In 2014 RAP4 (Now Modern Combat Sports, or MCS for short) teased a new marker kit called the Storm. In their initial advertisement stated that the storm was compatible with the internals of Tipmann US Army Markers, Tippmann A5, X7 classic, 98c and Chronus internals, BT4 and variants internals and the Valken SW1 internals. Though I was skeptical that one kit could be compatible with all those, I wrote a post based on their advertising materials. And boy was I wrong! Lesson learned, let’s try this again shall we?
Since then MCS has release what ended up being a series of marker kits to fit the internals of each of the source markers. Even now, MCS continues to release updates, upgrades and accessories for their Storm branded series of markers. Detailed below is an overview of each of their markers and what we’ve learned in the year and change since release.
All kits are compatible with DMAG and Helix magazines
The Storm
Description: The original advertised marker, the Storm ended up being limited to 98C and Alpha Black internals, with the Alpha Black requiring a special kit to adapt the trigger assembly. Due to the outsourced manufacturer of the Storm kits there were quality control issues that they were unable to overcome, MCS discontinued the Storm conversion kits. For a period of time you could purchase fully assembled Storm Markers, but with the release and success of the Blizzard marker MCS discontinued the original Storm.
Compatibility: Tippmann 98 Custom, Tippmann Alpha Black (with a specific kit)
Flex-Air Compatible: Yes
First Strike Compatible: Yes
Lok-Bolt Compatible: Yes
Status: Discontinued
The Blizzard
Description: A majority of players were unhappy with the design of the Storm, namely the integrated barrel shroud. Between that and the manufacturing issues with the original Storm shell, MCS released the Blizzard conversion kit and has been better received by players.
Compatibility: Tippmann 98 Custom, Tippmann US Army Marker Variants (with specialized kits)
Flex-Air Compatible: Yes
First Strike Compatible: Yes, requires First Strike bolt
Lok-Bolt Compatible: Yes, not yet available
Other Parts: Barrel Nut Adapters A and B
Pre-Built Available: Yes
The Vortex
Description: The ever popular Tippmann A5 platform got its own kit in the form of the Vortex conversion kit. Like the Bolt listed below, the Vortex is one of MCS’s most modifiable platforms available.
Compatibility: Tippmann A5
Flex-Air Compatible: Yes
First Strike Compatible: Yes, requires First Strike bolt
Lok-Bolt Compatible: Yes, not yet available
Unique Upgrades: Pump Kit
Other Parts: Barrel Nut Adapter
Pre-Built Available: Yes
The Hurricane
Description: Tippmanns top end scenario marker receives some love in the form of the Hurricane kit.
Compatibility: Tippmann X7 Phenom
Flex-Air Compatible: Yes
First Strike Compatible: Yes
Lok-Bolt Compatible: Yes
Pre-Built Available: Yes
The Bolt
Description: The Bolt conversion kit is for the BT4 (and variants) internals as well as the Valken SW1 and the Valken Black Hawk markers. In 2017 there will be Bolt conversion kits flavored for the Tippmann Chronus and the Tippmann Gryphon. The Bolt is MCS’s most adaptable and versatile marker kit, having a dedicated platform upgrade as well as being able to convert to pump action.
Compatibility: Empire BT4 (and all variants), Valken SW1 and Black Hawk, Tippmann Chronus and Gryphon (specialized kits forthcoming)
Flex-Air Compatible: Yes
First Strike Compatible: Yes, requires First Strike bolt
Lok-Bolt Compatible: Yes – not yet available
Unique Upgrades: Pump Kit, Thunderbolt ConfigurationThe Thunderbolt configuration includes a different grip frame, a drop down rear ASA (requires the Flexi-Air kit), a barrel nut and a unique barrel shroud. You can choose an in tank stock with or without the tank or an air through stock. MCS plans on releasing parts kits to upgrade your current Bolt to a Thunderbolt. No word yet on when this is going to be available.
Other Parts: Barrel Nut Adapters A and B
Pre-Built Available: Yes
The Tornado
Description: Tippmann’s X7 platform went through a design change early in it’s lifecycle resulting in the Phenom. However, there are a large number of X7 classics in the wild, so the Tornado is a conversion kit built for X7 classics. This kit is due in mid 2017.
Compatibility: Tippmann X7 Classic
Flex-Air Compatible: Yes
First Strike Compatible: Yes, requires First Strike bolt
Lok-Bolt Compatible: To Be Determined
Pre-Built Available: To Be Determined
