Known for its speed and numerous customization options, the Tippmann A-5 is designed to withstand years of hard use on the paintball fields. This high-end paintball marker is sure to bring success and enjoyment to both amateur and all-star paintball players alike.
Preparation and Air Tank Selection
Before you charge onto the field with the Tippmann A-5, you need some gear to operate the marker and safely play the game. These essentials include an air tank, paintballs, a barrel safety cover and a face mask. Almost all retail versions of the A-5 come with a CO2 tank. These tanks work well for casual playing and are convenient to refill. Most sporting goods stores and even mass-retailers like Wal-Mart have tank refills and exchanges available.
Many paintball stores, fields and tournaments have transitioned to using exclusively either compressed air or nitrogen tanks because they provide a more consistent shooting pressure than CO2. Compressed air and nitrogen can be used interchangeably, but it is not safe to refill a CO2 tank with one of these or vice versa. Because each of these tank types can attach differently to the A-5, follow the manufacturer's instructions closely to connect and disconnect your tank of choice properly.
Accessories and Customization Strategies
The A-5 is a quality marker right out of the box, but the ability to customize the A-5 makes it stand out. Custom upgrades can be costly, so before purchasing all the gadgets available, determine what will fit best with your paintball strategy.
For example, if more accuracy is what you are after, consider adding the A-5 16-inch Straightline barrel and a red dot scope. If you enjoy being the stealth player on your team, invest in sniper gear including an A-5 14-inch Sniper barrel and collapsible stock. An A-5 Stovepipe hopper adapter, which moves the angle of the hopper so that you can accurately use a scope or sight, sniper scope and a remote line will also improve your sniper abilities.
If you prefer to make a scene, add an A-5 Flatline barrel and the A-5 Response Trigger kit. The A-5 is already decently loud, but adding these options will make your marker sound like an entire platoon. This can aid you in causing a distraction so your team can sneak around and surprise the competition.
Care of the Marker
You will rarely need to do any maintenance or interior cleaning on your A-5, especially while out playing. If you do, though, the marker can be completely taken apart and reassembled in the field without tools in 1 minute.
The barrel is the usual place for paint and debris to get inside your marker. For that reason, most A-5 barrels simply screw off. Run the squeegee that came with the marker through the barrel and that should clean it. Having the barrel off the marker also gives you access to some of the chamber area, so do a quick check and wipe through of that area also.
For a more thorough cleaning, disassemble the marker and examine the parts for stuck paint or any other debris. Pay extra attention to O-rings and the bolt spring, and use just a bit of oil in the areas where it is needed.
Tags: your marker, your team
