| PCRI Product
Evaluation
Automag Micro-line Kit
The Microline Kit for the Automag is distributed by National Paintball Supply
(New Jersey, South Carolina, Nevada). The Microline is a hose system that
replaces the Automag's standard line from the regulator to the back-bottle
adapter. You can also use the Microline Kit to replace your existing regulator
to bottom-line hose, or regulator to vertical-bottle adapter hose. The suggested
retail price of the Microline Kit is $19.95.
Design/Construction:
The Microline Kit comes with two eleven-inch hoses and two stainless steel
quick- disconnect elbows. One of the two hoses is clear--the other is black.
You can use either as an extra hose. One of the nice features of the Microline
Kit is that you do not need tools to disconnect the hoses. Simply shut off
your air supply and remove the hose.
Installation: To install the Microline Kit, first remove the elbows (with
your air source disconnected) from your regulator and bottom-line or back-bottle
adapter. Replace the elbows with the ones provided with the Microline Kit.
Cut the hose to the desired length. Push the ends of the hose as far into
the ends of the elbows as possible. Lightly pull the hose outward to "seat"
it. To remove the hose when it is not under pressure, push down on the lip
of the elbow and pull the hose out.
Design/Construction rating (3)
Performance/Versatility:
The Microline Kit is versatile in that it acts as a quick disconnect on both
ends, plus it is size adjustable. In addition, the kit is available for both
the ‘Mag and the Autococker (the fittings are different).
We have used several Microline Kits on both Automags and Autocockers since
October. We have found the quick disconnect ability to be worth the $19.95
price in itself. Also the hose and fittings combined weigh only 1.3 ounces,
where a typical wire braid hose and elbows weighs more than four ounces.
With the Microline Kit your gun is slightly slimmed down (It's really annoying
when you get hit on the hose!), it looks better, and it weighs less.
We were not able to get the burst strength of the Microline hose by this
printing. We will print that in the next issue of PCRI. However, we have
seen one hose rupture during four months of use. We just replaced it with
the second hose that came in the kit. Also, about once every three months
or so, you'll need to cut the end off of the hose--it gets frayed. Cut off
about an 1/8" inch.
Performance/Versatility rating (4)
Price:
At $19.95, the Microline Kit from National Paintball is priced at about what
you would expect for wire braid hose system with fittings without quick
disconnects. The Microline is very fairly priced.
Conclusion:
The Microline Kit for the Automag is not something you need--it's a low-cost
amenity that is worthy of a closer look. As you probably already know if
you're an Automag user, an under $20 accessory is hard to come by. With this
one, you get much more than you pay for.
PCRI IS PLEASED TO AWARD THE MICROLINE KIT OUR FOUR STAR SEAL OF
QUAILTY. |
