Vortek or V Mach for HW97kt?

[Laz]

What are the main differences between the Vortek and V Mach? I've studied and found mixed reviews about both but mainly good ones. And as a small game hunter, is there one that would suit me better or both the same? In the info on the V Mach kits along with smoother, quieter it also states more power. The Vortek does not state directly more power, just 'perform at max velocity'.

Also, like I said before, this is a big investment for me and knowing which tune kit is crucial to me as it also means an extra $100-$150 not including tax. And before I thought a $250 Trail was a big investment (it is, I'm not saying its not!) but these are more than twice that! And 5x more than my first (a phantom)! So any help to lean me towards a, if possible, hunter-oriented tune kit much appreciated. And I think its safe to say a JM tune kit is out of the question, I don't really want to deal with international orders, I'm in Canada.

Lastly, will my 24" wood/pipe clamp work for these under-levers? it works flawlessly for my break-barrels after removing barrel & breech. Or is a longer one necessary? Please no 'build a spring compressor', just let me know if a longer clamp will work, if my current one will, or just plain no because of a different reason.

Thanks for any guidance for a tune kit for my needs (mainly hunting).

[palonej]

Hey Laz. I was in the same spot you're in a couple of months ago bro. Ordered a 97 from AOA and they offer Vortek and V Mach kits. V Mach was twice the price.
Spoke to a great tuner who worked with both and he said there was no major difference to justify the price.
I went with the PG2 in the 97 and a 98 and couldn't be happier!!
Smooth and quiet!! Ridiculously accurate and powerful!! Each rifle is shooting Air Arms 7.3 at 960 - 965 and JSB 8.4 at 900.
Neither are pellet fussy or hold sensitive. I shoot mine off a bag.
The 97 was so so accurate for the first tin or so. She would ONLY shoot JSB heavies. After a few hundred pellets she will shoot 5 domed pellets like a laser!! Great gun that you will love!!
She's pretty too!!

[Laz]

Thanks Joe for the input! I just wanted someone to help differentiate between the kits. You helped me decide on going with Vortek, I happened to find a kit for $75 here too for the 97. Is there a ton of preload on there? And is it possible to use my clamp as a spring compressor? Or would I need a longer one you think? Thanks again!

[palonej]

Shoot Scott, Motörhead, a pm Laz. He's the dude that installed the kit in mine.

[Laz]

Alright thanks!

[Jringe1109]

Laz,
I use a 36" jorgensen pipe clamp with a 2.5" throat and 3" of clamp adjustment its works on every airgun i have. As long as theres less than 3" of spring hanging out the end of the conpression tube it will work just fine. Just clamp the pipe clamp to a sturdy table and make a horse shoe shapped stop to connect over the clamp just incase the compression tube tries to slip from the clamp it will keep it from moving vertically.
Good luck

[Laz]

Thanks Jeremy for reassuring my preferred method. The clamp works for my Trail which has a ton of preload for 3/4" it sticks out. I'll be sure to acquire the necessary length for this fixed barrel. Assembling/re-assembling the Trail was done after removing the barrel/breech.

[Motorhead]

Honestly feel the primary difference with the V-mach is the use of there proprietary GREEN seal material that looks like it's machined rather than cast.

Springs and guide styles only slightly differ in most cases.  Some using a fitted synthetic guide, other a fitted steel one.
It is arguable who makes the best springs, has the best surface finish etc ..... ( Macarri gets my vote here )

Stand out is Vortek using both an I.D guide and O.D. sleeve to dampen vibration.
Also unique with Vortek is the use of  synthetic rubber estollimer washers in the spring stack to further deaden vibration.

[Jringe1109]

Laz,
No problem. Glad i could help. For about 25-30$ you can buy the jorgensen 48" pipe clamp with a 2.5" throat and i think either 3 or 4" of hand adjustment. That will work on almost any airgun length because its completely adjustable. Just make sure to clamp it very good or bolt it to your work bench. Get two half circle or horse shoe pipe fasteners or plumbing fasteners and screw them into the table over the compression tube. The rotating head of the jorgensen clamp works especially well for screw on style end caps like the Beeman R1. My whole setup cost me about 35$ including the pipe clamp, and two pipe fasteners. I through bolted the clamp to my wooden work bench.
 Good luck and be careful.

[Sfttailrdr46]

  If you have a Black & Decker work mate just set the pipe in the jaws of the Work Mate and you're good to go and plenty stable. Work mate doubles as my shooting bench very convient

[10-Ring]

If you have a Black & Decker work mate just set the pipe in the jaws of the Work Mate and you're good to go and plenty stable. Work mate doubles as my shooting bench very convient

Good tip Don.

[Laz]

Thanks for the information and help guys! Is there a difference between the Vortek 2G and Vortek PG2 besides price?

On another note, just received word from SSSO I have a HW 97KT .22 Synthetic that made the pre order list here!!   Super pumped! Thought I wasn't going to make it for the model I want. So 97KT soon, and a 460 later 

[Sfttailrdr46]

Quote author=Laz link=topic=55263.msg529357#msg529357 date=1383285898]
Thanks for the information and help guys! Is there a difference between the Vortek 2G and Vortek PG2 besides price?

On another note, just received word from SSSO I have a HW 97KT .22 Synthetic that made the pre order list here!!   Super pumped! Thought I wasn't going to make it for the model I want. So 97KT soon, and a 460 later 
[/quote]  All great rifles goo gone the barrels before you start shooting have fun with the new toys

[Motorhead]

2G is a conventional spring using an internal synthetic guide .... No sleeve & no estollimer washers.
PG2 uses BOTH internal and external guides PLUS estollimer washers.

This is my observation only ... would contact Vortek to be sure on EXACT difference on kit in question

[Laz]

Alright thanks Scott! I think I'll shell out the extra $30 for the PG2 Vortek. Its getting harder and harder to wait for this 97! SSSO told me the order will hopefully be in within a week, its been a week! Its going to help my minor airgun woes I have with my Trail for sure.