Paintball Journal

Looks like we’re probably going to head up to FFP to play some on Sunday, and possibly get some direction from another local team. I’m still not fired up about it though, so I might just take some pictures, play a little; I don’t even have the money to be playing really. I really don’t feel like running drills either, because that just feels like we’re getting serious and I’m not going to go through that again. I just want to get out there and play a few games.

As for today, the weather will be nice till these storms roll through, so I think I’ll get outside and mess around.

On MSNBC recently, there was a short bit featuring paintball in the form of a recruitment tool for the US Army. In the newscast they explain paintball in one of the best, most simplistic ways I’ve seen in a long time from the media. Indeed, they don’t portray paintball as a violent sport, and share the concerns of many about the negative aspects of linking paintball with the military.

I am one of those who would rather not see paintball as something that the military can recruit with ease from. Really, the two have vague at best similarities, and while woodsball is the largest portion of the sport right now, for speedball to get the type of publicity and backing that it wants from the public, they really need to shy away from that violent, militaristic image. In 10 years, I see the speedball easily eclipsing the woodsball part of the sport, but it has to have public support.

Filling the old DC Arsenal spot on the NPPL team list, Dallas Elite steps up to the plate, finishing 4th at the recent HB event. Not bad at all for a just founded team. Now, with that in mind, they are also composed of players from Legacy and Strange. Their roster is available at their site, Elite PB.

Their sponsors include JT and Hybrid, and the team actually shoots Hybrid Shockers, definitely one of the sickest gats out there. Elite has big expectations of themselves, and I’m saying that they’ll probably go far this season and the next, especially with their powerful roster and great coaching staff.

The Mid Atlantic Open has an interesting field this year. It’s the standard PSP, but the snake side is pretty different with the very close, angled rolls. There’s also a dorito sitting right on the fifty that pretty much guarantees to block an angles a player might get from the first section of the snake, and even some of the second.

But I think I like the 07 layout a lot more than the 06 MAO Layout. That one just looks too crazy with the first snake portions being offset just a little.

When it comes down to quality, durability, and just outright sexiness, the new 07 Ego just puts the beat down on every other marker. And just when you think it can’t be any hotter, they go and put some BA anno jobs on them. Check them out yourself.

Team Avalanche Ego

New England Hurricanes

And finally, Infamous. The colors are okay, but my favorite aspect of the marker is the George W. Bush “Helping Good Teams Lose”. That’s sheer brilliance there.

Sorry about the small picture quality (I can’t make them any bigger). I can, however, point you in the direction of PBNation where you can see these markers in all their glory, as well as a few other annoed 07s.

Hey everyone, sorry I’ve been gone and not making my daily posts. Tomorrow I’ll make my first for this week. I’ve been away due to business in Chicago looking at a college there and looking at the city in general. Exciting stuff, and it left me with some great ideas for the rest of the week!

Whoa! Dynasty…Joy…taking third and fourth? What’s happening here? Is this a sign? Is the Dynasty finally coming to an end? No, no – it’s not like they’re bad, and it’s not like third is a bad finish, it’s just not first. It’s an interesting year so far.

Pro:
1st: Oakland Blast!
2nd:Impact!
3rd: Dynasty!
4th: Joy!

Semi Pro:
1st. S.E. X-Factor
2nd. SD Aftermath
3rd: Arsenal A
4th: Elite

D1:
1st. Synergy
2nd. TCP Machine
3rd. Dynasty Entourage
4th. Misfits

D2:
1st. Splat Kids
2nd. Throttle
3rd. Reds Org. Chaos
4th. 187 cRew

D3:
1st. Xclusive
2nd. FYT
3rd. Titan Paintball
4th. Island Breed Black

Young Guns:
1st. The Academy JV
2nd.Cuttthroats
3rd. LA Distraction YG
4th. Kolohe Kids Blue

I really wish I could visit an event in person (oh how I hate the Midwest). I could go to a Chicago event, but that’s a good six hour drive, and probably the closest an event comes to my area. Someday though, someday.

We’ve got the week off now for Spring Break, and, as usual, I’m staying home. I really don’t mind it at all either, because vacations anywhere seem so hectic and busy with the packing and unpacking and visiting every place of interest in the area; in the end it’s just not a vacation anymore. So the weather will be nice for about another day here, and then it’s going to turn rainy for a few days after that.

I plan on working two or three days at least to pull in some cash to pay off some old paintball debts, so a good rainy day won’t seem like much of a waste. And the outdoor fields will be sloppy by next weekend, so I guess if we go anywhere it will be to Friendly Fire. Not sure what I’m going to do yet, but I really want to take some photos for a day…Decisions, decisions.

Anyways, that’s what the week is looking like for now.

The new Hybrid Fusion recently hit the market, coming in with a price tag of $425.00.

Surprisingly, that’s only $50.00 more than the regular. It’s not quite as awesome as I hoped it would be. Sure, it looks pretty stylish and all, but nothing else has changed except for the grips, on/off ASA, the milling, and the feed neck. Now I really like what Hybrid did to the Shocker (really really like it), so perhaps my expectations were a little high. I don’t know…there’s just nothing special about it. Anyways, here are the specs:

Hybrid Fusion Features:
• Electronic LED switch
• Semi / Ramping
• Runs off one 9 volt battery
• Nitrogen/Compressed air only
• 250 psi low pressure air-ram
• Quick release bolt
• Overall length - 19.7 inches
• Includes 2 piece barrel - autococker threadsWeight - 2.5 lbs.
• Infrared rays sensor strike
• Vertical regulatorAnti-chop break beam eye
• Large Trigger Guard
• Hybrid Custom Milling
• Hybrid Jewels on the body
• Hybrid Hedloc Feedneck
• Hybrid On/Off ASA and Rail Mount
• Hybrid Grips

After comparing them to the regular DP Fusion, the only changes are the things with Hybrid next to them – not that big of deal.

This interview, despite its uhh “French”, is actually rather insightful. Jon Almera, Dynasty’s coach, was more than willing to give PBStar a mouthful about any and all subjects they could throw at him, from individual players to kids on the internet. Definitely worth watching, especially the bit at the end, y’know, with the zombies.

zombies, dynasty paintball, jon almera, paintball vids, pbstar

NXe has added another product to their already quality line – the Elevation Series.

The NXe Techna-Flex Elbow Shields are the culmination of extensive design efforts to produce the most protective and comfortable pad possible. Featuring a thumb loop to prevent upward slip, and a bicep strap to prevent downward slip, and three layers of padding for maximum absorption of impacts, the NXe Elbow Shields are sure to keep you protected in the most intense of game situations.

The NXe Techna-Flex Knee Shields have been designed to provide the crucial protection, range of motion, and comfort demanded by the paintball player with discriminating tastes. Featuring a three layered protection, a specialized non slip rubber lining, and elastic strap securing system, the NXe Knee shields provide superior protection for the most aggressive of player.

I know their packs are top of the line, and I’m curious to see how these will do (I assume they’ll perform fine). I really don’t like the looks at all, and they don’t look like the offer much padding, but pictures can be deceiving. Without the thick padding, they look like they’re flexible enough, so that would be a plus. Thumb rings will be a good addition as well, because nothings more annoying than your pads slipping down your arm in the middle of a game.

Paintball, NXE, Elbow pads, Knee pads, Nxe Elevation Series

Fields owners who want an easy way to clean up unbroken paint or reballs need look no further than this site. Look at this video and tell me one reason why you shouldn’t buy this from Ammo Up USA.

Looks like a great way to make clean up, especially at reball fields, a breeze. Only the price could be a deterrent, but for the time you’re saving, the $350-450 investment could be worth it.

ammo up, reball, paintball

Check out this massive sponsorship deal that Dynasty has landed with JT – three years for over $1,000,000! It’s just another sign that paintball is on the rise! Simply amazing; that’s the most money any paintball team has ever seen, and that will be a tough one to break for awhile. I’ve always liked JT, and this is what the sport really needs right now. Two thumbs up to both JT and Dynasty for bringing the sport to the world!

As quoted from Paintballstar.com:

JT Sports LLC, a K2 Inc. company, announced today that it has signed a three-year partnership with the professional paintball team Dynasty. The deal’s value is estimated at more than $1 million.

JT Sports, the worldwide leader in the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of paintball products, has sponsored Dynasty since its formation in 2001. The new deal runs through 2009. Dynasty, the world’s top-ranked professional paintball team, has won the past five consecutive World Paintball Championships and has more tournament titles than any other team in the history of the sport.

“JT Sports prides itself on developing high-quality products for paintball players worldwide – from professionals like Dynasty to the millions of amateur and recreation players. The success of Dynasty is a true measure of what can be accomplished by using the best products,” said Chuck Hendsch, vice president of JT Sports.

As part of the deal, Dynasty will work with JT Sports to create a new line of customized Dynasty-branded, tournament-grade products. JT Sports and Dynasty will host paintball clinics around the world and appear together at JT Sports’ nationwide network of retailers. In addition, JT Sports and Dynasty will collaborate on tournament and event appearances.

“JT Sports makes products that help us win; without the support of JT Sports it would be difficult to have achieved all that we have,” said Dynasty captain Alex Fraige. “The same commitment and dedication that we apply on the field, JT applies in their products, which is why we’re thrilled to work with the JT Sports family.”

I’m anxious to see these new “product lines” as well – really anxious. I liked the past Dynasty jerseys, and JT always have solid gear and blending the two should make for a wicked awesome combo.

And a special thanks to PBStar for keeping us up-to-date on all the latest news!

Posted by Chris (President of NCPA) on PBNation.

The NCPA is hosting six JT USA High School Paintball Regional Championships. All of the events, like the JT USA High School Paintball National Championships, are 3-man events. The winner of each regional championship event will receive an all-expense paid trip to the National Championships in Dallas on April 21-22.

What is included:

- Airfare for 4 (3 players, one required adult chaperon)
- Rental Car
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday night hotel stay
- Rental car for your stay
- Entry Fee
- 3 cases of JT USA paintballs

This award is GUARANTEED for the 6 regional championship events - even if only ONE team plays, they will get the trip to the National Championships.

The only requirement to enter either the Regional or National Championships is that all the players on your team need to attend the same high school or junior high school. It’s also OK if you have kids on your high school team that go to a junior high school that feeds into your high school as long as that is approved in advance.

You can get more information about the events and sign up here:

http://www.college-paintball.com/high/events.html

In order to play a NCPA-sanctioned high school paintball tournament, all players on your 3-man team must go to the same high school. There are a few exceptions to this if you get approval in advance by emailing ncpa@college-paintball.com.

- You can play with kids from a junior high school that will attend your high school once they are done with junior high.
- You can play with kids who are attending a private school or who are home schooled if they would attend your high school were they to switch to public schooling.
- Kids from exceptionally small high schools (less than 100 students total) may combine with kids from other exceptionally small high schools in the same area. This exception will get the most scrutiny.
- Teams from the same private school are OK.

Remember, you only need three students to play. Don’t worry if everyone on your team isn’t a seasoned tournament player; every other school is limitted to students from their school just like you are.

What events can I play?

If you have an eligible high school team (see above) you can play ANY events you’d like to. If you live in Washington, you can fly to Georgia and play the high school event there. You can play just the Regional events. Or you can skip the regional event and just play the National Championships. It’s all up to you.

Do I need my school’s approval to play?

NO! - The only requirement is that all of your players go to the same school (or meet the other criteria above). You don’t need to be an official club or team in order to compete, we just want you to get out there and play!

We have 6 players who are interested and can’t fit on one team - now what?

Enter two teams! Each school can enter as many teams as they would like. We encourage you to get as many people involved as possible. The events are inexpensive, and all the other teams are high school teams, so everyone should have a lot of fun regardless of whether you win or not. It’s a great chance to get some other students at your school interested in paintball and paintball tournaments.

Where are this year’s events?

Northwest Regional: March 17, Danger Zone Paintball, Tacoma, WA
Southwest Regional: March 25, NPPL Huntington Beach, CA
Midwest Regional: March 31, The Badlandz, Chicago, IL
South Central Regional: March 31, Xdrenalin Zone, Dallas, TX
Northeast Regional: March 31, Cobra Command, Philadelphia, PA
Southeast Regional: Dynamic Games, Atlanta, GA

I’d love to play the event in The Badlandz, but we definitely didn’t have enough forewarning. Next year I’m thinking we should hit it up for sure. Wouldn’t that be a freakin’ tight Spring Break. The entry fees don’t look bad at all, $30 a person is less than a CTS event, and the paint prices are pretty standard. If anyone is attending any of these events I’d love to hear how they go!

badlandz paintball, ncpa, doritos, paintball championships

Haha, Smart Parts it at it again. Here’s what they’re up to in their latest shenanigans.

Smart Parts today announced that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against AJ Intermediate Holdings LLC and AJ Acquisition I, LLC, doing business as Kee Action Sports. The suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in the Tyler Division. The suit alleges infringement of seven patents that Smart Parts believes are being infringed by Kee. The seven patents are generally directed to electropneumatically operated paintball markers and barrels for paintball markers.

“Smart Parts has invested considerable resources in the development of advanced paintball markers and accessories,” said William Gardner, Jr., Smart Parts’ President and co-founder. “We value our intellectual property highly, and have filed this case to protect our products, our market, and our many licensees,” Gardner said.

Yeah, what else is new? And here’s some feedback.

“Bahahahaha - SP vs. KEE…. this one will be glorious.”

“Boycot SP”

And to bluntly put it, “Smart parts is great and all but they are little girls.

They want to take over.

Imagine every paintball gun in the future being SP.”

As usual, Smart Parts gets flamed. Can’t blame them for doing it though, that’s just business.

Paintball, Smart Parts, Lawsuit