Tippy98C - Boomstick or Flatline?

[Chief]

Ok guys, Im at work so I gotta try to make this kinda quick.

I recently purchased a Tippmann 98 Custom. I know its not the end all be all of markers, but Im MORE than happy w/my purchase for the price.

Everyone knows that if you're going to upgrade a Tippy, the barrel should be one of the first. Right now Im torn between the Flatline Barrel System and the Dye Boomstick.

Im not tryin' to be rude, but if ya have a opinion, please try to follow up with a simple explanation. Im just tryin' to avoid the "Boomsticks' are bogus" or "Flatline Sucks" replys...

This decision is kinda hard for me cuz of what Ive read in this article -> http://www.paintcheck.com/articles/protips/range.cfm
Cuz of this article, I tend to lean towards the Boomstick being a little over hyped and over priced... but I could be wrong...

Aiight, Thanks guys!

 

[Arrival]

Flatlines fire far, but somtimes bounce when they actually do hit an opponent @ that range.When I used to own a flatline it fired all over the place; left right, I didn't know where the next shot would go. Another thing about the Flatlines are that they constantly chop paint, and add quite some length to your Tippmann, which is already a long gun. For thier money, I don't think they are worth it.
Boomsticks are good barrels, and have some weight to them, but are also durable. They sport good accuracy and rarely chop paint. If a ball is ever broken inside the barrel for whatever reason, it's a bitch to try and shot through it as they balls will fly all over. In my opinion, I would go with an Ultralight in ten inches as Tippmanns can get pretty long with anything above 12". They have the same accuracy as Boomsticks but are made from Aluminum which make them about four times lighter. All for a price that's a little less than the Boomstick.

 

[fuxup]

hiya ive got a flatline and have had no probs with it breaking paint so far 2000 shot only 1 break which was my own fault (oil in the barrel)they take a little while to set up usually bout 25 shots but once done paint a line on the barrel and gun so that if you need to take it off you can re align instantly.flatlines have good range and yes if you hit someone at 200-250ft then you may get a bounce.accuracy is superb balls fly dead straight and actually rise up a few inches when they fly over 200ft.I think the barrel is wicked ,,,,regards the previos post doesnt sound like he had the barrel set up properly cos you get the same problems when you are setting up the barrel (paint flies left/right).........im afraid i dont know anything bout the other barrels cos i havent tried 1 yet dont think i need to get another barrel though.

 

[Neddyboy]

I use a flatline and never have any problems, its has amazing distance and yes some balls do bounce but happens to any barrel which fires at great distances. If you get the flatline use diablo paint or marblelise. I have only had about 6 ball breaks out of 6000+ balls.

The reasons why your flatline chops paint is because 1 your trying to fire quicker than the marker will allow and therefore it chops or you do not have the adapter put in properly. Also if the ball bends to the left or right again this is because the adapter is not fitted correctly or you are low on CO2.

Other thing you should bear in mind and this affects all markeres in why the sometimes the ball goes left or right and that is bad paint, atmospheric conditions, and not enough fuel (co2, air etc)

Hope this helps

 

[Chief]

Great, definatly the information I was looking for...

I believe I have come to the conclusion that I can't validate paying that much money just for a barrel such as the Boomsticks. Im just a Recreational/Scenario player. I play in wooded areas using combat tatics. I dont do the tournament stuff, so I dont need a 188 dollar barrel.

Im checkin' out the Dye Ultralite and its looking more postive. The only thing I dont like off the bat is the fact I cant seem to find one 10"- 12". Can only find the 2 pc. 14" barrels.

14" = Too long

I think Im going to just drop the whole Flatline Idea all together. Sounds too complicated just to be a barrel. So, what that in mind, its safe to say Im back at square one..

With the Ultralite in the back of my mind, Im also checkin' out the Armson Pro-Series 10" 'rifled' barrel.

Feedback is always appreciated as I take knowledgable feedback seriously.

 

[Neddyboy]

The flatline take 5 mins to set up and once it setup thats it. Hardly complicated.



Also if you want to change it for another barrel, it takes me about 2 mins to take off and replace with another barrel

Just my opinion and my experience of using it

 

[Chief]

Decision Made

Im pretty sure Ive decided on the J&J Ceramic 12" Barrel for my 98C.