Smart Parts Tapeworm

Comments

Isolation modifications come in two different flavors, isolation design and flow restrictor design.   The Smart Parts Tapeworm is based on the flow restrictor design.  It restrict the valve from "sucking" air away from the solenoid.  The benefit of this design are that it is a drop in modification and does not require any tapping of holes so that they can be plugged.   The other type of Isolation modification is the isolation design.  The Isolation design separates the air flow and feeds the valve and solenoid separately.

The only tools needed for this installation is a little Loc-tite and a set of allen wrenches.

Tools needed for the Tapeworm installation.

Close-up of the parts included in the Tapeworm kit.

NOTE: I could not find a picture on Smart Parts web site of the Tapeworm.  I am assuming that this is because it is so new.

Installation Instructions as provided by Smart Parts, with comments from Me

1. Obviously remove any air/CO2 and paint from your Impulse.   If I have to say this you really should not own a paintball marker!
2. Remove any FRM or Fore-grip along with the vertical adapter.
3. Remove the bottom body plug from the underside of the body.
4. Remove the valve end cap from the front of the body.
5. Remove the front air chamber plug from the front of the body.
6. Clean both holes with a Q-tip and alcohol.
7. Insert tapeworm into front air chamber hole.  (Make sure both o-rings on tape worm are greased for installation.  Use Dow 33.)
8. Apply red loctite #271 to back threads on tapeworm and screw firmly into body.
9. Using the shorter bottom screw supplied, apply red loctite #271 and insert screw into underside of body.  Screw in snug but do not over-tighten.  Over-tightening could damage the tapeworm.
10. If the body will have anything other than the factory fore grip, leave 2 threads above the body.
11. Reassemble your Impulse.

Lubricate and screw in the Tapeworm.   Do not over tighten.

Now for the part you have been waiting for, how did it perform.  Like all of the other Isolation mods this one eliminated the problem with bolt stick and helped, but did not cure the first shot drop off problem.  It also changed the sound of the Impulse.  Cycling was obviously smoother, but our efficiency dropped.  This was nothing new as we experience the same problem when testing some of the other Iso mods.   So we upped the pressure a little and lengthened the Dwell a little and all was good.

The Details

• Installation: This was a piece of cake.   Instructions were not provided but I have installed a couple different Iso mods so I really did not need them, and I don't think you will either.
• MSRP: Price is $25.00.
• Options: None, and none are needed.
• Pro's: Quick and easy to install.   This is an internal drop in modification.  From the outside you can see the cool spike that replaces the original stainless steel plug.
• Cons: Nothing earth shaking here, but we had to adjust the dwell to get our velocity back to where we liked it.