The Comprehensive Thread on the Tippmann LPK

[JackRock]

I don't know how many times I've seen questions about the LPK on various forums. I thought I might create an all-inclusive thread about the LPK, its functions, options, etc.

EDIT: This version is updated more frequently.

1. What is the LPK? (a.k.a. The Comp-Air system)
A. It is Tippmann's kit to turn the A5 or 98C into a low pressure marker. Do not be fooled, the kits for each marker are slightly different. One will not necessarily work on the other without modification. The kits allow the marker to run as low as 325psi, but run most effectively at about 375psi.

2. What parts come with the LPK, and what additional items are needed?
A. The kit itself comes with a volumizer and linked ASA adaptor, lighter valve, lighter rear bolt, rear bolt insert, thicker gas line feed (for cyclone), 90* elbow fitting and hose. You will need a regulator in most cases, unless you use a Low Pressure output HPA tank. But see question #21, below.

3. What sort of regulator do I need?
A. Technically, any regulator will do. However, this is the strongest area that needs quality over price. If the regulator is junk, then so is the entire kit. A favorite of most people is Palmer's Pursuit Stabilizer line. This regulator can handle either CO2 or HPA.

4. I read somewhere that the LPK must use HPA. But you just mentioned the Palmer can handle CO2 as well. Why?
A. Simple. The line about only using HPA is just plain not true. I've used CO2 on my LPK on and off since I purchased the marker. It works just fine as long as the regulator can handle CO2!!

5. So, the use of HPA or CO2 is controlled by the regulator, not the bulk of the LPK?
A. That'd be correct. If you use a great WGP regulator that's designed strictly for HPA, you'll never get CO2 to work properly.

6. Awesome! I just got my first LPK. But, how do I put it on?!
A. Thanks to Telman2 and Invictus, I happen to have a copies of the user manual available. Please download the attachments posted in this thread.

7. Okay. It's on. Now, can you tell me why I just spent $200-$250?
A. That's really up to you. However, most people (including myself) have noticed the following benefits: - Lower noise signature - Less recoil - Greater shot-to-shot consistency, even with a flatline barrel system - Improved accuracy with the FBS - Ability to use lower quality paint, as there is less "hard punch" on the ball.

8. Why the modified valve and rear bolts?
A. Because volume compensates for pressure, and vice versa. The greater the pressure, the less volume of air needed. The greater the volume, the less pressure needed. What the modified internals allow for is part of the greater volume to flow through the marker at the proper speeds. This allows the marker to operate at a much lower pressure. The rear bolt is an insert system, keeping the moving portion lighter. As the marker is a blow-back design, it needs the lighter weight so the lower pressure can push it back.

9. What are all these modified LPK things I see by DJThunder, Azoth, and Flatline's Up?
A. These are modified versions to allow for Mil-sim looks and smaller profiles. I strongly recommend checking out the appropriate threads for those. However, be extremely careful in doing them on your own. Some modifications require knowledge in machining and a very steady and controlled hand.

10. Can we see an example of the assembly of the LPK?
A. Not exactly at this time. However, I am working on getting a vid on my YouTube account.
Addendum: My LPK kit is no longer. I am unable to film this process, since I do not have the parts required. I will see if I can try another way.


BELOW HERE IS ADDED MATERIAL AFTER THE ORIGINAL WAS POSTED

11. I just got my LPK, and this thing is leaking like a sieve!
A. TekRice suggests replacing the o-rings throughout the kit. Seems that many were shipped with not-so-great orings.

12. Does the LPK affect your BPS count?
A. No, the LPK does not affect the BPS.ﾠ It affects consistency (and thus accuracy).

13. What are the benefits of using HPA instead of CO2?
A. Good question. Probably the best place to look is chikin pickle's thread on this topic, on SpecialOps Forum.

14. What does the regulator/Stabilizer do for this kit?
A. Check out WARPIG's website on this subject here.

15. Would a PPS Fatty regulator be better for this than a Male Stabilizer?
A. The Fatty would work, but you'll be pushing the psi limit on it very very closely. The Male Stabilizer will give you more options to us on other setups, will provide more of a possibility to work at the appropriate pressure. My recommendation is that if you already have the Fatty stabilizer, then go ahead and use it. The difference is not worth spending yet another $80 on. However, if you have not yet purchased your Stabilizer, then go with the Male Stabilizer.

16. So, does that mean that the kit only works with Palmer's Pursuit Shop Stabilizers?
A. No. If you notice above in Question #3, any regulator will work as long as it can operate between 300-400psi. The Stabilizers are just a favorite of most Tippmann users, so a lot of focus is on these regulators. They have been made by Glen Palmer, considered to probably be one of the world's foremost experts on gas regulation and manipulation.

17. What is the normal operating pressure for an A5 with the LPK?
A. Tippmann techs and my own experience place the operating pressure approximately 375psi. This isn't as low as some high-end markers, but will be a lot less problematic on your paint.

18. Why would you recommend the LPK to me?
A. I don't. I am simply providing an explanation. Now, as to when I would or would not recommend it, it depends on your barrel. If you are using a flatline barrel system, go ahead. The Flatline with the LPK becomes much more tolerant of lower quality paint (though, not to all paints), and is a bit more accurate. If you're using a straight barrel...it's simply not worth it.

19. I like the mod to mount a female stabilizer behind the cyclone. Do you think an LPK would work if it were split up and mounted similarly?
A. Absolutely. However, remember that the volumizer needs to be directly installed into the tombstone to work properly at the intended pressures.

20. Will using CO2 have a negative impact on the performance or durability of the LPK?
A. Not likely. There is some loss in the consistency, but few people notice this, unless they have a poor regulator.

21. Okay, so if I have a LPK kit installed, do I use the HP output or LP output tanks?
A. Technically, a LP tank will do okay. But some cases will not work with this. The end pressure requirement is still just a tad too high. For this reason, I HIGHLY recommend an HP tank. As Druid of A5OG points out, "The easiest way to explain this is that you are doubly regulating the air to LP pressures...450 psi at the bottle and same or less at the marker. The recharge rate in LP applications (for modified HP markers) is absolutely horrible and especially true for high speed strings. That is why you need HP bottle regs for LP kits...the recharge rate is faster in HP."

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Hope this helps. If you guys have any more questions, please post them in reply. I'll edit the original post to include things that are necessary.

[Zoo]

Great idea! This will save many a person hours of scouring the threads!

[JackRock]

I had it on several forums, including the old A5OG, PBOG, SpecOps, D-Day, and now here. I'm just glad it helps out, and answers 98% of the questions out there. And those that have questions that it doesn't answer only feed into it.

[Zealot]

Awesome post. This answered several questions I had. Thanks!

[JackRock]

Glad to be of help, Zealot!

[quarky42]

If LPK + Flatline = better accuracy / consistency than Flatline alone...
I wonder if the same holds true for LPK + Apex. (or LPK + Good Barrel + Apex Tip.)

hmm...the thought plickens!

[Eccentricity]

Say I have a Palmer's Pursuit Male Stabilizer and I currently use CO2, If I just switched from CO2 to HPA/N2 would that constitute as essentially running an LPK, or do I need something extra? Like, is an expansion chamber absolutely necessary?

[psdcomd]

Good Job

[JackRock]

Originally Posted by Eccentricity

Say I have a Palmer's Pursuit Male Stabilizer and I currently use CO2, If I just switched from CO2 to HPA/N2 would that constitute as essentially running an LPK, or do I need something extra? Like, is an expansion chamber absolutely necessary?

Couple of things.

• It needs to be low pressure to operate. HPA isn't low pressure by default.
• Low pressure is about 150-400psi
• To run at a lower pressure, you need a regulator to bring it down to the proper range.
• LPKs don't use expansion chambers, they use volumizers.
• The volumizer is absolutely necessary, to increase the volume of air flowing through the chamber.

[dotZen]

JackRock, this is a great FAQ about the LPK. Where once I was on the fence about going this route, you've answered quite a number of my questions/concerns. Great post!

May I suggest, though, adding the relative links/refrences to the sites you mention? If you need any help tracking them down I wouldn't mind taking the time.

PS. From a new PB'er, to a Vet, your vid's are immensely informative; now a cornerstone to PB (Most A-5 related, but can be applied broadly) troubleshooting, maintenance and insight. Here's to you !


~.Zen