Barrel Comparison

[coldzephyr]

OK I know there are several threads on aftermarket barrels already, and I have read them all. This is also a more specific question.

Currently I am looking at a 14" Pipe kit. My question is concerning the claims that is horribly loud. Playing a midfield-front position would the sound be SO terrible that I couldn't concentrate?

Please feel free to offer advice on alternates, but as of now here are my thoughts on current kits:

Empire- I only want one front-I don't need 4
Freak- Sleeves seem weak in comparison to backs
Lucky 15- Seems that bore sizes are too big
Scepter- The sleeve thing and a little expensive for me

Thanks for your input

[Emmit]

with the Lucky15 the bore sizes are not 'too' big as some people seem to be claiming. The PMI line of paints all fits it great.

If you're dead set on something else you've left out the CP kit. You can get 1 front if that's all you want, and then piece together your backs.

[RaistlinsLegacy]

My team captain uses the pipe kit and i swear it works beautifully, Freaks...well i have never seen great things come from freaks, personally i am making a Dye ultralite set but i dont think you want to waste that money, i say you should go with the pipes from all those you named

[Luzrd]

at $300 for a 3 bore set i like titanium paintballs longbow kit

[LionFish]

It s all about the Stiffi baby!!!!!!!!!!! They rock and are so quite and lite but they are big $$$$

[coldzephyr]

I am appreciating the input, but to give you a better picture of what I am willing to spend consider the following:

1) I am a college student (tuition, books, etc), which unfortunately is a priority

2) -However- I am just mad enough at life and the world that I am willing to drop a few bucks for a good set

[RaistlinsLegacy]

PIPES...i have heard good stuff about the long bow, but i have seent the pipes in action and they are fairly nice, reliable, and AFFORDABLE

[coldzephyr]

Thanks for the thumbs-up on the Pipe (it is still in mind)
But I am also considering putting together an Ultralite set, and a call to Warped Sportz has me waiting for the Lucky 15 (I will also buy a WS two-piece w/ a smaller bore size)

[dako6680]

What do you guys think of DYE Boomsticks. I never had a dye on any of my Angels, but I have had a stainless one on my Mag a long time ago, and there wasnt anything better or even come close to the smooth finish. I have had one on a cocker and I couldn't complain. I know they are a little expensive but I want to get one because they are just too sexy but is it worth the money? I currently have a freak kit right now but I am not disappointed nor satisfied.

[Raith95]

I have a boomstick set, but I never use it anymore. Russ (angel master tech) turned me on to the sanchez machine barrel set. This barrel shoots darts, and it is all that I use now. http://www.sm1paintballbarrel.com/

[warpedx]

I have the CP set, it works pretty good. Another optoin is the MacDev Matchstick set, goes for 100 i think. 1 front and 3 backs.

[KFCarp]

its def allll abouyt tha stiffi.....soooooo light, a great thing for a already light gun.......very quiet and accuracy like WHOAAAA....and they look so sexy on a polished black A4....

[LionFish]

Actually they look better on a Dust finish!lol

[RaistlinsLegacy]

coldzepher, i am putting togeather an ultralite set, i would reccomend it if you can afford to

[boathouse]

As long as you're not a scenerio "sniper" then dont worry about noise. But go with a CP or JT kit if ya want to be happy.

[Emmit]

after reffing a tournament this past weekend I would have to say that the Pipe does have a fairly loud (and annoying IMO) sound signature

[JTp8ntballer12]

KFCarp, do you really like your stiffi, cus today i went into a PPC to get a empire and they reccomended i get the stiffi instead....

boathouse, i like to worry about noise because when u sneak up down the tape i find that the 'quit' 'unseen' 'unheard' kills are the best.

[Eyecare]

I've used CP Pro, Scepter, Freak (aluminum insert), DYE boomers and Hammerhead among others. I've hear some quality control issues with Pipe when it first came out so never pursued it. It might be just fine though. Never tried Luckys either.
Most of the ones I've tried are decent. Between the two insert system (Freak and Scepter) I prefer the Scepter because it feels like it's better made to me but the Freak does a decent job as well. You can always get the Freak with steel inserts if you're concerned about flimsy inserts. The CP Pro and Boomstick (both with different backs) are about the same in my hands. I really don't notice that much of a difference between the two. The Longbow is a bit steep, at least for the titanium version, and the bore sizes are limited but it's one of the smoother barrels you can get. The Stiffi is the lightest and comes in only one size, I believe. I wasn't overly impressed with the Hammerhead.
A lot of people will suggest getting a few bore sizes (either inserts, control backs or different barrels) to cover the range of paintballs you normally shoot. Most of the time 2-3 sizes should be enough; some people can get by with only one other barrel size since their stock barrel shoots fine. Loudness has to do with barrel length, porting (or the lack thereof), the type of gun you're using and perhaps how you've got your gun set up to a lesser extent. Unless you're playing woodsball though, noise shouldn't matter all that much.
Suggest checking out the different barrels you're interested in at you local pro shop or field. Look at the quality of finish (especially how it lines up if it's two-piece and how well machined it is internally) and how it feel and shoots from your gun if you can. Then get the one you're most comfortable with. I personally think that most well-made barrels shoot about the same. You're just less likely to get a poorly made barrel with the "high-end" makes.

[LionFish]

Stiffi ...Stiffi ..Stiffi ... this barrel is so quiet and lite nothing can compare so far.thats my opinian.

[VASHtheSTAMPEDE]

You can always get St!ffi tips (from same maker of the St!ffi) for the Freak, DYE, and JT backs if it only comes in one size.

[coldzephyr]

Hey guys (and gals if any),

Thanks for the continuing advice and suggestions. Sorry I haven't responded for a while, but I just got through with finals (I had all mine on Wed.) and am slowly recovering. I did get a chance to check out some barrels at a local pro shop including the Pipe, the Freak, the UL; however they did not have as many Angel barrels in stock that day. I also saw a Pipe in action at the field-and my stock barrel was quieter I think. The really loud noise could have also been from the Omen that it was on, which is not terrribly quiet either.

Anyways, from the way this thread is going, I feel compelled to check out a Stiffi. Do they only make those in a carbon fiber black?...because I have a Silver Speed-this may sound stupid, but I would like my gun to look nice as well.

No worries Emmit; I am still considering the Lucky...as a matter of fact your friend is overdue for one of my calls.

[taylor]

id go with the dye ultralite ........all the pros use it..........it looks nice ........its not noisy ............and very very accurtate........perfect for a front player becuase it wont break when you dive head first into the ground.........nor will it scratch.......thats just my opion id consider checking it out first.......

[RaistlinsLegacy]

Hell Ayh Taylor!!!! You Tell Em!!!

[cbounds14]

can i get stiffi tips for my dark barrel kit? i have 3 bore sizes and i'm just lookin for a variety of fronts.

[LionFish]

they only have the tips for Dye,JT or Smart Parts(sucks) Barrels.

[aerotcus]

I have the CP set, it works pretty good. Another optoin is the MacDev Matchstick set, goes for 100 i think. 1 front and 3 backs.

The match stik does look good, its 2 fronts and 3 backs... but they only make it for cockers and spyders for some reason.

Why would they leave angels out?

[808PBaller]

i myself use the OTP barrel system....it has about 5 different inserts...i love it it shoots great and its not that loud...

[three fut nuthin]

were can i get a lucky 15?

[cyeh01]

I myself have a st!ffi on the way...

I've got a SP full Freak system with SS back and AA front (14") that I'm considering getting rid of. It's not that it's a bad system, but I think there is better out there.

[paintcheckk]

Wow after reading this thread I suddenly have the urge to go out and buy myself a St!ffi :drools:

[drew694201]

i guess the sm1 barrel are not being made any more because on there site it says a new barrel will be coming out hopefully it will be a better barrel then before.