This seems to be a reoccurring theme with the new ratchet that is in the X7 Cyclone. This thread will cover a mod that will help to prevent, or deter this from occurring.

The cyclone has seen several different ratchets spawned from Tippmanns attempt to fix the issue of ratchet failure, a failure that typically happens while you're on the field in the heat of a fire fight. Some of you may be asking why the ratchet wears out so quickly. A simple look into the parts thats used in association with it, and a general knowledge of mechanics will quickly pinpoint the problem.

The main reason for ratchet failure is due to the poor design of the Feeder Axle.



Had Tippmann put as much Research & Developement into this part as they had the rest of marker, then they would have redesigned the Feeder Axle to look similiar to this:



The teeth on the unmodified Feeder Axle are quite abrupt and offer very little smooth action, which leads to a chopping effect on the ratchet. To solve this, there are several ways to modify your Feeder Axle so it cycles smoother and with less choppiness.

I personally took a metal hand file and filed down the offending edges, and then went back with an emery board to smooth it down. Others have used dremels and other similiar rotary tools to accomplish this same end product.

Here's one version using a Dremel: DIY: Ratchet Mod.

I certainly hope that this has helped explain why the ratchet breaks so easily, and steps to help prevent it. For those who wish to forgo this mod all together, there are other more costly options available. There are currently 3 aluminum ratchets available on market. They are as follows:

Tech T Vortex Mod
JCS Jet Click
Trinity Ratchet System


Further tips on how to replace the Ratchet can be found here: How to: Replace the stock Ratchet.

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Just as a FYI, I have been using a modified Feeder Axle for almost 2 years now, and the ratchets in both my A-5's and X7 still look brand new. One A-5 has seen atleast 30 cases threw it, the other about 15, and my X7 about 8.

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that is too cool!!!!!!´to prevent this i just got a vortex and a lightning rod...(still don´t have my X7... she has´n arrived yet...) but i´m prepared!
but that is a great mod bro!!!! rep4u

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http://www.undergroundmodshop.com
http://milsimempire.com

I had sent the Tippmann R&D Department an email on this, and today I received this response:


Should be the best huh? Apparently its not, because the ratchet is breaking even faster now.

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just did this mod ... thanks for the tip.

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'Da Frog' - Dave G
My Devilfish <click me ... "I tinker ... therefore I'm Broke!"
I'm not gone ... just in heavy tinker mode. PM's get replies if needed.

Great mod and love the pics. Can't get enough how tos with pics IMO.

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Great thread, only one problem for me that is that i discovered this to late on to my second ratchet, will modify after i have posted this

Ok so Invictus you've gone through alot of paint using this Modified feeder Axel? so it does truly work, I understand exactly what you mean how Tippmann designed it poorly, but I just wanted some "For Sure" evidence before I go hackin at my Cyclone parts =D im definetly doing this tho its allmost sad tippmann didnt see this and fix it.

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"Its in that one moment, you find yourself staring down the barrel of an Ak47, your Heart Stops, your Body Tenses, Instinct takes over, then suddenly, Nothing Else Matters.."

"Dream as if you'll Live forever, Live as if you'll die Tomorrow"

Or you can always spend the $30 for the Vortex mod and not have to worry about it ever wearing out; cuz it's made of aluminum.

True, so many things I need for my X7, this is more important tho, so good chance ill buy the whole setup.

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"Its in that one moment, you find yourself staring down the barrel of an Ak47, your Heart Stops, your Body Tenses, Instinct takes over, then suddenly, Nothing Else Matters.."

"Dream as if you'll Live forever, Live as if you'll die Tomorrow"