Hey a5og.com. I'm new to paintball but experienced in war fighting. I played for my first time this weekend with a friend using a rental A5 flatline w/ HPA and had a good time. After getting the PB bug I've decided to buy my own marker and get more involved in the sport. After researching Milsim markers, the t68 series I liked especially, I cam to the conclusion that the A5 will best suit an over all range of uses from speedball/hyperball/woodsball and its numerous upgrades... I have decided to go that route. Looking at this site and others I have come up with an initial list of parts, gear and upgrades I plan to do. I tried to find items that either enhanced the mechanical capability of the marker or were practical. I have searched threads on this site and other using it as a backboard for PBreview.com. Please give me your advice good or bad.

Tippmann A-5 w/ response trigger "I like the pneumatic design and reliability of the RT in Florida's environment over the E-trigger and the proven reliability of the A5 design added to it a 2 year guarantee"

Changed to A5 no trigger EP X7 upgrades. Decision based on RT being not allowed in tournament play and E-grip needing a lock in semi added to the fact of moisture in FL environment.

TechT "I have seen where these modifications increase your rate of fire and with that rate of fire increase you need the added reliability of the loader. With the rental A5 standard trigger I would say I am able to put out 8-11 BPS, with the A5 RT its been said the Vortex is a must and other mods suggested. There is an A5 offered with the X7 loader. Which route should I go?"


Vortex
Squishy Paddle
Lightning Rod
Q.E.P.H.

Superseded by EP X7 upgraded A5, only need 8 BPS.

Crossfire HPA 3000psi 47in tank "This tank has great reviews and is very cost effective. 4500psi does not seem to be a cost effective option yet as my range has HPA for $5 all day"


Vertical Mount "I have yet to decide on a dedicated remote. The rental had a direct mount to the HPA and provided in my opinion no need for a stock as the tank worked great for that."


Lapco Big Shot 12" Apex Ready Barrel "Although I liked the flatline and I have read that properly tuned it will work with your field paint ect.ect.ect. I like the fact that the big shot is regarded with initial accuracy and has the capability to mount an Apex"


Apex BT "For stated reason above I have chosen to go this route but am open to opinions. I liked the fact that I could remove or add the Apex using the Lapco barrel giving me a greater number of overall options than the flatline as a main barrel"


Hopper Stock "After using the Rentals A5 hopper I really dont see much of a need to go with more capacity, I dont throw paint unless pinned ect. if anything I like the idea of the 30 round cap to maintain a low profile but more realistically will stick with stock A5 hopper"

Changed to X7 hopper, as it comes with the EP upgrade.

Mask Vforce Profiler "From what I have read this mask provides comfort and anti-fog. I experienced fogging up a few times but after that applied soapy water to stop it. I would rather have a top line mask to protect my head and provide safty. If you know of a better mask please let me know, and why you think its better."

Changed to Empire Vents Avatar based on lens thickness being thicker on Empire vs Vforce.

This pretty much sums up what I am looking at. I wanted to post all my ideas and questions in one topic rather than many and I tried to search everything out before just asking.

New Questions

Would the EP X7 cyclone upgrade be comparable to or compliment the maximum BPS rate/reliability of the RT trigger as well as the TechT parts?

Welcome to the forum. (a5og.net)

That is a great first start. I only have two recommendations, first being go with an x7 hopper. Much lower profile than the stock hopper. Its 200 rds.

Second would be get a carbon fiber HPA tank, much nicer and lighter.

Other than that, great start and great write up.

"Washer first, then oring, tombstone holds them in place!"

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Welcome!-Your list looks pretty good so far. I would suggest looking into the Vents Avatar goggles. They're a little expensive, but they are the most comfortable non-fogging goggles I have ever owned/used.

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Shoot them in the lips!!!

Well, seems like you did your research. I would definitely recommend everything you have there, but probably one piece at a time. It is usually good to get well acquainted with the marker first before you start purchasing each upgrade. But other than that, you definitely did your research and the only other thing I can recommend is looking into a pod holder/vest, and eventually a remote coil if you want to lighten the weight distribution of your marker.

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You might want to re-consider the response trigger, especially if looking to play in any tourny type environments. I know a lot of tournaments don't allow them. That was my reasoning for making the plunge for the e-grip. There's ways to water proof them as well.

Welcome, looks like you have a good setup there!!!!!

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tippmann a-5, e-grip (APE), 14" J&J ceramic barrel, shoktech bolt, red hot power tube, jet click modified cyclone with lightening rod, x7 cyclone cylinder, Wargear flexi paddles, x7 valve, x7 hopper, polished inside, lapco M-16 mag, gas thru car stock , red dot holo scope.
Sold. class: 1964 G.A.9Bat-Serv.(artillery group #9)

look into a way to carry paint too! i think a carbon fider tank would be better, espesially if you want a direct mount. if you play speedball, the response trigger won't do you any good. i would suggest an e-grip with APE rampage board(water RESISTANT BOARD, not battery hook up) and there isnt too much of a way to get water into the grip unless you have a super raingy day. good start! and welcome to addiction!

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i agree with just about everything said here.

"Washer first, then o-ring. tombstone holds them in place" will become your motto.

If you don't get it yet, just wait...you will.

Oh yeah, and the Avatars are stinkin awesome! I love mine!

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The "Dead Box" is calling for you

Welcome to the forums, i think you got a great idea of your initial set up, but as stated, if running your air on your gun, after several hours you will get tired, maybe get a carbon fiber tank. As for the mask, i would go for a vent avatar, or v force grill, grill has changeable foam, and feels great, vent avatar is also very comfortable, i currently have a grill and love it. Have fun!

Joe and Duff,

Tournament Play

1. Ok, if the RT isn't allowed due to air-assist sear reset, and the e-grip would only be allowed if the board is locked in semi-auto fire what would be the benefit of having either of those systems? Do regular fields allow these systems as it is where I will be playing 99% of the time less events.

2. Are the tourny events your referring to Speedball or Hyperball? I would never see myself playing in these events. I only really have an interest in Woodsball, its where I feel at home.

3. Maintenance, I live in Florida where it can rain at any moment really. Although I make priority one never to submerge my weapon unless absolutely necessary it may happen. I think I am answering my own question here. No triggers.

ROF

It seems as if I should leave ROF options at the door and stick with my finger as the limit. The only times I used auto in the field where when I was a SAW gunner and riverine raids.

Please comment.

Duff,

I will be building a chest rig eventually. I looked into vest and packs ect but dont like what I have found. I think I spent 6 hours at the local field and was in 7 Woodsball / 6 Speedball rounds. I still have 30rounds give or take out of 500 purchased in field paint. I don't really shoot unless I have a shot. Hopefully the more I play the more I will get a sense of what I really need to function in the field.

Weight

Several have said to go fiber or remote on the marker. I can see the benefits but would like to know if there is any performance or functionality differences between. Weight for me is not a factor in purchases.

1. Remote vs Strait HPA

2. Fiber vs Steele HPA tanks

TechT upgrades vs EP X7 upgrade for A5

What if any real world measurable differences would there be in upgrading to TechT on a non RT non E-grip markers functionality or performance. Granted I can only pull a trigger around 9 times a second... After thinking it through thats more than enough for me.

Prices

I have found the following, everything is new.

Tippmann A5 with X7 EP upgrades installed
comes with X7 hopper

190.00 w/shipping

Crossfire 48/3000 HPA Metal tank

65.00 w/shipping

Lapco 12" Bigshot Apex ready

57.00 w/shipping

Apex BT

54.00 w/shipping

Empire Vents Avatar - switch from Profiler based on shield being 2x thicker.

53.00 w/shipping

Total initial investment

419.00

Please advise if you know of cheaper prices or something better with a justifiable increase in similar product price increase.

Sorry for being so wordy. I just try to be informed and thorough before I make an investment.