DYE Titanium BoomStick Review
I recently purchased the new DYE Titanium BoomStick.
For those of you who are not familiar with BoomSticks (is there?), I’ll give you a brief description.
The standard BoomStick consists of a solid section of stainless steel back about 7 long (not including threads).
Attached to this is a ported aluminum front section that varies in length depending on the barrel you purchase.
BoomSticks are a two-piece, stepped-bore barrel.
Unlike some other two-piece barrels, the front and back sections cannot be unscrewed.
In this case, stepped-bore means that the back section is smaller than the front section.
This is to supposedly stabilize the ball after acceleration.
Bore size is .688 (small) unless special ordered.
BoomSticks come in lengths of 10", 12", 14", 16" and 18".
However, the 10" variety is often difficult to find.
For purposes of this review, I will primarily be referring to the 14" length unless otherwise noted.
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Before I purchased the Titanium Boomstick, I had already bought a 12" BoomStick for my Angel and a 14" BoomStick for my AutoCocker.
I was well aware of the quality associated with DYE products.
Both of the standard BoomSticks were very accurate and quiet (although the 12" was a bit louder).
The only difference between the standard and titanium BoomStick is the material used in the back section of the barrel.
Of course, that difference is what this review is about.
I purchased the barrel from Predator Paintball for $150 (plus shipping).
An excellent deal considering other stores were selling the same item for $185.
The barrel arrived a few days later via UPS.
I first thought the box was for something else.
It was kind of large and very light, so I wasn't sure if anything was in it.
But, thankfully, the barrel was nessled in among the packaging.
My first thought?
"Holy crap is this thing light!"
Then I looked at the milling and the finish on the titanium.
Both were beautiful.
The DYE logo was engraved nicely on one side and the word "Titanium" was engraved on the other.
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I grabbed my other two BoomSticks to compare.
Just holding the new titanium version in one hand and the standard BoomStick in the other I could tell there was a massive weight loss.
I decided to check the weight scientifically.
The only thing I had was a postage scale....which is guaranteed accurate to 1/10th of an ounce.
The results are listed below.
Numbers in yellow italic are calculations of weight based on two Titanium BoomSticks (12" & 14").
| LENGTH |
STAINLESS
BOOMSTICK |
TITANIUM
BOOMSTICK |
WEIGHT
SAVINGS |
|
10"
|
6.7 oz
|
2.7 oz
|
60%
|
|
12"
|
8 oz
|
4.0 oz
|
50%
|
|
14"
|
9.3 oz
|
5.3 oz
|
43%
|
|
16"
|
10.6 oz
|
6.6 oz
|
38%
|
|
18"
|
11.9 oz
|
7.9 oz
|
34%
|
The 12" Titanium BoomStick is HALF the weight of it's Stainless Steel sibling!.
That's impressive!!
I took it to the field and compared it side-by-side with my 14" barrel (I have an Angel-AutoCocker barrel adapter from Lapco).
Exactly the same.
There was no noticeable difference in accuracy or sound when using a stable firing platform.
So, you may ask, what's the point in spending another $40 for the Titanium BoomStick.
Well, if your looking for a lightweight barrel that's as durable as Stainless Steel....here's your barrel.
Of course others just want the newest and best.
Some can't deny the urge to stand out in the crowd.
Personally, I think it's worth every penny!
Keeping my 'gun light and looking good are both important.
- John C. Hoefer
Please remember that the views expressed here are opinions.
BoomStick is a Registered Trademark of DYE Precision
