Flatline Barrel

[Crime Dog]

Alright, I just got a new flatline and installed it. Seemed to be working. I took it to my local field, and when I went to chrono, I noticed the velocity had dropped to around 100. I tried cranking it back up to around 280...but the highest I could get was 200. That, AND it started breaking paint (Marballizers no less) left and right! At home, I took off the shroud to see what the heck was wrong, and it looked alright. Took it off, put it back on (without the shroud), and fired. Worked again. Took a second shot, and the force of the CO2 blew the barrel outta the adapter! I had that adapter cranked, and now the barrel slides right out of the adapter! Any ideas? Or should I just call Tippmann and have them replace the whole system? (Which, I don't think they'll do since I've already painted it! ARGH! I painted it because it WAS working at home....)

[toadman7b22]

yes call up tippmann

[Crime Dog]

You know what...I'm thinking about just trying to get a refund. I really like the way my 14" J&J shoots. That, and it's more of a challenge to try to get up close to my victims...er...opponents. I started as a typical back/newbie player that was nervous...but I suppose I like getting into the action now too. I like trying to be stealthy and taking long shots (stalker/sniper...WHATEVER you wanna call it)...but the more I think about it...a flatline won't allow me to do that as well. Heck. I think I'm just going to try to get a refund. I think I've talked myself into that now.

*shakes head and sighs*

[Crime Dog]

Er....clarification...using the flatline won't allow me to be an upfront player as well... That last post was confusing...

[Q-Ball]

If you can't get a refund just sell it on ebay. :D

[Crime Dog]

Just talked to Tippmann. They can't refund my money since I didn't get it direct from them (duh)...but they said to send it in and they would exchange it. Argh. Phooey. Maybe I'll try the replacement, and have someone install it for me... I'll give it one more shot.

[MWM]

I had the same problem with it not staying tight. Until that started happening, I loved it. Still havent decided what I'm going to try yet. Maybe a coat of paint around the end.

[SyKo)(SpAZ!]

Ya get a refunde, because personally I think flatlines are useless because they are so dam un-accurate. Yes they have great range but get a better barrel. Oh and for you problem if I were you just refund you gun and get like a Impulse or auto mag for nearly the same price as a tippman+flatline.
And as for me I wasted so much dam money trying to upgrade my dam tippman and now im gettin the 32* Blue IMpulsE for under 600.

[Crime Dog]

Well, like I said, I already have a 14" J&J that I love on my 98...so if nothing else I'll just keep using that. But I'll give the Flatline one more chance. Tippmann is sending me a new one. I think I read somewhere that you can glue the barrel into the adapter, and that works as well. I don't know if I want to try that or not though. If it doesn't work this next time, I'll sell it.

Hey, thanks ya'll for your help!

[Q98]

If i were you i would just stick to the a straight aftermarket barrel, my friend in iowa messed with his flatline and now when he shoots it paint flies everywhere it breaks in the barrel and one time he shot it and it was going straight then it curved right almost at a right angle and nailed a tree. Most firefights happen within a straight barrels range anyways.

[custom98pro]

Simply, Flatlines Suck

[Crime Dog]

Ok, despite some of the naysayers here, I put it on last night. (Tippmann sent me a brand new barrel and adapter. Great customer service, let me tell ya!

Anyway, this time, I added the loctite, and let it dry for two hours before touching it again. I picked up my marker, loaded my paintballs, hooked up my tank, and let 'er rip. She's working now. And working the way it's supposed to. True, the accuracy isn't the most impressive at those long ranges...but it's still good enough for me to keep heads down and help cover my teammates. I'm satisfied with the distance I'm getting out of it, and I'll be keeping this barrel for awhile, especially now that it's working the way it should. This should be fun, using in conjunction with my new ghillie suit as well.

And no, I'm not saying I'm a sniper, but I play sneaky paintball. If you want to call that sniping, so be it. I call it "playing sniper style, but not being a sniper."

Anyway, just thought I"d let ya'll know what the update was. Oh, and I'll get a pic of the finished marker up in the pics forum as soon as I can. I'm happy with the way the paintjob came out on it all...

[DevilStar]

Anyone have a flatline to sell i want to know that!!!
And send me your price at devilstar@pbreview.com

thanks devil

[Mephistopheles]

Ok, I hate it when people say this and that sucks, yet they have no proof.

I, however, do have a test I did with the flatline and it's accuracy. And from this, you all can then say if it's bad or good. And if you do say it's bad, please tell me the accuracy at the same distance with whatever barrel.

**This review can also be found at www.countypaintball.com


Test:

-Tippmann Classic E/Model 98 (w/ a list of upgrades too long to list).
-Barrel, of course... flatline. Shroudless.
-Paint, Diablo Hellfire, brand new, inspected for as perfectly rounded ones as possible.
-Temperature, 78*
-Wind, none to very slight and almost unnoticable breeze.
-Gas source, 88ci 3k preset Crossfire carbon-fiber wrapped nitro tank, all the way full to 3000.
-Hopper, Ricochet (no purpose to mention for the test, but I love this hopper)
-Target, 3'X 3' cardboard square. Cut to precise measurements.

Ok now, Start of the test. I had a clamped down Tippmann E/M98.

My first 10 shots, 50 feet away. Each shot with a 2 second interval to accomidate for best recharge.
-Shot grouping of 5.7 inches. All 10 paintballs hit

Second group of 10 shots, 75 feet away. Again, each shot with a 2 second interval.
-Shot grouping of 13.2 inches. All 10 paintballs hit, again.

Third group of 10 shots, 150 feet away. Again, each shot with a 2 second interval.
-Shot grouping of 25.9 inches. All 10 paintballs hit target.

Fourth group of 10 shots, 200 feet away. Again, each shot with a 2 second interval.
-Shot grouping of 36 inches. 8 out of 10 paintballs hit target.

**Note, you'll notice when shooting that the balls will initially take a slight, but quick little dip down after it exits the barrel. However, after a few feet, the backspin and everything will kick in properly, and the ball will travel in a very flat trajectory.

Conclusion, pretty accurate within reason. However, after about 150 feet, they can be accurate, but some will fly by. Tip is, if one's to aim, aim for the torso of a person, and not the goggles.
Now, the flatline can be this good... IF INSTALLED PROPERLY!!! I keep hearing people complain about their flatline at fields I'm at, but once I re-install it for them, they love it. Some people just have it off center, or they didn't put the barrel in all the way. Whatever it is, be sure that it's installed properly.
And I personally suggest to NOT use the shroud. The shroud can throw the barrel off-center, making the paintballs become less accurate and fly off. Plus, it's harder to inter-change barrels when the shroud is being used.

And if you're one to complain about it being too long, or think it's too long and haven't even used/seen it in person. Truth is, it's as long as a 14" barrel. It just looks longer than it actually is. However, it is still not recommended to use this barrel when a frontman in speedball. This is a great barrel for snipers, recballers, and backplaying speedballers. Otherwise, if you play the front line or close-encounter sup'air ball, I don't suggest the use of a flatline.

[ockey]

I hear you. At first I was awed at the range and didn't even notice the inaccuracy. Then I got used to it and noticed that the performance wasn't all that great. Little by little I made little changes and now 7 months later I have a 4x15 scope and my gun is insanly accurate. People don't believe the difference from when I first got it and now. Here it is:

[Crime Dog]

Besides the scope, what did you do to make the flatline more "accurate"? I'd be interested in hearing your little changes...

[paintball-scott]

hey ockey would you sell your gun or tell me how much you got it for and whats on it.

your gun is relly cool looking.

with info send to paintball_dude92320@yahoo.com

[ockey]

Well... I polished out the internals on my 98, putsed with the adapter and lining up the barrel for a while. I've had the flatline for about 6 months and i'm just getting it to work nice and accuratly. I really don't want to sell it now but if you would've talked to me about a month ago I would've jumped on the deal but thanks for the compliment on the paint job. I did it myself.

[Blowfish]

I love my flatline! I have no problem with it at all. I love the distance. :eyes:
http://download.thovo.com/tippmann_98_custom/lighting/DSC00035.JPG

[Blowfish]

I just keep the velocity just below 280 and use the xchamber to keep the gas feed constant. Xchamber gives the C02 liquid time to change to gas during rapid fire and cold weather.

[Nightmare737]

Originally posted by ockey
I hear you. At first I was awed at the range and didn't even notice the inaccuracy. Then I got used to it and noticed that the performance wasn't all that great. Little by little I made little changes and now 7 months later I have a 4x15 scope and my gun is insanly accurate. People don't believe the difference from when I first got it and now. Here it is:

THAT is a sweet looking gun :love: , but i just got a couple of questions, does the scope fit on like any other paintball scope :confused:? And what kind of paint did you use (to paint the gun). I also understand that you need expensive paintballs for it to shoot accurate, any suggestions on what brand to get?

[in trauma]

you can get a flatline new on ebay for abour $75

htey are worth that i wouldnt pat $150 again maybe $100

I like them they are good barrels and great for making those other back players stay behind there bunkers

[Vipers189]

I have a problem with my flatline, it doesnt tail off, i have it set up perfect. The problem is every once in a while the ball doesnt get the backspin and dives straight into the ground. i worked on the inside of barrel and it is perfectly clean. would velocity have something to do with it? i really cant see anything wrong with my gun

[Crime Dog]

I don't run my velocity over 280 with the flatline on it. What are you running it at? If it's above 280, turn it down a bit and see what happens. Also, what kind of balls are you putting through it? I don't know if that would have anything to do with it...but I've had fairly good luck with the Marbs I've been shooting. (I still get a few stray shots now and then, but...)

[Vipers189]

Thanks for the advice, i dont have a chrono. i have an expansion chamber and i have the gun really low on velocity. ill try cranking it up i guess. I usually shoot superswirls which are almost the same (maybe they are the same) but i was still having this problem.

[andronikos916]

If flatline barrel is not accurate and brake good balls you have not install it correct! Thats all folks!