 Overview: The A-5 is the newest edition to Tippmann's line of excellent markers. Although it looks similar to the Model 98 / 98 Custom, the A-5 actually has a totally new design. The A-5 incorporates the old F/A (Full-Auto) system but its powered pneumatically, not mechanically. This allows the A-5 to achieve firing rates near 15 bps (balls per second). First glance:  The A-5's looks can almost kill, you wouldn't want to see this gun pointed at you let alone be shot at with it. Tippmann did a great job replicating a MP-5. It has MP-5 style grips, sites, and cocks in the front like an MP-5. The feed system looks a little bulky, but you can't complain with 15+ bps. With an all black finish, worrying about the sun reflecting off of it won't be a problem.Features: The A-5 is the first Tippmann gun to use the cyclone feed system. The cyclone feed allows the gun to achieve very high rates of fire. The A-5's other features include an adjustable fore grip, front cocking, removable grip frame, built in vertical adapter, enclosed bolt system, open sight aiming, and more. The A-5 can be field stripped in less than 60 seconds without needing tools. Drop in kits similar to those used in the Model 98, like the RT, double trigger, eBolt, and flatline barrel will be available soon. Feature: Cyclone feed system  The cyclone feed system links the air system to a feeding sprocket. This means the faster you shoot the A-5, the faster it will feed. It force-feeds a ball with each shot fired. This method allows you to shot at an extremely high ROF. This feed system was first seen on the Tippmann F/A, but has been modified to reduce breakage. The feed sprocket use to be connected mechanically by springs but is now connected using the guns blowback gases. Another nice feature that comes with the cyclone feed system is the clearing rod attachment. Even if you somehow manage to jam a ball, one push on this rod will clear it out. The only problem I see with the new feed system is its size. It almost doubles the area that can get hit from the front of the gun. Also don't plan on using your good old revy with this marker, it takes its own "special" hopper that has a 3-4" feed neck.Feature: Front cocking  This is a new and unique feature that backs the MP-5 style and has many advantages. The gun must be cocked before shooting like all guns. The differences between this new cocking style and the typical paintball gun styles is that the A-5's cocking arm is in the front, not the back, and once you cock it, it never moves again. You don't ever have to worry about your cocking knob getting caught on something again. Another great feature associated with the new front cocking mechanism is enclosed operation. Have you ever worried about dirt, sand, or paint getting into your markers internals? Well worry no more because the A-5's internals are completely enclosed. No space for dirt to get in.Feature: Field Stripping  One of the major concerns with the Model 98 was how difficult and timely it was to field strip. The new A-5 can easily be field stripped and reassembled in less than a couple minutes, with no tools. This makes it extremely easy to clean and maintain. The removable grip frame makes it easy to access the trigger assembly and even easier to add on upgrades.Feature: Carbine barrel threads The first upgrade for almost every Model 98 owner was upgrading their gun's barrel. Unlike the Model 98, the A-5's stock barrel is micro honed which will give you the needed accuracy to last you at least until you can save up the money for an upgrade. Even though the stock barrel is better, the A-5 doesn't need a whole new breed of barrel threads like the Model 98 did. You don't have to wait for your favorite barrel manufacturer to come out with the new threads, instead the A-5 accepts all procarbine/prolite/68 Carbine/F-4 barrels through an adapter included with the gun. The gun also will be able to be fitted with a flatline barrel in the future. Unfortunately this does not mean carbines will be able to take a flatline. The flatline barrel attaches to the gun using the same threads as the adapter. The actual threads of the A-5 use a quick locking system similar to the automag. This will make barrel removal extremely quick and easy. Feature: Vertical adapter  Tippmann made a very smart move with the built in vertical adapter. This makes upgrading to an expansion chamber or regulator much easier. Instead of having to buy expensive kits that come with an adapter specifically for your gun you can purchase any aftermarket reg or xchm and install it yourself.Overall:  Overall I think this gun and the cyclone feed system are going to change the industry. This is a huge step forward in technology for the paintball industry. Even though this marker is another open bolt blowback, I believe it to be above all the other markers in its category. I think it truly is a high-end marker, and will perform up with the best of the electros. The only thing I dislike about the gun is the grip and bottom line. The A-5 line uses a very new method of attaching the bottom line to the grip. This could cause many problems if someone wanted to add a standard drop forward. My prediction is that LAPCO will come out with an adapter with in the month and that problem will be solved. |
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