorter or higher / lower than the one before. Generally speaking the lower the internal pressure the marker operates, the tighter the variance. Also electronic valve markers tend to be more consistent than their fully mechanical siblings, however, certain aftermarket add-ons can help this.


Which barrel has the best accuracy / range?
Barrels are another hotly debated topic, and for good reason. While you may only own a single marker, you can literally get more than a dozen different barrels from a dozen different companies all touting that their barrel is the finest in the industry.

As mentioned above, paint quality seriously affects shot accuracy as well. Lopsided, unbalanced, and dimpled paint will not shoot nearly as well as spherical, smooth paint. You may not have to spend $70 / case for paint, but generally speaking paying a little extra for paint can really help you on the field.

For an in-depth look at barrels, paint, and how they work, check out the Re: F.A.Q. The importance of barrel bore to paint size matching. thread.


Which is the best barrel length?
Peak barrel length greatly depends on the marker, how it's used, and the players preferred play style. Markers vary in length so what may be considered a short barrel on one marker may be a rather long barrel on another when comparing overall length. For example, the distance from muzzle to grip on an AGD automag with an 18" barrel is nearly the same as a Tippmann A-5 with a 12" barrel. In terms of length vs. performance, refer to the Re: F.A.Q. The importance of barrel bore to paint size matching. thread.


What does paint to bore matching mean?
It means to take the size of the paintball you're shooting and match it to the internal diameter ( bore size ) of the barrel you're shooting. While paintballs are rated as .68 caliber ( .68 inches ) they actually vary in size. Some paintballs tend to be slightly larger or smaller than others depending on brand and manufacturer. Likewise barrels come in varying bore sizes from .679 up to .695 and anywhere in between. Getting a good match greatly helps shot accuracy. Having the ball too loose inside the barrel results in a pinball like effect that gives random spin to the ball and fly-away shots. If it's too tight the ball is put under excess tension while firing and will lead to lots of breakage in the barrel. Here is an excellent list of common brands and their corresponding average diameter. Again, check the Re: F.A.Q. The importance of barrel bore to paint size matching. thread for more details.


What is porting and what does it do?
Porting is the venting on the ends of barrels that allows the gas pressure to release more gradually during firing rather than all at once at the end. The pros and cons of porting is covered extensively in the Re: F.A.Q. The importance of barrel bore to paint size matching. thread.


What is a Flatline / Apex?
A Flatline is a barrel made by Tippmann for use with their 98, A-5, and X7 model markers. Most paintball barrels are smooth bore like old black powder rifles. They try not to impart any spin on the ball to fire it in a basic ballistic arc. Flatlines are roughened on the inside to impart backspin on the paintball. This spin generates high and low pressure zones around the ball that allow it to fly farther through the air. An Apex takes the same idea further. Rather than being a barrel on its own, the Apex is a tip that can be attached to most any barrel. It has an adjustable fin inside that makes varying degrees of contact with the ball for varying amounts of spin. It can also be rotated to give topspin, sidespin, and backspin to the ball for a variety of different shots. Likewise, more info can be found in the Re: F.A.Q. The importance of barrel bore to paint size matching. thread.


What is a Palmer Brass Barrel?
When worked properly, brass has a very low coefficient of friction, meaning it is very smooth and slick. For a paintball, the less friction in a barrel, the less likely it is to pick up errant spin so brass barrels are rather popular. Palmer Pursuit has taken the idea further and developed an elliptical honing on the inside of the barrel. Rather than being a straight tube, the barrel flares slightly wider just after the breach and cinches down again at the muzzle. This allows the barrel to conform better to the slight warping a paintball undergoes when blasted by high pressure gas from behind. Once again, check the Re: F.A.Q. The importance of barrel bore to paint size matching. thread for more details.


Which mask should I get?
This is one that gets asked a lot and literally has no real answer. Why? Because everyone has a different size and shape of head. What feels nice and comfortable for one person will be pinching and piercing to another. Just because you wear a size 10 shoe doesn't mean you can get the same fit and comfort from any brand in that size. So, just as you don't buy shoes without trying them on, don't get a mask without doing likewise. Some are made with soft rubber-like plastic, some are much firmer. Some have small profiles that hug your face, some offer deeper jaw and ear protection. You can even get some full head shields if you so desire. Check to see if it has the visibility you're looking for. If you wear glasses, see if you can find one that offers extra lens room. Getting thermal or fog treated lenses will help with visibility in warm and /or humid weather. Also some masks can swap lenses much easier and faster than others, so that might be a concern for you. whatever you get, don't skimp on your mask. Having pinched ears, bad visibility, and other such things is an easy way to ruin an otherwise good day of paintball. Be it V-force, Dye, JT, Empire, or whatever, get to a store and try some on first. Then after you know the make and model you can go online and find that scorching deal if you want.


What's the difference between HPA and CO2?
HPA ( high pressure air ) and CO2 ( stored in liquid form in the tank ) are the main propellants of paintball. For a break down of each visit the HPA FAQ and HPA vs CO2 threads.


What does a regulator / stabilizer do?
When dealing with pressurized gasses, it's rather important to regulate how much pressure you're dealing with. As mentioned above, maintaining a constant, regular pressure is key when trying to better your shot consistency. Getting a regulator / stabilizer ( the two terms are interchangeable, ) helps do just that. Some markers, particularly low pressure electronic markers, come with their own regulator. Tippmanns and other high pressure mechanical markers generally do not. Regulators can also be very helpful in preventing liquid CO2 to get siphoned into the marker itself. HPA tanks already have their own regulator attached. Regulators come in many different varieties with many different air fittings for installing them in many different ways. Palmers Pursuit Shop is almost legendary for making high quality regulators and air fittings.


What is an RT, E-Grip, WAS, and APE?
These are all trigger system parts that can be used to increase the rate of fire on a paintball marker. RT is short for Response Trigger ( or Reactive Trigger. ) It uses excess blowback gas, the same gas that is used to recock many mechanical markers, to also actively push the trigger back to ready after a shot instead of just letting springs do it. This returns the trigger faster and with more force than normal. It also allows the user to bounce the trigger off their fingers to simulate a type of automatic fire. Firing 10 balls per second ( bps ) and above is quite attainable with a properly tuned Response Trigger. However since it still only fires one shot per trigger pull, it's still considered to be a semi-automatic trigger system and so is allowed on most fields where full automatic is prohibited. Some fields take exception to them and expressly outlaw their use since they can't be turned off or locked down like an electronic trigger can.

An E-Grip is an electronic trigger system that uses a solenoid to trip the hammer sear rather than releasing it mechanically. They usually have electronic boards inside the grip that allow a slew of different firing modes from semi to burst to full automatic. Most of them can be locked down to allow only semi automatic fire if fields require it. Just remember to bring an extra battery.

Wicked Air Sports ( WAS ) and Advanced Paintball Electronics ( APE ) are electronic boards that are used by E-Grips. The boards define what firing modes are available. WAS boards come standard with E-Grips though many players prefer the extra modes and water-resistance on the APE board.


What is a remote and what does it do?
Remote lines are hoses that connect between your gas source tank and the marker. They are mainly used as a way to carry a heavy tank on a belt or vest to lighten the marker and help it balance better. The Remote Lines: Yea or Nay? thread has much more info on this.


What is a Vortex, Jet Click, Lightning Rod, and QEV/QEPH?
These are common upgrades to the A-5's cyclone feed system. The Vortex and Jet Click replace the stock ratchet drive in the cyclone feeder with more durable metal parts. Stock ratchets are plastic and known to wear down quickly under sustained heavy firing rates. A quick exhaust valve ( QEV ) is designed to more efficiently vent excess gas after firing a paintball, keeping back pressure to a minimum and allowing a faster cycle rate. On an A-5 they're usually attached to the cyclone allowing it to run faster. A quick exhaust piston housing ( QEPH ) is a new mod that effectively makes the cyclone piston housing into a QEV. An X7 has this basic idea in the stock parts. A Lightning Rod is a lightweight piston rod to replace the stock one to also allow the cyclone to operate at higher speeds.


What is a FVA and RVA?
FVA is an acronym for front velocity adjuster while RVA stands for rear velocity adjuster. All paintball markers have some sort of velocity adjuster, whether a regulator, spring tension adjuster, etc. On an A-5 the FVA is a screw on the left receiver by the cyclone piston. It feeds into the power tube and changes the amount of turbulence as a paintball is fired. An RVA on an A-5 is usually some sort of adjustment that attaches at the butt plate and can be used to adjust the main drive spring tension. However most stocks attach at the same place so using an RVA and a butt stock at the same time usually doesn't work.


OK, I've read all this, so what should I get now?
Many people often give a list of upgrades and mods they've already done on their marker and ask what they should get next. The problem is that people can only give you their opinion, which may or may not agree with yours and your play style. There is no "best" way or order in which to upgrade your marker. Maybe you want sheer performance, maybe you want really good looks, maybe you want something in the middle. Take a look at the "What Should I Get Next" thread for some generic advice on upgrade order.


If you have further questions on particular modifications, upgrades, and aftermarket parts refer to the Tippmann m98 98c 98 pro mods forum.

Originally Posted by sectionate

For an in-depth look at barrels, paint, and how they work, check out the Re: F.A.Q. The importance of barrel bore to paint size matching. thread.