The Right Way To Deal With Paintball
As players or supporters of paintball we need to remember that image does play a big role with the sport/hobby. We have to look at our actions to make sure we are giving the sport a good name.
First, talk to people who don’t play paintball about paintball. We all know they are curious and usually believe that paintball involves us running around the woods. We have to be willing to explain what paintball really is and what misconceptions people have. Also, don’t be afraid to share photos and let them see what you really mean. Trust me, showing people a speedball field is a lot easier than trying to explain what one is.
Second, we as players need to recognize that paintball will probably never be a mainstream sport. Paintball is a sport that we as players have grown to love and understand. We need to also recognize that not everybody is fit mentally to play this sport. Also, the cost is another setback for many people and players even. If you want paintball to grow you need to grab somebody new and introduce to the world of paintball.
Third, don’t make paintball always seem like a war game. This is not very appealing to a lot of people. We all know that woodsball, scenario and speedball have objectives so stick to them.
Lastly, remember what common sense is on and off the field. As many of us know when paintball is in the media it is usually because of a form of vandalism. Shooting people’s property where you don’t have permission or shooting people with frozen paintballs is stupid so stay away from those habits and let those who do it know it isn’t cool.
My point… if we want people to respect us as players and the sport we play as a whole, we need to earn it.
“Behind The Scenes”
There are plenty of paintball players out there today that are more than just players on the field. Some may not even realize that they are doing extra work off the field which leads me to this discussion about what I do “behind the scenes.”
One of the first things I started off doing was helping out at paintball camps with a local company Tri-City Extreme (pst… make sure to check them out). I would travel with them to these camps and help set up their booth, sell products and then answer any questions that the players may have.
As many have seen from my site I have also taken pictures at local events. I always found this to be fun because let’s face it, what player doesn’t love to have their photo taken? You guys/gals are always ready to strike a pose. Plus, it’s nice watching you play and trying to capture those moments.
I have also helped coach a few teams in the past and this also includes helping out in the pits. This is one “behind the scenes” activities that many of you players more than likely do. This summer for instance our two teams Collar City Shakedown and Lansingburgh Extortion (make sure to check out those two teams as well on Facebook) will be helping each other out in the pits as well with side line coaching. It just makes for a better day of playing!
Many players also help out at their local field. Many of us have helped with reffing, prepping the field for playing and have also put those scenario games together that are usually held once a month.
My biggest “behind the scene” activity is of course this blog. There are many paintball blogs out there and they are all unique in their own way because every player has different experiences on and off that field that they love to talk about. Thanks for all the support with this blog as well!
Please tell me what it is that you guys do “behind the scenes” AKA off the field 
NCPA Tournament – April 19th – 21st
The NCPA (National Collegiate Paintball Association) is hosting one of their many tournaments this weekend in Lakeland, Florida. The NCPA prides themselves with hosting fun and competitive tournaments for college and high school students. This allows for students to join a team, work together and of course get to know each other and other students from their school and other schools that share their same love for paintball.
The NCPA host two different formats for college teams to play which include Class AA and A. The Class AA is meant for newer teams and runs as a 5 man with five minute matches. The Class A is run more like X Ball with 32 minute matches. The best thing about Class A is that it is live and can be watched at paintballaccess.com!
This weekend I will be rooting for the West Point Black Knights. Some of the players from the 518, including myself were able to run a practice with them this past Saturday night and prep them a bit for this tournament. They seemed like they were ready to rock it! Make sure to show your support and head to their Facebook page West Point Paintball.
Empire Vanquish – Review
As many have heard Empire Paintball released one of the newest high end paintball markers at Washington D.C.’s Paintball Extravaganza. The Vanquish has a spool valve design that is, of course being compared to the Luxe.
The marker has plenty of features to look forward to. One that is constantly talked about is that it features a Precision Pressure System. Yes, that means that your screen will display the pressure readout so no gauge is needed.
Other features for this marker include, but are not limited to a Carbon Fiber barrel kit with five inserts, a push button bolt removal, lubrication monitoring system, temperature controlled settings and the marker can be connected to your computer for updates.
So, what are people saying about the Vanquish? First, is that the marker has a steady frame and great grips for when you have sweaty or greasy hands. The marker is super easy to take apart and clean with the hinge design and the fact that it has one screw to remove off the frame in order to remove the trigger itself. Players are also stating that the marker is consistent and that the barrel kit that is included helps with that a lot.
The Vanquish retails for around $1500 which is about the same as the Planet Eclipse LV1. Guess it’s time to see what Empire has to offer and how the marker holds up for the 2013 season.
West Coast Women’s Paintball Tournament
As many of you may (or may not) know the first ever all women’s paintball tournament is being held this weekend in Southern California. Many teams will be participating as well as players coming from all over the world. The idea behind this tournament is to give female players a chance to play with a team of just females since many don’t have that opportunity. The goal for this tournament is simple, besides raising money for children’s charities, the women behind this want the players to inspire each other, learn from each other and grow the sport among females back home. Check out an interview with Shirley Devera – Caldwell here.
Planet Eclipse Ego LV1- Preview
The Planet Eclipse Ego LV1 is said to have a much smoother shot with less of a kick due to the new internal mechanism design. The use of the Cure5 bolt should also help with a more accurate and smooth shot due to the cushioned tip which allows (or should allow) for different types of paint to be used without it breaking.
Also, with the new design the air is said to flow much smoother. This helps with efficiency of course.
Some of the features that are included with the LV1 include the Zick 3 Rammer System which uses a longer stoke to prevent stack clipping and bolt strike features. The initial force on your paint is reduced and the return stroke is more cushioned. The new marker package should also include a heavy and light rammer.
As mentioned earlier the marker does also come with the Cure5 bolt with a super cushioned tip which allows for all types of paint to be used.
A feature that the Ego has no gone with is the internal LPR. This design helps with a players grip without there being any obstructions.
Also new to the Ego is the AT (air transfer) Pipe system which now routes the gas through the frame and across the HPR with an adjustable pipe. So long macroline!!! This design is meant to keep the height of the marker to a minimum and a players hand closer to the barrel axis.
As many of you have also noticed the regulator is now covered with rubber instead of metal.
The LV1 is also said to have a 40 percent larger valve chamber. This feature helps to decrease the overall operating pressure of the Ego.
Now for the bad news… the price of the Ego LV1 is $1395 which of course is a little more than we are used to paying. I however, cannot wait to get my hands on one of these and see how quiet and light they truly are.