Manufactured by Tippmann, a leader in the paintball marker industry, The Tippmann TiPX is a military-style .68 caliber paintball pistol, equipped with an under-barrel C02 air system and Picatinny rail for mounting attachments. The TiPX is the second generation of this pistol, fixing several issues and small mechanical faults its predecessor had and improving on the design in general.
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Semi-automatic and magazine-fed, the TiPX also possesses the basic look and feel of a real handgun. Players who prefer a marker with aesthetic appeal will find the TiPX can make other paintball markers look clumsy and awkward by comparison; the TiPX boasts a compact and lightweight design that is ideal for marking solo targets or use as a tactical backup.
The Tippmann TiPX focuses on high-performance and low-cost, seeking a balance between the two without sacrificing one for the other. Its clamshell and split receiver design allow for easy access to the pistol’s internal mechanisms and make it easier to handle when the pistol needs maintenance. The marker is made of high-impact, lightweight polymer.
The TiPX features a standard, 6’’ A5/X7 threaded barrel, compatible with any barrels of same type and similar diameter. This makes it a simple matter to purchase and implement upgrades for the barrel, for players interested in personalizing their marker.
The TiPX comes with two spring-loaded Tru-Feed magazines, which hold 7 rounds each. While this may seem like a slight downgrade from the previous version’s 8-round magazines, the 7-round Tru-Feed magazines correct the misfeeding problem that came with a staggered magazine. The magazines feature clear ammo windows along the sides, which lets you know with a glance whether or not the magazine is fully-loaded. The magazines insert into the bottom of the pistol’s grip like a normal handgun, and stay firmly-seated during play. A simple button press releases the magazine into your hand.
Unlike other markers, the TiPX does not house its C02 cartridges in the magazine; this makes the gun feel more balanced and puts less bulk on the grip. This allows for a better grip, and also means players can easily operate the TiPX one-handed if necessary. Instead, the TiPX’s 12 gram C02 cartridges are stored in a chamber right beneath the marker’s barrel, held by a quarter-turn cap. The cap twists easily into place, allowing for quick removal and replacement while wearing paintball gloves or other gear.
The Tippmann TiPX includes an external velocity adapter, located on the back of the receiver. This means you can adjust your pistol easily with the use of a wrench, and, because the TiPX’s adjuster is not thumb-adjusted, the TiPX is legal on any field of play. The pistol comes in three colors – black, desert tan, and olive.
Basic operation of the Tippmann TiPX is simple. The semi-automatic fires from an open bolt, and the pistol’s blow-forward system reduces recoil and kickback. New players and veterans alike will find the TiPX easy and comfortable to use. The Tru-Feed magazines are spring-loaded, and when loaded into the marker, the spring will automatically force the first paintball into the pistol’s chamber.
The standard 12 gram C02 cartridges, once loaded, will puncture when the trigger of the marker is pulled for the first time after the cartridge has been loaded. It’s important to note that this first pull of the trigger will not, however, fire a round. One pull will puncture the C02 and ready the marker to fire, and the second will shoot the first round.
Once the clip is empty, the magazine release button will unlock it, and the player can then reload it or switch it out for a new magazine. Additionally, be aware of the C02 cartridge; in field tests, the 12 gram cartridges lasted for 2 to 3 magazines depending on various conditions. Players don’t want to be caught unawares without any force to drive their rounds home, especially in the middle of an extreme tournament or match. In colder conditions, there is also a chance of the C02 cartridges freezing up, causing slight problems and less firing velocity. Overall, however, the location and design of the C02 cartridges isn’t likely to throw off someone’s game.
However, if any particular part or piece of the Tippmann TiPX isn’t quite to the player’s liking, there are any number of upgrades, customizations, and augmentations that can be purchased. Upgrades and modifications can take the TiPX from an already-impressive pistol to one of the best sidearms available.
Installing a remote line adapter is probably the most common upgrade players consider when using the TiPX. This allows for the pistol to be powered by an external HPA or C02 air source, and eliminates the need for constantly replacing cartridges.
The TiPX’s small magazine is perhaps one its only real downsides, and the main reason the TiPX functions better as a secondary sidearm than as a primary weapon in official matches. Larger, more unwieldy guns are also capable of holding more ammunition. However, purchasing extended magazines can keep the player shooting longer, and is another upgrade to consider. Of course, a larger magazine means more rounds are being fired, and means that the standard 12 gram C02 cartridge might only last 1 to 2 clips before needing to be replaced.
The Tippmann website also offers a page full of different accessories for the TiPX, including performance barrels, silencers, marker and magazine leg holsters, and a First Strike Breach platform. The Tippmann TiPX functions fine on its own, but a few upgrades can really give players an edge.
Overall, the TiPX’s light weight and accuracy are its true selling points, and it makes for a very dependable sidearm. The TiPX offers players more maneuverability and speed in their game, the magazines cost less than competing pistols, and its compact design makes it easier to handle. While other pistols offer first strike capability out of the box, the TiPX includes other features and upgrades alongside first strike potential.
The TiPX is light, accurate, and reliable. If you’re in the market for a solo marker or a backup sidearm, the Tippmann TiPX is definitely worth looking into.