Carbon fiber (or graphite fiber, or CF) is already the material of choice for making critical equipment and components for the U.S. military and the aerospace industry. Though relatively costly to manufacture, carbon fiber used in specific applications is as strong as steel, at about half the weight. This makes a whole world of new things possible, and better uses of the material are being discovered on a regular basis. A good example of this is the newest generation of Carbon Fiber Barrel being manufactured for Paintball combatants, or more specifically, for their Paintball guns.
These devices have actually been around for a while, with limited success. Now it looks like they are here to stay. The newest ones utilize three layers of laminated CF, which seems to alleviate several physical limitations of the material. The modern Carbon Fiber Barrel is as tough and durable as it is strong, and reviewers are raving about its accuracy and dependability. The bonus for the purchaser is that the barrel makes the entire gun weigh less, and seems to stifle popping noises when the weapon is fired. The innermost layer is super-slick and allows for swabbing.
Clever engineering plays a part in all CF manufacturing, including the Carbon Fiber Barrel. It is designed to accommodate an inner steel sleeve that is already on the market and in wide use. Called inserts, these complimentary devices are thin-walled, lightweight, and provide all the properties needed to make the barrel as durable as one made of solid steel. This, in turn, brings the manufacturing cost of the more expensive material within reach of the sportsman, because one barrel and several inexpensive inserts will last as long as several barrels without inserts.
Market attentiveness by the manufacturer has made the new-generation Carbon Fiber Barrel available to owners of over 30 makes of Paintball guns, and numerous respective models. The barrels are available in four lengths, evenly sized from 10 to 16 inches, all available online for less than a hundred bucks. If you are an an active participant in Paintball sports, you are going to wear out that old barrel anyway. Next time, consider moving up to a super light, ultra quiet, durable Carbon Fiber Barrel!