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Home| Lightning Bolt | Published May 1998 An Article by Jay "JJ" Murray |
| While checking out the trade show at the '97 World Cup, I happened upon the Lightning bolt from AKA. What attracted me was AKA's claim that the bolt alone would raise my velocity 30-50 fps. It only took a second to realize that such an increase would allow me to lower my velocity adjuster and use less gas per shot. This should increase my number of shots per tank of gas.
I asked the AKA representative if I might try the bolt before purchasing it. Then, if their claim proved true, I'd gladly buy it. The AKA representative didn't hesitate to agree. I grabbed my Eclipse and we headed for the nearest chronograph.
Using my '97 Eclipse cocker, with the standard venturi bolt, I shot consistently in the 301 to 305 range. I then dropped in the Lightning Bolt and my velocity rose to a consistent 340 to 345. A 40 fps increase in velocity! I immediately purchased the bolt. As an experienced tournament player, I rarely use anything new at a tourney. But, the lightning Bolt from AKA was different. It allowed me to lower my gun's velocity adjuster and use less gas per shot. In the weeks prior to The World Cup, my cocker averaged 1100 quality shots at 400 psi out of an Air America, 114 ci.(3000 psi) tank and an unireg. With the addition of the Lightning Bolt, the marker averaged 1500-1600 shots. That's more than a 30% increase in shot capacity. In the NPPL, that can make the difference between winning and loosing. The lightning Bolt from AKA Performance Paintball, utilizes an elongated air receptacle, curved air chamber, and a cone shaped air passage. The elongated air receptacle, allows gas to enter the bolt faster than a round air receptacle. Once inside the bolt, a curved air chamber forces the gas into the air passage and toward the ball. The air passage of the Lightning Bolt is cone shaped, with the widest part toward the ball. This design increases the force behind the gas. The gas is under pressure and must expand. As the diameter of the lightning bolt increases, the gas expands rapidly. When the gas finally reaches the ball, it's effect is that of a greater volume of gas. The Lightning Bolt is hard anodized black and is available for standard autocockers, P blocks, STO's, and Predators. The back of the bolt is threaded to except the evolution style pull pin system. The Lightning Bolt is available through RUFF -n-TUFF Sports, (305) 267-1122, and other AKA Performance dealers. For more information, contact Leads Metal Products @ (317) 631-7200. Jay "JJ" Murray Paint site design and contents Copyright Mike Wallis |
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