Author Topic: PaintBall (Read 1328 times)

Hawklore · « **on:** February 26, 2003, 05:07:41 PM »

Any tips on what brand to buy? Whats a good gun, protective gear company?

Tarmac · « **Reply #1 on:** February 26, 2003, 05:33:13 PM »

I started out with a Tippman model 98. Reliable as heck, lots of mods available, very nice trigger for a stock entry-level gun. I've tried spyders and piranhas and a few of the spyder knockoffs. I still think my Tippman was the best purchase I could have made in the under-$200 category. There are tippman 98 customs and who knows what else out there now... I haven't tried any of those. But I'd definately give them a strong look... don't underestimate the importance of having a gun that fires every time you pull the trigger.

I later moved on to an autococker... expensive ($400 bucks plus mods), finicky, but accurate and quiet as all heck (and it looks sweet). However, fires slowly and breaks a lot of balls if you don't put $200 in trigger work into it. I was planning on doing this kind of work to it, but my interest in the sport waned before I got the money saved. Now it's mostly a novelty that I show to uncles and other guests.

I still go out about once or twice a year, and take both guns. I usually play with the cocker until it breaks a ball. You have to clean it so thoroughly that the cleaning downtime isn't worth it... so I switch to the reliable old tippman. It doesn't have the prestige of the expensive and finicky autococker, but it fires right almost every time, and I don't have to worry about hitting it against something and causing hundreds of dollars in damage.

As for facemasks, I use a JT Spectra Thermal lens system. It was 80 bucks when I bought it... probably only costs 60 or 70 now. With a thermal lens, I've never had fogging problems from breathing (paint is going to goo up any lens though). I'd highly recommend this goggle system... beats the rental types hands down. But I've never tried any other higher-end goggles, so I don't have much reference besides saying that cheap goggles are cheap and have lousy fields of view.

I think the most important thing you can do is to go to a paintball store. Hold the guns, get a feel for them, fire some CO2 through them to get a feel for how they cycle. Try on goggle systems, see which ones seem to give the best field of view and stay on your head well. Ask every question you can think of. Ask about discounts for package deals, and discounted field memberships if you intend to play a lot (in high school, I was out there playing every weekend - a lifetime field membership payed for itself ten times over). The advice and tech support you get at a paintball store justifies the price difference between a traditional storefront and the bargain online stores.

Any questions, just ask. I've been there, and I remember it well.

Fridaddy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 26, 2003, 05:56:28 PM »

I have been playing for 12 years and finally settled on a Cocker w/ AA air systems.

To answer your question in short is, how much do you want to spend and how much will you be playing?

If you are a novice looking to start cheap but good try the Spyder series. Look at the E-99, its under US$160. Parts are cheap and upgrades are easy. Its almost a fact that everyone has a Spyder in the trunk as a backup. (i do) Remember, your only buying the gun, not the toys that go with it! Budget about US$100 for all the stuff like hopper, tubes, tools, and of course a good pair of goggles.

I disagree with Tarmac as to where to go and try stuff. A store wants to sell you stuff and make a profit. Players want you to play. Go to one of the larger fields, look for a group of players that have diffrent guns and ask them about thier guns. Do not be put off by the cost of the finished guns, most guns will end up about US$500 and up.

(But you can't beat a 'cocker!)

On the subject of goggles, you need to try them on before you buy them. As Tarmac mentioned really look at them, be very comfortable with your goggles. "shoulder" some of the guns (with the hoppers on) and see how they fit. Most of them fit most faces, however as these are THE most important part of paintballing you must feel comfortable with them.

In looking at your profile I see your in High School. This may present a problem in price. I cannot help you with a job, but I do have one suggestion. After you get to playing a bit ask of you can ref at the field. Refs usually get free play and reduced price on paint. Refs also see a lot of play and learn from other players. My play went up dramaticly when I started reffing.

May I direct you to my teams site....

http://www.teamlockdown.com

There you will find a forum system like here, but its full of paintballers.

Wlfgng · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2003, 05:58:57 PM »

does climate play a part in equipment choices?

I.E. severly dry, severely moist, cold, hot. etc etc..?
other than the obvious needs of warm clothing in cold, etc.

Tsingis · « **Reply #4 on:** February 26, 2003, 06:23:01 PM »

If you play in a cold climate you need to keep the CO2 temperature from falling too much to keep the pressure up. I guess there are many solutions nowadays to do this, but back in the days when I played, in the winter we used thermal covers similar to those you use with a coffee jug on the containers. Some used hot plastic water bottles during breaks.
Also, I got myself a camo-headpiece that includes ear covers with small holes so you can hear well with it and its comfortable light plastic.

Fridaddy · « **Reply #5 on:** February 26, 2003, 06:24:28 PM »

Climate does play a big role if you are useing CO2, but if your useing high pressure air (aka HPA) it dosent make much of a diffrence. I play in California and have no problem with weather so I cannot give any tips on playing in real cold weather.

I have the chart on CO2/Temp/Pressures is anyone is interested!

Cold or wet weather does change the size, shape and texture of the ball. This leads to all kinds of problems, more that could be discussed here. There are many full articles on this subjest in paintball magazines. I keep mine in a Coleman cooler for temp control.

If you wish, drop me a e-mail and I would be happy to send you info.

Hawklore · « **Reply #6 on:** February 26, 2003, 06:39:52 PM »

well, Im homeschooled, on the 1st and 3rd week of every month on saturdays I go to seacadets...

No pay, and will be No Money after the convention...

I may want to ref, to get a feel for it, and to learn, and get discounts and junk..

But my dad said if I start excersising in a sport, WHAT THE HELL PAINTBALL IS ONE!... I would get more Comp time..but then of course, I won't be using the comp time, but I don't give a crap..

Tarmac · « **Reply #7 on:** February 26, 2003, 06:54:30 PM »

Fridaddy has some good advice about going to a field... I already had my first gun when I did that, but in hindsight, it was instrumental in my choice to get my 2nd gun. Other players are a big deal. But I'd still say go with a store (hopefully one that also owns a field) so that you can take advantage of their advice and experience, as well as their tech support. They'll often be able to give advice as to how to fix a gun yourself, instead of bringing it in and finding out it's a simple repair you could have done. They give you advice so that you never make those noob mistakes (such as putting your bolt in upside-down).

As for cold weather, CO2 is affected greatly. I would get a neoprene cover for your tank... it doesn't do all that much for keeping the tank warm (nothing short of a heater will keep the tank warm once you start firing), but it does help keep that cold-ass tank from freezing your shoulder/arm. Re-chrono (check muzzle velocity) often. If you can afford it, an expansion chamber or regulator is also good. These help to keep liquid out of the gun (liquid CO2 is what's stored in your tank, and it converts to gas more slowly in cold weather). Keep the gun level or pointed upward to prevent liquid from flowing through the tank into the gun (you can flood an expansion chamber by aiming down and firing in cold weather).

In the cold, keep your paint in a cooler in your car, and only take what you need onto the field. You shouldn't need 600 rounds for your average 15-20 minute rec game. I'd usually do fine with just a 200 round full hopper... maybe a 100 round tube so I'd have some extra if I ran my hopper dry.

And the tippman vs spyder debate will go on eternally... but I'll still side with tippman;) . Especially in cold weather, I think Tippmans handle liquid CO2 better than spyders. I've shot and surrendered many a spyder owner who was futzing with his gun behind a bunker, especially in cold weather.

senna · « **Reply #8 on:** February 26, 2003, 07:04:03 PM »

Autococker if you can afford it, bout 450 - 550. Tipman is a solid PB gun maker, much cheaper at around 150 -250. A little bit less range and accuracy and air usage. Just close in a bit then

Excellant thread I might add.

Hawklore · « **Reply #9 on:** February 26, 2003, 07:14:43 PM »

Well, Im in FL and knowing how this winter went, Im gonna have to know about that cold weather stuff !! L.O.L

Well, Im bogled by the money that can go into this, for me, it would be like giving up my homeschooling to play paint ball, homeschooling obviously more expensive in the long run.

Soooo, I guess E-bay wouldn't exactly the route to go seeing how I won't get a feel for the gun b4 I buy it, but I guess refing a field would be fun, and maybe joining a team down here if FL.

I love strategy and want to be involved in a little war, so paintball seems to be the route.

Im hoping Ill run into someone thats down here in FL, that does paintball and is in a team....

But so far no luck.

And thankyou for saying this is an interesting thread, probably the most ive typed aboutone subject...

Golfer · « **Reply #10 on:** February 26, 2003, 07:18:02 PM »

I'd give this a try. I sold my first marker (Tippmann 68 carbine...super-reliable marker) on there along with some CO2 tanks at what i felt was a reasonable price for me and a great price for the buyer. took the money and bought an '01 autococker (right feed) and a whole bunch of other gidgets, gadgets, and gizmos i bought off of warpig. Ricochet2k hopper for $50 when they first came out (over 100 at the time), freak barrel system, and a whole slew of gear (32 degrees bag/gloves/jersey/goggles, JT spectre goggles, some other misc. piecesparts. $40 for about $100 in gear).

Ive had nothing but good experiences, and am now looking to get into the sport again. (i sold my gear to pay for some flying time) what i had was..

'01 cocker (black)
Ecliipse chrome hinge frame (best buy, though the Worrgames hinge is perfectly adequite)
freak system
shockteck "the bomb" 2/3/4 way (i call it a 4way)
misc. aftermarket pneumatics
68cu in 3000psi fiber hpa tank
shocktech regulator
Ricochet 2k hopper (painted chrome...hehehe)

all in all it was a mean beastie with a black body and chrome gizmogadgets hanging off...looked quite sweet and shiny

For your first marker, a .68 carbine by tippmann is the ticket. mine was super low maintence and had a PMI Perfect Ceramic barrell that was 16 inches long...i spoiled myself with the accuracy of that puppy!

Second marker was the Autococker. It was touchy to get it timed right, but there are many websites out there that can help you do it, and im sure you'll run into someone who can do a fine job. with the eclipse frame and some aftermarket valves and springs with the eclipse frame, i had a 2-3mm trigger pull and could fire faster than i could think. Combine it was set up for Low Pressure, i typically had the quietest marker on the field (there were a few angels that could go lower pressure than mine and sounded quieter depending on the barrel they used)

-Former team captain of "Marked Territory"

SunKing · « **Reply #11 on:** February 26, 2003, 07:54:44 PM »

Palmer guns.

http://www.palmer-pursuit.com/

I own three.

Quality over quantity.

Hawklore · « **Reply #12 on:** February 27, 2003, 10:39:24 AM »

Alright, anyone have a website where I can findout why a Paintball gun is called a marker?

Tarmac · « **Reply #13 on:** February 27, 2003, 10:50:54 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Hawklore
Alright, anyone have a website where I can findout why a Paintball gun is called a marker?

They were originally used for marking livestock. Now, it's just a politically correct way of referring to the things that look like guns and shoot stuff at people using quasi-military tactics but heaven forbid aren't called guns. An attempt to disassociate the sport from the "gun culture" image it has logically gained. Makes the sport more mainstream so that Brass Eagle can sell $50 plastic pieces of crap (that will probably, at some point, be used to vandalize someone's house or car) at traditional sporting goods stores.

Screw them PC dweebs... I call it a paintball gun. Gun for short. Deal with it.

Tarmac · « **Reply #14 on:** February 27, 2003, 10:53:50 AM »

Oh yeah, and as for a website, I did most of my noob paintball research at warpig.com. That was five or six years ago though... there may be something better out there now.