Post by umiotoko on Dec 6, 2005 16:27:08 GMT -5
Sorry, can't figure out how to get the images to display inline...
(mod says all better)
The Q-loader adpater for the A-5 is out, it was released Nov 27th and I purchased mine online the same day.
My kit arrived on Monday and I installed it yesterday evening. Like the Q-loader itself, the components are of high quality, so here's my review:
Here's what the kit contains:
* Far left, the small screw covers the hole after removing the Cyclone feeder banjo (air fitting).
* The larger screw is for mounting the Q-loader base to the A-5.
* The two O-rings are for mounting the feeder tube into the base.
* The flat mounting bracket fits flush onto the breech. Note the small locking pin sticking out the upper right.
* Above the bracket is the elbow feeder tube connector.
* Finally, the elbow.
This is the Q-loader mounting base. It is essentially the same part as the Q-loader Custom Mounting System</a> except it contains only the specialized A-5 mounting bracket. Sorry, the picture is a bit fuzzy, but looking carefully at the top of the bracket there is a rounded locking protrusion next to the hole. This fits into the A-% front grip canal and keeps the Q-loader from twisting or moving around. Having mounted the regular CMS and noticed it fishtail around, this is a nice feature!
Modification to the right receiver half:
Here you can see a (slightly fuzzy) view of the modified right receiver half. The 2 Cyclone feeder locking pins (#1, #2) and the feeder arm (#3) were broken off with a pair of vise grips. Note that per the instructions, this is a permanent and irreversible modification to your A-5. However, a replacement part can be ordered from Tippmann if you decide to reverse your mod.
Side view of the mounted Q-loader:
Here you can see the mounted Q-loader base. Note you will have to remove the front handle to use this kit. I have a Springer Paintball custom LPK (Low Pressure Kit) and you would not be able to mount this kit with a standard LPK.
Oops, it's busticated...!
Even before I got the elbow mounted the small locking pin that attaches it to the breech bracket snapped. Any force put on the elbow (by the feeder tube or when you bump it) will be absorbed by this small pin, and a very small set screw on the bottom. I'm forced to call this a design flaw, I can't see this small piece holding up in field play. I didn't even notice it fail, and I was being very careful during the installation process.
Right front view of the mounted adapter:
Here is the adapter mounted to the A-5. The small locking pin was already broken at this point, but getting the feeder hose attached and positioned would easily overstress it here. Once mounted though the A-5 is looking really sweet. The profile is severely reduced and you might even be able to use the steel sights now.
A-5 with the Q-loader installed:
Here's a nice side view, notice how the Q-loader fits snugly under the front. There was absolutely no sway to the unit, it will hold up well in play. The center of gravity on the marker is pushed forward, but if you use a stock and/or a drop-forward or standard handle mounted tank this shouldn't be an issue. If you regularly use the front handle, then your hand will feel a little odd grasping the bottom of the base instead. This is a sacrifice, there's just no space for a handle.
The right side view of the mounted A-5 kit.
Things that could be improved:
* The installation instructions are horrible. There's no parts list and no pictures. Fortunately I've been tweaking my A-5 from day one, otherwise I'd have been confused where the bits and bobbles are supposed to go. Sue @ AIC has advised they are working on updated installation instructions.
* It would be nice if the rubber gasket on the back of the Q-loader base was attached. When you loosen the locking screw and adjust the base up or down on the bracket, the gasket slips and one end protrudes out the cover. This doesn't break anything, but it's annoying.
* The locking pin that holds the elbow to the breech bracket. Once it breaks the elbow won't remain attached to the breech bracket and you're out of play until it's fixed.
I spoke to Sue @ Ancient Innovations today and she promised to ship a replacement part today. As usual, their support rocks! I just hope this part doesn't become the Achilles heel of an otherwise outstanding product.
Product Rating:
I'd give the A-5 Q-loader kit a 7/10. The only reason my rating isn't higher is the relatively fragile mounting pin for the elbow.
Marker Specifications "Smeg":
* Tippmann A-5 with Response Trigger
* Springer Paintball custom LPK kit
* Q-loader A-5 kit
* J&J Ceramic 14" barrel (Flatline not pictured)
* Palmer stabilizer mounted to Lapco A-5 handle mount
* HPA and CO2, Palmer remote line.
* Trigger straw mod (extends the RT sweet spot)
(mod says all better)
The Q-loader adpater for the A-5 is out, it was released Nov 27th and I purchased mine online the same day.
My kit arrived on Monday and I installed it yesterday evening. Like the Q-loader itself, the components are of high quality, so here's my review:
Here's what the kit contains:
* Far left, the small screw covers the hole after removing the Cyclone feeder banjo (air fitting).
* The larger screw is for mounting the Q-loader base to the A-5.
* The two O-rings are for mounting the feeder tube into the base.
* The flat mounting bracket fits flush onto the breech. Note the small locking pin sticking out the upper right.
* Above the bracket is the elbow feeder tube connector.
* Finally, the elbow.
This is the Q-loader mounting base. It is essentially the same part as the Q-loader Custom Mounting System</a> except it contains only the specialized A-5 mounting bracket. Sorry, the picture is a bit fuzzy, but looking carefully at the top of the bracket there is a rounded locking protrusion next to the hole. This fits into the A-% front grip canal and keeps the Q-loader from twisting or moving around. Having mounted the regular CMS and noticed it fishtail around, this is a nice feature!
Modification to the right receiver half:
Here you can see a (slightly fuzzy) view of the modified right receiver half. The 2 Cyclone feeder locking pins (#1, #2) and the feeder arm (#3) were broken off with a pair of vise grips. Note that per the instructions, this is a permanent and irreversible modification to your A-5. However, a replacement part can be ordered from Tippmann if you decide to reverse your mod.
Side view of the mounted Q-loader:
Here you can see the mounted Q-loader base. Note you will have to remove the front handle to use this kit. I have a Springer Paintball custom LPK (Low Pressure Kit) and you would not be able to mount this kit with a standard LPK.
Oops, it's busticated...!
Even before I got the elbow mounted the small locking pin that attaches it to the breech bracket snapped. Any force put on the elbow (by the feeder tube or when you bump it) will be absorbed by this small pin, and a very small set screw on the bottom. I'm forced to call this a design flaw, I can't see this small piece holding up in field play. I didn't even notice it fail, and I was being very careful during the installation process.
Right front view of the mounted adapter:
Here is the adapter mounted to the A-5. The small locking pin was already broken at this point, but getting the feeder hose attached and positioned would easily overstress it here. Once mounted though the A-5 is looking really sweet. The profile is severely reduced and you might even be able to use the steel sights now.
A-5 with the Q-loader installed:
Here's a nice side view, notice how the Q-loader fits snugly under the front. There was absolutely no sway to the unit, it will hold up well in play. The center of gravity on the marker is pushed forward, but if you use a stock and/or a drop-forward or standard handle mounted tank this shouldn't be an issue. If you regularly use the front handle, then your hand will feel a little odd grasping the bottom of the base instead. This is a sacrifice, there's just no space for a handle.
The right side view of the mounted A-5 kit.
Things that could be improved:
* The installation instructions are horrible. There's no parts list and no pictures. Fortunately I've been tweaking my A-5 from day one, otherwise I'd have been confused where the bits and bobbles are supposed to go. Sue @ AIC has advised they are working on updated installation instructions.
* It would be nice if the rubber gasket on the back of the Q-loader base was attached. When you loosen the locking screw and adjust the base up or down on the bracket, the gasket slips and one end protrudes out the cover. This doesn't break anything, but it's annoying.
* The locking pin that holds the elbow to the breech bracket. Once it breaks the elbow won't remain attached to the breech bracket and you're out of play until it's fixed.
I spoke to Sue @ Ancient Innovations today and she promised to ship a replacement part today. As usual, their support rocks! I just hope this part doesn't become the Achilles heel of an otherwise outstanding product.
Product Rating:
I'd give the A-5 Q-loader kit a 7/10. The only reason my rating isn't higher is the relatively fragile mounting pin for the elbow.
Marker Specifications "Smeg":
* Tippmann A-5 with Response Trigger
* Springer Paintball custom LPK kit
* Q-loader A-5 kit
* J&J Ceramic 14" barrel (Flatline not pictured)
* Palmer stabilizer mounted to Lapco A-5 handle mount
* HPA and CO2, Palmer remote line.
* Trigger straw mod (extends the RT sweet spot)