I would look around for cheaper alternatives to TechT first. Lapco and JCS both make aluminium ratchets, Wargear makes flexible paddles, and you can use the X7 cylinder as a QEPH.

That setup will be cheaper than the full TechT cyclone suite, and you may have enough left over to purchase a new barrel.

(I really recommend a new barrel, the stock APEX one is...not very good.

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The Vortex mod and Squishy paddles are must have items. Whether or not you choose the Techt ones is up to you. There have been recent developments in that other companies have begun to manufacture their own version of the Squishy paddles. Some people will now bash TechT because their product is more expensive, but remember that they pioneered the idea, and that the Squishy paddles along with the Vortex mod will undoubtedly make your paintball experience more enjoyable. People have had (some are still having) problems with the Squishies slipping on the stock cyclone feeder axle. I have the axle that came with the Vortex mod and they are a very snug fit. So if you get both of these mods from Techt, you should be fine.

Todd from TechT has also said that he cannot guarantee that the Squishies will not slip on replacement axles made by other manufacturers. It may be a bit monopolising, but at least he keeps us up to date with any finding he has. As far as the other TechT mods go, they aren't necessary for the reliable operation of your gun, so your money would probably be better spent on the Lapco Bigshot Apex ready barrel. Will be much better than the barrel that came with the Apex.

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I've never needed softer paddles, myself. I suppose they are mainly for softer operation in colder temperatures, but living in the tropics I don't have to experience brittle paint due to cold.

If you do get soft paddles, and you find them slipping on the axle, a good fix is to wrap a few turns of electrical tape around the axle. That should increase the width enough to keep the paddles firmly positioned.

Oh, how I wish the axle were a shape that did not permit slipping so easily. Something like a triangle...or maybe a five-pointed star shape.

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