Problem with Tippmann Flatline: We have the Fix

Even after years and years of great success, the Tippmann Flatline Barrel is still one of the most popular barrels for Tippmann A5 owners. With an additional 100 feet of flat trajectory, it's not hard to see why the Flatline is among the most popular barrels in the woods. The unique inner design allows the barrel to impart a spin on the paintball; this spin helps the ball resist the forces acting on it as it flies out of the barrel and across the field at the opposing players. The spin is the secret to the success of the Tippmann Flatline barrel.

Although the Tippmann Flatline is loved by so many and still remains the 'go to' barrel for a lot of players, it's also the source of a lot of frustration for some. Understanding a few key points about the Flatline (as well as paintball barrels in general) will do wonders for your performance on the field. You may have read or heard many people describe the Flatline as 'picky when it comes to paint'.

That could be said for any barrel that is not a barrel 'kit' (with multiple bore attachments). The Flatline has 1 bore size, therefore is best matched with paintballs of similar caliber. You'll get lousy performance from any barrel that isn't matched well to the paint that is being used. But does quality really count? You bet it does... Cheap or old paint will give you issues not matter what barrel you're using. Higher priced paint tends to be more consistent in shape and size. With more consistent ball size, you're able to get better results shot to shot. Buy quality stuff that matches the bore of the barrel and your distance and accuracy will be optimal for your set-up.

If you called Tippmann and asked for a recommendation regarding paintballs that could be used with the Flatline, they'd probably tell you RPS Marballizer. They have traditionally used Marballizers for Flatline testing. It's our experience that a quality paintball in the high .68's (.688, .689) works well with the inner barrel of the Flatline. We always get great results with Marbs in the Flatline barrel.

Next is maintenance. 'Barrel' maintenance you ask? That's right, especially when it comes to the A5 Flatline Barrel. Believe it or not, some players don't realize that the Flatline has multiple pieces. The A5 Flatline has 4 parts: the barrel, shroud and two end caps. You can disassemble the Flatline and clean it. There is one important thing to remember when you re-assemble your barrel. The barrel must be lined-up properly to the rear A5 end cap. This is easy because Tippmann marks the barrel with an indicator line. You need to make sure the line on the barrel is in the middle of the set screw port on the rear end cap. Once you do this, you’re ready to reassemble and your Flatline is properly aligned.

With a little maintenance and understanding about proper paintball matching, you can get optimal performance out of any barrel. The Tippmann Flatline Barrel is no exception to this rule. For more detailed pics, take a look at our Tippmann A5 Flatline problem article on the website.