Conversion Kits: What Should I Know?

[Toestr]

I'm looking at getting a DMAG conversion kit for a BT4 and/or 98 Custom. Anything I should know? I know that RAP4/Tacamo was rebranded to MCS sometime in the 2010s. The products from MCS look like the same ones put out by RAP4 in the tail end of that brand but the MCS ones look to be a bit better quality. Is this accurate? Also looking at getting a Lok Bolt. Do they have issues?

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[fierymartel]

I have no experience with blowback lok bolts, but the others work great. Also, MCS quality is light years ahead of RAP4. Not sure on magazine conversion kits, but I own an EMF100, which i believe is compatible with Dmags. Never had a problem. Occasionally a misfeed, glad i had a lok bolt. Release magazine, first strike falls to the ground, reinsert magazine, all is well...

[Toestr]

I have no experience with blowback lok bolts, but the others work great. Also, MCS quality is light years ahead of RAP4. Not sure on magazine conversion kits, but I own an EMF100, which i believe is compatible with Dmags. Never had a problem. Occasionally a misfeed, glad i had a lok bolt. Release magazine, first strike falls to the ground, reinsert magazine, all is well...

DMAGs work the same way as Dye mags but they aren't interchangeable. If you're using Dye mags with FSR you need the heavier stock spring not the PE upgraded light springs.

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[COB]

Not surprisingly, but I have some experience with the MCS/RAP4 conversion kits. They work well. The DMags and Helix mags are interchangeable with these kits. DMags are dual stacked mags. Cheaper plastic mags. Good for round ball. Not so much with first strike. Helix are continuous feed, and work better with FS. Stiffer FS springs are available for DMags. Maybe the issue with FS, are the nipples hanging up on the edge of the mag.

[JonM]

I have several kits in my collection. They're actually pretty good. That said, I've been disappointed with their Lok Bolt kits. The plastic surrounding the pin they pivot on is very thin and every one I've ever had worked great right up until the hinge broke.

[Brokeass_baller]

I currently have three kits, a Tornado (X7 Classic), Vortex (A5), and Hurricane (X7 Phenom)

-DMags and Helix are interchangeable. Helix are continuous feed, while DMags are two columns, and you have to pop out the mag and rotate it 180* for the second half of your shots.

-Both magazine styles require specific springs for the projectile; a stiffer one for FSR, and a lighter for round ball. Since they come in various colors, and you can order them in whatever springing you want, I keep olive Helix mags for FSR, and black for round ball.

-DMags feed FSR better for some reason. Helix mags, the mouth was designed with an older and slightly smaller FSR shape in mind. So you'll get flipping if you don't shave the nipples (heheh). Both feed round ball just fine.

-DMag disassembly is crazy simple. Helix mags... Well, watch out for the springs. It's like taking apart a Splatmaster. They just jump out, and can be a pain to reinsert.

-You'll need to buy the shaped projectile bolts for these, otherwise you'll flip FSR's every freaking time. They're cheap, and well made.

-Helix/DMag loading rods, aka "tactical anal beads". You should keep more than one on-hand. The wire sometimes breaks. (I've only heard this, it hasn't happened to me yet. But I still have a second one in case.) Each bulk mag purchase comes with one, so you don't really need to buy them separately.

-Flexi-Air upgrades are the shit. Do it. And get the rubber gasket to tighten it up. (sold separately, for some stupid reason)

-Lok-Bolts. The Helix and Hurricane versions work fine for me. The Tornado has the hoopty ass spring that you have to slip a pin over, and it's just a pain. That one only works sometimes. Of the three, the Vortex version is the best.

-The Tornado body has an ambidextrous cocking handle. You have to punch and file whichever side you want it to be on, and you need to make sure you order the version for the correct side you want so they'll ship it with the proper handle.

-eGrips work, and are awesome. I have one on all three of mine. Flipping the lever from semi, to 3-shot, is so satisfying.

-And lastly, the Tornado and Hurricane shells are about equal in weight to their stock Tippmann counterparts. But the Vortex is literally like 2.5x heavier than stock. I don't know why. It isn't any thicker. Must be more iron in the casting or something. No idea. But I honestly kinda like it. Feels more authentic. My real steel are pretty heavy, and the Vortex feels more like them.

[Brokeass_baller]

Forgot to add, I know RAP4 had a terrible reputation, but MCS is much better, and they have fantastic customer service. A lot of times you'll speak to KT directly, and he'll take care of you. For real. And he's quick to reply to emails.

[CustomPaintballMarkers]

MCS formerly known as RAP4 has a lot of great products!

[Toestr]

Thanks guys, good to know the quality is there.

I'll probably stick with the DMAGS since the straight stack mags seem to be more reliable. I also only plan to shoot paint and I can reload on the field with a barrel maid and 10rd tubes with a 20rd DMAG. I might just skip the Lok Bolt if it's going to break fairly quickly.

[Toestr]

Is anyone aware if the DMAG followers lock to the bottom like Dye mags?

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[Brokeass_baller]

Yes, they do. I think. It's been a while since I've used them.

[Brokeass_baller]

Can confirm, the follower in DMags does lock down.

[Toestr]

Perfect thank you.

[fierymartel]

Is the flex air compatible with the response trigger?

[Brokeass_baller]

I believe so... It definitely is on the Tornado (X7 Classic). You get a different valve with the Vortex (A5) one. I'm pretty sure it's all compatible, but I'll slap my RT together and give it a try to verify.

[Toestr]

Necro time. I'm looking at buying an older BT4 conversion kit (still takes DMAGs but before the brand change to MCS). Any difference in quality there?