Derek Engelhaupt wrote:
> I was also looking at the coiled CO2 lines with integrated on/off
> valves and quick disconnects. They have them in the thinner lines
> and the thicker lines. Is there any reason to go with one or the
> other or avoid the coiled lines completely? Other recommendations?
There are basically 4 kinds of C02 lines and connectors you could use
and here is my advice based on over 15 years of using CO2 systems in
combat systems on land and sea:
Micro-Line With Quick Connectors - smallest and lightest solution, but
lots of leaks where the line pushes into the connector. Also, with C02
in hot weather, the pressure can be high enough that it blows a
micro-line that has a crease in it from wear and abuse. I've thrown all
my micro-lines away.
Heavy-Duty Plastic Line with Quick Connectors - bigger and stronger, but
still suffers from the same connector problem. The plastic line is
conformed by the connector and then shrinks a little over time forcing
you to cut off the end and re-seat it. After too many "hissy-fits" I've
thrown all my plastic line away.
Rubberized Coiled Lines with Crimped Connectors - Very robust and the
largest solution. I use such a "remote line" for my paintball marker
that I use in full scale scenario games. Works great, especially when
fitted with a quick-connect and sliding on/off value on the marker end.
Never had a problem, but this solution is overkill for connecting
your bottle to your marker inside a turret.
Metal Braided Line with Crimped Connectors - Very robust and compact.
The line will never fail and when properly tightened the connectors will
never leak. The only drawback is that it doesn't like to bend, but most
turrets are large enough to fit it properly anyway. I have a simple
three-way ball value with one side venting to the air that I use to
"blow the line" before disconnecting the marker and an on-off valve
connecting to the marker. No quick disconnect is needed. Now you can
get an on-off valve that vents the line as well in the "off" position,
which would eliminate the extra valve. This solution has been in the
Tiger for the last three years and I haven't had a single issue with it.
Frank "Leaks Are No Fun" Pittelli
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