So I FINALLY got around to swapping out the old valve for the new. Before I did I used my newly acquired X-Chrono (finally got to use it as well) to see if there actually was a difference. With the old vale I was shooting about 260 fps but it varied anywhere from 230-270 fps. After I installed the new one, with everything else the same, I was shooting high 280s-low 290s. Certainly made a difference in velocity and the consistency seemed better. My stabilizeer is not quite broke in yet so it still varied some, but not near the range it was previously. So bottom line: Definitely an improvement.

Has anyone else had quite the trouble putting the new valve into the powertube? It took a considerable amount of force to get it to fit.

Actually, yeah now that you mention it, it was quite a snug fit.

howdy. how old does your a5 have to be .my was bought around christmas

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Necessity is the mother of invention!
But lack of funds ,is the great motivator.

do they send it to you free, or do you have to pay shipping and handling. also, is there anything reason why it would not be safe to have my old bolt?

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daggumit, I don't think it's a question of when you bought it so much as when it was made. You would have to take it apart to see which version you have.

rob373, They sent me a replacement free, no S&H either. I don't think there is any issue with the older bolt. It only interfaces to the valve on the front face and to my knowledge the difference with the older bolts is the back end.

well, seems that im going to have to make some calls...

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So all I have to do is call Tippmann and ask for a replacment powertube valve and new style rear bolt? Don't wanna seem like an moron calling them for something like this if I don't know what I am talkin about. Also this is my first post after trolling here for a few week so HELLO!

Usually the reason someone will call in for a new valve is because they are having trouble getting the velocity above 250 or so.

If you are also having velocity issues, just inform them of the velocity issues and tell them you "susspect it may be a bad valve...".

I think they will cover A5's with valves that are under a year old, but I'm not sure.

On a side note, I happen to have one of the old valves, and mine seems to be working at the moment. I purchased my A5 in mid January of this year, so maybe I was lucky!

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I sent an e-mail about the valves and their service department asked for my serial numbers. I bought the guns used so I had no idea if they were registered or not. They responded back saying that my guns are out of warranty and told me to go buy the new valves at tippmannparts.com. =(