Paintball Mania’s “MicroReg” is quite probably both the easiest and least expensive
route to convert to HPA use.
It attaches as easily as swapping a normal CO2 tank,
and requires no other attachments. Anything that will accept a quick-change, remote
fitting, tank or gas-thru stock will as easily accept the Micro. It’s available on
an aluminum 53 cubic inch 3000 psi tank, or either a 68 or 114 ci composite (fiber-wrapped)
3K psi tank. Also available is a “medium pressure” version, attached to a 20-ounce
CO2 tank, and filled to only 1800 psi.
In any of the variants, the output
is fixed, non-adjustable, between 750 and 800 psi. This is usually the perfect pressure
to operate anything from Spyders and Carbines directly, or lower-pressure guns in
conjunction with a secondary regulator. It is also perfect for direct attachment
to internally-regulated markers such as Automags or Rainmakers.
Since it uses a standard CO2/ASA type
threads, it can be used in any application where a CO2 tank can be attached. That
includes remote, on-gun, vertical, etc. PMS has a drop-forward cradle that allows
the reg to be mounted like a more conventional system, either to the grip frame directly,
or to a stock or drop-forward. The MicroReg tends to be on the long side when run
on-gun, especially in conjunction with the already-large 114 ci tank, so a drop-forward
bracket, stock or cradle is recommended.
The 1800 psi version weighs in at
just over two pounds, only about three and a half ounces more than an empty 20-ounce
tank. The 68 ci 3000 psi version weighs just six ounces more.
Performance-wise, the MicroReg’s output is actually quite stable and consistent,
and it flows well enough to supply an Automag RT at full cadence. The system provides
the same number of shots-per-tank as any other system set to similar outputs. 68
cubic inches of air is, after all, still 68 cubic inches. The regs merely let it
out in a controlled fashion. The ‘medium’ pressure 1800 psi tanks should, on average,
provide anywhere from 200 to 400 shots per fill, depending on the marker’s efficiency.
For example, a decent Automag tends to get between 300 and 350 shots per 1800 psi
fill from a “20-ounce” type tank. A ProLite might get 250 shots.
Physically,
the reg looks somewhat like a lengthened pinvalve, with a 0-to-4000 psi pressure
gauge, a fill nipple and burst disc arranged around the circumference. The ‘medium’
pressure and ‘high’ pressure variants are slightly different internally, and use
different rating burst discs depending upon intended pressures. The fill nipple is
the usual quick-disconnect (Air America) type. Filling can be done while the system
is attached to the ‘gun, or by itself. There are no manual valves or on-offs; shutoff
is accomplished by a typical pinvalve arrangement. Simply unscrew it like a normal
tank, or on remote use, release the pin-depressor knob like usual.
Internally, it is an unremarkable but effective single-stage pressure regulator,
somewhat akin to the RG-1 or KC regs. The regulator itself is affixed to the tank,
and it not removable. (Actually, like any normal pinvalve, it can be removed, but
we suggest leaving that procedure to a qualified airsmith.) it is also non-rebuildable,
being threaded together, then ‘locked’ with a tiny roll pin. There is no way to remove
this pin, so there is consequently no way to service the reg. However, it has seemed
stout and reliable, and we suggest simply keeping the nipple and fill stations clean
as possible to reduce potential contaminates.
Even though the “medium” pressure
unit is attached to a ‘CO2’ type tank, the MicroReg cannot and should not be used
with CO2. Liquid CO2 can damage the internal seals, and as mentioned above, the seals
cannot be replaced.
Since the system is not adjustable, and simply screws
on, use of the system is easy and simple, and it can even be switched between markers
or players, either in the safety zone or on the field. Many markers will accept the
reg directly, or you can use a ‘secondary’ or inline regulator, such as UniReg, RG-1
or Stabilizer, to operate a ‘gun with lower pressure requirements.
A Micro is, when all is said and done, an excellent choice when used properly, and is easily the least expensive system available. Its only real drawback being a somewhat awkward length unless some sort of drop-forward or remote is used. Other than that, it works very well indeed.
For more information, see our Pressure Setting article to fine-tune a secondary regulator, and our HP Fill station article for HP system filling and use.