Paintball Journal

Dangerous Power has just released news of a new gun that should be available to the European market within the next few months. By almost all accounts this is the “officially rumored” mass produced Threshold. It definitely at least has a similar bolt design and body shape.

The Threshy definitely held its own on all accounts except resale, and if this gun performs similarly, then expect a $300-400 price tag if it comes to the US. The European-market-only release is due to Dangerous Power’s location: the UK.

This looks absolutely insane in terms of size and weight. I’m just flabbergasted that anyone ever shot guns with trays and extended foregrips when I see things like this come out. Seriously, this is one tiny gun.

Right now, the only store that I can find selling this DP “IQ” is in France. It’s 499 euros, which is close to $730 USD. Of course, you have to take into account that a F8 costs $880 in France, so all paintball things are a bit inflated there. That has to do with the EU’s general high taxes and price of petrol.

I look forward to this coming to the US. Honestly, Dangerous Power has always made quality products that never get the attention that they deserve. Every one of DP’s guns can compete with guns far more expensive than themselves, and always put guns in the same price class to shame.

The only thing that worries me is the lack of both RAPS and a clamp feedneck on the IQ. Those were both very big selling points for me on the original Gen2 Fusion.

Good evening. This is Dana Granholm reporting from Paintball Journal HQ.

Here’s what’s happening in your world today.

Both the tank cover and pack that you see here are confirmed members of the 2008 Redz Catalog. Unfortunately, the catalog isn’t available yet, so we have to content ourselves with drooling over Myspace pictures of Redz Teams. I of course mean real Redz teams, not every other team that just got sponsored by them because they sent in the sponsorship package.

Kee has announced that it is raising its paintball product prices due to oil prices, which have continued to go up over the past few years. If you’d like a list of things to be affected by this, check this link to their product lines.

Left click then “view image” to enlarge! Can’t promise it’ll make everything bigger, but it’ll sure make it easier to read the document.

Not one to be left behind when profits are increasing, ProCaps distributors have also raised their prices. Citing similar reasons for their price increase, ProCaps issued a similar statement, except in better colors, proving once and for all who is the better umbrella company.

(Again left click to enlarge. Prostate, etc.)

What this means for you as a customer is an incremental increase in price. Expect prices to go up approximately 3-5%. If they go up higher than that, it’s probably stores making up for their own costs, which are getting higher all the time.

Don’t begrudge anyone for trying to stay afloat in a paintball economy that’s barely stable enough to exist.

Oh, you know you want them. It’ll be magical. I promise. Just like certain other 08 Eclipse products…

Good evening, I’m Dana Granholm, reporting from PBJ Headquarters in Evansville, Indiana. Here are tonight’s top stories…

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Adding to the slew of new hoppers entering the market, NXe has released a tiny bit of information on the NXe JRNY…

Here’s what we have so far:

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In a part of the season dominated by new guns, there isn’t a whole lot of focus on the guns of yesterday. That’s unfortunate, because very few guns are standing out to me this season compared to last. Indeed, many, if not most, of the guns released as 07 models can compete or outperform their 08 counterparts by standard upgrades alone.

The Marq is no exception. Although there will be no 08 Marq, there will be several other Bob Long Technologies guns released, including both the Protege and Vice. The Marq is its own style of gun, though, and so I’m happy to see that it’s not being forgotten entirely.

(Click on the picture for a larger image.)

The Marq Edge Body!

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You knew it was coming. You just didn’t know that I’d only be showing you half of what you’ll end up getting.

After that titillating picture, I’ll be you want to know what the text says. Well that’s too bad…

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Coming this World Cup, to a paintball retailer near you.

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The Dangerous Power™ THRESHOLD™ was never meant to be released to the public. Our engineers and design team had a bit of a clash when it came to the aesthetics of the new marker. Leaning towards ‘clean lines,’ where function is hailed above form, the chief engineers of the project commented that the milling was ‘too wild, and far too excessive.’ Cost was another prohibitive factor. 20 tools utilizing the latest 3D software, running 24 hours per day to produce only 7 bodies! However, after a bit of persuasion, it was agreed that the Threshold marker deserved to be noticed. The bold and aggressive milling that screams for attention hides what truly is amazing- and that’s the simplistic yet groundbreaking technology inside.

Our goal was to create a product that will be a leader in efficiency in the category of single tube markers. It had to be based on an operating system never used before—since in our opinion, the current designs are far too complex, requiring several parts and o-rings. Repair and maintenance is rather difficult, and often needs the attention of a certified ‘gun tech’ that specializes in its operation.

Enter the Threshold…

Weighing in at just 35.2oz (2.2lbs), which includes the full two piece barrel, feed neck, ASA, and battery, the Threshold consists of only 2 parts and 6 easily accessible O-rings in the entire operation. Based off of a ‘dump valve’ system and a custom, in-house designed 3-way solenoid, the Threshold boasts excellent efficiency numbers. Actual 6 month field tests resulted in efficiency figures of 1000+ shots before any noticeable drop-off from a 68cc tank, filled to 3000psi. Leave the heavy tanks at home guys!

A special patented flip lever ASA is included (RAPS), along with Dangerous Power’s newest patented feed neck, known as the ‘XTREME GRIP™.’ This ultra low rise feed neck offers even pressure 360° degrees around, which guarantees the tightest, most secure possible grip around the feed tube.

The board will enable users to choose up to 8 modes of fire, up to 25bps. For maximum consistency, solenoid dwell settings can also be adjusted via dip switches on the board.

Several colors will be available, including Dark Earth, Metallic Brown, Alien Green, Deep Ocean, and Dragon Black. Since all anodizing is also done in house, custom colors will become available, varying from batch to batch.

High costs will limit production to only 500 units. The new Dangerous Power™ Threshold™ will only be available through authorized DP dealers. Demand has already far exceeded supply.

All patents will be strictly enforced.

-Dangerous Power™ Research and Development Team

Ahhh!! So, not a spool valve. Which makes sense, considering DP Fusions are known for their insane efficiency, and it would be a step backwards for Dangerous Power to manufacture a spool valve - an operating system known for inefficiency. Some examples of the spool valve include more recent pieces of the Smart Parts marker family most notably. (Shocker!)

The flip lever ASA is easily the best on/off system out today. I could almost love the Fusion simply off its ASA.

I’m pretty much psyched. If I can get my hands on one of these bad boys… whew.

“Sup’AirBall™ just released a new set of Mini Bunkers. The Classic Mini Can now shows the colors and face of your favorite Pro players.”

What?! Oh, man, wait that calls for a good picture I’ve got somewhere around here…

What the heck are they thinking. No one is going to buy these. Surely we aren’t that dumb…

Pacific Paintball is pleased to announce the acquisition of Paintball 2Xtremes Magazine, the preeminent paintball industry magazine. “Pacific Paintball is dedicated to building the finest media based company in paintball. We are a one stop shop for anyone who wants to market to the paintball world,�? said Shawn Walker, President of Pacific Paintball. “Now with the industry’s top magazine - Paintball 2Xtremes, the greatest Paintball Tournament Series in the world - the NPPL, the highly successful regional league - the XPSL, the popular live tournament web cast - NPPL Live.tv, the upcoming paintball television series airing on Fox Sports Net beginning this October, Pacific Paintball is uniquely positioned to provide industry and non-industry advertisers with a variety of media opportunities that reach paintball’s highly sought after audience and to continue its leadership role as a key supporter of the paintball industry.�?

Paintball 2Xtremes Magazine (PB2X) was established in 1996 by John and Mike Henry and later purchased by National Paintball Supply in 2000. John Amodea, who was brought in as the magazine editor in 2000, will continue to serve as editor-in-chief of PB2X. Cheryl Amaya, Publisher of PB2X, said, “We are very excited about joining the Pacific Paintball family and about their desire to continue to grow PB2X. We are also pleased that all of our current management team will be staying with the magazine. This will allow us to continue to provide our readers with the best coverage of all aspects of paintball including; scenario ball, recreational ball, tournament play, professional teams, technical reviews, market news, and local coverage.”

Mr. Walker added, “We plan to invest significant time and resources into PB2X to increase all aspects of the magazine’s offerings, which readers will see over time. The transition will be seamless, with the October issue the first under Pacific Paintball’s management.�?

Pacific Paintball was formed by Pacific Merchant Capital (“PMC�?), a Santa Barbara, California based investment group. The principals at PMC have owned/operated middle market radio stations as well as built several niche media companies, including the largest taxi top advertising company in the United States, which is currently an integral part of Clear Channel Communications’ outdoor division. In addition to Pacific Paintball, PMC is currently building Brite Media Group, a leading alternative media business.

This is an interesting proposition. Hopefully, this will not skew PB2X’s view towards the NPPL too terribly much. I look forward to the October issue when I can see what changes have been made through the new ownership. I must admit, however, that I already have my reservations. Change is baaad…

The Darq7 looks awesome. I’d buy it if I had an extra $1250 laying around somewhere. I like the fact that it comes with the Tadao board. Get your hands on one while you can - they’re only producing 126 of these bad boys.

Features specific to the DARQ 7:
- Lucky 15 one piece barrel / 15″ in legnth / .691 bore size / Gloss Black
- Violent Series Marq Trigger / Dual bearing design / made of Acetron
- Tadao Marq board / Musashi 8 software
- 4 EYE ball detection technology
- Pillow Bolt with 2 piece hammer system
- Bob Long CAM Drive On/Off ASA
- Bob Long Rail
- Warped “Demon” Jewels

Paintball may just be getting the break it needs in the media, and it is coming to Fox Sports Net this fall. A thirteen part series will begin on October 2nd at 4:30pm, and air every Tuesday until its completion in late December. Thanks to the efforts of Shawn Walker, NPPL President, paintball may just get an entire new image in the public, hopefully changing some minds and bringing new people into the sport.

The 13-part docu-drama series will be showcasing the lives, personalities and culture of the sport of paintball. The viewer will see the players as people before they see them as athletes. By using a wide spectrum of features, the show will breakdown the paintball industry with segments on globalization, Hollywood appeal, as well as the business of paintball and technology.

This right here is exactly what we like to see. The promotion of paintball in a healthy, positive image is what we’re all about here at PBJ, and we hope to take it even further by not only preaching it, but practicing it at the field or wherever we may be. Not only will this show be enlightening to the public that views it, but also to experienced players as well. For as much as I’ve played in the past, I still know little of the true people that become these killing machines on the field. Hopefully this show will give us more of an in depth look into these players’ lives as well as show the technology and the skill that it takes to make and play paintball on a professional level.

I’m pumped up about it; it really sounds that good. Don’t forget.

Tuesdays from October 2nd, 2007 – December 25, 2007 at 4:30 PM in all time zones.

Straight from NPPL’s site:

In a live webcast earlier today through www.NPPLlive.com, the President of the National Professional Paintball League (NPPL) Shawn Walker announced that the NPPL will launch a television show on Fox Sports Net this fall. While some of the final details of the contract are still being worked out, the show will begin airing October 2, 2007 with 13 consecutive episodes airing each Tuesday.

The 13-part docu-drama series will be showcasing the lives, personalities and culture of the sport of paintball. The viewer will see the players as people before they see them as athletes. By using a wide spectrum of features, the show will breakdown the paintball industry with segments on globalization, Hollywood appeal, as well as the business of paintball and technology.

With a new episode each week, the shows will air Tuesdays from October 2nd, 2007 – December 25, 2007 at 4:30 PM in all time zones.

The production company partnering with the NPPL, Winnercomm, is America’s largest producer of live sports programming, supplying over 1,500 hours of programming annually to 16 national television networks, and has earned 14 Emmy Awards.

FOX Sports Net, owned by FOX Entertainment Group, provides regional sports programming to 85 million US households through more than 20 owned or partially-owned regional cable networks. FOX Sports Net owns the rights to air about 65 pro teams of the NBA, MLB and NHL as well as several collegiate and high school teams.

Many more details surrounding the show will be coming soon – stay tuned to www.NPPL.tv, www.winnercomm.com and www.FoxSports.com for all the exciting developments.

Sweet, this, in conjunction with the several other shows being produced for the fall, like the NCPA’s college finals, will have a huge impact on spreading the word about paintball in a positive way.

Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a four night Bahaman cruise to paintball enthusiasts where they will be treated to onboard clinics hosted by pros such as Ollie Lang, Matty Marshall, Nicky Cuba, Bea Youngs, and Lisa Harvey. The clinics, however, are limited due to the fact that no guns or paintball equipment will be allowed onboard. Still, this is something that I would totally be on if I was given the chance (money/time) to go! I wouldn’t pass up anything like this, ever!

And if reading this gets you fired up, don’t grab your shades and sandals just yet! Unfortunately, the full payment must have been completed by June 1st of this year. Don’t let that get you bummed though, because there is always next summer as this is going to be an annual event. The pricing doesn’t seem all that bad either - it covers food, entertainment, private party with the Pros, as well as clinic costs and contest drawings.

“Availability is limited on the ship, as the dates are quickly approaching. You
may make payments as often as you need to, as long as payment in full has been
received by June 1, 2007.

$499.00 - inside cabin, per person, double occupancy
$525.00 - oceanview cabin, per person, double occupancy“

I’d so be there if I only had the opportunity. But seriously, if you really do have this opportunity, take it next time it comes around in ‘08.

Paintball, Paintball Cruise, Paintball Clinics