The Tippmann Flatline System

[Meph]

Ok, lately there's been a few threads about the flatline. And some replys that shouldn't even be there. Or judgement made from the basis of an improperly installed flatline system.

So here is the scoop. I did a test of this barrel last summer. Turned out rather well, actually. I plan on doing another this summer with all my barrels. Plus with the next test this summer, I also plan on pictures of the target after shots to show the groupings.

Here are the results from the flatline test from the previous summer.....


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.


I also plan on having a real target next time, not just a ghetto cardboard cutout square.

The conclusion from this test was rather nice. This was pretty good for my expectations of what I've both heard about the barrel, and what I've experienced on the field.


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.

Now who is this barrel good for? Anybody, for any type of field. Most use will be on the rec field. Big games, Scenarios, or just recreation in the woods.

However, what about the speedball people? Well, don't get it if you're a frontman. Back players might be able to use this for their advantage. Not only for good accuracy, but also the distance. Because that is very important for a backplayer's roll. Not necessarily to eliminate, but cover fire and bunkering for the frontman to advance. And this could help them.

Again now, I stress this. You MUST install the barrel properly. If you don't have it in all the way. Balls will chop. If it is not centered properly, balls will curve.

Is it a little more work than other barrels, yet. But once done, it works wonderfully. You won't chop paint and the balls like will 'float' straight instead of to the right or left.

*Any comments or questions, feel free to ask.

[F355DUDE]

I have a flatline w/o the shroud. How do I know if it is properly installed?

[Meph]

Not hard. Mostly just eyeball it. At www.tippmann.com they have detailed picture installation instructions.

But one other way is just test firing shots. Eyeball it, see if it's aligned to your knowledge. Then take a few shots. See how they go. If they curve left or right, adjust the barrel. If it chops a lot, push the barrel further in the adaptor (because that's probably the problem w/ chopping).

[F355DUDE]

Thanks a lot for the help!

[KAsplat]

i think the greatest advantage of the flatline is it's flat trajectory. when i used the flaltine i could play with 500 paintballs the whole day because you dont have to shoot so many shots just to see where the paintballs gonna go. when i switched to the freak barrel i was amazed that i was going through a case and half a day.

conclusion - great for rec. players!! gives a newbie a fighting chance against the experienced players. very fun barrel to play with.

[Meph]

Flat trajectory is nice for some. Basically the Flatline, I feel, is a newbie barrel.

The only reason why I say that is because newbies aren't as used as veterans or people who've played for quite a few years. The majority of us that are like this must re-adjust our shooting style with the flatline system in order to compensate and have it perform it's best.

Myself it took a little time, but I got used to it.

For newbies, they have no adjusting. They learn and adjust to it easily right off the bat. So right there, they are at an early advantage with this.

It's not hard to get used to, but it does mess with your head the very first time you use it. After a few games, anybody should have it down. So I suggest if you're experienced, and want to use the flatline, buy it about a month before your 'big game' or whatnot so you can get practice in with it.

[Meph]

Okay, I've done some working with the cpu lately, and decided to update this a little. To actually show a drawing of the paint splats to give a rough idea of what the accuracy was like, instead of explaining it.

[Meph]

This is the second shot grouping

[Meph]

Third shot grouping

[Meph]

Final shot grouping.

[Mimos]

You forgot to say how far away you were from the target for each of those groupings.

[Meph]

No I didn't, check my first post.

[Mimos]

Woops, my mistake. I read your first post a long time ago and forgot what you had said. I came in today to look at the new posts, and didn't re-read the old posts.

[Empyreal Rogue]

What velocity were you shooting at? Do you remember?

And in case you haven't done the test already, might I suggest to try several differant paints at each distance plus deformed looking paint? IE: Team Colors, RPS, 32 Degrees, Diablo or ZAP. Throw in some dimbled balls and then conduct a test. A little more confusing perhaps but it would cover a larger array of paint and paint deformities.

[Meph]

I believe it was around 270fps. I had it at that, because that is where in my experience I've found the optimum accuracy. As compared to some field limits of 280, 290.

And I doubt that I'll be able to do any testing for quite a long time. And even before I re-do this, I have to finish my open/closed bolt testing.

[Empyreal Rogue]

Gotcha. :)

I'll probably conduct an Armson Stealth study soon because I get bored really easily. I'll post it in the Barrels forum, and maybe here since I'll be testing it with a 98C.

[amishassassin]

very nice, thank you Meph