Bide Your Time to Success

During my last paintball encounter I devastated my opponents. We play at a field with barrels, blockades and sniper towers hidden in between the crooks of tree branches. My five friends and I play three on three. I have paintball supplies that include a paint ball gun that shoots 15 shots per second, and a sniper scope. I put the latter to use frequently during that game.

My buddies ran in circles trying to capture the flag, while I, stationed high above in the quietude of an oak, like a darkling thrush biding its time before winter comes, waited. The first shot of mine landed right on the mask of my best friend, who I was playing against. It surprised him so that his paint ball gun shot out a few rounds when it hit.

My next victim was lurking close to our flag, and in fact, was playing quite well. But I, waiting like a master, allowed him to think that he actually had a chance. He crept closer and closer to our flag, and just as he was making his final approach, I snagged him right on the chest. Stunned, he screamed in pain and anger.

I knew it was time. With just one player left, I easily made the approach and won the game for my team. No problem.

The Origins of Paintball

Above: The Nel-Spot, the first paintball gun.
In 1976, a stock trader by the name of Bob Gurnsey and his writer friend Charles Gaines, the man who documented a series of photos called “Pumping Iron,” (yes, that Pumping Iron) were discussing Gaines’ recent trip to Africa where he hunted buffalo. To simulate the adrenaline rush of the hunt, and in talking about Richard Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game, the duo invented a game whereby they would hunt each other.

In 1981 in New Hampshire, using Nel-spot 007 pistols for paintball guns, which are typically used by hunters and farmers to mark boundaries, the pair and ten friends played a capture the flag type game.
Early paintball was quite different from today’s game. Shooting was rare, as the CO2 tanks were only 10 grams. Without masks, shop glasses were used, and the original paintball guns at most held 10 rounds, which had to be tilted to roll into the chamber, and recocked after each shot.

After the game, Gurnsey began talks with Nel-spot to license specific paintball supplies. In the following years, national interest surges as competing companies began making equipment, and the way was paved for modern paintball. By 1984, paintball had become international. The rest is history.

Investing In Your Paintball Game

If you are just getting started with paintball or you’re a seasoned vet, you probably know that when it comes to paintball guns, Tippman paintball guns are some of the most reliable. The Tippman A5 is a semi-automatic and shoots 15 balls per second. You can find it for around $200, but that’s just the beginning. If you want to make your paintball marker more extreme it might be good to look at sniper paintball guns. Buying a sniper kit can be a great investment, or you can buy the barrel itself for a bit less money. In any case, upgrades are a great way to step up your game.

Smart Parts is another excellent paintball gun company and makes paintball markers designed for tournament competition. These guns are lightweight, get excellent gas usage and come with interchangeable kits to upgrade or change your paintball guns style and color. Although more expensive, guns like the Smart Parts NXT Shocker are extremely accurate and fast, making their use in competitions a no-brainer.

Like most investments, your returns are equal to what you put in. If you buy a more expensive gun or invest in a sniper kit, you will reap the rewards on the field.

A Beginner's Guide to Paintball

Paintball is a growing sport and a lot of people are trying it for the first time. But as my grandpa says, it’s all fun and games till someone loses an eye! With that said, it’s important you know what you’re doing.

• While we’re on the subject of losing eyes, the first rule is to never EVER take your mask off unless you’re in a designated area. Paintball guns are pretty powerful, so unless you’d be into wearing an eye patch for the rest of your life, keep the mask on.

• Make sure you understand your paintball gun and its operations and limitations. Don’t be afraid to ask someone if you’re unsure.

• Wear darker clothes. White is bright and makes you an easier target, especially if there are sniper paintball guns in use.

• As far as shoes go, wear some type of boots or hiking/running shoes. Some people even wear Soccer or Football cleats for better traction.

• Keep your eyes open and look around. A lot of players get hit because they aren’t looking sideways or are too focused on one area. Look around, people could be anywhere.

• Don’t stay a spot for too long. Don’t be afraid to run out uncovered. Run, hide, attack and remember to look around. This may take a while to train yourself to do, because it’s our nature to focus on one thing, but you’ll get better the more you play.

• Never give up! Whether you run out of paintball supplies or energy, you’re still useful to the game.

Remember to check out ChoicePaintballGuns.com for great deals on paintball supplies.