Beaker: The cylinder for the X-7's cyclone is ported, making the need for a QEV obsolete. If you have a QEV on your A-5 cyclone, you shouldn't worry about getting the X-7 cylinder.
X7 cyclone
X7 cyclone feed cylinder with porting
X7 cyclone feed cylinder with porting
Yes.
When I compared them, they looked exactly the same. The A-5 paddles fit the X7 cyclone as well. The new paddles do offer some flexibility compared to the old style.
Top: A-5 cyclone paddles, Bottom: X7 cyclone paddles
Yes. The barrel adapter on the X7 is threaded the same as the A-5.
I noticed that some barrels may have difficulty fitting into the opening of the shroud. I found that to be the case with my 4" C-Series barrel. I started examining the shroud to see what could be done to make it fit, when I noticed what appeared to be a spacer. I took the shroud apart, and indeed found one. I removed it and my C-Series barrel fit.
Shroud halves and spacer
Shroud halves and spacer
No, they are different. The X7 powertube internals have more of it's surface milled. I believe that allows better for better air flow to the ball.
Top: X7 powertube internals, Bottom: A-5 powertube internals
Top: X7 powertube internals, Bottom: A-5 powertube internals
No. The A-5 LPK valve has more of its surface area milled off.
Left: X7 powertube valve, Right: A-5 LPK powertube valve
Top: A-5 LPK powertube valve, Bottom: X7 powertube valve baldusi: The holes are 1.60mm (.063 or 1/16"). There are 8 of them per side. (measurements were taken using digital calipers)
Please note that there are 2 rows of eight holes. As soon as I can find my calipers, I will measure the cylinder and porting from end to end to get the spacing measurements.
The stock X7 trigger safety, and A-5 trigger safety are incompatible without first modifing both. When I attempted to insert the X7 safety in, I only goes so far due to its design that locks the safety into the X7 grip. I then took the trigger assembly out and inserted the X7 safety, and attempted to use the safety and fire selections. It remained in safety the entire time. Upon further inspection I realised that the trigger itself would also have to be modified. The photo below highlights these areas in red.
Top: A-5 trigger assembly and safety, Bottom: X7 trigger assembly and safety
I placed the X7 valve into my A-5 powertube and reassembled my A-5. I gassed her up, and she shot fine. I chrono'ed and my A-5 had a slightly higher FPS. I adjusted it, and put some paint threw her. Shot fine, and when I rechrono'ed the FPS was around where I had adjusted it to.
Yes, the stock X7 and A-5 tombstones are different. Neither one is cross compatible even with modification.
Left: X7 tombstone, Right: A-5 tombstone
Yes, and once again Tippmann has upgraded to a better and stiffer ratchet. It appears this new X7 ratchet is made from the same material as the cyclone paddles.
Cyclone ratchets from Left to Right: Old style ratchet, Upgraded "cream" ratchet, and New (delrin?)