which barrel for the f4?

[whiteflame05]

I am having trouble deciding on the lapco bigshot or the dye boomstick for the f4. The bigshot is $50 and the boomstick is $60 at paintballgateway.com, so price isnt really in consideration for me. Bore size is .688 on boomystick and .689 on the bigshot. I will be using diablo midnights since thats all my local pb field has and that is a medium bore paint so i think it will work great on both barrels. I would like to know the comparison of accuracy,loudness,ball breaks and how easy it may be to clean after a break and any thing else you have to say. You guys know soooo much thank you!

[Mav]

Actually Midnights round here run really small, like a .685 paint, but that's different in different parts.

To be honest I don't expect very much performance difference between the .688 and .689 (really close).

However I do believe you'll see a real difference in three ways-

1. Internal Finish - Boomie's are definitely the smoothest internal bores I've lain my eyes on. That'll cut drag and save you a bit of air. Could also assume a good consistent finish will help with shot-shot consistency and accuracy (since it wont drag here and there).
2. Barrel lengths - What's available, what's your preference, how's the porting look?
3. Thread type - Are the barrels actually threaded for F4s themselves, or do they have Tippman "ridges" that can cut balls etc. (maybe worth checking out).

Other than that those are two very popular barrels (especially in the F4 circuit).

I've never run a bigshot, so I can't really tell you much about cleaning it length etc.

I do run a 10" boomie on my mag however ;)

1. Accuracy - Tottaly dependent on your paint to barrel match. See how your midnights would stack up with this chart - www.mpaintball.com
2. Loudness - even with 2" of porting, it quiets my mag down a bit. This changes with the length of the barrel and the amount of porting.
3. Ball breaks - I haven't had a single barrel break. However I dont have a ridge, you can learn more about those at - www.f4og.com/faq.html
4. Cleaning - I've accidentally loaded a busted ball from a pod, and that's the only time I've tried to shoot through a break with my mag. It did pretty good, I still pegged a back player from short of midfield at long range.

I don't carry a straight shot on the field, so I dunno how a quick clean would do but I would expect residue to remain after the step (but the smoother bore should help clean it out pretty well).
5. Boomie's are sexy lookin and of course have are considered the high performance barrel, great at that price to!

Mav

[PBfreak01]

Hey! I actually have one of those on my F4.

Personally, I like the bigshot. It's got great efficiancy (and it works great with old paint, too), does not have the Tippmann ridge anymore, it's powder coated (so it won't scratch like the F4 :pissed: ), and it comes in two varieties: aluminum and SS (more expensive, but also more durable. Helps balence the marker a bit better).

The only problem you'll see with the bigshot is the distinctive noise it makes with an F4 (a clunk with reverb). Other then that, I haven't incountered any problems...Except the powder coat is a different shade of black than my marker.


P.S. Get a 12". 14's aren't that much better anyway (matter of fact, I'd say they're worse.)

[whiteflame05]

I understand these two barrels may be very good but im kinda leaning toward the boomy because of the 6 micron finish and surgical steel, but i have also heard that since they are 2-piece barrels the threads can wear and be off center.Do they have a glued boomstick barrel? If so that could separate but dye also seems do be very high precision barrel makers. Well then again, I have heard good and bad things about the bigshot and boomystick. Oh yah and what about the j&j ceramic one piece barrel. Please tell me your thoughts.

[PBfreak01]

I understand your concern for the boomy coming undone, but frankly, that won't be a problem....the suckers there for good, with loctite :D

BTW precision isn't always worth the price ;)

[whiteflame05]

but what do you guys think about the j&j ceramic and where can i find a black one for the f4.

[Evil Spyder19]

yuo should get an ultralite

[PBfreak01]

Originally posted by whiteflame05
but what do you guys think about the j&j ceramic and where can i find a black one for the f4.

I don't think the ceramics come in any color but tan...

And spyder, stay out of this. He's asking for an edjucated opinion. Not a quick one liner.

[whiteflame05]

Well I have seen j&j ceramics that are black but I can't remember where though. I would like to know what you non-oneliner-people think about the j&j ceramic.

[whiteflame05]

What about the j&j ceramic?

[PBfreak01]

Sorry, I can't help...I've never used one :|

[Mav]

Sorry I've been Awol guys, coulda used me in here.
Boomie-
1. An easy way to find a quality (even new) boomie for well below retail is the old glued ones.
2. However I use a new 2pc, and whoever told you all that off center owrn threads stuff, had no experience. I seperate mine almost ever time I use it (for cleaning that night) and have no problems. It gets bashed around on my mag and stays tight!

J&J-
1. Friend has one on his mag(s) and another has one on a Griffin.
2. Shoot pretty well (many types of paint) fairly quiet barrel.
3. Not too sure on color availability, probably depends on where you order (sorry can't be more specific).
4. Ceramic is supposed to clean easier than the boomie, however my boomie's always done better then the cermic Zero Gravs.

Mav

[whiteflame05]

thanks mav

[Mav]

Anytime, feel free to hit me with any more q's or whatever :)

Mav

[whiteflame05]

can i hit you with a 2 by 4? Just kidding. If I have any more questions I will definately ask them here or at f4og.

[Vaypourus]

Just a few thoughts:

Lapco bigshot/autospirit- These are the barrels in the industry that have probably the best effeciency when matched with a well fitting paint. The 12" is nearly the perfect length. The bore is going to be honed and polished to tolerances that are comparable to Dye's; the "6 micron finish" is more of a marketing ploy than anything else. Keep in mind that Lapco is one of the founders and developers of this sport; they have been around alot longer than Dye.

The Dye barrels have been proven performers; you really can't go wrong, although they are kind of pricey and a little harder to clean (all of that porting makes for a quieter barrel, but retains the paint).

J&J Ceramic are great barrels (I still have one for a mag, and I sold the other one that I had). The teflon inpregnated ceramic cleans very well, and the porting is at the tip. I believe you can get them in gray and black.

Barrels are made very well now; you should not have to worry about mis alignment in two piece barrels.

If you are on a budget; the J&J would be my choice. If you want to go all out, the lapco or dye will do you well. I have experienced all but the Lapco (which is the barrel I am getting for my new mag) and I have been pleased with both.

[whiteflame05]

hmm... another barrel im considering, the cp one piece which i have heard very good things about and besides bob long and his ironmen use the cp 2 piece barrels which have the same portings as the cp one piece and for $39.99 for the 1 piece at paintballgateway.com its a steal. Mav I know you have one of these on your F4, so shoot me.

[Vaypourus]

Cp is another great barrel. They are nice barrels, and they are very affordable.