My choices...

[PBfreak01]

I've decided to purchase a new barrel as my first upgrade. I've also narrowed it down to three cost-effective barrels: Dye Xcel, 32 Degrees Nyte Stick, and the Lapco Bigshot. I need your opinions on which I should get, and don't just say 'get it' , give me a reason that is actually good.

[wenninjj]

I really like my Smart Parts All American Barrel. I think a Smart Parts Teardrop barrel is pretty good as well.

Later

[PBfreak01]

Does the word 'expensive' mean anything to you? I asked for your opinion on the barrels I LISTED.

[PaintballPimp01]

Ooooooh, arent we snappy!? JK. Well on your list, the only barrel I own is the Dye Xcel for my Cocker, and great as that is they dont make it for the F4/Griffin/Pro-lite. If, however you can get your hands on a barrel adapter that would convert your F4 threads to say Spyder or Autococker, you will be open to many more options.

In fact, I havent looked too hard (only at 888) but I didnt see any of the 3 you listed for your gun make.

Here is a suggestion if you want to stay in that price range though. Smart Parts makes the Progressive barrel (only like $5 more than the Xcel) and these are AWESOME barrels. www.smartparts.com ... check it out!

[PBfreak01]

Oh, they do have the Bigshot and Nyte Stick in F4/Prolite threading, but I'm not so sure about the Xcel.

On another note, the Progressive looks good, has a good amount of barrel length (length with no porting), and is cost-effective.

Thanks dude, it looks like I just added another choice to which barrel I'm going to choose.

I also decided to drop the Xcel, because I'v heard bad things about their customer service (It was a review I read about the logo on the barrel being upside-down). If the company doesn't care about their image, than they can't care about their customers.

[PBfreak01]

So here is my updated list: I have three choices, the Lapco Bigshot, 32 Degrees Nyte Stick, or Smart Parts Progressive. Suggest only the barrels listed, and give a good reason, not 'just get it.'

[wenninjj]

hey PBFreak. Sorry about the post on the All American. I didn't read your post closely enough. Anyway... I don't know how much the Lapco barrel is by you but I could only find it for like $50. The Smart Parts Teardrop barrel is an excellent barrel and is only $48 at paintballover.com. I don't know if that's more than you want to spend or not.
I've never used one of the progressive barrels before but I hear they are nice.

Later,
Jason

[PBfreak01]

Thanks, sorry about being snappy, but anyway back to the subject.

I'm not going to be buying the barrel that I do choose online, I'm going to be buying it in person. So it's okay if barrel X costs more than barrel Y, as long as there is a good reason.

[srcapo]

Hi,

I have a sporting goods store in Buffalo, NY. I play ALOT. I have also used and tried most of the barrels out there. (guns too ;-) )

The Lapco is probably your best choice because it is Stainless Steel and it will be your smoothest and most self-cleaning of the three. Bad thing is that it is heavy.

As for the Smart Parts and 32'- they are both prettty much the same type of barrel and need the accompanyment of a good squeegee.

If your main concern is accuracy (it should be), I would recommend the Lapco, but most accuracy problem usually can be fixed with Ball-Barrel match.

But if you really want to get an awesome barrel - get a Boomstick, this barrel is so ball friendly and half the weight of the Lapco. I use all sorts of different balls and I usually never blow paint and I usually shoot a good amount of players. It is rathere expensive, but I think worth it. (better than the freak kit)
"just my opinion".

Good Luck

[PBfreak01]

Thanx for your opinion, but the Boomstick costs a little much for $100+, if I was going to spend that much, I'd just get an Equation MS.
And, with the Lapco, do you need a larger barrel plug because of the muzzel brake? I've heard that the standard barrel plug won't fit.

[srcapo]

Hi,

I use a barrel condom, fits on anyting. You can find used boomers for 60 bucks (more common $70-80 bucks).

Good Luck

[Thor the Mighty]

if i were you i'd get a venturi bolt

[PBfreak01]

Umm...I'm not sure that I'd want to buy a used barrel, and plus, the shop I go to doesn't sell used items anyway.
I'v also decided to change the selection of barrels once again, first, a Lapco Bigshot, second, a Smart Parts Progressive, and third, the Custom Products one piece barrel.
Sorry Thor, but right now I need a better paint/barrel match, 'cause right now i'm using a meduim paint to large barrel.

[srcapo]

Hi again,

Used barrels are not as risky as purchasing other used equipment. Call around to other sports/paintball stores and ask if they have any used stuff. Usually stores have some used equipment and they usually stand by their products.

Or look in the internet and use a 3rd party trader ( if your not comfortable)

The Lapco Bigshot Stainless Steel is probably the most consistent barrel. Also, cost the most from your choices.

Good Luck

[PBfreak01]

Thanks again for your suggestion, but I can't drive yet so if the store I go to is more than 15-20 minutes away (30 minutes is reaaally streching it, but sometimes my mom will drive me), my parents will say, "no it's too far away."
So that means I'm really limited to two shops, Panther Paintball and that one in Jersey City (I forgot it's name). And about the bying used, not many people I know play paintball, so it would be very difficult to find something used. And before you say "what about Ebay," my mom has something against using credit cards, so I can't order from online stores, go on Ebay ect...

[PBfreak01]

Please, from now on do not suggest DYE barrels, as they are not threaded for an F4, and besides, it's my personal preference not to have anything DYE, if I have a choice.

[ColdFusion]

id get a tear drop about the same price and better than the ones listed

[PBfreak01]

Soory, but I don't think so. The barrels that I listed have little to no porting in the first 8 inches. I can't afford to have too much porting, as I'm on a budget, and can't refill whenever I want to.

[PBfreak01]

I've come to a conclusion people. Instead of the barrels that I listed, I'm going to get a head start buying an Equation MS. Tell me what you think of this: regular black breech, "Annihilator" muzzle, and a 0.693 insert. That comes to somewhere around $87.00, but I won't be buying this barrel, and then later buying the MS, it just cost's less this way.