Tippmann A-5: Remote coil, HPA, CAR stock, Red Dot sight w/ JCS offset, ShockTech drop forward, Special Ops foregrip, J&J Ceramic Barrel, BT-4 Apex Barrel, Tippmann Werks Barrel, X-7 hopper, gun sling
Tippmann X-7: Remote Coil, HPA, Egrip, all barrels from A-5, gun sling
Smart Parts SP-1: Remote Coil, HPA, VL hopper, gun sling
Recommended Upgrades:
Agitated hopper if reaching 11bps is a definite must.
Maybe a new barrel, but stock is fine so far.
Strengths:
Value Proposition
Tactical rails galore
Flashlight mount
Low force bolt
3 Internal moving parts
Weaknesses:
Feed neck position
On/Off button location
Flashlight mount
Front grip position
Battery rattles
Review:
I've played about 13 games (woods and speed) in a two-day spread, and here are my first impressions:
The Good:
Compared to my other mechanical markers, the SP-1 is 1/2 the weight @ 2.2lbs (dry). However, I think the weight catches up once the SP-1 is attached w/ the VL hopper w/ two 9V batteries (old school).
There are many, many, many strips of picatinny rails throughout the marker, including a flashlight mount as standard feature. The flashlight has to be limited to certain brands that will 1) fit the diameter of the receiver, 2) have a tether hole so that the securing pin can go through, and 3) the tether hole position has to align w/ pin position. The Maglite definitely fits, I'm not so sure about other brands. Besides, I haven't played in any enclosed (dark) urban combat scenario where this feature would be useful.
I have not chopped any paint on this marker. My compliments on the low force bolt, it works "as seen on TV". I had a paintball break in the chamber, though - read more below in "The Incompetent" section.
The marker is extermely easy to clean and maintain. There are only 3 moving parts that need to be disassembled. One minor shortcomming from Smart Parts is that they do not include a tool to reach the inside of the marker from the barrel end. The use any non-metallic rod (even wooden chopstick) is suggested in their site.
The Bad:
I am used to having a Red Dot sight to estimate where the marker is shooting, but since the feeder neck is right on the line-of-sight, I could not mount one as of yet. A rail offset will resolve this issue in the future. The marker was shot during one of the games right where the on/off button is. I could not turn the marker off as I was walking out the field. SP-1 does not have a "safety" button other than turning it off. I placed the barrel bag and walked out. The marker was "live" for the rest of the day until I disconnected the battery for the trip home.
Beause the front grip is attached to the Max-Flo regulator, the position cannot be adjusted, leading to minor discomfort since I am used to grips being farther apart. Regarding the battery rattle - any home remedie can fix this: foam wedges, 3M double stick tapes etc... not a huge showstopper.
The Incompetent:
Time for confession: I read the manual as soon I opened the box at home, but it did not register in my head during the play day (blind-sighted by euphoria?). The SP-1 comes from the factory set up for use w/ CO2. I was running air that day. Thus, during fast triggering, one of the paintballs broke inside the gun. Cleaning the barrel did not help, and most of the shots were curveballs from that point. I diassembled the gun and cleaned off the gunk inside (again, standard cleaning tool would have been helpful), and the marker performed flawlessly again. Lesson learned!
The Interesting:
Even after the marker has been discharged of air, it will sometimes shoot when trigger is pulled (is it due to residual air trapped in the internals?). I am not sure if this is common on electropneumatic markers, or SP-1 or it is just me.
Reliabiltiy:
Only time of use will determine the longevity of the marker. Currently, I do not have any data to establish any claims.
Conclusion:
I haven't taken the opportunity to make any scientific measurements in terms of accuracy vs. distance vs. ambient temperatures vs. propellent, but the marker shoots true. To reiterate on the strength, this marker offers a lot of features for relatively low price. I am extremely satisfied w/ my purchase.
Rating:
9 out of 10
Last edited on Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 at 1:48 pm PST
