Good bolt to pair with the 98c...

[MountainDewFKR]

What are some recomendations for a good nicely priced bolt? Are there any in particular that work better with the flatline? Was looking into a wicked bolt. But need some opinions. thanks

[Orpackrat]

The best bolt is the stock bolt. A new bolt is not an upgrade, its just a waste of money and most if not all after-market bolts don't work as well as the stock bolt.

[nickve]

Shocktech makes some great bolts, and bolts DO make a difference.

[Coenen]

For Tippmann markers a replacement front bolt is next to useless. In fact, there is some extensive research to that end.

I believe the Superfly IS an improvement according to that research, but the amount of improvement is not really enough to justify changing over.

Why? Because a Tippmann's internal design has the powertube delivering the air to the ball instead of the bolt itself. The bolt functions solely to seal the chamber and push the ball in to the barrel, it has little bearing on how the air actually hits the ball. Some of the newer bolts have an o-ring on the inside to help them seal against the powertube, these are the best of the after market options, but again, their benefits are rarely sufficient to justify their costs.

Why do some people claim massive improvements in performance? The placebo effect. A guy pays $25 or whatever for a new bolt and expects a big improvement, therefore he sees one.

Why not replace the powertube? Aside from getting aluminum construction...which doesn't make a performance difference, the difference that most aftermarket tubes feature is a venturi at the front end. This venturi directs air on the ball in a pattern that the maker will usually advertise helps with efficiency, or ball breakage, or accuracy, or something to that effect. In truth, there is no benefit to having a venturi, in fact, they actually restrict air flow through the bolt to the ball. This is why when Spyders and Intimidators used to come with venturi style bolts most guys actually ripped them out in favor of higher flowing open faced bolts. These open faced bolts allowed for lower operating pressure...which actually makes a positive difference.

What does all of this mean? That unless you actually need to replace the powertube and/or bolt due to them breaking it is much easier, and cheaper, to stick with the stock internals and be happy. Tippmann has used the inline hammer and valve system for a lot of year...they've got it figured out fairly well by now, trust them.

[Dementedgerbil]

http://www.anythingxtreme.com/Rufus-Dawg-Tippmann-98-Wicked-Venturi-Bolts-P8802C1622.aspx?AFID=1


just cut out the venturi system, i dont disagree with the fact that there isint much improvement, the only reason i suggest this bolt is due to the guide rails, they hold grease well, and i have noticed an improvement in less balls chopping since there is less friction between the bolt itself and the guns polished internals. just my opinion, i have no scientific proof to back this up, but imho it works much better.