Paintball: the decision

[Seraphim]

A while ago I asked around here some opinions about paintball, the 'markers', and what anyone think would be a great starting gun to get. I appreciated everyone that responded, I did a lot of homework on what was suggested.

   Overall, one remark from a squad mate stood out the best,'if ya got the money, go for the best' , (or somethin like that).

   I bought a (used) Angel LCD 2001 model (with a whole bunch of extras). When I 1st received it, I was a little, well, not discouraged, but suprised that the previous owner let it get so dirty. So, I completely disassembled it, & cleaned it for about 2 days; Also adding in research to do it right. I'm glad to say t looks brand spankin' new.

However, there was one lil' probem. the tank that came with it, a 4500psi 68ci nitrogen tank, was out of the 3 year calibration or testing or whatever you call it limit, so I did not get to shoot last time I went ( they wouldnt fill it up).

   So, my next cry for help, where do I get this thing 'checked'? I asked some friends, but everyone always gets the co2 stuff.....Also, how much does it cost? I tried to check some paintball websites, but it's like a virus noone wants to look at.....

Any help is greatly appreciated

[Steve]

Hmmmmm 4500 psi .. you can throw a lot of paint w/ that.  Are you the  back man?  As far as the best... not sure Angel is it but it can be a good gun w/ the proper trimmings.  Call a dive shop to get the tank tested.

[Seraphim]

I think im more of middle type, i have no patience for sittin in the back and not enough experience for the front line. But, basically, the angel was the one that most fit what i was lookin for, price wise (used at least).  It also came with a couple of dye barrels...one titanium & one, steel i guess (kinda heavy). also a longer one aluminum that was anodized to match the color.

[Steve]

ahhh. I love Dye's.  I use a boomstick... long reach and nice trajectory.

[Dago]

I will pass your question on to my oldest son, he is using a DYE DM5, and plays on a sponsored team, plus he works on the side for a paintball store where he does some airsmithing.

dago

[Masherbrum]

Originally posted by Steve
ahhh. I love Dye's.  I use a boomstick... long reach and nice trajectory.

I have an 8 year old Tippmann 68 Carbine with a Dye Boomstick barrel.  Best $140 I ever spent.

Karaya

[Wolfala]

Ok, what you are looking to get is called a hydrostatic testing - which is basically testing the pressure of the tank. The catch is this - if your tank is out of certification, it costs nearly as much to get it tested as it does to get a new tank.

MY advice, get a new tank.

Wolf

[Wolf14]

Been out of paintball for awhile but if you have a dive shop in your area they will usually fill them. If no dive shops then look for welding supply shops that refill the various bottles used for metal work. They may also be able to re-certify your tank.

[indy007]

Originally posted by Seraphim
A while ago I asked around here some opinions about paintball, the 'markers', and what anyone think would be a great starting gun to get. I appreciated everyone that responded, I did a lot of homework on what was suggested.

   Overall, one remark from a squad mate stood out the best,'if ya got the money, go for the best' , (or somethin like that).

   I bought a (used) Angel LCD 2001 model (with a whole bunch of extras). When I 1st received it, I was a little, well, not discouraged, but suprised that the previous owner let it get so dirty. So, I completely disassembled it, & cleaned it for about 2 days; Also adding in research to do it right. I'm glad to say t looks brand spankin' new.

However, there was one lil' probem. the tank that came with it, a 4500psi 68ci nitrogen tank, was out of the 3 year calibration or testing or whatever you call it limit, so I did not get to shoot last time I went ( they wouldnt fill it up).

   So, my next cry for help, where do I get this thing 'checked'? I asked some friends, but everyone always gets the co2 stuff.....Also, how much does it cost? I tried to check some paintball websites, but it's like a virus noone wants to look at.....

Any help is greatly appreciated

DO NOT PUT Co2 IN THAT GUN! you will destroy your valves. I've been through alot of guns, including several Angels, and while technically, it will fire on co2, it won't do it for very long, and it will break. Then you will be left with a high-tech club, with a $1000+ MSRP.

Hydrostatic testing costs $40. Most paintball shops can send it off to have it done for you. I know for sure PaintballMaxx will. They basically still it in a water medium and overpressurize it. If the tank survives, you get a neat new sticker saying it's safe. If it fails, you get back the pile of useless carbon fibre wrap. Neccessary evil. I never liked the concept of somebody intentionally trying to destroy my $400 tank.

I see some people mentioned barrels.. if you get a new one, look at Smart Parts Freak systems or the Hammerhead systems. There's no reason not to have an adjustable bore. Paint is inconsistently sized per brand, type, and production batch. The key to accuracy is paint-barrel match. Being able to change bores to match your paint will let you shoot darts consistently, irrespective of temperature, humidity, paint quality, etc.

[Wolf14]

Sweet I'm glad to see PaintballMaxx still in business. I used to shop at their store on Richmond back in 98. Went there awhile back and they were no longer there. Thought they may have been out of business.

[indy007]

Originally posted by Wolf14
Sweet I'm glad to see PaintballMaxx still in business. I used to shop at their store on Richmond back in 98. Went there awhile back and they were no longer there. Thought they may have been out of business.

Nah, they moved to the Beltway-8 & 290 area. It's on the Beltway feeder just south of West Little York. Just after they moved, Tank sold the store to Viper, and now I believe Bill "Z" McClure is the owner. Shopping at a brick & mortar is always alittle pricier than online... but man, Q can work magic on those guns... and his latest inventions are pretty wicked.

[Seraphim]

Hydrostatic testing... thats the name. Thanks for the help, I'm gonna check it out. Hopefully I can get it done before the next match...

[Golfer]

There is a place here in Columbus that hydro's tanks for a mean $20.  That's affordable if you ask me.

[OIO]

When in doubt: Autococker



Though I prefer long barreled semi's myself.. I like to aim not spray like an idiot.


Tippmann's usually good and inexpensive... and you got to admit to yourself that a Paintball gun is like a car... you buy it,  you use it for 2 or 3 years and it serves you well, then another 'wow' model comes along and you itch to own it.

Well , unlike a car, Tippmann's come cheap and its no biggie to replace a $300 marker every 2 or 3 years..  but if you go for the expensive, good looking high quality stuff you'll be stuck with it.

[Golfer]

My Autococker up for auction  (ends in <24hrs)