Posts Tagged ‘Paintball Gear’

Understanding the varieties of Hoppers and their uses in Paintball Sports

The device holding your paintball before it is fired is called the hopper. Hoppers decide whether your team will win or lose the paintball game. There is a massive variety of hoppers each having its own special capacity and style of dropping the paintball.

hoppersThe first among different varieties of hoppers are the Gravity Feed hoppers these hoppers are just the way their name describes. In these hoppers, the paintballs are kept in a slot that has only a plastic holding container and lid. A feed tube joins the hopper to the gun; the feed tube can send only one ball at a time to be dropped in front of the bolt. The adjoining sides of the hopper have slop so that the paintballs can easily slide down to the region of the feed tube. Even tough the gravity feed hoppers are the cheapest of all hoppers due to the simplicity of design and low-cost materials. However, the gravity feed hoppers have severe disadvantages.  Paintballs can get stuck in clusters causing a jam at the top of the tube. This problem can be solved by shaking the gun a bit; however, this will waste some invaluable time giving the opponent an opportunity to strike at you. Too much shaking of the gun can also break the paintballs. If they break then your entire gun can get spoilt along with your reputation in your team. 

The next variety of hoppers is the Stick Feed hopper. These are situated corresponding to the position of the barrel. In these hoppers, the paintballs are held in a line. For loading the balls, the player has to shake the paintball forward then bring the sights to stand for the shot. A better version of the stick feed hoppers are the vertical ones, however, they are not allowed at certain tournaments.
 

combination hopperThe third type of hoppers are the Force-feed hoppers. These are the most famous and well-liked of all hoppers. Unlike the wasteful gravity feed hoppers, force-feed hoppers are very less time consuming and user-friendly. They have feed systems which force the paintball into the gun then the paintball is grabbed and loaded. Electronic models of the force-feed hoppers have even more user-friendly as they keep the account of the number of rounds left in the hopper.

The fourth type of hoppers is the Agitating hopper. These hoppers make use of a propeller to avoiding the clogging of the paintballs at the top of the feed tube. Even though these hoppers make use of gravity for bringing the balls down the peril of having a jam is reduced.

Stain! Get Going!

Stained Paintball is a sport where the guns are packed with non-lethal paint set in gel-like tablets which are chiefly employed to fire rivals. These markers are forced by condensed gas. Markers utilized in paintball game have got better in the course of the years. Their application today as a game is not the cause behind the invention markers. Markers for tracks, foliage and cows: The employment of these markers began in the seventies when farmers and associates of forest groups utilized them to stain trees as well as tracks, and livestock. The guns exercised at that time were power-driven by gas. In those days maybe by motivation or monotony those having these guns started playing around and in the place of pointing them at additional things, tried utilizing them on each other. That Was the Beginning Of Paintball: In the year 1981, a group of friends undertook playing their individual distinctive adaptation of paintball. They employed the similar guns they used to stain foliage when they discussed amidst themselves and made up their mind to get into tree-gun production. The firepower was then adapted to manage the velocity as well as the command of the marker. They advanced the firepower and markers to the community and “Cheers”, the Paintball sport publicly commenced at a ground close to Rochester, New York, in 1982.Stained The earliest Paintball markers: Strangely enough, the first Paintball marker was not utilized for the game and was not termed as paintball marker. It was in fact called as paint-pellet and was produced by the Nelson Paint Company formerly for the forest industry. It was created by James Hale and the exclusive rights were accepted on January 29, 1974. The first paintball gun: The earliest and only gun intended particularly for paintball was named as Splatmaster. It was created by Robert Shepherd who was given the copyright on July 3, 1985. Soon after, markers recognized as electro-pneumatic firepower were created. The foremost paintball marker that can be washed: A specifically intended marker having a washable fluid positioned within a supple gelatin tablet was created by George Skogg: the exclusive rights were formally approved on January 6, 1987. This particular marker solution is more accurate when attempted: when it strikes something, it is luminous and more evident. It can be effortlessly washed with normal soap and water or detergent. Paintball markers have developed into consumer and performer gracious in the course of the years. Nobody could envision Markers which was utilized formerly for livestock and foliage may perhaps be liked by lots of people as a sport? Bravo to the game of paintball.

The Characteristics of A Paintball Leader

Paintball LeaderWhen it comes to becoming a leader, you need to have courage and strong characteristics. This is applicable to paintball sports as well. Although paintball sports can be played by any person of any gender, any people of any age still the criteria to be a paintball team leader is the same. 

For this purpose, a paintball team leader must possess great reputation. Nobody likes taking orders from anybody. Therefore, the person whose orders the paintball team players need to follow must be respectable enough. He must have mastery in organizing the game strategy. He must be prepared to crack any kind of battlefield. Courage and bravery must be his key assets so that when the time comes he can go into the frontline.  A good paintball team leader is the one who is very well-liked and respected by the team members. Along with this, he should also have effective communication skills and clear language.

Below you can see the key qualities that a paintball team leader must possess:

1. Practical know-how and sharp wit:

Practical know-how is a must thing and it does not come easily. To become a paintball leader one must invest a good amount of time for gaining proper knowledge of various strategies.

2. Physical Vigor:

He should be capable of getting into the skin of things. He should also be capable of finding any region where his players can go. Mobility and flexibility are both crucial qualities of a paintball team leader.

3. Majestic appearance and respectable personality

When it comes to any leader his team members must be able to idolize and respect him. If the team members don’t respect or idolize him then they are unlikely to take his orders. Therefore, it is a must that a paintball team leader has an impressionable personality and charismatic aura so that he is respected and followed.

4.  Effective communication skills and amicability

A strong leader speaks with power and confidence. He has got the capacity to make people listen to him.

A paintball leader should be able neglect his own performance for sometime in order to analyze his team’s performance. He should endure every battle.  He must minutely observe the flaws of his team and fortify the strengths. He must have the intelligence to come up with flawless plans when previous plans fail.

He should prove to be an inspiration, a motivating factor for his team members. Once the team is inspired by his presence, the team will definitely win.

How To Guarantee The Safety of Players While Playing Paintball

paintball safetyThere is a general feeling among people that playing paintball can seriously injure or hurt people. There are some rules that need to be followed while playing paintball. These precautions are to be taken for making sure that the players are safe and unhurt. Before, the sport was categorized as a war game; many people that played were injured from paintball pistols and air guns. Prior to the inclusion of this game in the war game category, a lot of people were injured due to the paintball pistols.

Previously, this game included the use of non-powder guns. It was during the 1970s when the non-powder guns were put in use for launching paintballs.  As per the reports, about 21,000 American people were badly hurt during that period. 

War games were called as friendly games by the skirmish in their catchphrase. Skirmish, were one of the first paintball fields in America. Later on, the War Games Products first brought in the paintball capsules which could be released by pressured air or CO2. These are much safer and less perilous for the one hit by them.
 
Data collected by the Associated Press, stated that there were 21,000 cases of physical damage reported every year since from the time it was introduced. However, a recent survey done by American Sports Data Inc has relieving news for paintball fans. The figures of this survey state that 8,700,000 people played the game in 2002 and very less number of people were injured during that period. This great change has been brought out by the standardization of the strict safety rules. Also, it is mandatory to follow the rules. A lot of people believe that playing paintball is much better than playing basketball or baseball in terms of the injuries caused while playing these games. 

In accordance to the figures collected by the American Sports Data Inc. survey, public participation in paintball games has overpowered public participation in snowboarding. Constantly increasing popularity of the paintball sport has made it the fourth largest alternative sport in America.

New guidelines and rules have come into play in this sport for ensuring the safety of the players. This sport now reports lesser or very few injury cases due to the compulsory use of improved safety gears. Therefore, this puts the paintball sport in a good light. So, go for it, if you haven’t yet gone for it. There will no regrets, only sheer enjoyment.

Do’s and Dont’s When Playing Paintball

Rules in Playing PaintballPaintball is certainly gaining popularity nowadays. While this was intended for fun, it now ranks as the third most popular sport in the world.

There are certain rules that we must follow in playing the game. It is important that we are equipped with the proper gear to protect us from the paintballs.

We must have a complete set of the protective gear and it should always be worn when you are in the playing field. You will need to have a face mask, gloves for your hands, pads for the chest, elbows and knees. In the event that a player is hit with a paintball, he must raise his hands to let everyone know especially the referee that he has been hit. If you’re not sure about it, you can ask the referee and he will confirm if you have been hit or not.

Before going out in the playing field, check your paintball gun. The maximum velocity allowed is only 300 feet per second and anything beyond that may cause serious injury to others. Like any other sport, we must always guard the safety not only of ourselves but our co-players. Barrel plugs should be used to avoid any incident that may lead to firing your gun accidentally and for the safety of all the people who are present in the game.

When a facemask fogs to due sweat, dirt or paint, the player must inform the referee so that he can be taken away from the filed to wipe his facemask or clean it. Do not stay on the field if you don’t have perfect visibility with your facemask. Call the referees attention so that you can be safely escorted out of the playing field. In these instances, the game will be halted until the person comes back.

If the player is caught still playing although his mask is full of paint, the player is automatically removed from the game. This is considered a form of cheating and will not be tolerated if the referee catches you.

As in all sports, due respect must be given to all the players and the referee. No one is allowed to hit or curse other players. Players should have fun with the game and it should not in any way be a reason to fight. At the end of the day, it is just a game.

You can also ask the other player to surrender if you catch sight of him. If he doesn’t surrender then it gives you the signal to shoot the opponent.

In every game, there are rules we must adhere to. These rules are created for everyone’s safety in playing the game.

Cheap Paintball gear and Accessories

Cheap paintball gearThere are some quality products that you can buy for paintball for a much lower price. Here is a list that you can look at prices included as well:

1. Paintball Masks-V-Force Pro-Vantage Thermal Paintball Goggles: 

These masks cost around $19 to $25 depending on the design and color. It features a ProGrille bounce area ( there’s no need for a jawbone slap because it bounces). The features are: Thermo-Cured, Anti-Scratch Lens, Anti-Fog and a Goof-Proof lens/strap retention system for safety lock.

2. Switch EL Mask:
This is constructed with a 1/4 turn, twist-lock technology. The lens are build from technologically advanced anti-fog materials and very much capable of quick-change. Multi-directional venting and a 250-degree peripheral vision are other features included in this mask. This type of mask usually costs around $25 to $30

3. Headshield Mask:

When you are new to paintball, the headshield mask is a necessity because it provides full coverage and protection to the face. It boasts of an adjustable rear occipital plate which is designed to protect the head from any injury arising from paintball strikes from behind or from above. The cheapest can cost around $30.

4. Paintball Barrels:
 
The paintball barrel is constructed using lightweight aluminum. It is 14 inches long and designed to provide accuracy of shots within a long-range.  It is usually designed for 98 custom and and Custom Pro paintball markers but it can also be used with other markers. Price range from $30 to $32.
6. Hoppers: Viewloader 12-volt Revolution:

This hopper features a 12-volt electronic agitating system. It is moisture-resistant, and sun protection. It has an internal anti-jam system and a spring-loaded flip cap. This costs around $60. Pricelist  of other hoppers: Tippmann 200 Round Hopper, $8; Extreme Range overdrive hopper, $25; Reload Hopper, $60.

7.Forwards:

the psycho ballistic drop Forward with UFA has an on/off switch which is compatible with nitro tanks or standard CO2 tanks. Costs around 440  and it features precision milling.

There are many kinds of other cheap paintball gear and accessories out there in the market . You can buy premium ones for a cheaper price if they are second hand. Checking out the internet for these items can be really helpful.

Ghillie Suit: An Important Piece of Equipment

Ghillie suitA Ghillie suit is a piece of clothing that incorporates vegetation to help camouflage or conceal a person in the wilderness. It is a very personal piece of kit because it is usually hand made by its owner. From sniping to paintball hunting, to paintballing, the ghillie suit gives the owner the edge.

Today, the materials have changed but the concept behind the ghillie suit remains the same. Even when the enemy comes in close range to them the wearer of the ghillie suit remains undetected and may look like a pile of brush in the woods.

The Ghillie Suit ws originally developed by Scottish game keepers as a portable hunting blind. The name derives from “ghillie” , the Scots Gaelic for “boy” in english especially used to refer to servants assisting in hunting or fishing expeditions.

Ghillie suits have been associated with sharpshooting because of their high effectiveness. The act of sniping began in the eighteenth centruy and to destroy the spirits of the opposition, the rebels would shoot at enemies from hidden areas.

The implementation and strategies in a battle have changed because of the shooters. Officers of battalions would stand and give orders during a battle before. Now, infantry warfare went from face-to-face to more covered flanking techniques as more commanders were assasinated. They found a strategy in which commanders blend in with the common soldiers and use ghillie suits to keep from being killed. Preferred areas for battle now became the woods instead of open areas because they can conceal themselves. Hidden and more vicious tactics are now preferred in battles.

Ghillie suits are now also popular in paintball since the gamers can camouflage themselves. In the game of paintball, your opposition won’t know what hit them with the camouflage of a paintball ghillie suit. Whether you’re playing in the woods or on a field you can be virtually undetectable to the competition leaving you to dominate your opposition.

Goal in Playing Paintball

paintball flagThe right strategy is always important when playing paintball. It helps you to capture the flag and  win over your opponents. For beginners, they must always take note that patience is a key factor in playing this sport since they tend to be more excited and wilder in executing their moves in the battlefield. Before you play paintball, you must always have a goal in mind and meet your objectvive to capture the flag of your opponent’s base.
The flags usually stand on the bases of each team. Every team must have the goal to protect their flags and for the opponents not to reach their bases.When your team catches the other flag, they must make sure that each opponent’s member is eliminated  to ensure that they you have reached your goal.
Before the game starts, each team must have a meeting to discuss the strategy that they will be doing during the game. They must also know the position and assignment of each member and what they need to do in case they are attacked agressively by the other team. They also need a strategy to ensure that they will not be hit by the enemy and to hit all their opponents so that they will not reach your base and capture the flag.

If every team member is confident and knows how to defend and protect themselves from being hit by the enemy, it will be more difficult for the opposing team to win the game. Each team member must look after each other’s backs and accompany them whenever a member from the opposing team attacks.

As with every game, patience is always an advantage. Being too aggressive and excited might ruin the game for you. Always keep your cool and have a plan that will back up each team member in the attack.Always make sure that you follow your leader’s instructions. One member going the other way can ruin the team’s efforts so always be in sync with your leader and your team members as well. Always stick to your leader’s strategy and instructions.

If you are too concerned about being eliminated it will make it harder for you to attack and hit because you might always be trying to conceal yourself.First of all, paintball is just a game. You are there to have fun and not worry about being eliminated. You can always play it again.

The most important thing is the cooperation and sticking to the game plan and instructions that your leader has given you.

Paintball Accessories

paintball gunPlaying paintball can be more exciting and enjoyable if you have a complete set of accessories. It is important to have vests and other equipment such as markers, tanks and guns to make paintball a more exciting experience. Sometimes though, the accessories that we don’t often use and stash in our toolbox are the ones that matter in the game. Having a toolbox is very important because you can always keep your paintbull stuff handy when you play the game. If something goes wrong and you’re in the middle of the game then you don’t have to be disappointed as much when you have your toolbox with you.

Guns are different from each other despite the similarities. It is important to bring the gun’s manual with you so that when you need to disassemble the gun for some reason, you can look at the manual and will know how to properly take it apart and put it back again. There are also manuals that provide tips and ideas. With the manual, you will know where the problem area is in the gun and will be able to find a solution quickly.
They really are a big help.
Some guns need batteries to function. There is nothing more disappointing when in the middle of a game, your battery dies and you have to replace it. Worse if you did not bring an extra battery and you have to time out from the game. It is always better to bring spare batteries so that you can always replace it immediately in case you need it.

Allen wrenches are used to open most paintball guns. Different guns need different sizes of wrenches too. It would be great to have a complete set.There are two kinds of wrenches, the standard and the metric. If you inherited your gun from someone or if you bought it second-hand from a store, it may not  come with the allen wrench so it is a good idea to buy a complete set. They can be bought from a hardware store and you can keep them in your toolbox. A good allen wrench is one that does not strip or bend the first time that you use them.

Make sure that you have a can of oil ready on your toolbox as well. The weather and your instinct should tell you if your gun needs to be lubed. Check the paintball manual and see what type of oil goes best with the paintball gun.

Mask lens will become blurry and scratched with constant use. Make sure that you have spare lenses in your toolbox. If your vision is impaired especially during the game, ask for a timeout and replace it immediately.

Always carry one squeegee in the field and always have one available in your toolbox too. Having a sqeegee available saves you time playing rather than having to look for it when you need one.

Cupseals and O-rings get damaged easily and this is going to hurt your paintball gun so check it out regularly so you can replace it even before it happens.

Your safety should be the most important thing to consider when playing paintball. Always have a neck guard around if something hits your neck. Most teams have a first aid when something goes wrong but it is always best to carry your own personal safety kit for a worry-free paintball game.

Girls Playing Paintball

More Women are Playing PaintballYou are probably one of those girls out there who think paintball is simply a guy thing but actually Iv’e seen a lot of women enjoying the sport. They are also starting to make their presence known in the world of paintball by displaying their intellect in making strategies and even physical strength and endurance. In every major tournament you will observe that there is always a female member who are exceptional. So guys, don’t be over-confident into thinking that you can beat a team just because they have a girl over there.

When you really think about it,girls are actually better suited for the game since they are usually smaller and harder to detect especially when they are wearing camouflages or ghillie suit.s This makes it harder for you to spot and hit them. Also women, tend to be more patient than men which gives them greater advantage. In addition to that, girls have always been better at working as a team.

Most paintball tournaments now have a few girls competing against teams who have all men. They don’t like to be restricted to playing amongst women but always willing to prove themselves greater than men not only in this field but everywhere else.

Many girl paintball teams have already beaten teams with all-men plaers. Girls look meek and fragile but as we all know, appearances can be misleading and this can be used to their advantage since men tend to take down their guard when playing with women.

Getting hit by a paintball can be really painful but women being more tolerant with pain don’t really think about that. They focus their minds on winning the game and when adrenaline kicks in, some paintball girls get hooked since it is exciting and fun to play.

So, if you’re one of those girls who think it’s just for guys, think again. A lot of sports nowadays have women who conquer in that particular field. There are now women basketball players, soccer players and even boxers! Women can be very competitive in every field and endeavor if they want to .

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