Alpha black and HPA

new member, i picked up an alpha black tact w/e e-grip.   got the reflex scope on the hand rail and that's about it. I was looking into barrels and i think im gooing to go with the hammerhead barrels or the apex/w lapco.

forgot to mention i already had the cyclone... the shop i got it from helped me install it.

The main factor in pricing for HPA tanks is whether they are metal or carbon fiber. Metal tanks can be had for $50.00, while the cheapest CF tanks are in the $120+ range. Metal tanks are heavier. One thing to keep in mind is that you will get more shots per tank with CO2 than with HPA relative to size. I.e a 20 oz CO2 tank which is pretty close in size to a 48 ci/3k HPA tank will get almost twice as many shots. The 20oz would be approx 900-1k shots while the 48ci tank would get about 480, roughly. If you have an e-grip and plan on spraying some paint, you will probably want to go with a minimum of 72ci tank. 

Use the search feature and browse through the Upgrades and Customizing forum for more info.

You heard wrong.

Originally posted by xNUM1KILLAx Originally posted by oldpbnoob You heard wrong.     not trying to say that i don't believe you but you are the only person i have heard different from. Could you maybe provide some evidence or a place were i can look for myself on these facts.

I played last week with my AB, and went a full 3 games on HPA. Worked swimmingly. So from the experience I do have, yes it runs great on HPA.... and a while back Me and my buds went and played a full day... all of us had 98 customs and they all ran the full day on HPA.... thats what the place rented... Tippmann 98c on HPA standard.

So the answer is a big YES, they do run on HPA.

From a real world experience.

*added after*
oh, and 98c are they same as ABs... same internals can run off the same propellant.


Edited by Troopr - 30 September 2009 at 12:20pm

All current model Tippmanns operate on either HPA or CO2.  If you insist on "proof":

Originally posted by oldpbnoob All current model Tippmanns operate on either HPA or CO2.  If you insist on "proof": http://www.usarmypaintball.com/pdf/technical_manual.pdf   Page 7.

ooo, proof proof... lol

Originally posted by xNUM1KILLAx cool thanks for the evidence and how much better would u say HPA is over co2 in an alpha black.

The only thing I would say is better, are on the grounds of *cost*, because any other down side of CO2 can be "fixed" some how.
HPA is cheaper in the long run... I have seen hpa tanks online for $35. and most if not all fields have "all day air" free fills for HPA...

So mostly its cost.


Edited by Troopr - 30 September 2009 at 12:33pm

HPA is typically a lot more consistent as well. CO2 relies on expansion from a liquid into a gas state to create the pressure that powers the marker. CO2 can expand at differing rates depending on temperature, humidity etc, making it vary wildly. You can start at 280FPS on a cold morning and end up shooting in the mid 300's or higher as the day progresses due to the external temperature rising. You do not get this variance with HPA, therefore it is more consistent. Also in areas where the temp falls below 40-50 degrees, CO2 may have a hard time expanding at a high enough rate to keep up with ROF. HPA again, does not have this issue.

^^ no problem. Glad someone appreciates the help.