What are the advantages and in particular the disadvantages of bypassing the first regulator on the FX Impact M3?
FX Impact M3 First Regulator Bypass
- Thread starter MikeAllen
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As much as it has been maligned, I see no functional reason to remove it. Simply open it as far as it will go and you have effectively bypassed it and as long as it's under 250BAR you can still fill your tank up to 300 BAR if desired.
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I've often wondered if the two regulator system was just a gimmick. Curious for others to chime in here that have bypassed the first reg.
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Neither a gimmick nor a magic wand. The bigger the differential between fill pressure and operating pressure, the more beneficial it can be. Ten years ago, not many PCPs had fill pressures over 3k. Nowadays 4k and up is fairly commonplace, so for example a tune that needs only 1400psi or so, a pressure reduction of 2600psi all in one go is a pretty big ask...it puts a good squeeze on the valve seat and will show up to varying degrees as increased wear and pressure creep.
Note dual regulators have been around a long time in the paintball world. Many paintball markers have operating pressures as low as 100psi. Stepping a 3000psi bottle down this low represents a 30x factor. For PCP airguns, we seldom ask for more than about 3x.
Note dual regulators have been around a long time in the paintball world. Many paintball markers have operating pressures as low as 100psi. Stepping a 3000psi bottle down this low represents a 30x factor. For PCP airguns, we seldom ask for more than about 3x.
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Not entirely true, the hole through the piston is very tiny so if you're shooting with high air consumption (pushing slugs hard for example) the first regulator will be a restriction for the recovery time of the second regulator. So the bypass has an advantage in that case since the hole in the bypass of like K&L and Saber are much bigger than what the piston has. If there would have been a bigger plenum in between the regs this would be less of a problem but the plenum size is only a hole of about 1mm in diameter and 10cm long (rough estimate)
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Nice to see others have seen through the need for the first reg. If you shoot slugs and have a tune of 190 bar reg 1 and 150 bar reg 2, the 1st reg is only in play for 60% of your shot string. So what does the 1st reg do besides sell guns? Nothing. Every other gun that FX sells that uses the AMP reg gets along perfectly well without the additional reg. Only the Maverick and Impact utilize 2 regs. The Panthera is touted as highly efficient and consistent with regard to its air usage. One reg is all that gun runs.
I do not fault FX for using it to sell guns nor do I fault anyone for being sold by the sales pitch. I did 3 times.
My first reg is backed out to 195 bar on both my M3 and Maverick Compact. Differential on the M3 is 50 bar and on the Maverick it is 100 bar. No ill effects as yet and they shoot just like they did when I was paying close attention to the differential.
My one and only gripe with my M3 is the location of the 1st reg. You will only adjust it once before you dread the process. it is what convinced me to basically abandon the 1st reg in both my guns.
I do not fault FX for using it to sell guns nor do I fault anyone for being sold by the sales pitch. I did 3 times.
My first reg is backed out to 195 bar on both my M3 and Maverick Compact. Differential on the M3 is 50 bar and on the Maverick it is 100 bar. No ill effects as yet and they shoot just like they did when I was paying close attention to the differential.
My one and only gripe with my M3 is the location of the 1st reg. You will only adjust it once before you dread the process. it is what convinced me to basically abandon the 1st reg in both my guns.
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Will deleting the first reg give quicker recovery times for the second reg? I would expect so but want to hear from those who’ve experienced this.
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Cranked up my first reg to max - recovery time still somewhat slow with the power plenum installed and heavy liner shooting 68gr slugs
Deleted the first reg - almost instant recovery but wondered about any adverse affects.
Had a chat with an "FX Guy" - said the first reg never made any since in the first place - supposed to be "easier" on the second reg - same second reg is used in various other guns like the Crown and none have the first reg.
Guess I'll leave it and see how it works out.
Deleted the first reg - almost instant recovery but wondered about any adverse affects.
Had a chat with an "FX Guy" - said the first reg never made any since in the first place - supposed to be "easier" on the second reg - same second reg is used in various other guns like the Crown and none have the first reg.
Guess I'll leave it and see how it works out.
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Thanks Bill - they’re cheap enough. Think I’ll give one a try since I sometimes like to shoot in rapid succession. If I blow out the second reg I’ll just rebuild it!
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Huma has an upgraded 2nd reg (Gen 3) with 3 different pressure ratings - if mine don't hold up- I'm going to change it out
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If your first regulator is at 190 bar shouldn't you not shoot below 190 bar? I was told to never shoot below the regulator pressure.
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Moving on to the M4…
FX telling us that they have dumped the 2 reg setup for a single AMP MKIII regulator with a brass piston (much like the uprated Huma regulator?).
so in effect doing just what we are discussing here? Using the Saber by-pass with maybe a better Huma regulator (for peace of mind).
Or have I got it all wrong?
FX telling us that they have dumped the 2 reg setup for a single AMP MKIII regulator with a brass piston (much like the uprated Huma regulator?).
so in effect doing just what we are discussing here? Using the Saber by-pass with maybe a better Huma regulator (for peace of mind).
Or have I got it all wrong?
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Im shooting 18gr pellets at +-900fps with my 1st reg @ 150b and 2nd @ 70b. I think if your shooting heavy projectiles at high 2nd reg pressures 150+ the 1st reg is not needed or beneficial.
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