"Good" is a relative term. The flatline is curved in such a way that it puts backspin on the ball, causing its trajectory to be flatter, making it go farther. With this, it Also decreases accuracy slightly because it exaggerates any dented or dimpled areas on the paintball, because it is now spinning.
For any Mid or Cover Player, the flatline is a great tool for increasing range. However It is not recommended for Front players or "snipers" because it decreases accuracy.
A better option than the Flatline is the APEX barrel which does exactly the same job of backspin, but is adjustable in shot length (which is inversely proportional to the accuracy) and can be turned left and right for hooking shots or bunker shots (which fly down rapidly).
yes
Yes. a shroud is just a plastic piece that goes over the barrel.
They are nearly equal in ability. The Flatline puts a more consistent spin on the ball, but is always on and only does a backspin. The Apex still does a good spin, but can be turned off and adjusted while playing without needing to take the barrel off.
No it will not.
The tippmann A5 is supposed to be used in paintball.
It uses a5/x7 threads but it has a slanted shell and would not fit normally. However an Apex barrel will work just fine.
no
This statement is half true but half untrue. The tippmann A5 and 98 custom do indeed have different threads. But after the A5 tippmann made the X7 which has identical threads to that of an A5. Because of this a barrel with "Tippmann A5" threads, will fit on a tippmann x7, but will not fit on a tippmann 98 custom.
No. the thread pattern is NOT the same
Yes.
There are no manufactured ones
There are no manufactured ones.