The Flatline Barrel System is the first barrel to put back spin on paintballs. It not only increases accuracy and distance, but it also has a flat trajectory.
Product Availability
The Tippmann A-5 Flatline Barrel is newer, so it should be commonly available, both new and used.
Places to Buy
No Stores
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range is awesome, no other barrel system can touch a flatline as far as range goes. much improved over the 98 as far as installation goes (just loosen a few screws and it twists on and off). looks very nice on the marker. I have put about 2 cases of paint thru it so far and no breaks, fired at pretty rapidly without breaking too. really consistant if you take time between shots. first gun i have had worth putting a sight on. also is u tilt the gun u can shoot around corners using the backspin.
Weaknesses:
cant shoot fast and maintain accuracy, something about the barrel makes it where u can do maybe 2 shots a second max or you begin to get some slightly worse accuracy. really this is only an issue with 120-150+ feet and so it becomes less accurate when firing rapidly. its a loud barrel, but thats neither here nor there.
Conclusion:
darn good long range barrel. I would say this is a great barrel for all but the most aggressive close quarter players. when I mentioned innacurate before that is only at ranges other guns would be COMPLETELY innacurate at. its funny people know its me shooting at them because they say it is a straight trajectory heading at em ). all in all I say very good barrel and a good investment (this is coming from a total freak who owns a lot of stuff I wish I would never have bought)
Tippmann Model 98 (98Custom) Flatline Barrel System
Marker Setup:
Tippmann A-5
E-grip (has a custom blade trigger)
Flatline barrel system
PsychoBallistics RVA
Omega Cradle
Recommended Paintballs:
Winter time: RPS Polar Ice
Summer time: Anything small or small/medium bore
Strengths:
- Almost as short as the Stock Barrel, a little overl 9 inches!
- With even all metal shroud, price is reasonable
- Inside finish is new/improved from Model 98 style, creates better backspin effect
- Accuracy is above par
- Distance is similar to the 98-style Flatline. You know you're outdistancing everybody else.
- Still love the look of the "floating" illusion given
- Installation is a snap. Lighten screws, twist on system, tighten screws. Done!
- Alignment of barrel and adapter is much better, there are markings to properly set them (less chance to screw up)
- Set E-grip on full auto, drained the entire hopper. Not a single ball break or chop.
Weaknesses:
- No porting or muzzle break. This may give it the "silencer" look, but I'm telling you there's nothing silent about it.
- All metal shroud and adapter pieces, this gives the marker more weight. A little front-heavy.
Conclusion:
What people have come to expect from the 98 Flatline has surprisingly been improved upon. Not only will you get the distance of the Flatline and good accuracy. But now installing and aligning the barrel up properly have been greatly improved. No more complaints of people having the barrel installed a little off, making the paint constantly curve. People who say firing fast + flatline = blender... they can be put to rest. This shoot great at single shots or high rates of fire.
Though it's not perfect. It's a little too loud for some peoples' tastes. And the balance of the marker is now a little heavier in the front.
Overall, this barrel is great. For those that play in the woods and want to shoot under the branches while everybody else can't do anything but arch and have paint break in the branches. Or possibly even some back-players on the speedball field, depending on the size.
Take a look at this barrel, you won't regret it.
98 with Flatline Barrel is very accurate as is the A-5 version, Pro-Carbine which is as durable and reliable as any Tippmann even with a Flatline Barrel installed.
Marker Setup:
I currently own an A-5 with a Response Trigger, Venturi Bolt, Expansion Chamber, and Flatline Barrel. I also have a 98 Custom with Flatline barrel, Venturi Bolt, Expansion Chamber, and CAR-15 Stock.
Recommended Paintballs:
Any slightly harder smaller caliber paintballs such as Diablo Blaze, RPS El Tigre, or RPS All Stars. RPS Marballizers are a bit snug of a fit for the barrel.
Strengths:
This is an excellent accessory for the Tippmann A-5, simply elevating the effectiveness of this rapid fire gun to incredible heights. It is excellent for distance support firing paintballs en masse while equally suited for choice sniping shots. Combine the Flatline Barrel with the Cyclone feed System and you are capable of putting out quick accurate shots of an unprecedented caliber. Using the paintballs listed above I've accurately hit head sized targets at distances over 100 ft. repeatedly.
Many a complaint for the Flatline system has always been their pentient for ball breaking. I personally have never encountered any problems of the sort with either of my Flatline Barrels while using the ammo I do. Keeping the barrel straight is another factor for effective game play and it is simply operator failure that is to blame for inaccuracy due to this.
Weaknesses:
I have had NO problems as of yet with this barrel or the barrel system for the matter. My experiences with Tippmann products in general has been impeccable, as have the experiences of many of my friends. Until the day Tippmann makes a faulty product I will stand by there tight-@$$ markers and unique line of upgrades.
Conclusion:
If you've got an A-5 and can't take the pressure of close quarters, or like myself just love to rain down paintballs from grand distances the A-5 Flatline barrel will suit you wonderfully. If you've never used a Flatline barrel before it takes a bit of getting used to, but that time spent is well worth the enjoyment of consistent long range eliminations in the end. Hell yah!
