Tippmann A5 Variations

by Andres Romberg
(Bogota, Colombia )

I bought my Tippmann A5 a little over a year ago. I have tried several different configurations, and I'm now ready to go for the next level. I am currently deciding between switching to a Proto Matrix Rail, or an ION XE. (Accepting suggestions, too).

At first, I played more of a "scenario" kind of game, woodsball, etc., rather than speedball. I enjoy playing sniper positions, and usually play with a sniper style (fire few shots, get a high hit percentage).

I am now starting to play more and more speedball, and feel that the A-5 is falling a bit behind on this.

Let me say, first of all, that I am VERY happy with this marker. I believe it is a very sturdy and solid marker. All in all, a very good piece of equipment.

My configuration, at first, was a 20" barrel, with the standard trigger, which I soon upgraded to the E-grip (had some problems with the board on the first e-grip I got, but Tippmann came through and sent me a replacement quickly, free of charge).

I used to have a red-dot (cheap-ass) sight that came with my gun when I got in from Amazon, but that soon broke (not even from an impact, but from lousy quality - again, not related to gun problems).

I then had a 21" barrel, with a supposedly better technology, always looking for that extra accuracy that didn't quite come.

At this time I use a NekStar red-dot sight (good one), and both a TruFlight 16" rifled barrel, and a shorter but more precise Flatline barrel. I removed the shoulder mount, because the gun is a bit too bulky for some speed-ball scenarios.

The Flatline barrel is an amazing piece. I read all reviews I could find about it, and decided to buy it after I read one from a guy that sounded quite saavy and experienced about it. THe problem with the Flatline is that if you have lousy paint, the chances of breaking paint go up too much... especially when you start shooting fast. With good paint, the thing is just amazing. Many people think that my gun is shooting at speeds upwards of 300 FPS, when they see the trajectory I'm firing, but when we measure it, the FL barrel is best when used at between 270 - 280.

N2 instead of CO2 is recommended, as CO2 tends to freeze the gun a bit when shooting with the e-grip, and when it sticks, it continues to shoot after the trigger has been released...

I recommend this gun (with the flatline barrel) to anyone who wants to excel at woodsball, and at a beginner/not-so-beginner level in woodsball... the FL barrel DOES give you more range, and greater accuracy, and the gun is one you will love to have with you.

Some pros that I saw, were:

1. Sturdy, good marker.
2. Looks real cool.
3. Does not need a loader, as it uses the cyclone system, so you just need one 9V battery that lasts for about 3 months of weekly use, or more, when less frequent use.
4. Flatliner barrel... it is a must.
5. Add a red-dot scope, calibrate it properly, and you will knock them dead every time.
6. The "ramping" equivalent in the e-grip allows you to shoot quite fast, using only one finger, and you can also get the two-finger trigger if you want to go even faster.
7. cyclone system is an amazing hopper, that uses air instead of battery operated blades, and has a lower signature.

Some cons:

1. Too bulky to play any serious speed-ball, although if you play as a back support, you can take out enemies pretty far away (with the flatline barrel).
2. It is a heavy gun, but it comes with straps so you can hang it from your shoulder, which almost none other that I've seen has.
3. Flatline barrel is a bit sensitive to paint quality and ball speed (get the best paint you can, and calibrate your gun to 270 - 275 FPS for best results).
4. It has a lot of accessories for it, but you might end up a lot of money getting it up to its highest potential: US75 for the flatline + US90 for the e-grip).
5. The cyclone hopper is fixed on one side of the gun (right) so if you're left-handed, you'll have problems aiming. Plus, you don't have much flexibility choosing your hopper. (Although I'm sure you can remove the cyclone and use a hopper, haven't tried it, though).

I highly recommend this marker as an entry-level to mid-experience marker. It is a MUST for woodspall players (with the addition of a remote, and a large air tank, a harness for the tank, and a good sight), and it is enough for starter speedball players (better than many spyders and other markers sold as entry level for speedball).