Im not in the know with tippmanns but i know someone who is
@
tommikka
My x7 seems to be becoming a bit of a legend. I'm sure I've gone on about it numerous times
To summarise its had minimal maintenance by me and in probably 6 years of my ownership (bought second hand) it's been handed to Paul banks on the tippmann tech desk I think twice (no more then 3 times)
The first time shortly after I bought it the ratchet failed - Paul offered a free warranty replacement or for me to pop over to a stall for the newly released metal upgrade ratchet and he would fit it. I clearly made the right choice with a metal one and it's been running ever since
The last time was at the first sennybridge game at sub zero temperatures
Paul was there but wasn't providing tech support - not true, he unofficialy put his time into keeping players in the game.
He commented on my old reliable and I said I had it just in case but was not planning to use it as the cyclone had been missing the odd feed recently, probably due for a new ratchet again
He didn't have the parts but said he would take a look
Shortly afterwards he retuned it to me stripped & serviced
The only observations being how good its condition was inside & I should consider replacing the cyclone hose soon (he would have changed it if he had his tech spares)
With the conditions at sennybridge that year the x7 was the only gun I could rely on
I have a fair collection of guns so the x7 doesn't get out often these days, but when it does I know I can rely on it
The A5 and the X7 are both guns
Consider the X7 as a form of upgrade to the A5
In the Tippmann line of a 98 to a phenom they are all good solid guns building on from one another until a key design change with the phenom
A5 is 'better' than 98, and effectively changes to a 'force fed' hopper with the cyclone
X7 is 'better' than A5
All of the above are rock solid and reliable
(Some people don't get on with the cyclone system)
Something that can sit in the middle is effectively an a5 clone without a cyclone - the pcs us5
The phenom changes the type of internals and also gives you the option of running electronically or mechanically at the flick of a switch
Should you get an a5 or x7?
If you want to get your own gear I would currently say no to the a5 & x7
Look for a 'speedball' style gun which can be used anywhere and in any style of play
Get out to a paintball shop if you can and get your hands on some guns
Alternately get to an event and see the stalls or a walkon and check out peoples gear
Primarily good comfortable goggles are best
Then gun and an air system