Background information:
This review is of the first generation Apex barrel. There is a newer generation that has been aesthetically improved and advertises the same abilities: Click here for link to Apex2.
I received this barrel with an A-5 I bought from another player via the Special Ops Forums. I used the Apex for a period of about 6 months (alternating with a few other barrels).
The Apex barrel is meant to give you an advantage over another player. It allows you to "curve" the paintball around a tree, over a bunker or other obstacle.
This advantage is nice to have, but it is not something you can just think to your paintball "curve over there" and it will happen. The user needs to manually spin the apex tip as well as adjust the angle of the rubberized ramp located in the end of the barrel (using a tab located on the Apex).
I found this barrel a blast for "plinking" at targets in the yard. Though in practical applications (aka a game) it was more of a hinderance to keep adjusting. It is very hard to get the right combination of backspin/distance to curve balls around a bunker, but it did do as advertised.
The only competition for this product is the Tippmann Flatline barrel, which pales in comparison. It is pickier on paint, can not be "shut off," It also can't do any of the other features of the Apex or Apex2 (removable tip etc).
The Apex Tip can also be adapted to other barrel tips using something commonly known as the "tape mod" or an adapter.
Pro's:
-"Flatline" or "backspin" effect can be shut off
- tip can be removed and put on a better barrel with an adapter
- allows you to shoot farther
- Works best during scenarios where you can hit masses that can't reach out to you
Con's:
- The "curving around a bunker" effect is not as great as it seems, and is almost pointless (in my opinion), although, when set for distance, it works fine.
- Not tourny legal
-Added distance, but more bounces at this distance.
-The stock barrel for an Apex tip is almost identical to the A-5 stock barrel, same porting and length. It leaves much to be desired. (
Recommendation:
If your are set on improving the distance of your paintball gun, and are thinking about purchasing a Flatline or Apex/Apex2 barrel, I have to recommend the Apex. It is a cheaper and (in my opinion) better product. I would rather not use one at all and just have a decent barrel bore/paintball match, but if you are set on it this review will hopefully help you choose between.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
V-Force Grill Review
Background Info:
The only mask I had used before I bought a set of V-Force Grillz was the stock Tippmann/Scott mask that comes in the "Tippmann 98C Power Pack." I had decided that that mask just didn't cut it, and I needed something that performed much better. I did some research, and decided to buy the V-Force Grill.
Looks:
Some people say you look like a "bug" or an alien of some sort when you put it on, but most love the aggressive styling of the Grillz. A lot of the newer, higher end masks are starting to have a more "agressive" style to them. I used Reverse Green/Black Grillz (Pretty much Olive Drab/Black) with an amber lens. I must say it looked good.
Comfort:
The Grill beat out that old Tippmann/Scott mask in every area by far. Comfort was a massive step up, as was everything else. Although I prefer my Proflex over anything right now, who knows what I will try next. Every high end mask I have used has been comfortable, this is really a matter of personal preference.
Field Of Vision/Lens:
The Grill offers a good field of vision. Not the best, but still an excellent field of vision (exactly how it should be with a nice mask). Something everyone must know about all V-Force masks, and (in my opinion) a large downside is that V-Force masks are not equipped with true thermal lenses. They are coated instead. I found this coating wore off after a couple months of use and had to be replaced to avoid a good deal of fogging issues.
Ventilation:
The V-Force Grill has good ventilation. I wouldn't give it "five stars" in this category, simply because I know there is better. When breathing hard in this mask, it was easy for me to tell that ventilation could have been better.
Lens Changing/Maintenance:
Extremely easy to change the lens. The E-Vents are just as easy, but you don't do it in the same way. The removable foam is also an excellent idea, and allows you to quickly change out sweaty foam between games or replace old foam if you choose to.
Protection/Coverage:Many of the newer masks are getting smaller and smaller. The Grill is an excellent choice for many people because it is not made for only people with tiny heads (*cough* I4). It gave me enough protection to be more than satisfied (as well as any friends who used it).
Sound/Hearing:
Sound and hearing are something I have been hearing more about these days when considering a mask. I found that while wearing the grill I could hear my teammates just fine and they could hear me. I have only heard of being impaired with a couple masks, and haven't experienced it myself.
Final Recommendation:
I definitely recommend this mask. It is an excellent choice, and you definitely get your moneys worth. Though I was happy to switch to E-Vents, and even happier to switch to a set of Proflex's. As always, if you are planning to buy a high end mask, try some out at your local pro shop first. What works for me may not be your best choice.
As usual with my reviews, if there is anything I could add or you have comments or additions, feel free to post up.
EDIT (22OCT2011): VForce has released a dual pane lens for the Grill. I haven't had a chance to try one but now this mask can really compete with the others I have reviewed.
The only mask I had used before I bought a set of V-Force Grillz was the stock Tippmann/Scott mask that comes in the "Tippmann 98C Power Pack." I had decided that that mask just didn't cut it, and I needed something that performed much better. I did some research, and decided to buy the V-Force Grill.
Looks:
Some people say you look like a "bug" or an alien of some sort when you put it on, but most love the aggressive styling of the Grillz. A lot of the newer, higher end masks are starting to have a more "agressive" style to them. I used Reverse Green/Black Grillz (Pretty much Olive Drab/Black) with an amber lens. I must say it looked good.
Comfort:
The Grill beat out that old Tippmann/Scott mask in every area by far. Comfort was a massive step up, as was everything else. Although I prefer my Proflex over anything right now, who knows what I will try next. Every high end mask I have used has been comfortable, this is really a matter of personal preference.
Field Of Vision/Lens:
The Grill offers a good field of vision. Not the best, but still an excellent field of vision (exactly how it should be with a nice mask). Something everyone must know about all V-Force masks, and (in my opinion) a large downside is that V-Force masks are not equipped with true thermal lenses. They are coated instead. I found this coating wore off after a couple months of use and had to be replaced to avoid a good deal of fogging issues.
Ventilation:
The V-Force Grill has good ventilation. I wouldn't give it "five stars" in this category, simply because I know there is better. When breathing hard in this mask, it was easy for me to tell that ventilation could have been better.
Lens Changing/Maintenance:
Extremely easy to change the lens. The E-Vents are just as easy, but you don't do it in the same way. The removable foam is also an excellent idea, and allows you to quickly change out sweaty foam between games or replace old foam if you choose to.
Protection/Coverage:Many of the newer masks are getting smaller and smaller. The Grill is an excellent choice for many people because it is not made for only people with tiny heads (*cough* I4). It gave me enough protection to be more than satisfied (as well as any friends who used it).
Sound/Hearing:
Sound and hearing are something I have been hearing more about these days when considering a mask. I found that while wearing the grill I could hear my teammates just fine and they could hear me. I have only heard of being impaired with a couple masks, and haven't experienced it myself.
Final Recommendation:
I definitely recommend this mask. It is an excellent choice, and you definitely get your moneys worth. Though I was happy to switch to E-Vents, and even happier to switch to a set of Proflex's. As always, if you are planning to buy a high end mask, try some out at your local pro shop first. What works for me may not be your best choice.
As usual with my reviews, if there is anything I could add or you have comments or additions, feel free to post up.
EDIT (22OCT2011): VForce has released a dual pane lens for the Grill. I haven't had a chance to try one but now this mask can really compete with the others I have reviewed.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
AGD SuperKnife Review
I bought this from the user "BenoitOWN" on MCB. It is basically a private label "SuperKnife." It is the exact same as the company product except that it has the AGD engraving on it.
There isn't much to say as it is simply a utility knife. I have already found it handy in many situations. I usually carry either this, a Kershaw Leek, or my Leatherman around daily, or a mix. I use it mainly when I know I will mess up a normal blade. It is far easier just to pop a new razor into this than ruin a good edge and/or replace the latter.
The only product I can compare to is a Husky knife I used to carry around. It was the same concept, but the locking mechanism wasn't as "smooth" as this, and it was awkward to hold; as well as slightly more bulky.
Definitely a knife I look forward to keeping around for a long time.
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