I think this could go here. I've recently took up pump play, using my Tippmann SL 68 II, been playing rec ball with it and also used it in a scenario game a few weeks ago. I'm enjoying the pump scene and came across an open class phantom for sale. It comes with a freak barrel as well, how much difference in quality/gameplay can I expect from a phantom vs the SL 68 II?
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SL 68, 68 special, Pro Am, Pro Lite, Factory F/A, Mini Lite, SL 68 II, 68 Carbine, Model 98, 98 Custom, VM 68, Z grip Automag, Phantom(s), Air Star Nova, N3 Hellion -
Both are Nelson’s under the hood. Primary differences you’ll notice immediately are weight and marker size. Tippmann is cast aluminum, phantoms are machined from stock. I never really got into the sl so I can’t comment too much on its use. Felt bulky to me, but my cousin was skilled with his. I prefer a well tuned phantom. Dependable, light enough to carry all day, and points like a natural extension of my arm. -
SL68II is pretty light the biggest advantage the Phantom has is barrel options. The phantom barrel is not only superior it fits todays paint. It’s more efficient and offers endless options to make it your own. Deadly Winds will custom make a freak bore barrel for the SL68II but you need to shoot them an email. Nobody has anything off the shelf that’s small bore for the SL68II. Just about everyone makes a phantom threaded barrel there is even an option to covert them to cocker threads. Detent mods eliminate any rollouts. Super efficient on HPA and C02. It’s one of the best performing markers on 12g for StockClass play. Limitless feed options (Spring, Mag, Stick, open class).
SL68II is a great pump nothing wrong with them both are rock solid reliable. Something I value highly, I just want my stuff to work. But the Phantom is better in just about every way. Phantoms value is the sum of its parts so they range in price based on its pieces. If you find a decent deal you can always sell them for what they are worth or part the pieces you don’t need or want. They sell quickly and easily.
Go check out the Phantom Showoff thread and you will understand why they are as popular as they are. There are so many options for the the thing.Comment
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The Phantom has a modular design. That's the single most distinct difference. Stock class, vertical air, bottomline...
The other thing you'll notice is the Phantom doesn't have an anti double feed latch like the SL 68 II.
But yeah, otherwise similar guns.Comment
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The modern paint and velocity are things I'm really thinking about, it's fun but sometimes a struggle with the SL. Can't seem to get above 265 fps at Chrono and not super consistent.Originally posted by Chuck E Ducky View PostSL 68, 68 special, Pro Am, Pro Lite, Factory F/A, Mini Lite, SL 68 II, 68 Carbine, Model 98, 98 Custom, VM 68, Z grip Automag, Phantom(s), Air Star Nova, N3 HellionComment
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No shade to the SL. I have one and it shoots good. The Phantom feels like it’s on a different level: the material is nicer in the hands, the machining is better, and they are light without feeling unsubstantiatial, they are easy to adjust and have tons of barrel options and upgrades. Once you find a configuration that feels right Phantoms are like an extension of the hand.💀 PK x Ragnastock 💀Comment
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I'm not a fan of phantoms. Not that I think they are anything other than great guns, I just can't get the feel of them. However I got into pump using very smooth cockers. I think it was a right transition hoping from a really smooth and light under barrel cooking pump to the phantom was the problem. I think going from an sl68 II will be so much easier, and I think will feel like a nice upgrade. I would encourage getting the phantom. Like previously stated, if you hate it, you can always sell it without much of a loss at all.Comment
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There are a bunch of different pumps you could try. It really depends on what your looking to get out of them. But if your looking for a pump marker that dose it all the phantom is one of your best options. Cool thing about pumps is there isn’t a new one coming out every 6 months so you really can’t get hurt buying one trying it and passing it on if it’s not for you. (Sterling, Sniper, MVP, PRP, Sheridan, Palmers)
Most pump players are pretty chill and will let you try there setups. You could always try a bunch of different ones before you buy.
If your curious what a marker is worth you can always ask MCB they are more reasonable in valuations. Unlike BookFace that inflate a lot of stuff. Keep an eye on the BST Know your values because you got to be quick deals don’t last long.Comment
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The late model SL68 II is a great gun for open class style with a bottomline air source.
The pump stroke is crunchier, but the bolt-forward-lock when the gun is cocked is a nice feature to prevent double pumps.
I like that it is totally integrated with no screws to come loose except the barrel screw. They are nice ergonomically.
Tough call, there are things I like about them a lot.
The phantom has a better pump stroke and easier parts availability. If the stock sl682 barrel was as good as the stock phantom barrel it would be a closer contest, but since you will probably want a replacement barrel that you will need to turn down to fit the SL68 yourself, the phantom is an easier gun.Comment
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Thats basically my opinion on it too. The sl68 is comfortable, almost idiot proof, and the air input is in a great location for a 13ci or a 12oz.I would have no problem loaning it out to anyone who wants to try pump.Originally posted by Cunha View Post
My biggest gripe with it is the lack of barrels/barrel sizing and lack of detents. I've made a couple barrels for the 2 sl68's I own, and it is an improvement over stock.
I've paid less than $100 for each of them, one I got for $50 I think. Only real downside is they're not made anymore, but service parts are available.
By far the phantom is lighter and highly customizable. I would say you could find a phantom for cheap(2-300), but not the cheapest to buy new.
Overall, its a great pump, smooth shooter. Parts galore in the used market, as well as new. They also can have detents now, with the 2.0 body.Comment
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As others have said nothing wrong with thevSL68 that can't be fixed and the Phantom is always my suggestion for anyone wanting to try Nelsons.
That said, if you can get you hands on the Phantom before you buy it do so. Open class can be tricky with them because they are so light a typical right feed feel unbalanced and awkward with anything bigger than a 50round hopper in my opinion.Originally posted by MAr "... Nish deleted it..."
Originally posted by Axel "coffee-fueled, beer-cooled."
Originally posted by Carp "Nish's two brain cells"
Master Jar-JarComment
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Phantom has always been my go-to for the last twenty years. Not sure about the Tippmann, but my two cents is you absolutely can't go wrong with a Phantom.Comment
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