Hey Sean,
Question. With regards to Nitro systems, what is the importance of fiber wrapped bottles? I see fiber wrapped and then good 'ole aluminum. The aluminum are much cheaper (which is the way I am looking at) than the fiber wrapped, for obvious reasons. But I'm asking is it necessary or important to get fiber wrapped? Or is this just a safety thing that helps if you get a person stupid nuff to try to overfill a bottle?
Thanks,
Tim
Dear Tim,
To start off, High Pressure Systems (usually reffered to as "HPS") run at a much higher pressure than C02. Many people are starting to switch over to HPS because they:
- are easier and cheaper to fill (if you have your own scuba tanks or
know of a cheap place to fill).
- can be topped off, rather than emptied and refilled like C02.
- hold more gas, giving you a longer playing time in between fills.
- eliminate "feeding C02" into gun were climate can have a nasty effect
on your guns performance.
- usually, more consistant than C02.
Variety of Pressures
As far as systems, there are typically 3 types:
- those which hold pressures below 3000 PSI
- those which hold 3000 PSI
- those which hold 4500 PSI.
Generally, those systems which hold below 3000 PSI, are just aluminum tanks without the fiberwrap. This is typically because they are at a lower pressure and less likely to explode (not saying that they can't if over filled). 3000 PSI tanks and above are fiber wrapped for safty precautions. If the tank is dropped, cracked, or ruptured, the fiber wrap prevents the bottle from exploding. Typically, the fiber wrap will just crack, and all of the gas will escape.
To answer your question, yes, aluminum is cheaper and brings the price of the HPS down. If you are going to get at least a 3000 PSI HPS, it will cost a little more, but the fiber wrap is there for safty.
HPS Testing for Safety
HPS systems are required to be Hydrotested every three years. This consists of the tanks being visually inspected, then submerged into a hydro pressure chamber to ensure that the bottle doesn't have any weak points. If the bottle looks are is damaged, the bottle will be destroyed, and will usually be sent back to you with a hole drilled in it so that it can no longer be filled. This is not only because they don't want to you to fill your tank anymore, but that the tank has become "unsafe", and needs to be discarded.
What kind to buy?
As far as name brands, there is quite a large selection in a variety of sizes. Some of the more popular HPS are Air America's Apocalypse and Raptor systems. Another popular brand is the Mini-reg systems from Paintball Mania Systems. Generally, the HPS systems come in 45 ci (cubic inch), 68 ci, and 114 ci sizes, with the 68 ci being one of the more popular. Depending on the pressure you decide to buy, the HPS systems can range from as low as $150 all the way up to $450+ (US).
Scubas
Many people have recently started purchasing scuba tanks to fill their own HPS because typically, it is far less expensive to fill a scuba tank, than to fill a 20 oz C02 canister. A few benefits of owning your own scuba tanks is yes, it is cheaper to fill. It is also more convinient to be able to fill your own tanks without having to goto the store. The one bad thing is that you have to lug your tanks around, and that the scuba tanks pressure goes down pretty quick when you fill your HPS.
Currently, most scuba tanks can be filled up to 3000 PSI. There are some which are generally about $50-100 more, which will allow you to fill to a maximum of 3500 PSI. For players who are using 4500 PSI systems, they generally have to get them topped off with either by someone with a compressor, or owns a "genesis" type system (allows the tanks to fill to 4500 PSI by the use of an electronic piston which forces the air into the HPS).
Final Note
HPS have definitely made a positive impact on the Paintball industry. Safety, however, is one thing which should be taken very seriously with the HPS, being that they are at a significantly higher pressure than ol' C02 canisters. If you plan on buying a HPS, be sure that the sales person shows you how to use it, turn it on/off, and things to look for if you have problems with it. Most importantly, make sure you know how to fill the system if you plan on buying your own scubas and fill station. There is no such thing as a stupid question; never be afraid to ask, especially when it can prevent accidents due to negligence.
Hope this helps you.
Sean Takeda
MPN Columnist