Freak XL insert adapter [ZDSPB Custom]

Custom work - Freak XL insert adapter

GOG Paintball (Smart Parts rebrand) released longer Freak inserts in Spring of 2017. For years we've known that longer control bores provide better performance with low pressure markers, so it was an overdue advancement in the old Freak barrel system. However, the XL inserts require a whole new barrel (consisting of both back and front). The new Freak XL barrels use different threading so the components are not compatible with non-XL Freak or All American parts. Naturally, players began looking for a solution for using the new XL inserts with their older barrels.

The new XL inserts are 3 inches longer than the older insert, making them 8 inches in length for the XL system. My solution for the XL inserts is to create a barrel extension that can be threaded between the non-XL back and front, thereby allowing the longer XL inserts to take advantage of the same barrel fronts from older Freak barrels.

Freak XL comparison demo from GOG

The new component is a straightforward male-to-female threaded adapter. I programmed a small knurled area to facilitate easy disassembly without scratching the new adapter. I also want to add the Nummech logo on the outside since the surface is very plain.

I cut these parts on my ST10 lathe. I've made lots of similar components so the new XL adapter didn't require too much upfront work. I was able to cut some test parts almost immeditely, once the CNC was available.

Freak XL adapter partially finished

Freak XL adapter testing

Obviously the new adapter will add 3 inches to your barrel. Therefore a 14" Freak front will become a 17" barrel when assembled. Using the shorter 12" fronts may be more desireable if trying to keep the barrel's total length to 15" or less. This is very preference-based so I don't want to point at one length to be ideal over all others.

Production:
Testing of the barrel adapters went perfectm so we made a small batch in June 2017. The new adapters were engraved with the Nummech logo then sent to finishing (either gloss or dust), then the parts were anodized black. I also have some raw ones which can be used for a custom anodizing job.

Freak XL adapter engraving process

Freak XL adapter ready for anodizing (gloss and dust)

Here's the finished adapter, in gloss or dust anodizined, depending on the type of barrel you're trying to match.

Finished XL insert adapter

These adapters are available from Nummech webstore!