TechT Vortex Cyclone Mod Review

The TechT Vortex Mod for the cyclone was originally developed to replace the plastic ratchets that come stock with the Cyclone Feed System for the Tippmann A5, X7, and 98 Custom. These plastic ratchets frequently break due to the high amounts of stress they were routinely under. The Vortex mod also had the effect of decreasing friction and increasing the feed rate of the Cyclone (the speed paintballs are fed into the paintball gun), and lowering the minimum pressure of operation for the Cyclone (meaning it can continue to run even when the Co2 tank is running low).

Price
The TechT Vortex Mod costs $34.99 plus shipping. For that price you get a aluminum ratchet, axle, and a new pin.

Installation
The TechT Vortex Mod is definitely one of the hardest mods to install and I recommend you know the insides of your cyclone before attempting it. Fortunately the company provides detailed instructions here and while it is difficult and can be frustrating I was still able to do it. Basically you need to open up your cyclone, take out some parts from the old ratchet, put them in the new one, and then put the new one in. Unfortunately some of this takes force and using force with small parts sometimes doesn't work out too well. You also will need to cut a spring, which worried me but that turned out to be one of the easiest parts.

Performance
Immediately after installation of the TechT Vortex Mod, you can feel a difference when manually cycling the Cyclone. It feels smoother and clicks back into place faster. The TechT Vortex mod keeps its promises when it comes to performance. Ever since installation I have noticed less chops and breaks while playing, and since I have a Response trigger I used to get a lot of chops and breaks. Another positive I have noticed when using the TechT Vortex Mod is that I rarely have to manually advance the Cyclone anymore. I used to have to manually advance it whenever I started to get a little low on air, but now it continues to cycle till my tank is almost completely out of air.

The TechT Vortex Mod is a great addition to your Cyclone Feed system especially if you have been having chopping or breaking paint lately. If you haven't had any problems with your Cyclone then I don't recommend this upgrade until your first ratchet breaks. The TechT Vortex Mod is well worth the thirty five dollars it costs although you must be aware of the difficult installation.

Sources:
Personal Experience
TechTpaintball.com