Valve

[Spinal]

im looking into going semi-LP. i was seeing that a lot of people have new valves, is it worth it? and if it is which valve to get? i have a few options..

NDZ
maddman rocket
tornado

price isn't much of an issue but i dont want to waste money the tornado is like twice the cost of the NDZ valve, and if performance diff is minimal i'll stick with the NDZ, so which to get folks? if i need one at all that is.

[shunut]

Maddman, its about the same price as the NDZ, but is way better that the NDZ, IMO. I think the AKA Tornado valve is way over priced and not worth it.

[Hob Hayward]

Yeah, aka is a ripoff. One problem with the madman is that operation over 400 psi for a long time like destroys it... that said, I'd go wit hthe NDZ especially if your only going "semi-LP"

[ooglieboogliebob]

eh .. most LP conversions go to about 250-350 psi anyways ... besides some people have successfully gotten a LP conversion with just the stock valve ...

[DRAGON]

Though the Rocket valve is high flowing, it seems a lot of people just can't get them set up right. When setting it up properly, rather than just changing the valve spring you need to keep removing and installing the valve until you get the SRP set up right for your marker. I'd make sure and get a repair kit because if you aren't familiar with them, chances are you'll need one -

The AKA is way too overpriced. I'm surprised they haven't cut the price on them. Nice valve but the price is a rip. Especially for a company that does their own machining -

New Designz is easy to set up, high flowing and moderately priced. It'll get you in the 300-400psi range that's best for Spyders. Best all around IMO for flow, price and ease of setup -

[druid]

I had an old version sonix that I got to 325 psi/275 fps just by using an assault block, torp and polishing the internals. It still had a stock, unmodified valve.

[shunut]

Originally Posted by DRAGON

Though the Rocket valve is high flowing, it seems a lot of people just can't get them set up right. When setting it up properly, rather than just changing the valve spring you need to keep removing and installing the valve until you get the SRP set up right for your marker. I'd make sure and get a repair kit because if you aren't familiar with them, chances are you'll need one -

Wow Dragon, you didn't even bad mouth the management over there at Maddmann, I'm impressed. Is that because they are under new management?

[crimsonguard]

I'm using an NDZ valve. Nice polished piece, comes with tapered cup seal and I found mine on ebay for half the price of a Maddman.

[vikingshadow]

Originally Posted by druid

I had an old version sonix that I got to 325 psi/275 fps just by using an assault block, torp and polishing the internals. It still had a stock, unmodified valve.

I did the same with my old style Sonix, but when I dropped the Maddman in, the pressure REALLY lowered....I was a bit under 300 psi with pretty good efficiency at 280 fps.

Of course, like Dragon said, I worked a LOT with the valve to get it right. If the NDZ does the same thing, that'd be the one I'd get. They didn't have that one out when I did my lp thing though.

[druid]

Originally Posted by Spinal

im looking into going semi-LP. semi-LP=half assed. Go all the way, or not at all. i was seeing that a lot of people have new valves, is it worth it? yes if you want to maximize the total upgrade. and if it is which valve to get? i have a few options..

NDZ a decent valve for the $$
maddman rocket a better valve for the $$. Get a spare cupseal/valve pin right away so you have it. The srp has a tendency to strip out after a few thousand shots.
tornado nice valve, way overpriced

price isn't much of an issue but i dont want to waste money the tornado is like twice the cost of the NDZ valve, and if performance diff is minimal i'll stick with the NDZ, so which to get folks? if i need one at all that is.

The reason I say semi-LP=half-assed is that you may get some of the benefits of LP but not all. you can lower your pressure but not as much as you could. This directly affects consumption, velocity, recoil and wear-and-tear on components. It makes no sense to open an airway if you don't regulate it and adding a LP/high-flow valve without a reg will probably ruin the valve. You can add a spring kit but that will only affect your velocity adjustments additionally, between 5fps and 25 fps (ish).
Do yourself a favor and do it the right way...the first time. I know that Bomberpilot07 knows what I say from first-hand experiences and can share my wisdom with you ...Get all the parts one at a time, put them in a box until you have them all. Then spend a weekend completing the project.