Paintball Journal

Everybody who knows basketball knows the game HORSE. Each player will take turns shooting the ball, and when a player makes it the following player must match the exact same shot or take a letter. The first person to spell HORSE loses. Well, why not do this with paintball?
Set up multiple targets in an area; maybe a field or backyard. They can very in size, distance, and height to add realistic perspective. Then, find a position where you can see all of the targets, and begin. Now there are two ways I can see this going about.

1. A player will take the lead, and pick any target to shoot at. He will shoot at it until he hits it, counting how many shots it took. Then the second player will step up to the same position, and take the same stance. If the second player hits the same target in fewer shots than his opponent, then his opponent takes a letter. If he matches the same number then the game continues without either player taking a letter. And if the second player fails to hit his target in the amount of shots, then he takes a letter.

You can also play with as many players you want. Each player would then have to hit the target, just like the second player.

OR

2. The second version is simpler. Each player will alternate shots until one hits a target. Then the following player must match that shot. If he doesn’t, then he takes a letter. Then the game goes on, and the process is repeated until somebody loses.

This is a fun drill that you can do just about anywhere, and it conserves a lot of paint while helping you learn a gun. I plan on trying it out the next time we make it to the field.

Following up on Dana’s post about violence in paintball, I’ve thought of some things that we can all do to give paintball less of a wild, violent game look and more of an organized sport. My family knows I play paintball, and whenever we’re at family gatherings they always ask if I’m still at it. Right now they think paintball in general, when actually it needs to be viewed as speedball and woodsball; they are entirely different games.

What I’m going to try to do is elaborate on speedball, and explain the differences and the setups and the styles. Speedball is organized – time is set, the field is symmetrical, and nearly every aspect has some regulation. I want them to see it as the sport I see it as.

I also want people at school to see it like this. When I tell them I play paintball they say things like, “Oh, that’s cool…Doesn’t that hurt?” Whether it’s guys or girls, they only see the woodsball side of it; that’s all they know of it. And I think that’s the only reason why paintball still remains that way. It’s because the people just don’t know about it.

So I think I’ll make this my goal. When I tell somebody that I play paintball, I want them to say something like, “Cool, woodsball or speedball?” Or, “Do you play on a team?” I have yet to see this though.

Paintball has a huge online community. It’s been said that most paintballers spend most of their time talking about paintball on PBNation and watching paintball videos on YouTube and DarkSide, rather than actually playing. So why don’t teams, especially the ones playing on or close to a Pro level, maintain decent sites?

In my search in the past week for good sites that contain viable information, I can only express profound disappointment in most of the teams for not providing what so many fans would like: a site showing current rosters, events, rankings, sponsors, and all of that good stuff. While PBNation’s team forums are decent places, a more organized and compressed place to gain insight into a team would be more than welcome. Hell, even a well-run Myspace page or something would work.

All of the pro venues like PSP, NPPL, and Millenium maintain great websites. PBNation is one of the largest sports forums in the world. Get with it, Pro Teams. Make websites, and keep them up to date!

(Oooohhhh, I just called you laydeez!)

Obviously this V-Tech shooting is a horrible tragedy, and it never should have happened – nothing like that should ever happen. But yet it does, and as I watched the news report the topic of violence in teenage lives inevitably came up. I just rolled my eyes at the discussion unfolding with the host subbing in for Glenn Beck on his show on CNN and the guest speaker.
Right away it jumped straight to violence in video games, TV, movies, media…and yes, they mentioned paintball. Right there on public television broadcasting to millions and millions of viewers tuning in to get the latest report on the incident, and the host says “I just took my son out paintballing for his 12th birthday, and I have to think…how is this contributing to the violence he is exposed to?”

It may as well been a slug to the face, because here we are – responsible paintballers -trying our best to make this sport a reality; one that millions can enjoy. I can somewhat tolerate the dumb people who just use it for minor offenses like paintballing school windows or what have you, been when you deliberately categorize paintball as a violence-promoting sport – well that just PISSES ME OFF. Millions of viewers saw that, and I know how the media holds sway over what the people think.

And naturally the argument on firearm bans followed shortly after. Seriously, what good is that going to do? Do you honestly think that a person will forfeit the guns they own to the government? I think not. So what if theoretically it was passed and guns are banned in the United States? That isn’t going to stop the violence and will only make it just somewhat harder for criminals to get their hands on them, but money talks, and for the right price, anything can be bought.

If this trend towards violence is going to change it will have to come straight form the parents. Who else puts more influence on the person that a child will become? I see it all the time at school. The druggies and heavy drinkers all come from a poor family life, most coming form the poorer parts of our city. Perhaps the parents are always out working to support them, or just so tired they can’t constantly keep their eyes on them, but either way something isn’t connecting. I honestly believe that’s where 90% of the problems arise.

Sorry, this was just a rant that built up as I watched the media after this shooting. I’ve had these feelings for awhile, and it feels good to get the word out, and it also feels good to take a stand for violent video games and paintball! I’m an avid fan of both. I play MoHAA, CoD2, BF1942, Greg Hastings Tournament Paintball and dozens of others. I listen to loud, angry music. I watch violent war movies. I’m guilty of every accusation toward violence in a teen’s life…but never will I harm innocent people, never.

Bad parents – I blame you!

Okay, so it was me doing the nominating. Still though, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t head over to The Blogger’s Choice Awards and vote for a Paintball Blog to win!!! Think about how sweet that would be. If a paintball blog was to win the BCA for Best Sports Blog, that would really make people sit up and notice. So, it’s time to give back to the sport, and put your vote in!

Here is a comprehensive list of paintball gun safety tips. Use them, I urge you.

Sorry I can’t add too much input, but that pretty much says it all.

I came across an older link on PBNation - a sticky nonetheless (I mean who actually looks at the stickies) – Anyways, it’s an entire collection of video clips of nearly every sort of gun on the market. From Egos to DMs to Borgs and Defiants, you can find the video you’re looking for.

I’ve been browsing through them just out of interest, and I’m glad I found it. It’s a great way to actually see a gun in action, because it can be hard finding a particular one at a local field. Of course, it’s not quite like shooting one in person either, and that’s where the real decision is made. They can look cool, shoot fast, etc, but don’t make any impulses without trying one out for yourself.

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.

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

I no longer want the FEP Q7 anymore, I found something newer, sexier, and down right electrifying. Check out this sick “Contract Killer” engraved Shocker! I’ve never seen anything like this before! Not only do the Hybrids have kick ass looks, the artwork on this is frickin’ incredible.

And don’t worry about a hefty price tag – hah! Just messing with you! It has a price of $1,350. That’s not real bad, considering most new guns come around that range, and the regular Hybrid 07 is running about $1,300 right now. So basically you’re paying an extra $50 bucks for a very, very nice engraving.

Yeah, one of those on my dresser would be nice about now – and didn’t I tell you I’m a gun whore wannabe? I’ll be working all summer though, and maybe even before that, so depending on the pay, I hope I can snatch me one of these by the end of summer (and that’s only if they aren’t sold out by then).

paintball, hybrid traitor shocker, shocker, paintball gun, contract killer

Well, well, well. It was only a matter of time before someone came up with the gun that everyone’s been joking about for years. This bow and arrow paintball gun has to be the coolest innovation I’ve seen in a long time. I can already see the Robin Hood Scenarios sprouting up.

I assume the FPS is controlled by the string tension, which would be interesting adjusting at the field. The actual gun is an attachment to your bow, so the set-up is quite expensive. For a decently good bow, it’s around $300, and this attachment is $250. I’d rather have an ‘05 Shocker for the price, thanks much.

For a woodsball type gun though, it has to be hellaciously quiet. Plus, no CO2 or Air fills. And what looks to be a 8 round hopper. After you buy it, there aren’t many more expenses. Depending on how accurate it is, it could well be a scenario paintballer’s dream

paintball, paintball videos, paintball bow and arrow, airow paintball gun

So it’s you first tournament - congratulations – but are you prepared? Here is a list of things that you might like to consider.

8. Are you ready?

Whatever you do, do not walk into a tournament if you or any of your teammates are not ready to throw it down. Go in like you have everything to lose.

7. How is your gear?

Still shooting woodsball level guns? Nothing is saying you can’t use them, but chances are that you’ll face teams shooting guns a lot fast than you, and as much as I hate to say it, speed does matter to a certain degree.

6. Physically – are you fit?

If you plan on playing serious paintball, getting in shape is a must. Not only will your strength hold after a long day, you won’t be as sore afterwards. A lot of times, teams will begin to wear down towards the end, start playing sloppy. This is where you can capitalize.

5. Is the money and ride secured?

Don’t be scrounging for money the night before a tournament, and definitely plan a designated driver days in advance. There is nothing worse than waking up finding that you don’t have a ride.

4. Is everything working and packed?

Make sure the batteries are fresh, all the electronics – hoppers, guns, etc. – are working properly, and then check it off on a list. Do not tinker with things if they are working, something bad will inevitably happen.

3. So you made it – are you intimidated?

It’s natural to be intimidated by flashy guns, jerseys, and angry looking people, but don’t worry about it too much. When we walked in with our Ions, I couldn’t help but feel some sort of shame, for everybody was shooting Egos, Timmies, Pms, Dms, Shockers – and it just felt bad shooting something so low-grade. But we got out there, and we did our stuff.

2. Do you know how to walk a field?

If you don’t, find a guide on the internet. Walking the field and memorizing it inside out, upside down is a thing you must know how to do. Learn the angles, the key positions, everything about it; it can only help you in the long run.

1. The final step.

So you’re lined up, seconds away from breaking and every thought is screaming at you. The clock counts down the last few seconds, which tick by as minutes in your mind, and finally the buzzer sounds. What do you do? What can you do?

The only thing left is for you to get out there, AND MOW SOME FACES! It’s too late to turn back now, and so while you’re there, you might as well make some people see who is boss. Don’t be afraid to try risky moves. Challenge them, and dominate the field. If you are going to lose, do it running down field, gun blazing away. What is possibly stopping you? Nothing.

Let go all fear, doubt, and disbelief.

I just came across an interesting website that tracks serial numbers for stolen guns. This can be an extremely important tool if you’re buying from Ebay, trading over PBNation, or anything else like that. If you’re a responsible buyer, and you do happen to buy used guns from a stranger, then run the gun’s serial number in their search to see if anything pops up as stolen. If so, then you have just bought a stolen gun.

It happens a lot more than you might think. I’ve heard stories from different people about stuff going missing at tournaments, or just in staging areas. Last fall I was at the field, and a brand new Ion went missing along with my friends hand bag with wallet, keys, and a little bit of money. The bad part is that it happens so fast, within seconds and the person could be walking off with a thousand dollars worth the paintball gear.

And for all gun owners, go right now and record that serial number. It’s the responsible thing, and if or when you ever need to have it, then you’ll love yourself for writing it down. So, use the database, and lets make an effort to put an end to unchecked theft in the paintball industry.

I just picked up the March 2007 issue of Paintball 2Xtremes from the local Wally-world, and wow, what have I been missing? This is a whole new level of paintball publication. Other paintball magazines I’ve read before seemed so airy, fluffy, lacking in depth support, and by this I mean that they are simply missing that passion that paintball is.

I dropped the latest issue of Action Pursuit Games that I’d also picked up, and when I opened Paintball 2Xtremes I was blown away just by the editor’s message! Right then, I felt the passion, and I could tell that it came from the gut. I can tell when an article is breezing over a topic, and when one has had much time and effort poured into it. PB2X does a nice job at digging into the subject matter, and this is what a magazine needs.

I don’t mean to slam on APG, because they have a nice gig running, and they bring a lot of different aspects of paintball into one place. And perhaps this is part of the problem, trying to meet the needs of woodsball, big game scenarios, and tournament speedball all at the same time might actually take away from it. Too much is lost, and nothing is focused on any one point.

Sometimes I really just want something deep to sink my teeth into; I want to engulf paintball in its full intensity. I want opinion, not a news report. I want controversy, not neutrality. I want something focused and in depth, and not just a Joe Anybody story of their day at the field. Stop giving me monthly tips and step by step procedures, and give me what the pros say in such precise detail that we can’t possibly get anything confused. Let me see what they see!

Give me a paintball magazine like that, or give me death!

Half-asleep last night, I came up with one of the most inventive variations of paintball that I have ever heard of - potato sack paintball.

You’ve heard, I’m sure, of potato sack races, where each contestant willingly steps into a burlap sack in order to compete against other like minded individuals in a race to the finish. Imagine, if you will, such a scene, except with the contestants facing off in a paintball match. The sacks would of course have to be secured in some manner to allow freedom of the hands, but otherwise, the scene would appear much like a normal potato sack race, with much red-facedness, swearing, and falling down. Fun, no?

And there you have it.