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pbReview.com / Paintball Products / Markers / Low-End Mechanical Markers / BT Paintball Design BT-4 Combat
BT Paintball Design BT-4 Combat Reviews
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Number of Reviews: |
57 |
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Average Rating: |
8.7 / 10 |
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Manufacturer Website: |
Click here |
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Suggested Retail Price: |
$160 |
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| The BT-4 Combat is the choice of demanding players who are looking for a solid and cost effective base to build up with custom parts with the ability to use military spec features. The combat comes with BT reliability and battle tested durability |
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| Product Availability | |
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| The BT Paintball Design BT-4 Combat is newer, so it should be commonly available, both new and used. Check out the Places to Buy links below for places to purchase it new. |
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| Places to Buy | |
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The accuracy of this review is disputed. Please see discussion on the comments page.
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Period of
Product Use: |
| 6 months | 46 of 46 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
2 years |
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Similar
Products Used: |
Used: 98c, BT-16 Assault The BT-16 is the only one that compares to the BT-4
Tried: A-5 The BT-4 is kinda like an A-5 without the cyclone feed system |
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| Marker Setup: |
BT-4 Combat
14" CP barrel
~in the near future~
Apex or Flatline
Shroud from Opsgear
Tapco folding stock
Raised sight rail |
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
I would recomend a barrel upgrade, not that the stock barrel is bad (8 inch)
Stock of some sort, I like the way the Tapcos look and mount
Raised sight rail (to fix the rear sight problem) |
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| Strengths: |
Runs on Co2 or compressed air
Well balanced
Very accurate
Durable
Mil standard mounting rails
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| Weaknesses: |
Five different sized allen keys
Rear sight rail
Time consuming field strip
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| Review: |
I purchased my BT-4 from my local paintball shop, MI Paintball, for $150.00. I had seen this marker cheaper online, so I tried to talk the price down to something a bit more reasonable. However, the owner didn’t care…oh well, he threw in some coupons and a lifetime warranty.
I was deciding between the Tippmann A-5 and the BT-4, and I went with the BT-4 due to price and the fact that I really didn’t need a full auto marker. After playing six months of woodsball with this marker I don’t have any regrets about buying it, and I am very happy with my choice of marker.
Two things that really stood out about this marker during play was that it had a well-balanced and durable feel while I was running, firing, and changing positions in a confined area. The BT-4 does have some heft to it, which could be a drawback to players used to a lightweight tourney-style marker, but I feel this is a definite asset to my style of playing (I like to be assured that my marker is still in my hands, not back in the bunker I just left). Not only does the weight balance nicely with the heavier tanks, but it results in a snappy feeling marker that I can quickly change directions with during a firefight.
As for reliability and durability, all the moving parts are sealed and protected from intrusive materials, which results in a clean, solid firing marker even after six months of abusive woodsball (doesn’t everyone run into trees?). Even after six months I still haven’t noticed any damage to the finish of the marker, whether through fading or scratches. I have not had any mechanical problems whatsoever with my BT-4; it has a responsive trigger and bolt system, and it is efficient with Co2 (I use 20 oz cylinders, I have not run HPA through marker yet). As for accuracy tests, I can’t give statistics, but my grouping is consistent enough for me to feel comfortable hitting someone 150+ ft away (I use big ball paint most of the time, but the marker doesn’t seem to have a problem with low grade paint). I am looking at upgrading to either the Flatline system or the Apex barrel though; I just haven’t decided which yet.
One of my main reasons for buying the BT-4 was for the scenario mod option. The BT-4 has military standard mounting rails for sights/optics/grenade launchers/or whatever else you want on there, with mods not limited to the paintball world (the standardized rails accept any military or law enforcement mounts). The marker also features an adjustable fore-grip (different positions drastically change the marker’s balance) and an adjustable rear sight, which I feel is useless. Since the barrel is about 1-½ inches below the front sight, the rear sight never aligns in a position that is useful for aiming. I adapted by sighting through a gap created by the hopper feed neck, which I have found to be better anyway (Note: I do not use any sort of aftermarket sights as of right now).
The only weaknesses that I could think of are the rear sight, the allen keys, and the field strip. The BT-4 comes with five different allen keys, but only two are used to break down the marker. One size disassembles the marker, one tightens/loosens the feed neck, and the rest are used to remove the grips and stuff. As for the breakdown, you have to remove the trigger/grip assembly, and then remove one side of the marker, not something you will be doing in the middle of a game… However, during the one time I broke a ball in the marker I was able to continue playing with any complications after a simple field swipe of the barrel.
If you have any questions about BT-4 feel free to post them! <Cobra> |
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| Conclusion: |
The BT-4 is a well made and designed marker that is well worth looking into. Since it is made from aluminum, my guess is that it will be around for a long time as long as proper care is practiced. I am completely happy with my BT-4, and I have not had any issues the marker, the one question that I had was met with an email from Ben Tippman so I’m sure the service is good. I will make sure to post updates in the event of a modification or newly discovered feature. Hope that this helps those considering buying a BT-4 Combat. |
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| Rating: |
| 9 out of 10 | Last edited on Sunday, April 23rd, 2006 at 5:15 am PST |
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patno |
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Monday, August 21st, 2006 |
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Period of
Product Use: |
| 6 months | 19 of 23 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
3 years |
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Similar
Products Used: |
Tippmann 98 Custom
BT-16 Series Guns
Spyder E-99 (P.O.S) |
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| Marker Setup: |
BT4-Combat
14" J&J Ceramic Barrel
20OZ CO2 |
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
-Definately A new barrel, The stock one is as accurate as a McDonalds Straw with wadded up paper in it.
-Buy more allen keys... You will lose the ones that come with it.
-Stock ( Thats just me, Im used to actual rifles, I need a stock or I feel naked :-) |
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| Strengths: |
-Very Accurate.
-Well Balanced.
-Nicely weighted.
-CO2 Efficcient.
-Easy to Modify.
-Durable |
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| Weaknesses: |
-The stock barrel
-Inaccurate when low on CO2 (What Gun Isn't?) |
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| Review: |
I have been paintballing for 3 years and have used and abused my fair share of guns, Dove into bunkers, Run into trees, fell off of and over obstacles, and fallen onto the gun, and no damage yet. With a longer barrel, better air and good paint in the hopper, this gun is the best marker you can get for the price. |
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| Conclusion: |
I said what I wanted to say above, but there is another box here.
I'ts a damn good gun for the price, Extremely accurate, Durable ( It really is, I'm so rough with that gun that the designers of the gun would cry if they saw me play :) *Coughs* Woodball *Coughs*
The main points:
-Accuracy
-Durability
-Efficcient
-Easily Modified
-Balanced
-Nicely weighted
( Exactly the principles all guns should be designed under )
I like this gun, and I think that all paintball players who use this gun will be very pleased.
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| Rating: |
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Period of
Product Use: |
| 3 months | 11 of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
3 years |
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Similar
Products Used: |
98 Custom, PMI Piranah....the 98 comes close, but no cigar |
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| Marker Setup: |
BT-4 Combat
12" Hammerhead barrel
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
Barrel. Obviously. If you've seen the stock you know why. Plus it's just a rule of thumb.
Rip Clip feed system, if and when it ever comes out. |
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| Strengths: |
Shoots well, no kickback, durable and sturdy, good buy for the cash. |
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| Weaknesses: |
Feed system blows. Some people might not like the weight, but I do. |
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| Review: |
Ok so I know everybody has written the same old same old reviews on this marker, but I'm gonna do it all over again.
The BT-4 is the 2nd marker I've bought, and I've used a few others. When it was time to go marker shopping, I had 3 in mind: the BT-4, the A-5, and the X-7. Yeah, I actually was planning to play bushball with an X-7. It's just sexy. Plus I'm a chick and it'd look bad ass. But back to the point.
I gave into the BT-4. Why? It was cheap. Its the 98's equivalent, and with an A-5 front end it took some wicked barrel mods. Flatline anyone? Exactly. And with a 98 back end, I was familiar with the setup, and knew that it would be reliable. The mechanism's inside are a little diff, but meh.
Another thing is because I'm a chick I'm small. And usually, markers aren't really setup for small people, unless they're speedball....and then they're just so light you forget you're holding them. So the fact that I had adjustable grips was also a big plus for me. I could change it out to balance the marker for my use....not you're typical 5'10, 160 lb. big boy paintball player.
Now I wanted cyclone feed. But at the same time I didn't. Apparently it's an airhog, and I'm not a paint slinger, so going for the A-5 or X-7 soully for the cyclone didn't make sense. Plus I've heard that there's a new feed system coming out eventually, so I stuck with the BT. Now that I've played with it a little bit, and played some fast games, I've realised this marker does chop. Now I don't shoot a lot of paint, but when I do shoot, it'd be nice if a ball came out. So it irks me. It's my only dislike about this marker so far. So, tips to those who play like me....if you want to play a BT-4....wait for this new feed system (apparently it's called the rip clip and as of now they're 3 weeks behind schedule). It's the same as a cyclone feed, only instead of running off your air, it runs on batteries. How that'll work out, I suppose we'll see.
Now onto the weight. I've seen some people for it, and some people against it. So take it from you're little, under 5 foot, 90 pound girl. The weight is a good thing. If you play bushball (and if you're reading a reveiw on a BT-4 I sure hope you do) you want some heft to your marker. You want to be able to dive into a hole full of sticks and not be wondering if it's gonna scratch your marker, or damage your marker. It takes the abuse. And if you're thinking "Well what about when you're actually firing with it?" The weight is a good thing there. It keeps you stable, and I don't even play with a stock! This gun is straight shooting (especially with a hammerhead on it....it's sexy), so when the gun stays put regardless of you're strength, carrying something a little heavier is a-ok.
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| Conclusion: |
All in all, this is an awesome deal. It's cheap, since Ben Tippmann isn't huge in paintball yet, but they're coming up. Which also means upgrades are going to start coming fast and furious, especially for this little marker. So instead of shelling out the $400 for the A-5, or the X-7, play it smart. Play a not-quite-stock BT-4 (replace the barrel, I'm begging) for a little while. Grab the upgrades as they come. You'll still be rolling with the big boys no problemo....and you can still afford paint in the end. |
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| Rating: |
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Period of
Product Use: |
| Less than a month | 11 of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
Less than a month |
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Similar
Products Used: |
Tippman A-5 |
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| Marker Setup: |
BT-4 Combat
J&J Ceramic Barrel
BSA Red Dot Sight |
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
Barrel
Red Dot
X-Chamber |
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| Strengths: |
Accurate
Reliable
Good BPS
Good Weight
Price
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| Weaknesses: |
Haven't found anything yet. |
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| Review: |
Well played with it this weekend and it was preforming better than my friends stock A-5.
Havent got a chance to use it much but so far i have had only 1 break (and that was because my friend got a shot into my gun) but ill update it after a big game. I use it for only Wood/Rec Ball...=) so it is almost perfect stock exept the barrel.....
(update)
Well went out this weekend to some wooded/cliff area was very accurate and reliable.....it hit the dirt many times and kept going .....very few breaks....and so far and equal or better than my friends A-5 with a Smart Parts Progressive Barrel. |
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| Conclusion: |
I would recommend this gun to anyone that has a lower buget and is interseted in starting up paintball and i don't see any reson it wouldnt be good for any pb player |
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| Rating: |
| 9 out of 10 | Last edited on Monday, April 3rd, 2006 at 8:34 pm PST |
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DDunf |
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Thursday, March 16th, 2006 |
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The accuracy of this review is disputed. Please see discussion on the comments page.
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Period of
Product Use: |
| 3 months | 11 of 79 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
3 years |
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Similar
Products Used: |
98 custom... um... 98 Custom > BT-4. |
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| Marker Setup: |
*My Tippmann 98 Custom*
-Black 98 Custom-
-Ben Tippmann BT-16 Barrel Kit -
-Tippmann Double Trigger Kit-
-Polished Internals-
-Pen Spring Mod- |
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
New barrel... theres not really any upgrades for this gun that ive seen.
Pen spring mod to make it shoot from 3bps to like 8. |
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| Strengths: |
Um.. good newb gun i guess.
Durable
Pretty good price... |
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| Weaknesses: |
Weights allot
Slow
Chops allot
Crappy on air
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| Review: |
This gun is pretty crappy overall.... id say its good for someone new to this sport. this gun has like no upgrades for it other then barrels i think.. BT only makes upgrades for 98 custom and A5 lol. and its heavier then my 98 custom by far.
The Bad---
-Heavy... wow this gun is so heavy... people think customs are heavy... wait till u pick this gun up.
-Slow... this gun can only shoot about 5 bps if your lucky, id recommend the pen spring mod though... it will make it about 8.
-Chops allot.. if you do the pen spring mod your going to chop even more... could just be the barrel on this though... i only have stock
-Crappy on air... paintball day: i used my 98 custom with a 14" BT-16 barrel.. and a full 12oz. My bro with the BT-4 combat.. 8.5" stock barrel.. also a full 12oz. his 12oz ran out about 2 hours before mine did.
The Good--
-Durable... Well id feel safe running this gun over with a truck, that's all i can say.
-Good newb gun... Yeah its easy to strip.. like stripping an A-5. this gun is mechanical and is newb friendly.. its a very plane and basic gun.
- Price... I guess the price is OK, and Id say you get what you pay for...but for a little more money you can get a 98 custom. so i suggest investing in that instead. |
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| Conclusion: |
If your newb and u cant afford a 98 custom or custom pro then get this i guess. but i would recommend a custom or custom pro by far... and they are only a little more expensive, and perform much better.
Im giving this gun a 3/10 because its durable, the price is ok and its good for a new paintballer. |
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| Rating: |
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Period of
Product Use: |
| 3 months | 9 of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
1 year |
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Similar
Products Used: |
Tippmann Custum 98 |
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| Marker Setup: |
BT4 Combat Marker.
Stock Barrel.
Rage Against Gravity hopper |
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
-16 inch Barrel.
-Not really needed but double trgger. |
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| Strengths: |
Light.
Accuracy.
Speed.
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| Weaknesses: |
When the c02 tank is low the accuracy is horrible(Only when c02 gets low.)
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| Review: |
This gun is an excellent marker.
It is very cheap.
fast and accurate.
Light what more do you need in a gun?
Weakness :
As mentioned when C02 is low the gun is so inaccurate.
UPGRADES:
16 inch barrel
Possibly scope
Overall opinion:
Great feel ,Very well priced and it is a very popular gun.
You can upgrade this gun ALOT! Like everything on the gun is upgradable. |
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| Conclusion: |
I would buy this product.Because it is pretty cheap and good gun. |
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| Rating: |
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B_Cad |
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Thursday, April 26th, 2007 |
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Period of
Product Use: |
| Less than a month | 6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
Less than a month |
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Similar
Products Used: |
Tippman Custom 98 |
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| Marker Setup: |
BT-4 combat |
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
Pretty much all you'll need is a ( longer ) barrel. |
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| Strengths: |
Distance, power, acurracy |
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| Weaknesses: |
It comes with a short stock barrel. |
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| Review: |
Well im new at painball and it's alot of fun. I've shot this gun about 4,000 time and havn't choped one ball and it dosn't realy jam. It is so acurate and so powerful I was playin with my friends and I shot all of them at least 3 times and I didn't get hit once. I had the chance to get this or a Tippman, but I chose the BT. Most of the people I play with have Tippmans and I don't regret getting this gun. |
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| Conclusion: |
If your a woods ball player you deffintely want this gun it's great im gonna give it a 10. |
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| Rating: |
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Mr.K |
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Saturday, April 7th, 2007 |
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Period of
Product Use: |
| Less than a month | 5 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
More than 5 years |
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Similar
Products Used: |
Spyder Elite (my first marker)
Tippmann A-5
Tippmann 98 Custom |
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| Marker Setup: |
Tippmann A-5:
Flatline barrel
Tapco T6 stock
Pro Caps remote line with slide check
Lapco Spyder to A-5 barrel adapter
Kingman Spyder Elite (circa 1999):
Smart Parts Linear 14" barrel
Shockteck Striker Springs
BT-4 Combat (Rental):
Smart Parts Progressive 12" barrel
Custom camouflage paint
Tippmann 98 Custom:
PMI Razzor 14" barrel
Custom camouflage paint |
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
As is the case with most stock markers, replace the barrel. |
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| Strengths: |
Well-balanced, fairly accurate out of the box, mil-sim upgrades. |
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| Weaknesses: |
Plastic, spring-operated feed elbow assembly latch. Field stripping. |
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| Review: |
Bought a BT-4 Rental from a former paintball field operator getting out of the business. I paid $65 (he included a V-Force mask, Extreme Rage dual pod carrier, and a 20 oz CO2 tank.)
I got to try it and played a few games before I shelled out the cash. I was impressed with how balanced the BT-4 was and it's accuracy and distance for being completely stock.
The marker was well maintained for being a former rental. The inside and internal parts were clean and lubed.
As far as upgrades go, I took my BT-4 Rental apart and custom painted it camo (since I primarily play woods ball.) I bought a Smart Parts 12" Progressive barrel online, which I should be receiving at the beginning of next week. I would have bought a 14" barrel, but with the distance I was shooting with the stock 8.5", I figured 12" would be sufficient.
Take down and cleaning is a cinch.
My only complaints are field stripping the marker...forget about it -- there are too many screws to lose and too many allen wrenches to juggle -- and the means the plastic feed elbow assembly is secured to the BT-4.
It was a poor design decision by BT Paintball Designs to use a plastic, spring operated latch to secure the feed elbow assembly to the picatinny rail.
The other day, while attempting to reload and close the lid on my hopper, I knocked the feed elbow assembly completely off, spilling my paintballs onto the deck.
I had to order a completely new feed elbow for $7.50, which included shipping, because the latch was worn down and it would not stay secure, in place.
Losing my hopper and feed elbow because BT chose to use plastic rather than a screw has forced me to lower my rating.
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| Conclusion: |
All in all this is a great marker. The positives outweigh the negatives. It shoots straight, is well balanced, and fairly durable. It is a good choice for us woods ballers and scenario types. The stock barrel is fine for CQB. I also like the mil-sim upgrades, though they are a bit expensive.
BT Paintball Designs customer service/support is excellent and responsive.
The BT-4 is a nice, quality, cheaper alternative to more expensive markers with the same performance.
Though I bought mine dirt cheap and with the few issues that I've encountered, I still wouldn't hesitate to buy one brand new (less than $130.) |
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| Rating: |
| 8 out of 10 | Last edited on Saturday, May 5th, 2007 at 3:00 am PST |
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Period of
Product Use: |
| 6 months | 4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
2 years |
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Similar
Products Used: |
Tippman 98 |
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| Marker Setup: |
BT-4
A-5 Flatline
Halo B hopper |
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
NEW BARREL!!!!!!!
remote cable if you dont like the weight |
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| Strengths: |
accurte
nice feel to it
A-5 barrels
takes 98 parts
Millitary weave |
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| Weaknesses: |
HEAVY
5 allen keys
time consuming feild strip
sights dont help unless flat line |
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| Review: |
ok first lets get one thing out of the way. i love this gun! in my opion it takes the best out of the 98 and then throws the barrel threads of the A-5 so its kind of a mish mash of the tippman products (even though BT means Ben Tippman) the selling point for me was that this gun was very cheap around 80 on ebay the moving fore grip is like a god send beacuase you can exchange the stock front grip for a acctaul millitary grip/parts...vury nice! another big plus is that this is a very accurte gun even with the stock barrel its still deadly out of the box but i would still recomend you get a differnet barrel to get the full potentiol out of this bad boy. now for the bad this is a very heavy beast ussauly with a full co2 and hopper mine weighs about 7 pounds also the feild strip is extremely long because you have take off the grip frame to get to all the guts. another very minor thing is that the sights dont help because they are 1/2 a inch below so unless you flatline it it will not help you at all (but who uses the sights any ways?) |
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| Conclusion: |
great gun good buy and the good outways the bad A LOT with this the fact that you also get to put on real millitary parts is a very good idea instead of shelling out 30 dollers for a complete rip off of a paintball version |
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| Rating: |
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Period of
Product Use: |
| Less than a month | 4 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Paintball
Experience: |
1 year |
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Similar
Products Used: |
tippmann 98 custom |
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| Marker Setup: |
bt-4 combat
stock barrel
20 oz co2 tank
200 round gravity feed hopper |
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Recommended
Upgrades: |
none |
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| Strengths: |
Look
Price
Movable feeder
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| Weaknesses: |
None |
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| Review: |
The first time i bought this gun it was missing a screw and i couldn't believe it. i had to take it back and get a new on. it shoots great and looks nice. i haven't found any weaknesses yet but i might find one soon. i thought it was cheap i mean it was only 15 for the gun and was the cheapest from everywhere else. |
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| Conclusion: |
Buy this gun if you dont got that much cash it only cost me 250 and is great quailty but what else can you expect from a tippmann. |
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| Rating: |
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| Places to Buy | |
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