Which barrel to buy?

[Corillian]

I trying to make my final decision for my m98 custom. I have narrowed my choices down to an Armson Stealth, DYE eXcel, J&J ceramic, and the Smart Parts All American 2k2. The eXcel and ceramic are cheaper and from what i've read they are pretty good. I have heard nothing but good things about the AA but I can get the stealth w/ a rifled barrel for about the same cost (both of them were rated 9.6 I believe). The types of paint I use are Diablo Midnight, RPS Premium, and RPS Marbilizer. Any suggestions and/or comments would be appreciatd.

[KossaK]

i have yet to read any definative proof that a rifled barrel improves your accuracy, especially since the ball tumbles forward in the air anyway...
Some people are gonna automatically jump in and say "go AA or Boomy".... I've shot none of these so i just dont know.

I have heard great things about JJ ceramics though. THey are inexpensive, but the quality is at par with the best manufacturers out there. Ceramic barrels are great incase you get a break in the barrel too.. they are so smooth, they self clean in a few shots.

I'd reccomend a J&J. Sounds like they give the most bang for your buck.

[BoostedA4]

Well, although I have never shot an aftermarket barrel, from what I've read, a lapco bigshot is the way to go. Especially at only $50... Just another option u might want to consider.

[Torf]

I have to second the Lapco Bigshot suggestion. For a limited time you can get it in 14".

[-=RA=-]

I'm "thirding" the last two guys. For the price and the performance the Lapco Bigshot can't be beat. Just so some of you guys know, the 14" is in Limited Production right now, but it will be in Full Production in April. It is not just for a limited time. OH...I still reccommend the 12".

[RRdmx77]

Try the Dye Xcel. I just got one for my m98c yesterday and its so accurate. I love it.

[Telefragged]

I've previously used an Xcel, it was alright, but I wasnt impressed. I bought a Lapco Bigshot and have never felt bad about selling my Xcel. Some of the barrels you've listed cost upwards of $70, and for the price, IMHO, they're not worth it. A Bigshot can perform on par with much mroe expensive barrels at about half the price.

[walmartshopper]

i have the j&j 14" pmi premiums shoot real good out of it the barrel is one on the quiter ones out there my bro ordered the big shot today ....so just buy the cheapest one cus there at a draw......

[Meph]

I love how people regurgitate "Bigshot" all the time. No offense intended, it's just so.

Ok, aftermarket barrels. Quality made barrels.... they are all equal. Just different portings and prices. It all relies on one thing... to have access to paint that matches the barrel you want.

So if you have Diablo Hellfire at your field, get an autospirit or stealth. But if you buy Brass Eagle paint, get the Xcel.

It all relies on your budget. Portings do nothing for accuracy. I have this entire barrel thing covered here ( http://www.pbreview.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38873 ). It's the first upgrade on the list, so you don't have to dig far to find it.

I suggest you take a look, not only for that but overall.

[Schwartz]

Originally posted by Meph
I love how people regurgitate "Bigshot" all the time. No offense intended, it's just so.


Theres a reason its regurgitated so often.

[Gustaf]

I have a 14" J&J and shoot premiums also out of it, they combo works real well.

[wenninjj]

I think you should get the 2002 Smart Parts All American. All Americans are great barrels. Plus, The new AA is two piece and fits into the freak barrel system. So...
If I were you I'd get the 2k2 AA save up for a while and just get the freak back and maybe the .689 insert for it. Cheaper than getting the freak barrel by itself plus you could put the AA front on the freak instead of the teardrop it would come with if you bought the whole barrel.
Just my personal preferance but I think the AA is more accurate than the teardrop.
Anyway.... I don't think you can go wrong with choosing the Smart Parts AA.

[Crime Dog]

Closing the thread. There is already a barrel thread at the top of this forum that is stickied. Please use that. Thanks.