TIPPMANN Flatline Barrel (For 98 Custom and Custom Pro Paintball Markers)
TIPPMANN Flatline Barrel System uses patented technology to create backspin for level & accurate shots.The Tippmann Flatline Barrel features one of the farthest shooting barrels available. It’s designed for range and accuracy while eliminating the need to arch your shot and creates backspin for level, accurate shots. It’s great for the player who likes to shoot from long distances and use sniper-like tactics. It fits Tippmann 98 Custom and Custom Pro paintball markers. It’s backed by a 90-day warranty on missing or defective parts.
About Tippmann
Tippmann’s mission is to provide innovative, high-performance and durable paintball markers and accessories to the world and stand behind them with renowned customer service. Tippmann Sports is a premier manufacturer of high performance paintball markers and accessories. Founded in 1986 by Dennis Tippmann Sr., Tippmann Sports prides itself in its pursuit of cutting edge technology and design. Whether you’re just starting out or an advanced player, Tippmann has something to start or add to your game.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars A decent upgrade
The Flatline barrel system uses a curved barrel to create a backspin on your paintball as it leaves the barrel, similar to the way a baseball pitcher throws a fastball. This will give your shot a flatter trajectory and more distance, at the expense of some accuracy (since every paintball is a little different - and none are perfectly spherical - each ball will react to the backspin a little differently).
This upgrade is ideal for those players that like to lay a lot of paint down from a distance, like those who specialize in suppressive fire. This will keep your opponents’ heads down beyond their max range but within yours, allowing your teammates to advance safely. Since the ball travels in a flat line - hence the name - it’s easier for beginners to use, as they don’t have to adjust for distance as much when shooting, and ideal for the woods, where high-angle shots tend to hit foliage. The ball drops off quickly at the end of the flight, and the sneaky player can use this to drop shots in behind cover a la the Apex barrel (but without the hassle of having to adjust mid-firefight).
While I like the Flatline on the A-5 and the X7, I found the 98 version to be lacking compared to them. First off, the actual construction is not as good. Whereas the other two variations are a single unit, this incarnation is three components - an adaptor that screws into where the barrel normally goes, the curved barrel, and the plastic shroud.
First off, the shroud is fragile compared to all the other parts of the marker, and woodsball can be punishing on a marker. Second, since all three parts have to be fit together, it’s very easy to install them slightly crooked, and this will murder any accuracy you had. Third, rather than the more gentle S-curve of the other Flatlines, this one only has one gentle curve - the adaptor acts as sort of a redirector, suddenly changing the paintball’s path from flat to about 30 degrees upward. I found that this shreds field-grade paint fairly regularly above 265 fps (especially on humid or colder days), and shooting that low compromises a lot of the distance gained by upgrading to a Flatline in the first place.
The Flatline system is a great idea. It works well on the A-5 and the X7, but on the 98 it’s just so-so: you get the advantages of range and trajectory, but it has some significant drawbacks.
2 Stars Velocity drops steeply at a range
I purchased this barrel for my 98 Custom some time ago. After using it for a whole summer and struggling to keep my shots in a tight group I would not reccomend this “upgrade”. The installation has to be just right for this barrel to even work, and before anyone flames me I used Marbalizer paint and a nitro tank for consistency. My biggest problem however is the lack of speed toward the end of the shots. Sure an extra 50-100 feet of range is nice, but not if your target can literally dodge your paintball. I have been on the recieving end of the flatline at range and it is little more than a joke. I’m midly out of shape but I can still easily dodge the incoming rounds from a flatline at 150-200 feet, or better still stand up and let them bounce off of me. Save yourself $100 and buy a J&J ceramic or the like. The end shot velocity with this barrel is almost useless.
1 Stars Worst paintball upgrade ever!
I sent this item back. Made my short range accuracy horrible. Added distance to my long range shots but with zero accuracy. I hated this barrel on my Tippman 98 Custom. The barrel added so much backspin the balls never hit the same area twice.
5 Stars performed as promised
everything went fine product was received in a timely manner. Product worked as promised, i am happy
5 Stars Flatline review
This product is not for all players. If you can’t understand the simple logistics of installation and proper tuning then stick with the stock barrel, or by an upgraded barrel. The top piece that attaches to the gun is kind of a crappy plastic, but once you screw it on it’s not as bad as once thought. Installation takes about 30 minutes given how much you know about your gun, and how to assemble it.
Proper assembly will require you to take the gun apart. I haven’t met anyone who has been able to screw it in without taking the gun apart, but that’s the most difficult part. Take the time to install it right and you’ll be surprised at the results it gives you.
You have to have a constant pressure from your CO2 tank. I might suggest purchasing a regulator otherwise when your tank gets low you’ll see bad results, but that would happen for any barrel really.
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