The Apex is one of the more expensive barrels on the market, but I think the price asked suits it great. The barrel has some clear advantages over many of the other barrels out there. It’s manly compared to a Flatline, but even then you can see it is better. The greatest advantage over the other barrels is the range of fire you can get out of it. The thing is simply impressive. The accuracy isn’t that much different from the Flatline one, but we certainly can’t call it inaccurate. The Apex is very durable and reliable. It isn’t paint picky as the Flatline and you can shoot pretty much any paint through it with no worries about breaks. You get to choose out of 9 modes of fire – positions 0-3 give average performance, positions 4 and 5 are close to what you’ll get with a Flatline – 4 for thicker paint, 5 for better paint. Positions 6 or 7 operate much like position 8 just to less of a degree. 8 is what’s really impressive. You get curves at any angle, dive bombs and all that at a great range. So here are the features, before we continue:

•    On/Off capability
•    Hit previously untouchable targets with new curve feature.
•    Adjustable ramp switch – choose the desired level of the curve.
•    Left hook, right hook, drop shot and long flat trajectory shots with a twist of the barrel.
•    Easy to ” Dial in ” targets and change the level of curve.
•    Easy to clean

Compatible models – Fits all popular barrel threads including:

BT-4/ BT-16
Tippmann A-5/ Tippmann 98
Intimidator/Autococker
Spyder/Mongoose
/VL/BE Impulse
Angel

What can be put as a downside, beside the average accuracy is the loudness. There’s almost no porting and the barrel is very short (10″), so you get very loud cracks with each shot. You’ll be thankful of the extra range, because everyone’s going to know where you are. Also note that the Apex needs some getting used to (especially when it comes to position 8), so don’t hate it if you can’t shoot with it right away. Sure there is a place for improvements, but overall the Apex is a great barrel to have. Prices vary depending on the place you’re getting it. You can find it for as low as $80 or as high as $140, so it’s preferable to check multiple places before rush into buying. If you can afford it – do it. The thing really is great, especially if you’re a woodsball player.

The BT-1913 is an amazing woodsball barrel. It has its flaws, but overall performs perfectly. It’s extremely accurate and gives you that extra 10-15 feet of distance that keeps you relatively out of range of opposing players. The thing looks great and gives your gun a completely different look. It’s not paint picky, and rarely brakes balls. Here’s the description for it:

“Get real with this hardcore mil-sim barrel. Realistic removable barrelshroud and multi-option picatinny rail mounts are impressive and so are the range and accuracy it delivers! Different models fit A-5, BT-4, BT-16, and 98 threads.”

It’s pretty much everything you can expect from a barrel only there are some flaws that needs to be taken care of. Like the weight – the thing is heavy and unlike some other barrels this time the weight is pretty noticeable. It’s also quite loud. You get to chose from 14 inch and 20 inch, but mind that the 20 inch barrel may be a little longer for some. The BT-1913 isn’t cheap. You can get it for about $90. For that money you can easily replace it with the Apex which in my opinion is better. It’s all up to you though, but it’s not like you don’t have a choice.

Although people are not impressed by it I think this tank deserves some attention, mainly because of its price (for the 50 cubic inch aluminum tank). The thing is pretty consistent and there’s no drop off, but it’s really heavy. I would say it’s about as heavy and as big as a 20oz CO2 Tank (maybe just a little bit bigger). It’s way much better than a CO2 tank, though and you can usually get around 600 shots of it, before you need a refill. It looks solid, but keep in mind that it scratches easily, so you may wanna use a cover for it. So here’s the manufacturer’s description for it:

“WorrGas Air Systems by WGP are the most consistent high-flow systems ever! Featuring WGP’s own patent pending design that blows the competition away. What makes it so great? The thin, very light regulator that surpasses all others on the market in high-flow capabilities. They come in 3000 psi and 4500 psi tanks. Preset is available in 500 and 800 psi outputs. The adjustable has a dovetail mount, dual gauges, guard for the On/Off Valve. Both preset and adjustable are dual filtered and are available in aluminum fiber wrapped with either a stainless steel or titanium neck. You’ll love its light weight, small profile, and high-flow consistency.”

People don’t like it because it leaks a lot. Every second person that’s using it complains about leaks, so be warned before you get it. Also there are problems with the gauges…not every time, but there are.  I can call it unreliable, but considering it costs around $70 (again the 50 cubic inch aluminum tank is what I’m talking about) I still think it’s worth considering. If you really can’t afford to spend more money on a N2 tank, think about it. Who knows you may be lucky enough to get one that’s working flawlessly.

This is a great tank and a must buy if you have a low pressure gun. You’ll be amazed with it. It is pretty light; it has very consistant flow and lasts a long time; looks cool and you get tons of shots off it (1000 without a full fill). Drop off is not on the list with this thing, so don’t worry about that. Leaks are also not something common with it. And the gauges are really nice and easy to read. Here’s what the manufacturer has to say about it:

“This newest edition of the Angel Air system is designed to work with low pressure guns. With a low pressure output of 450, it will work perfectly with your Angel 4 or Speed, as well as any other low pressure gun you may own. The angel Air includes loc socks.”

I can’t really think of any problems you may experience. The system is great really. Too bad people with high pressure guns can’t take advantage of it, but there are other great systems on the market for them too. as to the price – you can find the thing for about $270 which is a little pricy, but certainly not for the performance you’re getting from this tank. If it works for you go for it without hesitation. It won’t disappoint you.

Many players like this tank and there’s a reason for that – it is light, it looks very nice and it is amazingly consistent. It has two gauges on it. One tells you the psi inside the tank and the other tells you how much pressure is going into your gun. Drop off is not something you should worry about. Even if you only have 300psi left in your tank you still get a great output pressure. Also its very easy to change the output pressure, you just turn the big knob on the tank. For this tank you have a choice of HP (0 – 800) or LP (0 – 200). If you really need an output pressure of something in between, you can get a HP reg and combine it with an LP spring to get output psi of 250-450 psi. It’s a nice feature, but you have to check your gun and see which one works for you. Here are the features:

•    S-Rail Included
•    Integrated Dovetail
•    Built-in On/Off Valve
•    Airline Compliant
•    4500 PSI
•    Upgradeable/Rebuildable
•    68ci/4500psi Fiber wrapped Bottle

The only problem you may experience with this tank is that you have to fix or change the on/off o-rings from time to time which isn’t that easy. But it’s something you get used to. Leaks are also possible once in a while, but that’s the case with almost every tank out there so I don’t put it as a big downside.  It’s really a great tank to get and although the crossfire and PE regs have faster recharge rates, the max flo’s consistency and flow is unmatched. The thing isn’t that expensive considering some other tank prices I’ve came across to, but it’s not one of the cheapest too. You can find it for about $230 and if that’s an affordable price for you go for it. You won’t regret it.

It’s finally time for the so talked about PMI Pure Energy. Players seem to be in love with this thing even though it’s not the perfect tank on the market. Let’s see why. First of the tank is light (well, there sure are lighter ones out there, but you certainly can’t call this one very heavy), then the thing has some very nice recharge rate, it is also pretty well ballenced and it comes in a bunch of sizes and psi’s. So far nothing too impressive, right…sounds like most of the tanks on the market, but then the price is what changes everything. You can find the Pure Energy for about $140 (although the price really depends on the size – smaller tanks are cheaper of course) which is cheap when talking about HPA air systems. Anyway here are the features:

-Consistent Flow Technology piston
-Mil-spec Belleville springs
-Dual safety rupture plugs for both bottle and downstream safety
-Mechanical gauge
-Nickel plated brass bonnet
-Certified fill nipple and dual locking set screws
-Preset at 850 psi
-Approximately 500 shots per fill
-5 year hydro test date

Downsides do exist. For instance leaks are a possibility, but they can be taken care of. Shot off is also something that can be experienced. On/off will always be a plus, but that sure adds up to the price. Gauges are not perfect…many of the times there are problems with them, all fixable again. And some people claim burst disks problems, but that’s something rare. Overall I think the tank is worth the given price. You can rarely find a good tank that cheap, so unless you can afford to get something more expensive I say go for this one.

The other Nitro Duct tank we’ll be talking about is the iReg Tuff Skin. It is small, it has great recharge rate, it’s cheap and light…just like any normal present tank, only better because it is adjustable. You just have to purchase a piston kit, because the iReg comes stock with the 800psi piston. The piston kit comes with a 400psi, 600psi, and 1,000psi piston kit. This allows you to easily change your iReg’s output pressure. All you need to do is empty the tank, unscrew the holding screws and screw off the iReg cap. The piston is easily removed and replaced with the piston of your liking once you grease the piston’s o-rings. Here are the features:

* Completely rebuildable and user friendly
* 4 piston pressure (400, 600, 800, 1000) comes standard with 800psi HPA
* Lightweight and compact – one of the lightest regulators on the market
* Unique cutting edge fill nipple system

Problems are not something often with the iReg Tuff Skin. I haven’t heard anyone complaining of this tank. People simply like it. One thing I recommend though is to do a hydro test again once you get the thing…just in case. The price can vary, but it’s pretty much in the range of $220 so I think it’s a good buy. It’s a good tank on a good price – try it.

The Nitro Duck Carbon Fiber tank is overall a pretty good thing. There are absolutely better tanks out there, but just because of its price – around $150 it’s worth your attention. The thing is pretty reliable. It’s strongly made, but don’t push it to the limits. It’s fairly consistent and even though drop off is possible it’s not an often site. The thing is light and very air efficient. See what the manufacturer has to say about it:

“These bottles use a new technology called Carbon Fiber wrapping ( 7 times stronger than glass wrapping), which is totally different than just fiber wrapping like everyone else sells. Since the aluminum shell is wrapped with a Carbon Fiber it makes the shell 30% stronger. Since the shell is 30% stronger, we can make the Aluminum shell 30% thinner, which also makes the shell 30% less in weight.”

One of the downsides of this tank is that it has a longer neck. Not that it’s a big flaw, but it may be uncomfortable for many of you. Leaks are also something you should worry about. Get the tank checked as soon as you get it. Other than that this is a pretty good tank especially considering the price. If you can afford something more expensive – go for it. If not…give this one a try…you may like it.

The MACDev Conquest is definitely one of the top of the line air systems. It has several advantages over many of the other adjustable, low-pressure regs out there. Firstly, it’s very small and lightweight. It has an extremely high flow and amazingly consistent velocities. You can be sure you will experience no shoot down at all. Its gauges work great and look pretty cool too. The mounting rail is a standard Air America dove-tail fitting so you should have no trouble getting a decent drop-forward for it. Its placement upon the rail is very ergonomic and allows for great flexibility as far as wrist positioning. Here are the features and some specifications:

> Burst disc
> Harmonised motion control piston (with built in high pressure safety)
> Lightened on-off
> Increased flow (70% higher than 02 model Conquest)
> Balanced regulation (can be used with gas thru)
> Strengthened dovetail
> Macdev micro gauges
> 03 Fill nipple with inline filtration
> Side by side gauge positioning with re-positioning available
> 03 Conquest jewels
> 03 teardrop milling
> Easier strip down and re-build
> Low maintenance piston system
> Ultra consistent due to self lubricating, abrasion resistant seating system.
> Carefully engineered flow paths give excellent efficiency
> Dovetail mount and screws included

SPECIFICATIONS
(68/4500psi system)
> Weight: 2.2lbs (1kg)
> Length: 12.5″ (32cm)
> Diameter: 4.3″ (11cm)
> Output range: 0-650psi

The only thing worth complaining about is the on/off. Don’t get me wrong it works fine and maintenance through the adjustment knob and on/off piece is easy, but when gassing up your marker and running pressures over 400 psi, pressing down the on/off lever can be tedious and requires some force. It’s just a little irritating that’s all. It’s overall a great marker and well worth getting…if you can afford it at least. The thing doesn’t come cheap as its price is in the range of $350+. If you can afford it though, get it. You’ll be absolutely happy with it.

Yes there are newer versions out, but just because it’s 05 doesn’t mean the Macdev should be out of the picture. On the contrary – you’ll be nothing but impresses by this tank. For starters it comes with both lp and hp burst disks which allows it to be much safer than any other tank on the market in its class. It is extremely light and small, very durable and can hold in any form of paintball play. The recharge rate on this thing is incredible. Believe it or not it can recharge around 35+ bps. The reg is awesome – it’s milled, it’s short and it’s high flowing. Basically one great tank to have. See the given features:

•    The highest flowing, most consistent preset system available
•    Low pressure and high pressure burst disks.
•    High quality macdev mini gauge
•    Super light-weight – all aluminium body
•    Stylish milling
•    Filtered standard inlet nipple
•    100% pressure and performance tested before shipping
•    High quality fibre wrapped bottle
•    Stainless steel screws
•    High or Low pressure versions available

If you’re expecting a flaw list I have to disappoint you. The ’05 Legion Air System performs perfectly and you can rely on it every time. The only thing I’ll point out is the bottle cover you should get – I recommend the MacDev cover, because obviously they make it for their tanks. Many of the other covers will be big for this thing. The price is also something you’ll be surprised with. The thing costs only about $200, which is pretty cheap for performance like that. If you can get yourself something like this tank (they may be a little hard to find, but absolutely worth looking) do it without any hesitation…it will only make you proud of it.