Adrenalin Frame

From the Web site:

Adrenalin Impulse Trigger Frame and Solenoid Housing. Fits all Cricket board Impulses without vert reg. This is the same frame that comes included on an Adrenalin Impulse. If you can't get an A.I. of your own then build one piece by piece.  MAGNETIC TRIGGER INCLUDED!

Pictures taken from www.buypb.com

Comments

So the big question that I'm sure everyone is looking for me to answer is ..... Is the Adrenalin Frame or as it is more popularly know the AI Frame worth the money.  Read on to see how I feel about it.

The first thing many people will compare the AI Frame to is the I Frame.  While there are some similarities there are also several differences.  Here are the highlights of the AI Frame:

• The AI Frame is an integrated trigger frame and solenoid tray.  This in my opinion is ingenious.  When working on an Impulse I often find that the original Smart Parts trigger frame and separate solenoid tray design was clumsy to work with. Integration is good!!!!  Also, the solenoid tray portion of the AI frame is about 1/2 inch shorter than the stock tray.  This reduces the height of any Impulse that the AI Frame is installed on.
• The AI Frame moves the grip frame forward for a more balanced feel.  Way forward.
• The AI Frame was designed so that DYE stickie grips and all other grips with the little "tabs" on the back fit correctly.  SIDE NOTE: You can also order some matching custom Adrenalin grips when you order your AI Frame. 
• The AI Frame will only work with the Cricket board.  If you have the older style vision or non-Vision board with the Dwell POTs your board will not fit in the AI frame. 
• The AI Frame comes with a magnetic trigger.  However this is an Adrenalin special and is not compatible with any other trigger on the market that I am aware of.
• The AI Frame is available as a single trigger or double trigger version as pictured above.

Pictured below is my Adrenalin Frame with double trigger.

My double trigger AI Frame.  NOTE: My AI is lifesaver fade so the front of the trigger frame looks orange (which it is) and the back looks red.

Installation

Installation was simple.

1. Remove grips from your current frame.
2. Unplug and remove the battery.
3. If necessary disconnect the solenoid from the board (for Non-Vision Impulses).
4. Remove the two screws the hold the board in the solenoid tray.
5. Remove the board.  Be careful not to lose the on/off button.
6. Install the board in the AI Frame using the two screws from the previous step.  Make sure you feed the battery connector down into the correct location.
7. If necessary re-connect the solenoid to the board (Non-Vision).
8. Attach the AI Frame to the body of your Impulse.
9. Start rippin!!!!!!

How do you adjust the trigger??

Before diving in to "How do I adjust the trigger", lets figure out how the trigger works.  Like the Smart Parts magnetic trigger the AI trigger uses a trigger plate made of steel with a wide aluminum trigger shoe that is attached by 4 small set screws.  Why a steel trigger plate??  Because magnets are not attracted to aluminum.  That is where the similarities between the AI Frame and the Smart Parts magnetic frame end.  Unlike most Impulses that still use the two trigger pins, one for the pivot point and the other to act as a pre-travel/post travel control, the AI trigger only has one pivot pin.  And it's not held in place with those easy to lose c-clips.  On top of the single trigger pin, there is only one set screw on the AI frame.  The pivot point on the trigger plate is designed to control the pre travel AND switch activation in one.  So both of the these are set and do not need adjusting.  So then what and how do you adjust the trigger??  Read on..... 

AGAIN, How do you adjust the trigger??

When I received my AI there was no need to adjust the trigger.  However, for some of you, you might want to "tweak" it a little there is a single set screw located behind the trigger plate that acts as a post travel control.  You will need to remove the trigger shoe to gain access to this set screw.  Remember to use a little loc-tite on the set screw to keep them from backing out.  For a longer lighter pull, turn the set screw to the left.  For a shorter crisper pull, turn the set screw to the right.

What if I want to lighten the trigger pull?

Well, there aren't any springs to cut or replace.  By adjusting the post travel set screw you can lighten and increase the pull of the magnet.

Where is the magnet?

It's actually under the very back of the trigger plate in the grip frame.

On to the Testing

Since I do not have a fast trigger finger I thought it best to allow a couple team mates try out my AI and let me know what they thought.  Both players, who are not Impulse savvy, had the same comment.  While they like the feel of the trigger, they both commented that the AI was "skipping shots" and it kept "chirping" at them.  I found this very interesting.  Both players were out shooting the maximum ROF in non-Vision mode which is 13bps.  Fortunately I was using an EVO II with fresh batteries so no chops this day.  When they tested again, this time with Vision on, much like myself they were both amazed at how fast and smooth the trigger is.

UPDATE: Because Adrenalin just never stops making options for people who like options, there is a non-magnetic version of the AI frame available.  This is so new that as of today it's not even listed on their site, but it is an option.  And get this, there's no magnet and no spring either.  With the design on the AI trigger and by changing the micro-switch slightly they can create a super short and amazingly light trigger pull  You heard it here first!!!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you are planning on buying an AI frame for your Impulse and have an inline Max-flow (the one that is a fore-grip) you MUST also buy an angled Vertical Adapter.  The AI Frame will not fit on an Impulse with an inline Max-Flow and a standard Vertical Adapter.  This requirement does not apply if you are ordering an Adrenalin Impulse because the fore-grip/Vertical Adapter was moved on the AI to make room for the AI Frame.

The Details

• COLOR: Readily available in Black, Silver, Green, Purple, Red and Blue.  Both matte and polished finish.  Both single and double trigger.
• MSRP: Price is $144.99
• MANUFACTURER: Adrenalin Products www.buypb.com 
• PROs: Comfort, speed and simplicity.  What more could you ask for?
• CONs: You can not replace the trigger.  Adrenalin offers a flat style "blade" trigger shoe as an option.

OPTIONS: For $3.99 you can also order the Adrenalin Chrome on/off (cricket button) to replace the stock black plastic one. It definitely adds a little bling-bling to the gun.